Los Angeles Dodgers' Michael Young Hitting in the Slot Position

Slot position at work. Good torque and use of the lower body in this swing. Hitters can reduce rotary inertia and increase hip rotation just like pitchers can in their deliveries if they use the slot position swing. Click link below for the picture example.

Michael Young hits a run-scoring double to back Zack Greinke’s dominant five innings as #Dodgers win 1-0 over Padres. RECAP: http://atmlb.com/1aXfolq

Philadelphia Phillies' LHP Cole Hamels OIP Mechanics Evaluation

Stepping open and landing on the heel leads to arm problems and elevated pitches. Cole would be helping himself if he watched and learned from a Phillies' pitcher that has ideal pitching mechanics, Cliff Lee.

Leg Extension: -5

Hip Rotation: -21

Follow Through: -6

OIP: 32%

Cole Hamels looks for career win No. 100 as the Phillies wrap up their set with the Marlins. Watch on MLB.TV and Comcast SportsNet at 7:10 ET. Game preview:http://atmlb.com/1b5JrHX

Los Angeles Dodgers Ace LHP Clayton Kershaw's OIP Mechanics Evaluation

Just like the Philadelphia Phillies' Cliff Lee...the Los Angeles Dodgers' LHP Clayton Kershaw has it correct mentally and mechanically. Push, Pop, Over the top, i.e., good leg extension, hip rotation, and follow through which equals to a low OIP (Overall Injury Probability) of 10%. His OIP is the best percentage to expect from any pitcher on any level. This comes from his excellent pitching mechanics that helps him achieve good pitch location, while reducing rotary inertia and increasing hip rotation at the same same.

Leg Extension: Excellent...Zero points deducted
Hip Rotation: Excellent...Zero points deducted
Follow Through: Excellent...Zero points deducted
Balance: Excellent...Zero points deducted

OIP: 10%

Clayton Kershaw takes the mound in his final postseason tuneup as the Dodgers return home to face the Rockies at 7:10 PT: http://atmlb.com/16FtpPX

Cuban Defector RHP Raicel Iglesias' OIP Mechanics Evaluation

Raicel has some hip rotation, but diminishes its benefits with a fall away follow through that's shallow...where he loses leverage on breaking pitches and creates an overall mediocre command and control of all his pitches. In conclusion, his delivery puts more of burden on his pitching arm that will shorten his career. Expect his pitches to straighten out more as he gets older and loses velocity as he is only 5' 11".

Leg Extension: -5

Hip Rotation: - 7

Follow Through: -10

Throws Across His Body: -15

OIP: 37%

Detroit Tigers' Ace RHP Justin Verlander's OIP Mechanics Evaluation

Verlander has it all...Push, Pop, Over the top, i.e., good leg extension, hip rotation, and follow through which equals to a low OIP (Overall Injury Probability) of 10%. His OIP is the best percentage to expect from any pitcher on any level. This comes from excellent RHP mechanics that helps him achieve good pitch location, while reducing rotary inertia and increasing hip rotation at the same same.

Leg Extension: Excellent...Zero points deducted
Hip Rotation: Excellent...Zero points deducted
Follow Through: Excellent...Zero points deducted
Balance: Excellent...Zero points deducted

OIP: 10%

Click link to see picture example

Justin Verlander takes the mound tonight at 7:08 ET vs. the M’s as the Tigers look to continue their push to a #postseason berth. Game preview:http://atmlb.com/18bb9jX

NY Yankees in Japan to Scout RHP Masahiro Tanaka

That prompts me to do an OIP evaluation of his mechanics. Good news is that he's 24 and has a live arm...the bad news is his pitching mechanics. He's almost all arm. Masahiro is a future candidate for heavy scar tissue build up in his rotator group.

Leg Extension: -10

Hip Rotation: -15

Follow Through: -12

Reduces Rotary Inertia: -10

OIP: 47%