In a local radio interview this afternoon, Spikes pitcher Tyler Waldron, this year's 5th round pick, offered that the biggest difference between pitching in college and for State College is in his speed to the plate.  Waldron said the emphasis in college was on being quick to the plate, whereas with the Spikes the emphasis is placed on throwing a good pitch and not worrying about how long it takes to make the pitch.  Waldron said he felt rushed in college, but feels more comfortable with the Spikes because of the new focus.

There has been a lot of discussion this year at the big league level about the pitchers' inability to hold runners and be quick, yet efficient, to the plate.  The result has been that opposing runners are having their way.  Could it be that the coaching staffs at all levels are instructing their pitchers in the same fashion as the Spikes pitchers are being taught?  It would explain a lot, but it would seem to be a flaw.  If that technique is being promoted system-wide, hopefully it is to set a baseline to quickly be followed up with a system-wide "and now here is how you pitch with runners on base" course in spring training.  I know it has been discussed here that at least at the lower levels, fastball command is being stressed and other pitches are worked in over time - maybe this is another example of simplification for the youngest players or maybe this is an issue.  Thoughts?