Port St. Lucy – The Marlins changed the way starters prepare during outings by throwing versions of live batting practices on the field rather than going through traditional bullpen days, Post learned.
The team called out these “live pitch design sessions” and began implementing it later last season in the Dominican Summer League and Complex League, the lowest level for minors. The Marlins are planning to do this at all levels this year, including majors. In fact, this is how they prepare all spring training for every starter, with the intention of carrying it into the regular season.
That's not required, but so far ace Sandy Alcantara and all other starters have adhered to this policy, sources told the Post.
Baseball business president Peter Bendix didn't want to publicly comment on the policy when it reached it. However, sources tell the post that they know they will get pushback and criticism for trying something different from the reconstruction team. However, the Marlins feel that doing that in this way could improve pitcher commands through a more relaxed bullpen session, potentially giving them a reserve that doesn't usually play much, and will improve their preparation through a more relaxed bullpen session.
