"A runner" hitting? Infielders slide to their right?

I saw a college baseball team do this and I began to wonder why. I have no idea if this is the reason but I'd like to discuss it as a possibility.

With an A runner in the batters box, infielders who field a backhand ball have less of a chance to throw the runner out. By sliding to their right they make more groundballs glove side balls. By doing this they have their momentum already moving to their left as they field the ball- in the direction of 1st base.

I have no idea of knowing if the idea has manifested itself into a more pragmatic way to defend speed. I have no idea of knowing if this is why the college team did this. But, theoretically I believe the idea has some creedence.

"A runner" in the box, slide to your right to give yourself a chance to create momentum in the direction of first base.

Bunt situation (give him one chance?)

In baseball circles there is some thinking that you could give a big swinger one shot at driving a run in or at least take one swing for a hit. Following that unsuccessful effort, a bunt is given. In this manner, you have placated the hitter by allowing him to swing at least once. But, in the end, the runner is advanced in a more conservative manner.

Is this sound baseball?

Well, I think it is negligent upon the coach to not recognize differences in counts and how they affect batters. The idea of giving a hitter one shot says "the count is neutral or an advantage count so go ahead, hit it hard." The statistics support this thinking in that averages certainly are higher when a batter is ahead in the count.

However, when the batter fouls of a pitch, the count changes and so does the likelihood of him getting a hit. Therefore, when the bunt sign is given, it is given under the idea that the chances of a hit have been dramatically reduced. If you're going to make an out anyway, you might as well make it a productive out.

Take note of how many times coaches will ask a hitter to do just this in a "bunt opportunity." It has everything to do with advantage vs. disadvantage counts and playing the percentages.

Suicide squeeze with the bases loaded?

The suicide squeeze is a risky play in any situation. However, it becomes even more risky if the bases are loaded. So much so that many managers eschew the suicide alltogether in this scenario.

The suicide squeeze works when the runner can cross home plate prior to the ball beating him to the plate. When the runner starts sprinting towards home plate as the ball is being bunted, he has a considerable advantage to beat the ball. There is one instance where the out could be recorded mush easier though. A force out at home plate.

The above reason is why so many don't even consider the squeeze bunt in this situation. A force out at home plate puts considerable more pressure on the offense to execute the play.

Here is what must be done if the play is to be executed correctly.

1) The runner on 3B must be a "burner." Speed obviously could make the force out irrelevant if he can beat the play.

2) The batter must place the squeeze directionally at a corner infielder. A ball back to the pitcher could be an egregious mistake in the squeeze situation.

Next time a squeeze happens, take note if it was a force out at home plate. Odds are, it wasn't.

"Beat the force!"

This is a common baserunning cue for a runner at 1st base with 2 outs.

The 1B coach or the 3B coach should remind the runner that you want the infielders to throw the ball across the diamond to record the third out. You don't want the infielders to take the easy 3rd out at 2nd base. So, you yell to the runner to "beat the force."

Here is what you expect.

You expect the runner to get a decent secondary. When the ball is hit you expect the runner to sprint full speed sliding feet first into 2B. Sprinting full speed is the key so that the infielder feels compelled to record the out by throwing across the diamond.

Now, there could be some other interesting dynamics with beating the force. Let's say it's a 3-3 game in the last inning. Runners are on 1st and 3rd with 2 outs. The 3B coach exhorts his runner to beat the force. In this situation he should literally run through the second base bag into left field trying to beat the force. Don't slide and slow down. Run through the bag. If the 4th run scores the game is over.

Man on 1st, 2 outs. "Beat the force."

Pickoff at 2B. What and when.

With a runner on 2B, you need to consider how many outs there are to decide what kind of pickoff to attempt you would like to use.

With 0 outs, the runner is usually rather cautious. This typically is not the best time to try a pickoff simply because the runner isn't in steal mode.

With 1 out, many basestealers definitely switch to steal mode. They are trying to get to 3B with 1 out. If they can get to 3B with 1 out, there chances of scoring improve immensely. Therefore, with 1 out, the inside move is the best option to record an out. The reason being that the runner that is stealing is tring to get a big jump on the pitcher and is vulnerable to a leg lift and inside move.

