There is a wonderful article on Wired.com today about Rick Peterson and his use of the American Sports Medicine Institute (ASMI) to analyze and “troubleshoot” his pitchers’ mechanics. I’ve read about this type of “prehabilitation” before, but this article provides the most in-depth glance at the actual process I’ve yet come across.

Basically, a system of cameras like those used to capture players’ movements for video games is connected to a computer. A pitcher makes a series of throws with small “stickers” connected to key joints and other locations of the body, and the data is fed into the software. From there, the researchers at ASMI can measure everything from the torque placed on the shoulder to the length of the stride to the stress on the knees. It is quite amazing, but yet somehow astoundingly simple. Pitchers and their coaches/trainers can also compare the results to those of other pitchers who have visited ASMI, allowing them to identify potential injury risks or mechanical flaws.

This list of teams that make use of the ASMI technology is somewhat surprising. In addition to the Athletics and Peterson’s new team, the Mets, the other clients include the Royals, Indians, Giants, and Red Sox. One would think that the Dodgers would likely be added to the list now that Paul DePodesta has taken over as General Manager, but J.P. Ricciardi’s Blue Jays are notably absent. One factor that may come into play is the pricetag, which is quite large and potentially prohibitive for small budget clubs. However, the presence of the A’s, Royals, and Indians seems to dispell that assumption, as each team’s financial power is modest. The investment, it would seem, is worth it.

The institute also helps keep pitchers healthy. Pitching injuries cost major-league teams $148 million a year. Many of those injuries aren’t caused by a single trauma, as in other sports, but by the slow wear and tear of repeating a slightly inefficient motion. By helping pitchers maximize efficiency, ASMI has emerged at the vanguard of a new wave of sports medicine. Rather than rehabilitating after an injury, a pitcher can prevent that injury with sound mechanics. Think of it as prehab.

“A lot of the business of baseball is managing risk,” says A’s general manager Billy Beane. “We’ve had a good track record keeping our pitchers healthy. We got results from the pitchers we sent down there.”

I would hope that the Brewers have considered sending some of their talented young pitching prospects to ASMI. Even if it requires cutting costs elsewhere, the potential benefits are staggering. What if Nick Neugebauer’s mechanical problems could have been isolated before his career-threatening shoulder problems began? What could we learn about the throwing motions of Mike Jones or Manny Parra or Ben Hendrickson? Is there a mechanical reason for Ben Sheets’ recurring back problems? This is real, tangible stuff that could literally save pitchers’ careers.

If you’re interested in learning more, I’d highly recommend reading the article. If you have any thoughts, please email me.