Game Highlight: Josh Dezse

     I know I did a player profile on Josh during the preseason, but I wanted to record some video and talk about his game tonight. In tonight's game at Doran Park, Josh hit the go ahead home run in the Bottom of the 7th. Then, he came in to record the save. In tonight's save, Josh dropped his ERA an entire run from 5.79 to 4.76. His WHIP was 1.71 and dropped to 1.59. Batters are hitting a paltry .200 (71.4% weakly hit average), and Josh records outs on 85.7% of the hitters he starts off with a first pitch strike. Most Importantly, Josh is 100% in his save chances.
    As for his mechanics, they are flat-out effortless. Ordinarily, It is difficult to hit a player who throws in the mid-90s with a high-70s curve. However, when the ball jumps out of the hand of the opposing pitcher, your task becomes that much more daunting. Josh takes a small step to the first base side, keeps his head above his drive foot, and uses a strong base to work into his balance point. While Josh's leg is slightly higher, than that ideal balance point that Chad Green had, he is very balanced before his delivery. Josh turns his trunk slightly to gather a little bit more momentum to the plate. I would like the viewer to notice that his hands are together and right above his raised leg. This is my preferred hand position. I know that pitchers, like Dice-K, are a little bit different, but this is what I feel best prepares the pitcher to deliver the baseball. The next step is the power position. I know it is petty to tell a guy who throws in the mid-90s that he can generate more power, but this is where I feel Josh is losing those 2-3mph on his fastball he had last year. If the viewer stops the video at exactly 0:09 seconds,or chooses to watch the slow motion side view, you can see that Josh could drive that little bit extra before delivery (see photo of my favorite pitcher Greg Maddux below). The contrast is that Maddux's leg is straight and fully extended, and that Josh's is slightly bent. You can notice that Greg's front foot is pointed because he needed that little-extra on his fastball. I feel if Josh gives that little extra push, off his back leg/foot, his fastball will EXPLODE! The next step is rotation. Josh does an excellent job of involving his core muscles in his delivery. He uses the "bow and arrow" technique and whips his entire upper body to the plate. Finally, he allows his leg and arm to come to a natural stop. I have heard from a former trainer that more damage is done to the arm while stopping than during the actual throwing motion. It is important for all young pitchers to let their body naturally finish their delivery. As for Josh Dezse, he is going to close out games and come in during pressure situations. This is expected from this flamethrower who has a bright future ahead of him. So bright that the Bleacher Report has him projected as the #11 overall pick in the 2013 Draft!