Neal: Wes Johnson Cut from Different Cloth

[Seth Stohs]

http://www.startribune.com/new-twins-pitching-coach-wes-johnson-is-cut-from-a-different-cloth/505947812/

 

 

Eyes were raised when the Twins hired Wes Johnson, a college pitching coach, as their new big league pitching coach. 

 

Johnson has a ton of energy, gives nicknames to his pitchers and enjoys his job. But, he also is into the very technical side of being a pitching coach these days. 

 

 

He studies biomechanics. He uses analytics. He is into the gadgets teams invest in to help train pitchers. He earned a reputation in college as a velocity expert, someone who can help pitchers throw harder — although he says it’s difficult to do once a pitcher is no longer in his teens.

 

Lots of information on his history with analytics and the equipment and technology now used in pro baseball. 

[nicksaviking]

Johnson has a ton of energy, gives nicknames to his pitchers and enjoys his job. But, he also is into the very technical side of being a pitching coach these days.

 

 

So he’s a cross between Ron Gardenhire and Bill James? Sounds good.

[twinkiesfan11]

A coach who knows how to use the most effective tools available AND makes the player/coach relationship fun...this could be a game changer. Another example of the not splashy but very smart moves by Falvey and Levine this off-season.

[Nine of twelve]

 

Another example of the not splashy but very smart moves by Falvey and Levine this off-season.

It's probably a bit early to say that about this hire.

However, I think it shows the basic approach by Falvey and Levine to be as smart as possible about doing things. Keep in mind they are only a bit over two years in, and they were constrained by having a manager whose philosophy didn't mesh with how they want to do things. I think we have reason to hope for a franchise that is well-run from top to bottom as their desired changes continue to be put in place.

[ashbury]

So he’s a cross between Ron Gardenhire and Bill James?

Not unless he shops at the Portly Or Tall outlet store.

[Linus]

Weren’t we excited about a new pitching coach last year? I think I will wait and see if the pitching is improved before I start heaping praise on Falvine