With 2 outs, the runner at 2B should be trying to get a sizeable secondary. His primary lead shouldn't necessarily be too large. It's his secondary lead that is going to try and gain some ground. Because of this, the catcher's pickoff at 2B becomes a very legitimate option. A strong armed catcher should definitely consider throwing behind a runner at 2B with 2 outs if their secondary is too big.

Another pickoff with 2 outs is a glove side spin and throw from the pitcher. Sometimes, runners get a little overzealous with 2 outs with their primary lead. If this is the case a middle infielder coming in behind followed by a glove side spin and throw is a prudent play. Worst case scenario is the ball sails into centerfield and the runner advances to 3B. The motto "they still need a hit to score him" applies and you haven't really lost too much.

Knowing the number of outs should govern your thought processes in determining what kind of pickoff should be used.

Could you audible in baseball?

The audible is a legitimate part of football. Does it have a place in baseball? i think it does and here is where.

The audible is used in football when the quarterback sees something that he knows won't work. So, he calls another play that he has been coached to call that will work.

In baseball, I believe the audible would have merit in a suicide squeeze situation with a runner on 2B.

Here is how I envision the audible working. Typically, the audible would be given by a runner at 2B peering in to the catcher. When the runner witnesses the catcher's signals he could change the play. In a suicide squeeze, the only thing that the offense would truly fear would be the pitchout. There are many ways to call a pitchout but most are entirely different than calling a pitch.

Examples of pitchout signals are "fist", "five followed by a four", "horns followed by a four." Regardless, if the runner on 2B sees any of these signals he could audible out of the squeeze by yelling "black, black, black." This would indicate that the squeeze play has been cancelled.

The premise of the play is designed around the ability of the runner to see the catchers signals. I have never seen a team do this but I'm intrigued and I think it could certainly work.

The 1st pitch changeup

In baseball circles it's widely recognized that you don't throw a 1st pitch changeup. Is this outdated dogma or does it have some merit?

The reasoning is that the changeup is effective when the batter knows what the fastball actually looks like. If the first ball that is thrown is the changeup then the batter isn't fooled by the change of speed. Rather than the batter being out in front of a change he would be more on time because he wouldn't be geared up for the fastball.

I don't agree with this thinking. I think the changeup is effective because the batter is anticipating the fastball and swings based upon what he perceives the speed to be. A batter can certainly have a pre-conceived idea about a pitchers fastball without having seen it for one at bat. A pitcher can throw up to 100 and some pitches throughout the course of the game. I think it would go to reason that a batter might have an idea what a pitchers fastball would look like without having to see it during the course of an at bat.

Furthermore, when you think about what counts batter look for fastballs in the 0-0 count certainly ranks right up there with any other. Why not throw a change up in a traditional fastball count?

To me, a changeup should not be dismissed so quickly as a first pitch option.

Catcher using an unconventional signal system

Usually the catcher drops 1 for a fastball, 2 for a curveball, 3 for a slider and wiggle for a change. But, who is to say that this can't be changed up. Actually, if the players buy into the change it might prove to be very beneficial to switch from the conventioanl method.

Here's how to change it and why.

The only reason that I could imagine that one would even consider changing the sign system is if the coach is fearful that the signs could be stolen. If the signal system is changed, then you wouldn't worry so much that the offense has the pitches. In fact, if the sign system is changed, you could not only insure safety of the signals you could set the offense up by tricking them into relaying the wrong sign.

Imagine a runner on 2B that looks in and only sees one sign. He believes he has the pitches but that's only under the old conventional system. Using a new system the runner on 2B would absolutely confuse the batter by relaying the wrong pitch.

New system:

1- changeup
2- fastball away
3- fastball in
4- curveball

I know some teams have done it and I've always thought that it was unnecessary. However, after giving it some thought, I think it definitely has some merit. You can almost guarantee that the signs would not be stolen.

The "mechanics" of the wheel play

The wheel bunt defense is a common bunt defense. It's focus is to earn an out at 3B in a 1st and 2nd bunt defense. It is the most aggressive bunt defense that you can employ.

Here is how it works.

The SS is the catalyst to the play. Everything begins on his movement. Some teams have him start directly behind the runner at 2B while other teams have him shade closer to the 3B position. I would suggest that the more advanced you believe your opponents offense is, the closer the the SS should start to the runner.

When the pitcher comes set, he looks in the direction of the SS. When the SS begins sprinting to 3B the pitcher delivers the ball to home plate for the ball to be bunted(hopefully). Now, the detail in the wheel is what every other player in the infield does.

