Rodriguez finds solution to mechanics problem

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Paco Rodriguez and the Dodgers' staff believe they've found a mechanical flaw that might explain his late-season tailspin last year.

After throwing a 1-2-3 inning Saturday night, the left-hander said the flaw, noticed when he breaks his hands at the start of his motion, grew progressively worse last year.

He said pitching coaches Rick Honeycutt, Ken Howell and Chuck Crim found the flaw and the fix.

"Once I figured it out, it was like, 'Wow, that's how it feels,'" said Rodriguez. "I was pitching so well, but my arm slowly came up and it took away from my ability to hide the ball. It's like night and day. I have a lot more control of my pitches."

Rodriguez said the fix was put in while playing catch Friday and he felt the difference immediately when he took it into Saturday night's game. He looked at old video and it confirmed to him he could get back to being the pitcher he was for most of last season.

"No doubt," he said. "I was showing the ball more than I normally do. Just one outing and it feels better."