Adjusting the mechanics of a pitcher or batter is hardly a new thing. Its been going on for 150 years.
Probably the most famous was around the turn of the last century when Elmer Stricklett said to himself, 'I wonder what would happen if I would spit on a baseball before I threw it?'
The rest is history as old Elmer taught it to anybody who was interested....several of which ended up in the HOF.
Instead of acting surprised, everybody should expect that baseball players spend some time in the offseason refining their skills. I'm not talking about the mad scientist approach, but the subtle...sometimes not so subtle...adjustments designed to improve and simplify mechanics. The new arm slot, the simplified swing. Less moving parts, less things to go wrong, less chance of injuries.
Its how Kluber became Kluber and Cookie became Cookie. Its how Lindor and JRam went from being popguns to being cannons.
Its also why its so difficult to accurately project individual young MLB players for a coming season, because its impossible to know exactly when a subtle change will turn a prospect into a core player.
I'm a big believer in simplicity....a minimalist approach to pitching and batting. Everything repeatable. Michael Brantley.
The Indians look for this in their draftees and international signings. Simple short swings. Simplified, repeatable pitching mechanics. The baseball version of the shortest way from point A to point B is a straight line.
It looks like Civale has really simplified things.
Allen says he really 'bought in' to the Indians pitching factory. We shall see, but so far, so good.
**************
While it is difficult to project this season for any of our young players, they are almost all in an age bracket and experience level which history says many will take off.
***************
Chang smoked two pitches. Thats not a bad thing. Again, we shall see.