Managing your timeouts

Every manager in amateur baseball is entitled to timeouts throughout the course of a game. Yet, many refuse to take all their necessary opportunities. The timeout doesn't always need to be taken when things are bleak or your pitcher is struggling. The timeout can be used to explain something offesnively or defensively that is considered important.

I get insensed with managers who refuse to use these built in advantages for the betterment of the team. You are permitted 3 "free" defensive trips to the mound throughout the course of the game. In other words, you can call time out 3 times at any time and discuss whatever it is that you would like. You want to discuss a bunt situation? Go for it. You want to discuss an infield in situation? Go for it. You want to discuss a no doubles situation? Go for it. It doesn't always need to be screamed from the dugout. And, it doesn't always need to be done on the pitcher's mound.

Offensively, you are permitted one conference per inning. Doesn't it make sense to consider using these as often as possible. If you need to express to a batter what you might like him to do once he reaches base- perfect opportunity. You may want to discuss with a batter what you believe the catcher's signs are at 2B(obvious if he is at 2B?) You may want to discuss with the runner on 1B what you would like to see happen. You may call an offensive timeout and express your views.

From my standpoint, I think it needs to occur a whole lot more often than I see.

Something to consider.