The 2B sprints in the direction of 1B when the SS starts his sprint. The 1B and 3B attack the plate to field the ball. If the batter does not square, the corners try and stop and retreat as quickly as possible. The do not continue on a suicide mission. The C is thinking "3,3,3" on his call to an infielder. Also, the catcher must be aware that 2B is not an option in this situation. Think 3B because we are being very, very aggressive with our defense.

The wheel play requires that the pitcher deliver a fastball strike. This is one instance where we definitely want the ball bunted and we need a strike. The last thing we would want is the pitcher to throw a ball and the defense to have tipped its hand.

The wheel play is used in the National League much more than the American League. The reason is because the wheel play is given in very likely bunt scenarios. What's more likely than a Nat'l League hitting pitcher?

Opposite wing outfielder on SDPT

What does the opposite wing outfielder do when a ball is hit to the other side of the field and is a SURE DOUBLE POSSIBLE TRIPLE?

It doesn't seem like an instinctual move so it is something that definitely needs to be taught.

The opposite wing outfielder should get in the habit of moving in the direction of 2nd base. His movement in that direction is for one of two reasons. He has two possible roles in a SDPT to the opposite side of the field.

The first role is if 2nd base is unoccupied. If the 1B is not trailing the play and is himself involved in the cutoff process, the opposite side outfielder is responsile for anchoring down 2B.

If the first baseman is trailing the play, the opposite outfielder should try and get behind the 3B in case a backup is needed.

The one interesting element to the play is if you are playing at a field with no fence. If the field is fenceless, the opposite side outfielder might actually be more useful as another cut man. Of course, this depends on how deep the ball was hit and the arm strengths of the players involved.

This is definitely something that needs practiced when doing SDPT.

Man on 3rd. Contact play with a fly ball. A tough read.

When a runner gets to 3B with the contact play on, there is certainly no guarantee the ball will be hit on the ground. If the ball is hit in the air, the runner at 3B has a very difficult read.

The contact play is a very aggressive baserunning read at 3B. It is usually given with 1 out with the hope of scoring on a ground ball. The reason it's so aggressive is the batter literally crosses over once the ball is hit. His hope is that the ball is hit on the ground so he has a big jump on the play at home plate.

Sometimes, however, the ball is hit in the air. Now, if the ball is deep enough, the baserunner should have plenty of time to get back negating the initial aggressive movement home. But, if the ball is hit hard enough and directly at an outfielder the runner at 3B has a very challenging read. Here is what he must do.

He must cross over once the ball is hit, hit the brakes as soon as he recognizes that the ball has some lift to it. He then needs to sprint back to the bag to tag. This getting back to the bag could occur simultaneusly with the outfielder catching the ball. Once the ball is caught then he races home.

It's a lot happening in a very brief amount of time.

It seems easy enough but when amateur players practice the contact play they sometimes neglect the idea that they might have to scamper back to 3B very, very quickly if the ball is hit in the air.

Runner at 2B, 2 outs(change your cuts?)

With a runner at 2B and 2 outs, should you give thought to changing your cut procedures?

Usually when a single is hit to the outfield with a runner on 2B the 1B hustles in to be the cutoff man in every opportunity that he can make it. There are times when the 3B has to be the cutoff man but in most instances the 1B serves the role of cut man.

I'm suggesting that with 2 outs, the 3B should be that person. Here's why.

Most times the runner is sent home with 2 outs on a single. At least he should be. Well, if the runner is sent home why do you need the 3B holding his ground at 3B. The reason he is there is in case the cut man wants to snap throw behind the runner who is taking a big turn only to hit the brakes and try and retreat. If he is not retreating, why not make the 3B useful?

On another note. The runner with 2 outs is usually running into an out for a run. He rounds 1B hoping to have the cutoff man cut the ball. If the 1B is the cutoff man and no one rotates in behind the runner rounding 1B then he can usually get back even after the ball is cutoff. If the 3B is the cutoff man the 1B is there anchoring down the bag the batter/runner is attempting to get back to.

In both thought processes it makes sense to have the 3B be the cut man with 2 outs.

Should you teach how to get hit by a pitch?

If a batter is willing to stand in and get hit by a pitch, it improves his chances dramatically of scoring- the ultimate goal for a batter. So, if ones chances are improved by getting hit by a pitch, shouldn't you teach it.

