Add Kohl Franklin to the list of guys who the Cubs shortened his arm stroke.
Interesting. Am I remembering the most significant possible advantages correctly?
1. Shorter, more compact delivery is easier to repeat consistently, resulting in improved control? The control factor is really the driving consideration, the others are ancillary possible perks.
2. Shorter more compact delivery is healthier, easier on the arm. Shoulder in particular?
3. Shorter/quicker delivery can sometimes be a little more deceptive and harder for hitters to read?
4. Shorter/quicker delivery can reduce/mask differences and "tells" between fastball and offspeed delivery?
5. Shorter windup delivery can reduce differences between delivering from windup and stretch? Make it easier to not lose your stuff or your groove from the stretch? And maybe reduce base-stealing time, too?