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[tims4wins]

New study out on the effect of steroids on pitchers: http://www.bepress.c...as/vol6/iss2/6/

Using PEDs significantly increased average fastball velocity by 1.074 MPH overall. When PED impact was allowed to vary by pitcher type (Starter/Reliever) and age, its benefits were most substantial later in a player's career. For example, at age 35, the effect of PEDs was 1.437 MPH for relievers and 0.988 MPH for starters.

[Curtis_Lesspanic]

What that report fails to mention and what really needs to be factored into the equation of how helpful they were to pitchers is how PEDs could have possibly led to ligament related injuries. A slight increase in velocity is hardly worth the increased risk of possible Tommy John/shoulder surgery taking these drugs(steroids) subjects pitchers too.

It has always seemed to me that combining a physical movement that is already torturous on a pitchers arm ligaments and adding in a substance that could potentially weaken them further was going to be of dubious benefit, especially in the long term.