Ned Yost media session: September 27

Meche’s progress

Yost is encouraged by Gil Meche’s development as a reliever and believes that Meche will be a big part of the club in 2011.  Yost pointed out the different mindset for a starting pitcher compared to a reliever (throwing 110 pitches compared to 30).  Meche is still adjusting to that mindset.  The fact that he pitched in September should go a long way in improving his comfort level with the role heading into 2011.

A new angle for Chavez

Reliever Jesse Chavez is working on pitching from a different arm slot, thanks to a fielding play and some late-night pondering by pitching coach Bob McClure.  Chavez made a play off the mound and threw the ball in a three-quarter arm slot.  McClure woke up early one morning thinking about how the new arm slot could help with the pitcher’s deception.  Chavez, who was a little hesitant in the first throwing session, has quickly warmed up to the idea.  Chavez was throwing 94 miles per hour over the top.  He is now throwing at about 92 with more bite on his pitches.

Injury updates

Wilson Betemit and Mitch Maier are fine, though they continue to be sore.  Yost feels that either could play, but he doesn’t want to press the issue.  Josh Fields and Jai Miller can fill in at Betemit and Maier’s positions, respectively.