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Kentucky Thoroughbreds Adopt New Pitching Program Thursday, May 31st, 2029 Kentucky pitching coach Roberto Ortega does not see what all the fuss is about. To Ortega, the controversial new training regimen that requires his staff to put in more hours, is simply him doing his job -- he is coaching the pitching staff. "Every pitcher has a throw-off day between appearances," Ortega said. "Now I want to extend that time, when it happens, or have them add a day. It's simple -- do more, get more." Team manager Paul Conner has always trusted Ortega to make good decisions on and off the field and has publicly supported the plan. When pressed, Ortega was quick to explain his philosophy. "The key to improving what a pitcher does isn't focusing on his pushups, fancy weight training techniques, this arm exercise or that one," he said. "What makes a guy throw better, and with more confidence, is throwing." Kentucky owner Héctor Shatner remarked that a growing number of teams are embracing philosophies that protect pitchers, mainly because how much they have financially invested in them. Ortega's approach is cutting directly against that grain. "It's up to Paul whether this translates into more innings pitched," Shatner said. "It's up to Roberto to make sure it's effective." |
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