Video: Tony Gwynn using VCRs to scout pitchers on “This Week in Baseball” in 1989

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Video analysis is not a big deal now. Lots and lots of players use video to work on their mechanics and scout the opposition. Teams have dedicated video staff that supplies the footage to players. They can watch it on their iPads and laptops.

But back in the 80s it wasn’t nearly as common. And one of the pioneers of intensive video analysis was Tony Gwynn. He started by having his wife record Padres games on their VCR — remember those, kids? — and would watch it later. That evolved into a big portable — barely — monitor system he’d take with him on road trips.

Most people became aware of this when it was featured on “This Week in Baseball” in 1989. Here’s that segment. How about that?

[mlbvideo id=”33770083″ width=”600″ height=”336″ /]

Stanton, Donaldson, Kahnle activated by Yankees ahead of Dodgers series

Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
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LOS ANGELES — Giancarlo Stanton, Josh Donaldson, and Tommy Kahnle were activated by the New York Yankees ahead of their weekend series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

New York cleared three roster spots after a 1-0 loss at Seattle, optioning infielder-outfielders Oswaldo Cabrera and Franchy Cordero to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre along with left-hander Matt Krook.

Stanton, Donaldson and Kahnle all played in a rehab game for Double-A Somerset. Stanton was hitless in three at-bats in his first appearance since injuring his left hamstring on April 15.

Donaldson went 1 for 4 in his fourth rehab game as he comes back from a strained right hamstring originally sustained on April 5.

Kahnle pitched one inning, giving up one run and one hit and walking two. He has been out since spring training with right biceps tendinitis.

Aaron Boone said he wasn’t concerned about Stanton returning after playing in just one rehab game. He did say that Stanton likely will be a designated hitter for a couple of weeks after rejoining the Yankees.

New York is missing centerfielder Harrison Bader, who strained his right hamstring against the Mariners and went on the injured list the next day.

Left-hander Carlos Rodón, sidelined since spring training by a sore left forearm and an ailing back, was transferred to the 60-day injured list.