Comments on: Papelbon Messed With His Mechanics http://soxteaparty.com/2009/10/12/papelbon-messed-with-his-mechanics/ The happenings of the Boston Red Sox. Tue, 20 Jul 2010 01:42:05 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: Mister Snitch http://soxteaparty.com/2009/10/12/papelbon-messed-with-his-mechanics/#comment-180 Mister Snitch Tue, 13 Oct 2009 13:59:27 +0000 http://soxteaparty.com/?p=696#comment-180 Paps does not need a 'second pitch' exactly. Mariano Riveira basically throws one pitch - his cutter - but is able to vary its movement. Papelbon needs to be able to do something along those lines. The problem with a 'second pitch' is that he'll have trouble getting the mechanics straight - he'll throw it ineffectively, or he'll screw up the fastball, or he'll tip it. But a variation on his primary pitch requires only modest variations in his routine, and if he can throw the variation effectively, it sets up his primary pitch as well as or better than a changeup. Sabbathia discovered a different grip late in the season that worked very, very well for him down the stretch. Paps should be encouraged to tinker. Paps does not need a ’second pitch’ exactly. Mariano Riveira basically throws one pitch – his cutter – but is able to vary its movement. Papelbon needs to be able to do something along those lines.

The problem with a ’second pitch’ is that he’ll have trouble getting the mechanics straight – he’ll throw it ineffectively, or he’ll screw up the fastball, or he’ll tip it. But a variation on his primary pitch requires only modest variations in his routine, and if he can throw the variation effectively, it sets up his primary pitch as well as or better than a changeup.

Sabbathia discovered a different grip late in the season that worked very, very well for him down the stretch. Paps should be encouraged to tinker.

]]> By: Sunrise Sox Links (?), 10/13 - Wrapping and Unwrapping Seasons http://soxteaparty.com/2009/10/12/papelbon-messed-with-his-mechanics/#comment-178 Sunrise Sox Links (?), 10/13 - Wrapping and Unwrapping Seasons Tue, 13 Oct 2009 11:37:40 +0000 http://soxteaparty.com/?p=696#comment-178 [...] Papelbon Messed With His Mechanics - Sox Tea Party [...] [...] Papelbon Messed With His Mechanics – Sox Tea Party [...]

]]> By: Phil T. http://soxteaparty.com/2009/10/12/papelbon-messed-with-his-mechanics/#comment-177 Phil T. Tue, 13 Oct 2009 02:42:50 +0000 http://soxteaparty.com/?p=696#comment-177 The best closer in the history of the game can do it with one pitch. Just ask anyone who faces "Mo" Rivera. It was poetic justice to see Vlad get that hit. I wouldn't ask my "star" closer to intentionally walk anyone, especially not to load the bases. The best closer in the history of the game can do it with one pitch. Just ask anyone who faces “Mo” Rivera. It was poetic justice to see Vlad get that hit. I wouldn’t ask my “star” closer to intentionally walk anyone, especially not to load the bases.

]]> By: Phil From Dracut http://soxteaparty.com/2009/10/12/papelbon-messed-with-his-mechanics/#comment-176 Phil From Dracut Mon, 12 Oct 2009 17:25:55 +0000 http://soxteaparty.com/?p=696#comment-176 The implosion couldn't have happened to a better player. Papelbon is a big mouthed jerk who deserves to face some heat himself. Yankees in '09!! The implosion couldn’t have happened to a better player. Papelbon is a big mouthed jerk who deserves to face some heat himself.

Yankees in ‘09!!

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