I think so.

Here's how.

The first thing that batters need to understand is that they should turn away from the pitch with their back rather than opening up to the pitch with their chest. If you are preparing to drive a baseball and the ball comes in on you, you want to turn your back but hold your ground. It will only hurt for a little while and you'll be on first base.

Now, it must be practiced and I certainly suggest using tennis balls to practice this technique.

The other thing to be aware of is if you are a power hitter you may not be so inclined to use this technique. Let's be realistic here. That singles hitter should probably try and get on base a lot more than a guy that can "catch a gap."

I would like to see more coaches teach the idea of getting hit by a pitch. If for nothing else, for safety.

The "slash"- when to use it.

The slash or fake bunt and hit is a fundamental offensive baseball play. But, when to use the slash is often misunderstood. Here is when it should be used.

The slash should be used when the opportunity to hit the ball through a rotated infield is at its highest. More than likely, what this means is that the shortstop and the 2B have moved to a corner position and there is a very good chance that a swing will hit a ground ball through a vacated area.

In almost every instance it is when there are runners on 1st and 2nd. In this situation, the SS and the 2B could be moving to another base. This would allow the middle of the field to open up providing an opportunity to shoot the ball through an area.

Another instance where you could do it is if you have a runner on 1st and you start him in a "hit and run" scenario. In this scenario, one of those infielders must leave his position and cover the bag. This makes for some more holes for the hitter.

The one situation that the slash should not be used but is used by novice baseball people is when there is just a runner on 1st. Some coaches think that if the 3B moves close to the batter to take the bunt away that a slash could be in order. Here's the problem with this thinking. The middle infielders could still be in double play depth. The last thing you would want to do is hit a routine ground ball that results in a double play simply because the 3B crashed. I mean, just bunt the ball to the 1B if the 3B crashes.

Simply put, the slash should only be used if you anticipate the middle infielders moving out of position. Typically you see it in 1st and 2nd or 1st w/ a runner moving.

Pop up to shallow center. Man on 1st.(< 2 outs)

The ball that goes up in the "bermuda triangle" in front of the centerfielder and beyond the middle infielders can cause some potential problems. But, if the ball does land, there is a chance of still recording an out. But, only if the pitcher knows his responsibility.

So many times, the only place the pitcher is trained to go is to back up a base. Here is an instance where he is so much more than a backup. He must be the player on the base. At least, it's the easiest rotation system to use.

If the pitcher does not go and anchor down 2B, then a ball that lands safely will surely be a hit. But, if one of the three players that is around the ball can gather it up quickly, there might be an opportunity for an out.

The runner can not sprint to 2B right away. He'll try and go as close to the bag as he can and still make it back to 1st if the ball is caught. If the ball lands safely and the defense can pick it up quickly there will be a bang bang play at 2B if the pitcher is where he should be. Which is standing on the 2B bag!

It needs rehearsed as it is an unusual play for the pitcher.

Man on 3rd(as much as the 3B gives you)

As a runner on 3B, your lead is simply "as much as the 3B gives you." What this means is your distance from the bag is determined by how far away the 3B is when the pitcher assumes the stretch.

This is a very important concept with the "contact" play on. When the contact play is on you want to try and get as much as you can. Therefore, when the 3B plays away from the bag with 1 out he is allowing the runner at 3B to get more of a lead than he probably should.

The distance that you lead off the bag is determined directly by the 3B. Understanding this concept allows you to understand when and when you can't get sizeable leads.

One other thing to note: With a lefthanded pitcher you can be more liberal taking your primary lead. A lefty seldom snap throws over to 3B to try and record an out.

Man on 1st (0 outs); offensive minded.

When a runner gets to 1B to lead off an inning, it literally becomes a chess match as to what should occur next.

The possibilities seem endless. However, usually a decision is made that simply comes down to this premise. Am I willing to give up an out to advance the runner to 2nd base? If the answer is yes, then your choice will involve asking the batter to execute a sign of some sort.

If the answer is no, the batter will have every opportunity to get a hit for himself.

Let's investigate the options a little closer.

If you want to advance the runner, you will give the batter the sacrifice bunt or a hit and run concept. There are many different hit and run ideas(slash and run, bunt and run) but the idea is the same. You wish the batter to do something that results in the runner advancing to 2B while at the least producing an out. This idea usually means that there are offensive players behind the battter that are capable of producing a run. This is a conservative approach to baseball.

