Comments on: Mets Prospect Steve Matz Is Throwing In St. Lucie, Getting Ready For Spring Training

By: Kevin

Kevin — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 17:18:27 +0000

I would offer that the incidence of injuries is no different in the current generation of players than in previous generations. In fact, the greatest obstacle to having the opportunity to perform at the big league level for those drafted or signed is injury. And this element is equally as applicable to longevity for those who do reach the top level. Weight training has little to do with injury as the routines associated with baseball, and especially pitching, little resemble those that are seen in local gyms. They are specifically designed to target the muscle groups that support throwing. Injury is simply a part of anything that is physical, and particularly the types and range of motion as unnatural as throwing a baseball. It would be interesting to see that data pulled together.

By: any

any — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 04:18:50 +0000

quite a few people also think that too much working out (pumping iron) makes them either musclebound or too tight (something along those lines) which leads to a lot of the pulls, etc. Basically that they are better off being more limber?

By: srt

srt — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 02:11:45 +0000

Good luck to Steve in his continued development.

Just had a long discussion with my Dad last night on these young ball players and these injuries (Tommy john, hamstrings, oblique, etc.) and injuries in general with MLs in their 20s – as compared to ball players back in his day.

He was born in 1934 so he’s seen quite a bit of baseball. In his opinion it’s over conditioning to some extent brought on by the necessity that young guys in general just don’t grow up big and strong like they did for the most part back in his day.

Between the difference in diet and good old fashioned exercise disguised as hard play and hard work as young boys and men, he believes bones and muscle just don’t develop as strong as they once used to. Too many trips to Mickey D’s and too many long hours sitting in front of a TV and PC then leads to trying to artificially strengthen those same bones and muscles at 18 or older.

He might be onto something……

By: Metscentric

Metscentric — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:39:04 +0000

I forgot all about Matz. Is he still considered a top prospect for us? I’m sure he still has a long way to go in reestablishing himself but so does Mejia and I still see him on top prospects lists. I like the fact this kid is a New Yorker and grew up a Mets fan. I think David Wright is the only other current Met I know of who grew up a Mets fan.

By: Hazmet

Hazmet — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 23:52:23 +0000

FYI – Suffolk by Stony Brook not Nassau but no biggie he’s an LI product. Great read and timely as I was looking for info on him a few days ago. Thanks for the write up.

By: Petey Pete

Petey Pete — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 14:49:42 +0000

The Mets didn’t have any 1st round pick that year, Matz was their top pick, but in the 2nd round.
He didn’t get hurt until after he was pitching at the Mets complex in St. Lucie. When they drafted him there was no history of injury.

By: Lifelongmetsfan

Lifelongmetsfan — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 14:34:24 +0000

It still boggles my mind why a major league team would use a 1st round pick on a kid who needs tommy john surgery. Matz was a 1st round pick right?

By: Des

Des — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 01:17:48 +0000

Great job Petey.

All Mets fans wish the best for Steve. If he stays healthy, the sky’s the limit.

By: Petey Pete

Petey Pete — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 01:07:14 +0000

Yeah me too, I am keeping my fingers crossed that they start him in Brooklyn this year, so we can see him pitch in person. I’m sure he wouldn’t mind that either, being he’s from Nassau County.

By: Donal

Donal — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 19:03:26 +0000

Good stuff, Petey. Matz’s progress is intruiging me.

By: Joe D

Joe D — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 18:47:02 +0000

Nice job Pete and continued progress with your comeback Steve!