Watch the catcher when the pitcher picks to 1st.

Segment 4 in "trick or treat" month.

When the pitcher throws to 1B, most eyes look to 1B to see what is happening. Is he out or is he safe. But, some things could be happening in the batters box and the catcher's box if you are willing to take notice.

An astute batter will immediately look to the catcher when the pitcher throws to 1B. He will do it discretely but he's looking to see if he can find the catcher's location as the pitcher turns and throws to 1B. If he can discern where he is setting up, it will greatly improve his chances to be successful as he is able to "zone" a pitch up.

The astute catcher can do the batter one better if the batter is "peeking." If the catcher knows the pitcher is throwing to 1B, the catcher can deke the batter by setting up in a false area. That is, if the pitch is going to be low and away the catcher sets up "up and in" immediately after calling a pickoff to 1B.

This simple form of gamesmanship could prove to be a big deal if in fact the batter is trying to gain an advantage.