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Blue Jays' J.A. Happ: Focuses training on explosiveness

Happ has decided not to build endurance through cardio workouts in favor of exercises that put a premium on short bursts of high-intensity activities, Paul Hagen of MLB.com reports.

Analysis:

Happ has steered away from the traditional running exercises that pitchers are known for. "I think we've figured out that some of the traditions in baseball are a little backwards," Happ said before Tuesday's drills. "It used to be to go out and run [foul pole to foul pole] for 20 minutes. That's not beneficial for me. It's just going to hurt my back, take some weight off me. And I'm trying to get stronger and build and be more explosive." Last year's 20-game winner traditionally hands the ball to his bullpen near the seventh inning, so owners shouldn't expect stamina (and complete games) to be part of what they're buying on draft day.

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