I see that a lot of MLB pitchers are having Tommy John surgery. Some big

[volsboy]

names have this issue. It just seems that in the old days pitchers pitched way more innings than today's pitchers. Why do this era of pitchers seem more delicate than the old breed? I remember guys pitching about three complete games a week or so it seemed. Of course there weren't too many specialized relievers either. Medlin injury tough on Braves.

[73Volgrad]

The explanation I heard was that it can be blamed on the travel squads and youth baseball that is almost a year-round job now.  So pitchers throw more, harder, and overwork their arms froma young age.  By the time you get to be 25 now, you have the arm of 40 year old cause you have overworked it.  That is the story a pitcher having Tommy John's said.

[Black Diamond Vol]

The Braves lost Beachy to the same injury, I believe the very next day after Medlen went down.  And Minor will pitch this year, but he's going to open the season on the DL.  Before Spring Training began, I thought the Braves were a cinch to repeat as division champs.  Now I doubt they make the playoffs at all.

[Inspector Vol]

The explanation I heard was that it can be blamed on the travel squads and youth baseball that is almost a year-round job now.  So pitchers throw more, harder, and overwork their arms froma young age.  By the time you get to be 25 now, you have the arm of 40 year old cause you have overworked it.  That is the story a pitcher having Tommy John's said.

I suspect that is exactly the reason. A lot of those kids throw multiple games in a weekend too, plus play the field making long throws. That is on the coaches and parents though.