I had no idea that he was so gung-ho. Atlanta left-hander Tom Glavine began winter workouts a few years ago to strengthen his shoulder and increase his overall fitness. His exercise may have been too effective. Glavine's fastball now has gained velocity while losing movement. This has robbed him of the deception that has made him among the NL's best pitchers of this decade.
Most guys go from being a power pitcher to being a finesse pitcher.
I've gone from being a finesse pitcher to a power pitcher. Maybe players on non-contending teams accept losing with a nonchalant attitude, but the managers don't. Francona was a coach on the 1996 Detroit Tigers club that lost 109 games and managed the Phillies when they endured a 4-22 June in 1997. No matter when or how often losing happens, he said, it's never easy. It doesn't make you any less competitive.