Ken,

Since I left Texas I've been long tossing everyday. I haven't felt looser or better in 2 years. However, I won't know any mph difference until April when I get back on the mound. I'll be sure to let you know.

As for your request about me looking over your coaches corner link specifically the workout section, I have. I've read all of it and you're theories and opinions on weight training are as close to the bullseye as anyone I've worked with and as you know I've had the unfortunate fortune to have been surgically repaired by the best elbow surgeon (James Andrews) and shoulder surgeon (Craig Morgan). I've also been rehabilitated by Phil Donley (works side-by-side with Dr. Morgan and regarded by many in the sports medicine field as one of the best physical therapists around).

Anyway, If you don't mind I would like to share my story with your readers/clients/skeptics. I first experienced elbow pain during my jr. season in college... the same time I really started hitting the weights hard. I didn't really know what I was doing, like most of your clients, as my workout consisted of bench press 3-4 days a week with a little back, legs and arms mixed in every once in a while. Fast foward to the offseason after my first year with the Baltimore Orioles organization. Coming off a good year in A ball, I wanted to make the AA team in the spring. My friend(Bob File, Toronto Blue Jays, out of baseball now because of chronic shoulder and back problems) and I decided to pay the head strength coach at Wichita State for an off-season workout program. Darren Dreifot of the Dodgers did the same workout and has always had arm trouble. It was pretty much 4hrs. of HEAVY lifting. I felt great had a great spring training and made the AA team and had a very good HALF season. It only took 38 innings to hurt my elbow enough to end my season.

I did the same workout the following off-season went back to AA and blew my elbow out after 7 innings. I had Tommy John surgery then rehabbed with Phil Donely. Since I was a relief pitcher, my rehab consisted of 2-3 sets(i.e. 2-3 innings) of 20-30 reps(i.e. 20-30 pitches per inning) with light weight and lots of stretching. Instead of the avg. 12 month rehab, I returned in 91/2 months throwing harder than ever. After that season rehabbing in A ball I went back to conventional weight training. It never occurred to me, because I was never taught, that you should train according to the sport you play. I thought my rehab was simply rehab and I was now healed. I ended up with Houston that off-season with new goals and new people to impress. I trained harder and heavier. Again, I felt great going into spring training and won a spot on the AAA roster with Houston's organization. Needless to say, I had arm problems but it was the shoulder this time. After 16 days on the DL in AAA I was sent down to AA Round Rock. 16 days and the pain was gone and 3 innings later it was back.

Not knowing that it was a torn labrum killing my shoulder causing me to throw 82mph I was willing to try anything to stop the pain, even this crazy witch doctor sounding dude Dave Matranga was telling me about. Ken would work on my whole arm and back. One session would take away the pain for a day or two. For those who don't know what a torn labrum is, it's the worst thing that can happen to your arm along with a torn rotator cuff. The fact that Ken could relieve that pain is amazing to me. And if I had the money, I would move to Round Rock or make it a point to spend a month there before every season just to have Ken work on me. And now, not yet fully recovered from my labrum surgery because of tightness and a little pain I flew down to Round Rock from Jersey to see Ken. Along with a pitcher specific workout working with Ken is now a necessity for me. The only problem is the 1500 mile trip. Ken, I wish I had met you sooner in my career. However, I'm still very grateful we met even if it is under these circumstances. Everyone has few people they consider themselves lucky to know. Your one of those guys. Thanks for everything. See you in April.