Friday, August 31, 2007

The fake bunt

Batters showing bunt but intentionally pulling back have a definite place in the game of baseball. Some of the times are obvious and some not so obvious.

The biggest reason that batters fake the bunt is to confuse coverage for an infielder covering the base of a would be base stealer. A very important point of note is that the fake must be a late square. The batter should not square early and then take the pitch. The fake bunts effectiveness is predicated on the lateness of the infielders seeing it.

If a man is on 1st and steals 2nd base, there is a good chance that the 2B will be covering the bag. The fake bunt confuses the 2B because the 2B would also have the 1B bag. Therefore, his hesitation would cause the bag to be uncovered. At least, that's the idea of the fake bunt. Understand that this play is usually done with a right handed batter only because typically the SS would cover with a lefty hitter causing no confusion on a fake bunt.

A batter could also fake the bunt when a runner steals 3B too. It happens less because often times a direct sign isn't given for the runner to steal 3rd base so it can be a surprise for the hitter too. But, certainly if he knows it's coming showing a bunt could draw a 3B in a little too far for bag coverage.

Faking the bunt is designed distinctly for confusing defenses. Only well prepared defenses defend this correctly.

Thursday, August 30, 2007

When to use the pitchout on the squeeze?

First things first- if a team doesn't have a way of communicating the pitchout they are poorly prepared. Quite frankly it is an absolute necessity in order to stop various plays. The most important of which is the suicide squeeze.

When to call a pitchout is a skillful art employed by managers? There are of course some insights into when is a good time to call a pitchout with the squeeze a possibility. Usually the bases are not loaded. When the bases are loaded it becomes a force at home plate. Not a great time to squeeze. With a runner at 3rd that is not forced the squeeze becomes a possibility (of course, less than 2 outs). I believe most managers choose to squeeze with 1 out rather than 0 outs. The thinking is mostly that you could be running out of chances and you want to capitalize before the opportunity fades. Some managers prefer to squeeze against a lefthander on the mound because he doesn't observe the runner breaking as quickly. The last and possibly most important aspect is the ability of the hitter. Managers certainly try and force the issue with weak hitting players.

In review, the pitchout is the true defense mechanism against the suicide squeeze. Short of stealing the signs of the opposing team, knowing when it might be a possibility is an essential to better game coaching.

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

A 1st and 3rd play to steal 2nd

This play is designed for high school baseball and up. It is an offensive play designed for teams that have a fairly strong armed catcher. Most defensive teams at levels below high school don't have the arm strength to throw a runner out at 3B, so they don't need to use a gimmick offensive play to steal 2B. Nonetheless, here is the play.

The runner at 3B bluffs a suicide squeeze. He simply runs down the line as the ball is being thrown, hits the breaks and retreats. The batter squares to bunt like the suicide is on and pulls back at the last second. The catcher thinking that he might have a play at 3B looks at 3B only to find the runner retreating. The man on 1st has just stolen 2B.

It is not a very aggressive 1st and 3rd play as the more aggressive plays allow a runner to score. However, if you are unaware of a defensive teams intentions and would like to eliminate a double play possibility this play exists for you to take advantage of it.

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

When do wild pitches happen?

Many times a team could take advantage of balls that a catcher blocks even if the catcher keeps the ball in front of them. Keeping the ball in front of them should not be enough to stop an advancing runner if the runner anticipates a ball in the dirt. The true art to anticipating this is understanding what counts dirtballs happen in.

The ball in the dirt occurs most often when a pitcher throws a breaking ball of some kind. The curveball or slider can be thrown in any count but the strikeout pitch obviously occurs with two strikes. Therefore, as a runner you should be expecting a ball in the dirt in those 0-2, 1-2 counts. You'll be surprised how many times the pitcher does throw a ball that the catcher is expected to block. If you're aggressive and understand that the catcher must do more than simply keep the ball in front of him there are occassions where you can take the extra base.

0-2 and 1-2 counts. Expect the ball in the dirt and take advantage of it.

Monday, August 27, 2007

When should you steal 3rd base?

