Wales posted:TPM posted:Have you ever seen a muscular successful ML pitcher IN THEIR UPPER HALF (edit).
Aroldis Chapman, the man is absolutely yolked
Well, yes, as compared to typical MLB pitchers but not as compared to those who do a lot of traditional upper half developing/ body building. He also has tremendous length, flexibility, throwing mechanics, sequencing, etc. I believe he threw nearly as hard as a much more wiry kid fresh out of Cuba, didn't he?
He does have a very strong, athletic upper body... more like an NFL WR. Just not sure that extra added upper body muscle has any effect on his velo considering his other traits and prior velo. I think he would make for an interesting case study for "at what point does upper body/arm muscle detract from potential velo". I think he is probably walking that fine line right now. Of course, I think this issue is far more complex than just categorically "upper body muscle". Which upper body muscles? How much? This probably goes back to Rob T and MTH's posts.