Holding back King Felix
Alan Schwarz has a long piece in the latest Baseball America on Felix Hernandez which I’ll link to even though it’s subscriber-only.
The particularly interesting bit is that a decent chunk of the article, and Bryan Price comments specifically on this, is that they want to make sure the King Felix is mentally ready for success in the major leagues. Price at one point says “We do need to take the prep time to say ‘Look, you do really need to stay grounded here.’ And we do need to put somewhat of a barrier around him so he doesn’t get influenced in a negative way.”
I don’t know, of course, what kind of risks there are involved with Felix, or with any other player, and you really never know with anyone what’s going to happen when their lives change so dramatically.
It cheers me greatly to know that the Mariners are thinking about this, though, and trying to make sure he’s ready for the big leagues in more ways than whether or not he can blow a pitch by a batter. Whether it works, or whehter they’re even right — who knows. But I’m happy they’re considering it.
Comments
10 Responses to “Holding back King Felix”
Agreed Derek, this does bode well.
And Alan Schwartz is the man.
The what: The elusive “chemistry” x-factor in sports.
There is an absolute wealth of information out there (and research is growing exponentially every day) about the importance of the psychology and chemistry of the brain in regards to maximizing success both in general and more specific to the USSM’s topics, in athletics.
The why we know, as it is simple enough: If you were going to spend millions of dollars on an investment, it only makes sense to travel every possible avenue in regards to fulfilling the ceiling. And once we get to the point where we fulfill that ceiling.. what then? Can we actually increase ability past the ceiling???
The how? Well, that’s what the M’s are trying to do here. Hopefully they will manage it.
I wish I felt as good about the M’s medical staff and its ability to care for young arms…
There is an absolute wealth of information out there (and research is growing exponentially every day) about the importance of the psychology and chemistry of the brain in regards to maximizing success both in general and more specific to the USSM’s topics, in athletics.
Agreed. I’m a psychologist, and I agree wholeheartedly that there are many psychological factors influencing athletic performance in general. I was going to go look for citations and write a giant treatise about how this all applies in MarinerLand, but maybe someone can save me the work and point out any actual empirical studies they’ve seen about adjustment to a promotion like AAA to the bigs. Gotta be something out there.
Sorry Jeff, don’t have one. But I just got done (20 minutes ago) writing a paper for a GATE certification (teaching Gifted and Talented Education) class in which I played around with connecting concepts in brain research in GATE kids with coaching theory.
A great “basic introductory” book about sport psychology that I recommend for both coaches and the average fan is Rainer Martens “Coaches’ Guide to Sport Psychology.” It is very reader friendly and is not overly technical. Not exactly on par with Jeff’s level, but for the layman, the youth league coach or the concerned parent or relative.
And so at what point do anti-anxiety medications and anti-depressants become performance-enhancing drugs for skittish starters or slumping hitters or stressed-out relievers? Are they going to start testing for Zoloft?
Re: 6
I recognize that your post was sarcastic, but to what degree I’m not sure. However I do wish to point out that prescription medications are almost universally accepted by sports authorities across the spectrum. They can test for Zoloft, Xanax, and other medications that aren’t at the end of the alphabet, all they want, but if an athlete is prescribed such medication then drug testing policies really don’t apply in these situations.
Tyler: Thanks! I like starting with good basic introductory books just like everyone else. 🙂
Man, if I had a name like “Rainer” I could rule the world.
My pleasure, Jeff. And I agree on the name.
though i still think constanza’s “Seven” is a heck of a good name.
A slightly contrarian view…
I’m sure there is a line that management might cross where they could go too far in nurturing Felix’s mental game, especially if it bleeds too much into his personal life. Understand that I say this having a very good high school friend from 20-some years ago who could throw mid 90’s gas, drafted by the Pirates, and flaked out because no one gave him any psychological direction whatsoever, neither on the field nor off.
Call me cautiously encouraged that the M’s are taking this approach with Felix. And I hope whatever BP does that seemingly contributes to shoulder injuries doesn’t have a corresponding negative effect when nurturing a pitcher’s mental game.