If you aren't willing to advance the runner by giving up the out, the batter will free swing or the runner may straight steal. This is the more aggressive strategy when it comes to a man on 1st, 0 outs baseball.

It's interesting to note that studies have revealed that the chances of scoring a run with a man on 1st and 0 outs is the same as a man on 2B and 1 out. HMMMMM!

Which pitch is the hardest for the catcher to block?

Fastball, curveball, slider, changeup, split, knuckleball. Which one of these pitches is the hardest to block? You might think it would be the pitch that has the most spin. I mean, isn't it logical to think that pitch would be the hardest to keep relatively close to the catcher when it hits the dirt. Well, it is true that the curveball (top spin) and the slider will move opposite of the ball flight once they hit the dirt. However, in the grand scheme of things, this doesn't quite make the list of level of difficulty for catchers who are blocking pitches.

The fastball is undeniably the hardest pitch for a catcher to block. Here's why.

When a catcher calls for an offspeed pitch he thinks this ball might be in the dirt. He is mentally prepared to block the ball. Regardless of the spin that the ball has, the catcher is able to handle it because he is anticipating it. However, when the catcher puts down the #1 he fully expects the ball to be thrown in the air. This expectation makes the fastball the hardest pitch to block.

The ball gets on the catcher the quickest and often times without the proper anticipation.

2B, do you practice this double play ball?

So often when fungoes are hit the 2B works on his underhand flips, his jump turn feeds and a variety of other feeds to the SS. Very rarely do you see the 2B work on the charge ball that requires a potential tag of the runner.

Runners are taught to not get tagged out on batted balls. With a runner on 1st and less than two outs a double play is in order. So, when a ground ball is hit to the 2B that requires him to charge the ball there might be an opportunity to still turn a double play. Here's what I'm talking about.

The 2B attacks the ball and the runner is closing in on him too. He picks it up with hopes of applying the tag. However, the runner stops and doesn't allow a tag to occur. The 2B should then begin chasing the runner back to 1B but not continue to chase the tag. The chase the runner is to drive him further away from 2B. When the 2B has the runner retreating from 2B he should throw to 1B to record the 1st out and then a rundown will ensue for the 2nd out.

It is an unconventional double play but certainly one that happens to occur. I believe instinct would have the 2B throw to the SS in this situation because it is the normal way in which to record the 1st out in a double play.

This method is certainly the exception rather than the rule but one that should be shown to 2B during fungo work.

Lead runner at 2nd, fly ball to left field.

When a lead runner is on 2nd base and a fly ball is hit to left field, how should the runner react? The answer is it depends on how many outs, the flight of the ball and the arm strength of the left fielder. Let's detail the situation.

In all cases on a fly ball to left field you should instantly walk with the ball as it is hit. If the ball is a double down the line you don't want to be heading back to the bag to tag and not be able to score. The decision must be made when you realize that a catch is more than likely going to happen. Otherwise, you walk with the fly ball and if the outfielder makes an amazing catch you might be able to scamper back and tag. Here are the decisions when you realize an out will be made.

0 outs, batted ball: With nobody out the runner is definitely thinking he wants to advance to 3B. Getting to 3B with 1 out is a priority in baseball strategy. Therefore, on a fly ball to leftfield, it is imperative that you fully understand the number of outs when the ball was hit. If you believe that you can advance to 3B here because of the aforementioned reasons you should try and make it. Being aggressive with 1 out heading into 3B is sound logic.

1 out, batted ball: With 1 out, you walk with the fly ball hit to leftfield. If the ball is caught you simply retreat and stay at 2B with 2 outs. There might be some solid logic in trying to advance on a ball hit in the left center gap if you can create a 1st and 3rd situation. Otherwise, stay at 2B with 2 outs. A hit will score you anyway.

When a runner gets to 2B, I yell "know your rules." These should be some basics of knowing your rules.

The safety squeeze read at 3B.

When the safety squeeze is given, the runner at 3B better have a good idea of what he needs to see in order to advance. The safety squeeze is inherently less risky than a suicide squeeze for the simple fact that the runner at 3B doesn't start sprinting home when the pitcher begins his delivery. However, the runner at 3B doesn't just sprint home when the ball is bunted. He must know what he should look for and make a very educated decision.

