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is an agency representing MLB players, that also seems to provide "life-coach" support as well. (http://bledsoebrothers.com) Hunter Bledsoe is Justin Smoak's agent, but is also trying to help him avoid some of the issues that made Hunter a highly-rated prospect but journeyman player. They are also cross-linked with the baseball think tank, (http://baseballthinktank.com) which is similar to Mike Bard's (http://www.bardosdiamondsports.com) private coaching service that Michael Saunders used. Boras provides these types of services to his clients as well, so it seems to be a growing trend (just as long as they don't use Biogenesis as their medical/nutritional consultants).
What I find interesting about both Hunter Bledsoe's and Mike Bard's approach is the emphasis on the mental aspect - the "Inner Game" (pace Galway) so to speak. As pointed out by Jemanji/Dr. D/Jeff, much of this has its basis in Oriental philosophy, whether it is Zen or Budo or Yoga. The complex interplay between concept and performance was worth the several posts of today - I would suggest that it could continue to be filled out by looking at the differences and similarities between what Saunders, Smoak, Franklin, and Montero did with their off-season, and how this inter-relates with Dr. Elliott's programs to strengthen the bodies of the M's players. The union of mind, spirit, and physical performance is fascinating.
Teams are hiring "performance" coaches these days (didn't the Ms have one for a while?). While these could be the modern equivalent of the "carny-show hypnotist" in "the Natural", (losing is a disease ... as contagious as...) having spent a year in India and having a great appreciation for both Hinduism and the Sufi strain of Islam, I would say that trying other ways of thinking to approach problems always helps clarify them, and that clarity (truth) is what we all seek, no matter where we start. Whether it is in sport, or in war, or in family life, duty, loyalty, and responsibility are concepts we all have to come to grips with in many ways. Doing our utmost can be both an essential element, and a stumbling block, to success. Yet our duty and responsibility to our families, our community, our nation, and our God demand our utmost; what Hindus call dharma, and how the Sufis interpret jihad. How Saunders and Smoak are learning to deal with this duty to be the best they can be has, as Jemanji keeps pointing out to us, lessons for each of us. I, for one would like to know more, and from varying points of view.
This site is special because it not only entertains, as does LL, and informs, as does USSM, and Scout, and Sickels at MiLB/SBN; but it is the best at helping us understand what goes on with the Mariners, including what it really means to strive and to succeed in human society, indeed, in life. Sports is a part of life. Whether it is simply striving for excellence within specified rules and bounds, or a metaphor for War I'm not really sure. I am sure that it is fun to follow, challenging to understand, and makes me more empathetic to all struggle. Keep it up, all of you who contribute.