"I choose to think of my kid first and foremost as a KID, secondly as a baseball player."
I think I understand what you're saying, Caco: Don't rob him of his childhood! And I AGREE! My ONLY goal for JP always has been to develop and maintain a love for this great game. After that, whatever happens, happens.
BUT ... if you have a son whose passion for pitching is so strong that he wants to become an MLB pitcher, and others see potential ... don't you HAVE to step in and -- using all available science -- tell him NO sometimes, so that he can achieve his dream?
I guess my point is: Let kids be kids -- but if they have their eye on a man's game, and show the potential to make it ... step in.
Because IF later, his arm is shot and he cannot pitch in the MLB, telling him "I was letting you be a kid" will offer little comfort.