Old Tricks For A New Dog?

I remember when Jose Valverde was struggling in 2012, and Mitch Williams of MLB Network unearthed video of Valverde when he was going well in 2011 (as if any video from all the way back in 2011 can technically be “unearthed” as if it was from 1896) … where Valverde was holding his hands high on the set as opposed to 2012 where he set at the belt. It seemed so obvious. I wondered why Valverde couldn’t just go and make that simple adjustment and return to glory.

Well for one, fixing the performance of a pitcher traveling down the back side of 30 isn’t as simple as changing where you put your hands. And second, the very idea of taking advice on mechanics from Mitch Williams.

Jose Valverde has signed with the Mets on a minor league contract … they actually considered signing him last season, but he obviously didn’t reach the minimum age for free agent relievers (known as the Atchison line). Now let’s face it, Valverde ain’t pitching in no Vegas. So it’s the majors or bust. Perhaps somebody will remember Mitch’s analysis and figure: “why not”. It’s not like they’re messing with Doc Gooden’s mechanics by teaching him a better pick off move. The 35-year-old is losing a little bit of velocity so perhaps it would be worth it to teach a new dog old tricks. In any case, a bullpen that could potentially have Jose Valverde and Kyle Farnsworth in it has a chance to be surprisingly stable … or exceptionally hilarious.

Oh, and this:

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