And they’re using them in interesting ways:
DENVER (AP) — Three hours before a start against Florida, Colorado Rockies pitcher Jason Jennings sits in front of his locker, puts on his headphones and stares at his video iPod.
He isn’t watching the latest Coldplay video or catching up on an episode of “Alias” as a way to relax before the game.
Jennings is doing some last-minute cramming: The Rockies’ video staff has downloaded every Marlins hitter into his iPod, and Jennings is figuring out how to pitch to them. He watches frames of himself delivering the pitch, followed by the result of the play. Everything else is weeded out.
“It’s a good way to refresh yourself on how you got guys out,” Jennings said. “It’s an amazing concept.”
The Rockies have taken the iPod beyond entertainment. And the idea has caught on — teams such as Florida and Seattle have called the Rockies to explore their innovative use of the iPod.
And with a 60 gig Video Ipod, you can store a heck of a lot of video:
A 60-gigabyte iPod can hold roughly five seasons’ worth of a player’s at-bats. Pitchers can get all their performances, along with opponents’ at-bats.
(..)Colorado’s minor league hitting coordinator, Jimmy Johnson, has an iPod filled with video of players in the farm system. If a player is struggling, Johnson can compare his swing from the past with his current swing, and fix it accordingly.
Not everyone is convinced that this will help players improve their game, though:
Red Sox reliever Mike Timlin said he isn’t sure the trend is a good one.
“Improved the game for us pitchers? No,” he said with a laugh. “There’s only so much you can do to get the guys out. These guys have a better idea and a better understanding. You have to rely on your catchers. You had to before video.”
Yes, but if you can get a better idea of what it takes to get a batter out, that can only improve your pitching I would think.