What percentage of a teams stolen bases are from stealing 3rd base? Typically a team gets satisfied when they steal 2nd base and become content with a runner in scoring position. However, stealing 3rd base should be a practical part of a teams running game. Here are the times when you should look for it.

1 OUT! This is the time to steal 3rd base. It is one of the basic concepts of running the bases. Get to 3rd base with 1 out as often as possible.

1 LOOKER! If the pitcher is only glancing at you one time then he is pitching in rhythm and for all intents and purposes as forgotten about you. Try to take advantage of this and gain some ground on his one look and steal 3rd base.

A LEFTY ON THE MOUND! Lefthanders typically are slower to the plate. They simply aren't as quick because they have deception on their side with a runner on 1st. However, with a runner on 2nd they have no such advantage and yet they usually are just as slow.

Is the 3rd baseman out of position? Often times a 3B will concede the base. Maybe he is in a deep position and wants to knock all balls down. If this is the case you can take the bag. This is usually a 2 out situation so if you go you better be safe.

After a steal of 2nd or a double. Middle infielders like to take some time to work a runner. Don't let them have the time. If you get to second think third right away. CAUTION- THIS THINKING IS RESERVED FOR THE BASE STEALERS!

Sunday, August 26, 2007

Rounding 3rd base

It seems simple, you either score or you don't. The 3B coach waves you home or he keeps you at 3B. However, some deft maneuvering can yield some good results with a combination of both. It is seldom taught and might even fall under the "instinct" category but I've seen a JV baseball coach teach it with success. Furthermore, I witnessed it in a big league baseball game this '07 season.

Here it is. Typically the play happens with a single to left field with a runner on 2nd base. Why this scenario? Because in this scenario the 3B becomes the cut man and a slow rotating shortstop becomes the guy we take advantage of. As the leftfielder fields the ball the runner coming to 3B probably didn't get a great jump because the ball was hit in front of him on the ground. As the leftfielder observes the runner isn't going home he sometimes flips it to the SS who should be at 3B anchoring the runner down. The runner realizing there is no urgency and there is no one behind him shuffles down the line towards home plate. The runner as soon as he sees the shortstop drop his head to run the ball into the infield sprints home. A stolen run indeed!

The key to the play is the inability of the shortstop to rotate in behind the rounding runner. The 3B coach should be able to alert the runner that there is no one behind him and he should open up and shuffle to see what is happening. Although this is probably the most often occuring manner in which you could steal a run there are certainly some other opportunities worth exploiting.

Quite simply it is taking advantage of the defense not being in position or not being alert. When rounding the bag (especially when a SS hasn't rotated over in behind you at 3B) think score as long as possible. The runners attentiveness coupled with the fielders complacency could yield a run.

Don't assume the play is over despite the infielder thinking that it might be.

Saturday, August 25, 2007

How hitter's get themselves out often

It's one thing if the pitcher is just better than you. But, if you are the pitcher's equal you should be able to hit his mistakes when they come. However, so many times hitters get themselves out with the wrong approach at the plate.

Here's the situation. A pitcher has a good curveball and you know it. He throws it to you on the first pitch and you take it for strike one. You think to yourself, "wow, that's a good pitch. I better look for that one." WHY? Most hitters don't want to hit the curveball. They grow up hitting the fastball and that is what most hitters would prefer to hit. The key here is you don't have to hit every pitch well. You just have to hit one pitch well. Just because a pitcher has a good curveball doesn't mean you have to buckle down and hit the pitch. Maintain a solid approach and continue to look for that fastball that he will eventually throw you. If he doesn't throw it to you, learn to adjust to the curveball and quite possibly learn to take the curveball. Many hitters chase the curveball out of the zone and perpetuate the bad counts and then they continue to get that same curveball.

Summary- If a hitter looks curveball he's more than likely looking for his weakness. Now, the fastball that is his strength is also a weakness because he is not looking for it. This makes every pitch a weakness. Result equals bad hitter!

Solution- Don't give up your strength even though the pitcher has a tough pitch. He might throw you your strength and you better be prepared to hit it.

Friday, August 24, 2007

What should a base stealer focus on?

