Expert: John Priest - 9/27/2008

Question
Hey Coach Priest-
I'm Joey Tavana and I'm a 17 year old senior from Connecticut.  I am just under 6'0 and around 150 lbs.  I've been playing baseball since I was 5 years old.  I am a left-handed pitcher and I also play the outfielder.  The only problem is that I have rotator cuff tendonitis (had an MRI in April and those were the results).  I participated in physical therapy and I basically was told to do the exercises with tubing and light weights that I already knew and was already doing.  I have just started this workout http://www.myfit.ca/fitnessprograms/viewprogram.asp?title=Pre%2DSeason+Baseball+... because I need to gain weight.  Do you have any advice for me with my arm and how to heal / cure the tendonitis?  I do light on the bench press and I do my own weights not the ones they provide. Thanks Coach! - Joey T

Answer
Joey,
I am also from Connecticut.  I grew up in Cheshire, CT and lived their until 2003.  I played my college ball at Southern Connecticut State University.  Now I live in Massachusetts.  I cannot tell you how to how to heal / cure the tendonitis.  My suggestion to you is to see an orthopedic surgeon.  Follow his suggestions to a physical therapist, and follow their orders.  Lifting weights may not be the answer.  For a baseball player it is important to have strength, speed, flexibility, and perfect mechanics.  One cannot go without the other.  Here are my suggestions:
    1.  See an Orthopedic Surgeon
    2.  Follow his recommendation with PT
    3.  Follow Orthopedic Surgeon and PT's orders for strength,
        speed, and flexibility.
    4.  See a proper baseball instructor.

Skip #1 and #2 if you already did this and are satisfied with the results.  If you need a recommendation I can give you one depending on where you live.  

I checkout your online workout, my only problem is most online workouts are very generic.  Check out www.biggerfasterstronger.com.  I have been doing their programs since I was in high school and I continue to day.  They have up to date programs that cover strength, flexibility, and speed and I highly recommend them.  

See a baseball instructor to make sure of correct mechanics.  Many different coaches see many different thing in a throwing motion or swing.  I have seen many coaches who are popular with the players but have no idea when it comes to proper mechanics.  If you need help in choosing one I con give you some recommendations depending on where you live.  

If I can help you further please let me know,
Thank You,
John Priest