Friday, November 23, 2007

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.

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