If the ball is bunted directly back to the pitcher or to the catcher there is a very good chance that the runner will not score from 3B. If the ball is fielded by either the 1B or the 3B, the chance that the bunt will score the run goes up dramatically. Here are the two options.

A) The 3B fields the ball. This is easily the harder of the two reads. If the 3B is back then the read is easier. The ball will get bunted in the direction of the 3B and the runner at 3B could simply sprint home and score. If the 3B is even with the bag, the fun begins. The runner at 3B needs to read the speed of the ball and make a proper decison if he can beat the throw home. Also, if the 3B fields the ball and the SS doesn't anchor the bag down from behind, the runner can advance towards home plate without the the threat of anyone rotating in behind. This would be a "break" play when the 3B cocks his arm to throw the batter/runner out. This is definitely the toughest read because the angle is harder to see when the bunt comes directly at the runner.

B) The 1B fields the ball. This option is definitely easier. The runner at 3B can start sprinting home when he sees the speed of the bunt directed at the 1B. The read is easier because you see the full flight of the ball as it moves away from home plate.

I like the safety squeeze because it puts a lot of pressure on the defense to make the proper rotation. However, if the batter makes a bunt back to the pitcher it can look awfully embarrassing.

The first pitch

It has been said many times that the best pitch in baseball is strike one. Therefore, why aren't more pitchers simply grooving the ball right down the middle to get ahead with strike one? Well, it's never quite as easy as it sounds. Here's what goes into deciding what pitch to throw.

Obviously, if we knew the batter was taking a pitch, a fastball down the middle would be just what the doctor ordered. But, that's not the way it works. The hitter has the ability to swing at strike one. Thus, making what would be strike one a potential BLAST. That wouldn't be good so pitchers start doubting the efficacy of throwing a fastball near the strike zone.

I'm now going to make an assumption. I'm going to assume that the pitcher on the mound has a second pitch (usually a breaking ball of some sort) that he can throw for a strike. This pitch usually is thrown with less accuracy. It also happens to be a harder pitch to hit at amateur levels simply because amateur hitters don't see it enough. So, the debate! Throw the pitch you can control that risks getting hit or the pitch you can't control that won't get hit.

This concept separates the better high school pitchers from the very average pitchers. A strike one with the breaking ball is a devastating pitch in high school baseball. If you can do it, you're ahead of the game as the hitter simply can't look for any pitch.

Now, if you can't throw a curveball for strike one, I contend you should throw a fastball and the hell with the consequences. Here's why.

1) The batter might be taking. Many batters take the first pitch.

2) There is no guarantee he will hit it for a base hit.

3) Throwing a fastball on the first pitch for a ball opens up more options than throwing a curveball for a ball. Most high school hitters after taking a fastball for a ball still have that curveball in the back of their mind. Most high school hitters that take a curveball for a ball will eliminate the pitch and will now be sitting "dead red."

This #3 concept is a very overlooked part of first pitch pitching. An opening curveball for ball one puts the hitter in a very favorable position to look for that fastball. A fastball for ball one simply says I missed but you haven't seen my second pitch yet. In the back of his mind it's still there.

I would love to see the stats on this concept. Opponents batting averages with a 1st pitch curveball for a ball vs. a 1st pitch fastball for a ball.

"If you're going to run 3-2, run 2-2?"

This is a traditional baseball saying. The premise is that if you are thinking about starting a runner with a 3-2 count, then you ought to send him with a 2-2 count. If only it were that easy.

The thinking here is that the batter will have two strikes regardless of the count. Therefore, he will be swinging at strikes. You would hate to see a double play occur on the 2-2 pitch if you were waiting until the 3-2 pitch to start the runner. So, start the runner in that 2-2 count one pitch earlier and avoid the double play. Furthermore, conventional baseball thinking assumes that the 2-2 pitch and the 3-2 pitch will be the same pitch.

There is a problem with this logic, however. The problem is "what if the pitcher throws a ball?" If the batter takes ball three and the batter gets thrown out then all is lost. Is it worth the risk of ball three to have the runner thrown out?

Other issues exist with this logic as well. The runner in the 2-2 count would be straight stealing. There would be no other way to see this. He must try and get a jump because of the ball factor. Also, you wouldn't give the batter a hit and run because you wouldn't want him chasing strike 3 just to protect the runner. So, the runner is thinking steal the bag. maybe if you think a breaking ball is coming this isn't a bad thought. But, the coach must be cognizant of the running "mechanics."

