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My son is a 6-4 RHP (graduates 07). Not an early signer. His FB cruises at 83 and he has topped out at 86. Has a curve and Change up also. His strength has always been movement and location. About 10 days ago he developed tendonitis in the elbow (never had any arm issues before) and it was painful to throw in his normal 3/4 slot. Fooling around in the bullpen with his friend (the starting catcher) and threw a couple of pitches sidearm. Incredible movement on the ball and hmmm... no pain. Catcher gets excited - calls coaches over to check it out. At the next scrimmage - he pitches 2 innings from the side (He pitched this way as a young player). Had a few strike outs / no hits / no walks. I happened to be in the pressbox and the movement was incredible. Next scrimmage - pitched 3 innings - 4 k's / 1 Hit / 0 Runs. Son is excited - more than I have seen in a while. Here is the concern. The velocity from the sidearm delivery is 3-4 MPH slower than his conventional style. Lots more movement. Is it likely that college coaches we have been talking to with be turned off to see this new development even if there are more K's and fewer hits? I am well aware of the love affair most have with the radar gun.
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Sadly some coaches will shy away, but they shouldnt. 80-82 with movement and deception is a heck of a lot tougher to hit then 84-86 with not much to it. If he continues throwing sidearm, encourage him to really develope his change. He will also have to shelf the curve for a slider or slurve. Any recruiter who shuns away from any style of pitcher that can effectivley get people out is foolish. Good luck.
quote:
Originally posted by deemax:
Sadly some coaches will shy away, but they shouldnt. 80-82 with movement and deception is a heck of a lot tougher to hit then 84-86 with not much to it...


Both true statements. I suspect that many college coaches will not get excited about a 79-80 mph fastball regardless of movement.

Make sure he gives that elbow enough rest. That is the thing that will relieve the tendonitis.

There may be something in his "normal" mechanics that caused the tendonitis. Or, he may have just thrown too much, without adequate warmup, etc. Worth having a look taken at his mechanics.

Best wishes for your son in finding a college program he likes.

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