Rick Peterson.

[metirish]

Got to admit I really like the guy, seems like the kinda fella I wouldn't mind sitting next to at the bar having a soda pop ...it's stuff like this that I admire. In talking about Brian Schneider he asks....what does a 'great handler of pitchers' mean?"

] "Put it this way: On average, there are 22,500 pitches a pitching staff throws during the course of a season. That means there are 22,500 decisions two people are making. There are going to be days when a pitcher doesn't feel that good and the catcher has to judge what that pitcher has working for him that day. "The catcher is responsible for getting the pitchers through those 22,500 decisions and, when you think of it, it takes just one pitch to decide a ballgame. You realize the margin between playing in October and going home like we did last year could be a difference of just 2-3 pitches."

Pure gold Rick.

[metirish]

Pedro Martinez threw a 55-pitch bullpen session, the first 15 tosses with his eyes closed, which Rick Peterson suggests to help muscle memory.

Some darts players use this technique, throwing darts at the board to improve muscle memory.

[Guest AG/DC]

I think it would be better to do it blindfolded. You're wasting focus trying to keep your eyes closed when instinct says to open them.

[metirish]

[metsmarathon]

AG/DC wrote: I think it would be better to do it blindfolded. You're wasting focus trying to keep your eyes closed when instinct says to open them.

yup

[Guest Rockin' Doc]

I find the picture of Pedro pitching with his eyes closed in attempt to build "muscle memory" rather humorous when followed by irish's sig line of "I believe he misremembers."