With the 3-2 count, the runner will be executing a "hit and run" principle. He doesn't need a great jump. The hitter will hopefully be protecting him or taking ball 4. In either case, a great jump isn't imperative.

Something to consider the next time you hear a baseball analyst discuss this philosophy.

When should you drop foul balls?

Is there a time to drop foul balls? Is that time so predictable that you can teach an exact moment or is it something that is instinctive to an outfielder?

I believe it is a combination of both. But, it is certainly something that can be expressed to outfielders as to when they should consider doing so.

I belive that when the infield comes to an "in position" the outfielders need to be aware of possibly dropping foul balls. If the coach feels that the infield in is a necessary option than the coach believes that cutting that run down is a legitimate strategy. Therefore, on a foul ball that might score the runner at 3B, the outfielder must give some thought to dropping the ball.

If the infield is in, the coach is playing to prevent that run from scoring.

If the ball is caught in foul territory and the runner from 3B can tag and score, then the objective is not met. A run has scored despite an out being recorded.

My premise is that when the infield comes in an outfielder should then have this thought cross his mind. If the ball is shallow enough where he believes he can catch it and still throw the runner out he should go for it. If the ball is too deep where he can't keep him at 3B he should drop the ball intentionally.

The "pitchout" mechanics

If you are a team that uses the pitchout, you better be a team that teaches how to "pitchout."

Here is how you do it.

The first thing that can affect the success of the pitchout is the manner in which the pitcher delivers the ball to home plate. The pitcher must not be too quick but quick enough to give the catcher a chance at throwing the runner out. In other words, the pitcher should absolutely not slide step. The last thing you want is the pitcher being the reason that a runner doesn't run. If you're throwing an intentional ball, you want an out opportunity. Therefore, the pitcher needs to give the runner the impression that he can run. Quick to the plate but not quick enough to deter the runner from getting a good jump in his mind.

Now for the catcher.

The manner in which the catcher approaches the ball depends on whether the hitter is righthanded or lefthanded.

If the hitter is a righty, the catcher has a 4 step movement to throw the runner out at 2nd base. The first move he'll make is a step out with his right foot. Then he'll gain a lot of ground by meeting the ball with his left foot. This move is essential. He has got to move forward in the direction of 2nd base to shorten his throw. The basic premise of the pitchout is to make the catcher's time much better. Nothing quickens the catcher's time like a shorter throw. Once the ball is received the footwork is the same for the catcher. RIGHT, LEFT AND FIRE!

If the hitter is a lefty, the catcher has a 3 step movement to throw the runner out. His step out move and gain ground move can be made in the same step. The left foot will clear and gain ground simultaneously. When the ball is received it again becomes RIGHT, LEFT AND FIRE!

Again, the major tenet in understanding the pitchout is repping it enough so the catcher leaves his position on time(don't want a catcher's balk) and gains enough ground to make the pitchout effective.

Sliding head first into 1st base.

You see this maneuver many times in a season and yet it seems someone always says "you should never slide head first into 1st base." So, why is it still being done? Why do baseball players still dive into 1st base when the risk of injury is great. Furthermore, why do players dive when you move faster sprinting then diving. Are these players just morons or is there a practical reason to do this?

Well there is a reason but I don't believe it outweighs the risks.

Ostensibly, the dive into the bag is done to avoid the 1B's tag. The 1B moves off the bag to receive the errant throw. When the 1B comes off the bag, he will be looking for a runner to tag. The play is designed to remove that tag opportunity away from the 1B. If you see the 1B come off the bag, dive to avoid him.

But, in order to hold anyone acocuntable for such a play you have to practice this play. Is it really worth having players run full speed down the baseline and dive into the bag while reading the 1B in the process?

Sorry, I don't see it. It's just not worth the risk.

Pitcher wiping to a sign?

When a pitcher doesn't agree with the pitch that his catcher puts down there are a variety of ways he can say "no thanks." One of those ways is the more unconventional method and it involves wiping to a new pitch.

Here's how it works.

