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Latest Research & Insights

Justin Orenduff Justin Orenduff

Masterclass in Effective Pitching: Shoto Imanaga and Ranger Suarez

Shoto Imanaga and Ranger Suarez have set a new standard in effective pitching during the 2024 MLB season. Demonstrating that velocity isn't the only key to success, these pitchers have excelled through precise pitch execution and consistent mechanics. Earning less than $15 million combined, both rank in the top 5 in WAR, showcasing the value of strategy and finesse in a game dominated by power. Their approach, highlighted by efficient deliveries and stable mechanics, has resulted in impressive strikeout rates and minimal walks, proving that traditional starting pitchers can still thrive in today's game. Read more about their techniques and impact at DVS Baseball.

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Justin Orenduff Justin Orenduff

The Timeless Value of Reliability in Major League Baseball

In Major League Baseball, a select group of pitchers have exemplified reliability by starting at least 25 games for ten consecutive seasons. This remarkable achievement underscores the importance of consistency in a pitcher's career, challenging today's metric-focused evaluations and highlighting the timeless value of dependability on the mound

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Justin Orenduff Justin Orenduff

Verlander and Orenduff Reunite to Discuss Historic Pitching Matchup

On April 9th, 2004, Justin Verlander and I faced off against each other in one of the most anticipated college baseball games in recent history.

This game was unique because it was a showdown between two of the best college pitchers, both highly touted Draft prospects who had spent the previous summer as teammates on USA Baseball Collegiate National Team. A matchup, ODU vs. VCU, conference rivals, that had everyone on the edge of their seats, a game that would go down in history.

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Justin Orenduff Justin Orenduff

From Player to Protector: Pioneering Pitcher Health Through Innovation

Discover how a former professional pitcher is using his post-career throws to redefine pitching health and performance. Through rigorous testing and the development of the Delivery Value System (DVS), he's transforming the way pitchers approach their craft, ensuring longevity and effectiveness on the mound. Learn about his journey from player to protector, and how his innovative approach is setting new standards in baseball training.

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Justin Orenduff Justin Orenduff

The Revival of the Traditional Windup: A Potential Game-Changer for Modern Pitchers

Rediscover the lost art of the traditional windup—a pitching technique that once dominated baseball's golden era. In this detailed exploration, we delve into how this classic method could revolutionize pitching in the modern era, enhancing both performance and longevity. Learn why some of baseball's greatest Hall of Fame pitchers swore by this method, and why it still holds tremendous potential for today's high-velocity pitchers.

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Justin Orenduff Justin Orenduff

Join Our "Save the Arms Campaign" at DVS Baseball

Join the movement to protect young pitchers with DVS Baseball's "Save the Arms Campaign." We're committed to reducing severe arm injuries among youth pitchers through education and awareness. Learn how you can become a key sponsor in your community, help promote safe pitching practices, and make a significant difference.

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Justin Orenduff Justin Orenduff

The Dangers of Year-Round Youth Baseball Tournaments: A Concern for Pitcher Health

In the competitive world of youth baseball, the pursuit of success often comes at a cost. Year-round tournaments like the Perfect Game "Fastball Freeze" in Alvin, TX, promise exposure and opportunities for young players but conceal a troubling reality: the toll on pitcher health. Despite efforts to prioritize player well-being, the allure of rankings and college commitments drives families to participate, perpetuating a cycle of injury and premature career derailment.

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Justin Orenduff Justin Orenduff

Analyzing the Characteristics of Tommy John Surgeries: Insights from the DVS Baseball Injury Risk Model

In our ongoing commitment to understanding and mitigating injury risks in baseball, we've delved into the characteristics of the last 40 Tommy John (TJ) Surgeries entered into the DVS Baseball Injury Risk Model. These surgeries, affecting pitchers 25 years or younger, have provided valuable insights into the factors influencing throwing arm injuries in the sport.

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Justin Orenduff Justin Orenduff

The Influence of Throwing Culture on Injury Risk in Pitchers

In the world of baseball, pitchers face an ever-present risk of injury, influenced by the culture they inherit. Factors such as tournament structures, velocity programs, and pitch metrics shape this risk. To excel and stay safe, pitchers must invest in their bodies and arms, proactively addressing weaknesses. By understanding their shoulder mobility, functional capacity, and pitching delivery's impact, pitchers can mitigate injury risks and achieve long-term success. Understanding the influence of throwing culture is crucial for aspiring pitchers aiming to excel while safeguarding their careers.

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Justin Orenduff Justin Orenduff

MLB Draft Perspective: Assessing Paul Skenes, Rhett Lowder, Chase Dollander, and Bobby Miller

As the MLB Draft approaches, the selection of starting pitchers among the top picks has become increasingly risky. In recent years, the success rate of these pitchers reaching the top of their game has been dishearteningly low. However, the projected top pitchers in this year's draft, Paul Skenes, Rhett Lowder, and Chase Dollander, have captured attention with their potential. Yet, a closer look at their risk profiles reveals a challenging road ahead. In contrast, the success story of Bobby Miller serves as a reminder to exercise caution. Evaluating historical trends and utilizing risk assessment metrics like the DVS Score will be crucial for teams as they navigate the delicate balance between immediate impact and long-term durability in their pursuit of young pitching talent.

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Justin Orenduff Justin Orenduff

The Correlation Between DVS Scores and Throwing Arm Injuries in the 2023 Men's College World Series

The DVS Score distribution in the 2023 Men's College World Series has shed light on a concerning correlation among highly regarded amateur pitchers – their increased risk of throwing arm injuries due to pitching mechanics. With nearly 50% of pitchers considered high-risk based on their DVS Scores, the industry faces a pressing challenge as the average pitcher's velocity continues to rise. This article delves into the findings of the 2023 MCWS, compares them with previous studies, and underscores the urgency of addressing these issues to curb the escalating rates of significant throwing arm injuries.

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Justin Orenduff Justin Orenduff

The Next Generation of Great MLB Teams will Equally Value Baseball Wisdom and Analytics

How can we begin to understand how analytics and traditional baseball wisdom can be treated equally? It starts with understanding how a person's wisdom in any subject is derived and can facilitate future decision-making. Whether changing the lineup, bringing in a new pitcher, scouting a player, developing a player, or maintaining a clubhouse, our actions are a product of an ongoing cycle from data to information to knowledge to wisdom.

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Justin Orenduff Justin Orenduff

Case Study: The Decline of MLB Starting Pitchers

In this case study, Justin Orenduff examines the decline of the “traditional” starting pitcher in MLB using the Top 3 Pitchers drafted by each MLB team since 2012. In addition, the case study details which MLB Organization has done the best job of developing their top prospects into MLB Pitchers. The results paint a revealing trend about the direction of pitching development.

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Justin Orenduff Justin Orenduff

The Detroit Tigers have a pattern of top pitching prospects getting injured too soon, and so does MLB.

The post-Verlander Analytic Tigers look just like their 2000’s rebuild Tigers. Despite the "hype" about the armada of arms on the horizon. If the armada of arms can't stay healthy, how long will the Tigers remain in their rebuild? Hopefully, the revamped Tigers analytics and player development department can right the ship with Mize, Manning, Skubal, Faedo, Fulmer, but their current history and patterns suggest otherwise.

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