What does a base stealer look at when getting his lead? The most important element to being a good base stealer is being relaxed. No one can go at their fastest speed when they are tense. Therefore, whatever they look at needs to promote a relaxed feel. Usually a general focus is much better than a very specific focus for relaxation.

Runners should have a general soft focus on the front shoulder "area" of a right handed pitcher. This will allow the runner to see a broader area and move quickly when the pitcher goes to the plate.

Another very important reason to focus on the front shoulder is the 1st and 3rd move where the pitcher can fake to 3rd base. If the runner is focused on the lower half of a pitchers body, he is extremely vulnerable to the move. At the high school level, many times they have fallen victim to this play for the simple fact that the runner assumed he was going home when he lifted his leg to fake to 3rd. Having a soft focus isn't a guarantee that you won't fall for this move but it certainly helps.

Another reason why a soft focus on the shoulder is the preferred area is the pitchers posssible "balk move." Pitchers can intentionally try and deceive the base runner by using an illegal but seldom called balk move. The pitcher simply twitches his front foot up and then down and spins to 1st base. Once the front heal moves up he should be committed to go home but the little twitch can aid the pitcher in his attempted pickoff.

The best way to eliminate the "balk move" and the fake to 3rd move is to focus on the front left shoulder. Furthermore, it simply promotes a more relaxed feel.

Thursday, August 23, 2007

Lefthanded hitter and baserunner

When a lefthanded hitter enters the box, some interesting dynamics can take place between the catcher and the runner. Both players can take advantage of the fact that the other is blocked off from a direct view. In other words, a game of peek-a-boo can take place. Let's look into how both players can take advantage of the situation.

From the runner's perspective, not seeing the catcher is advantageous becuase of the steal element. Many times when a runner takes off the 1B must alert the catcher that he is running by yelling "runner." Well, the baserunner can fake a steal to incite that runner call. What this does is it creates movement with the middle infielders and it makes the catcher move out of position a litte early. Both of these early movements can be an advantage for the offensive team. Furthermore, if the runner does the fake steal enough, the 1B invariably is late when the runner actually does run.

From the catcher's perspective, he has an opportunity to pick the runner off of 1st with a snap throw in behind. The runner takes a secondary lead and because he can't see the catcher he can get complacent. If the runner desn't return promptly to the bag he is very vulnerable to a snap throw from the catcher.

This is one example of a classic "game within the game". Knowing the situation and what it can provide is imperative to gaining an edge. The fake steal and the catcher snap throw happen most often with the lefthanded hitter in the box.

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

The intentional walk (conventional and not conventional)

The concept of the intentional walk is an interesting one. Give someone a base without attempting to put them out. Therefore, something must be gained by giving the opposing team a free base.

The obvious times to issue a free pass are if there is a runner on 2nd base only and a teams best hitter comes to the plate. This is almost the no-brainer. There is an "open base" and you only need to record one more out. Put the best hitter on the team on base and work against the next hitter. A little more confusing is when the lead runner is not one 2nd base. Are you willing to create a 1st and 3rd scenario and risk and steal? What if the runners are at 2nd and 3rd? Are you willing to walk the bases loaded? Every coach has their own opinion. I am of the opinion to never let the best hitter beat you late in the game. Therefore, I intentionally walk the best batter in the aforementioned scenarios on most occasions.

Now, it gets a little more confusing if the best hitter comes up and 1st base isn't open. Are you willing to move a runner into scoring position and give a batter 1st base. Many managers would even invite a runner to steal 2nd base so the intentional walk is a viable option. Honestly, if you're willing to concede 2nd on a steal, why not intentionally walk a batter and create the situation you desire. It's unconventional but certainly has merit.

A common intentional walk occurs during a sacrifice bunt sequence. Teams often sacrifice a runner to 2nd base with 1 out. Following the sacrifice, many teams will choose to intentionally walk the next batter to set up a double play. This is the second most often occuring reason the intentional walk is given- to set up a double play.