When the pitcher looks in and doesn't like his sign, he can choose to add or subtract from that sign by wiping his shirt or wiping his pants. If he wipes his shirt he is adding to the sign. If he wipes his pants, he is subtracting from the sign. Here is an example of how this works. Pitcher is pitching out of the stretch and wants to throw a changeup (4- or wiggle). The catcher, however, drops the number 2. Instead of the pitcher shaking and waiting for the catcher to drop the sign, the pitcher can add 2 by wiping to times to above his belt. The catcher simply adds two to his number two he dropped and then expects the changeup. The same could be done by subtracting if you wipe below the belt.

Why would this alternative be preferred over the more conventional method? Simply put, it speeds the process up.

Pitchers like to work quickly and this method can sometimes make things a little quicker.

This is definitely something that could be considered to have a pitcher work faster.

Where do you hit your "worst hitter?"

The debate about where your worst hitter should hit revolves around hitting them either 8th or 9th.

For years, the worst hitter hit in the 9th spot in national league lineups. That is to say, the pitcher assumed the last spot in the order and it was done this way across the board. However, just recently, Tony LaRussa has experimented with hitting the pitcher 8th. It brings up a great debate among baseball people.

I believe the most salient point in the argument revolves around this idea- "Do you expect your late hitters to be run producers OR table setters."

If you believe the inning still can be salvaged down in the bottom of the order, then your worst hitter should reside in the ninth spot. Move him as far down as he can so you simply have more opportunities to drive in runs.

If you believe that the majority of your runs are driven in by your 3,4,5 hitters then it would go to reason that the 8th hitter should be your worst hitter. This way, your 9th hitter has a better opportunity to get himself on base so he can be driven in by a better hitter.

Where do I stand on the issue? I believe that the worst hitter should hit in the 8th spot. If that spot comes up in a crucial situation you can always pinch hit for him. However, most runs are scored as a result of your better hitters driving the runner in. Why not have the 9th hitter be a table setter rather than an automatic out?

I like LaRussa's idea.

1st and 3rd. 3-2 count. 1 out

This situation is a very specific situation that must be given some attention if you truly understand how the offensive game of baseball is managed.

In this situation the manager must make a decision. Do I start the runner to avoid a conventional ground ball double play? In doing so, do I risk a strike 'em out throw 'em out double play? Well, yes! That's the fun of decision making.

But, in this situation there might be an opportunity to "save the play" if you're batter strikes out after you put the runner in motion.

Trail runners in a 1st and 3rd scenario should not be able to get a big jump. There is simply too much of a fake to 3rd opportunity. Therefore, if you start the runner and the batter strikes out (out number 2) you definitely run the risk of the runner being thrown out to end the inning. Meanwhile, that runner on 3rd is stranded with no opportunity to score.

Here's what you can do.

You can communicate to the trail runner with a signal that says if the batter strikes out, you stop short of 2B. When the catcher comes up to throw the runner out at 2B the lead runner will take off when the catcher demonstrates his intent to throw. The lead runner will then have a jump on the play and the trail runner will not allow the middle infielder an opportunty to tag him before that run scores.

The play is specific to this exact situation. You do not want an inning to end with a runner at 3B without some attempt made to score him. When we give this sign we want the trail runner to think "stop, if strike 3."

I witnessed the Yankees actually execute this same play against the Cleveland Indians in the AL playoffs many years ago.

Should the batter protect the runner on a straight steal?

When stealing 2nd base a point of contention exists as to whether or not you should have the batter protect the baserunner. Should the batter swing and miss intentionally to keep the catcher back and give the baserunner a better chance at stealing 2B?

There are two issues that must be weighed when making this decision.

A) Does the catcher have a slower time to 2B because the batter swung and missed?

B) If the answer to question A is yes, does it merit giving the batter an extra strike to hit with?

As for question A, I do not believe that it delays the catchers throw. A competent catcher receives the ball at the same time in the timing sequence and makes a throw to 2B regardless of whether the batter swung and missed or not. Therefore, my thinking makes letter B irrelevant. However, I'm certainly willing to concede that some coaches believe it does. Thus, making letter B a relevant discussion point.

If, in fact, swinging and missing delays the catcher, is it worth giving the batter an extra strike? I suppose it depends on the batter. Some hitters function perfectly ok with an extra strike while others become very inept in pitchers counts.

In general, I think it is overcoaching to ask a hitter to protect a baserunner who is attempting to steal 2B. They may be times when the concept applies but in general I think I would much rather my baserunner steal 2B independent of my batter swinging and missing to try and protect him.

Now, if you're having the batter do something that confuses who covers 2B. That's worth my while.