However, I enjoy the “learn a new pitch” article better than the other two types. I particularly tune out to the “best shape of his life,” “new diet,” and “new exercise/conditioning program” themes. Almost every player can say something like that, and it usually turns out to be hype.

At least, the “learn a new pitch” theme is intriguing and can give fans something interesting to speculate about. Remember when Brad Lidge learned to throw a splitter and cutter in camp. That was something exciting to dream about: Lidge’s slider followed by another knock out pitch. Of course, he didn’t throw those pitches outside of spring training. (Actually, Lidge did throw the cutter a little bit in 2007, but I think he ditched it because the pitch got hit hard.) I can’t remember who tried throwing a knuckler in the spring—maybe Oswalt?—but nothing came of that either. If I recall, after spring training was over, Ausmus would let the pitchers know that he would never call for those pitches in the regular season (which should tell you what he thought of the pitches). But there are always those occasional cases of a pitcher who reaches a whole different level after learning a new pitch.

Along those lines, that little tid bit about Sampson is interesting. Sampson says he had tried to throw a change up without success for six years. And last year, Corcoran (the reliever we signed off waivers from Seattle) taught him how he throws the pitch, and Sampson said it was the first time he felt comfortable throwing a change up. This happened when Sampson was sent down to Round Rock. Maybe there was some benefit to being sent back to AAA.