I’m grateful for the article “The Dodgers’ Insights” that appeared in Monday’s Times. Friends and I have long debated why the need for Tommy John surgery has skyrocketed in recent years. I have argued that the need for velocity among this generation of pitchers is the cause of their decline. Now the Times has published a thoroughly researched article that supports my position, but more importantly, I wonder if teams like the Dodgers will stop disingenuously shrugging and finally do something to end the crisis.
Martin Green
Porter Ranch
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Blame it on MLB and the owners buyout. This is the equivalent of pitcher seasoning vs. player seasoning. In a data driven era, “velocity is king.” Do whatever it takes to draw attention to the game, even at the expense of the game and the players themselves. Can’t be fixed with innings limits or extra rest days. There is no game without healthy players. Every team is to blame as players compete with each other for roster spots. Another financial stain on the greatest sport on earth. Greg Maddux, where have you been? The nation is looking at you with a lonely look.
Jim Block
West Los Angeles
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Jack Harris has written an informative, Pulitzer Prize-worthy article about the epidemic of injuries among major league pitchers. My opinion after reading Mr. Harris’ article is that either the Commissioner of Baseball needs to clean up this mess quickly and effectively or the government needs to step in. This has become an occupational health and safety issue. The health of so many young people is being put at risk.
Rick Tuttle
Culver City
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Sandy Koufax pitched 137 complete games in his career. He was a pitcher for 11 years. Bob Gibson pitched 255 complete games and played 16 years. Juan Marichal pitched 244 complete games and played 15 years. Before these ridiculous inning limits were put in place, pitchers completed games with fewer arm injuries. Starting pitchers tend to pitch faster because they know they won’t pitch more than 5-6 innings on average. This kills their arms. In the old days, pitchers had to complete games, so they paced themselves and their arms.
Harry Schwartz
Agoura Hills