Would you ever intentionally walk a run in? I think there are situations that exist that make this a feasible option. Let's say you're winning 5-3 late in the game. Bases are loaded and the best hitter comes to the plate. I suggest an intentional walk isn't a bad thought. Putting the batter on 1st creates a 5-4 game but it prevents the best hitter from getting a shot at tying the game. It's ok to move the go ahead run into scoring position if you're playing to win the game. Face another hitter and make him beat you rather than have the best hitter take his hacks.

You very seldom see this unconventional thinking, but at the high school level, I like the idea.

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

What infield depth should mean to a 3B coach?

Infielders can position themselves in a variety of different positions to defend ground balls WITH A RUNNER ON 3RD BASE. The primary positions are "in", "1/2 way or double play depth, "corners in" and "back". There are certainly different variations to these four but these are the basic ones.

If the infield is in, the 3B coach should be aware that they are attempting to prevent the runner at 3B from scoring. The infield often plays this way without a double play opportunity or if the runner at 3B is critical to the games outcome. In most cases, the 3B coach should keep the runner at 3B on groundballs. Exceptions to this rule are aggressive ones. With 1 out, a 3B coach might be more aggressive on sending his runner despite the infields "in" position.

If the infield is playing half way, then they will be reading the speed of the hit and deciding who to go after on ground balls. Hard hit balls give them an opportunity at the plate while slow hit balls should go to 1B. I like the "contact" play on this depth.

When the corners are in, the safety squeeze becomes less of an option. Also, the primary read in this situation is score on all ground balls up the middle. If the ball gets by the pitcher on the ground the runner at 3B should break because the middle infielders are conceding the run.

The final depth is back. This is the easiest read. The infield is conceding the run. Therefore, the contact play is a definite. Send the runner on all balls hit on the ground.

Sometimes, poor coaches will play their infield in when they shouldn't. The infield in should only be employed if you're losing, in a tie game, or winning by a run. It situations other than that there is no need to cut down the runner at 3rd. Sometimes, poor coaches make you rethink your strategy on what to do with the lead runner.

Monday, August 20, 2007

Man on 2nd 2 outs

A very common occuring situation. What should each manager be thinking?

Offensively, you're thinking if I can get a hit to the outfield I should be able to score the runner from second base. Many innings end at the professional level with a runner getting thrown out at home plate. Why? Because they are thinking the same thing. 90% of the time the runner should be sent home becuase you're moving on contact and getting a second consecutive hit just isn't that likely. Also, becuase the runner is likely being sent home the batter should be "running into an out" to score that run. This means that the batter heads to second to entice a cut to guarantee the run. At the big league level, this happens almost every evening in a game. More things to consider. Is the bunt an option? Absolutely. With a weak hitting player up it becomes more of an option. The school of thought at the high levels is don't ask someone else to drive that runner in. However, if the infield is back a bunt can create a 1st and 3rd situation which is a very creative opportunity at lower levels(this includes high school).

Two more points of emphasis offensively. The runner at 2nd should not allow a 3B to tag him out. Therefore, if the ball is hit to the 3B and the runner is off at the crack of the bat, he should stop short of the 3B and allow him to throw to 1B or draw a rundown. Secondly, many times in this scenario the runner at 2B will be sent home on routine groundballs. The idea is that if the runner at 1st is safe, something must have gone terribly wrong(errant throw or dropped ball) so I might as well take advantage and send the runner.

Defensively there are many things that you must consider. First, you know that the offense is trying to score a run so most teams put their defense in a "best range" position where they are as deep as they can be and yet still throw the runner out at 1st. This makes you very vulnerable to the bunt but most teams concede that. Outfielders should be thinking hit your cutoff on basehits. Some higher order thinking has the 3B be the cutoff man on singles in this situation because of how often the runner at 3B is sent home. It allows the 1B to stay home and be involved in a rundown if the batter is running into an out.

One last thing to consider. This "best range" situation should evoke thoughts of the arm fake. If a ground ball is slowly hit and you were deep to start, you might want to consider an arm fake if you can't throw the batter out. Why? The runner at 2nd is moving on contact and might be sent home as mentioned above.

Sunday, August 19, 2007

1st and 2nd double steal

Runners on 1st and 2nd. Classic bunt situation right? Well, actually only with nobody out. However, if there is one out it could very well become a classic double steal situation. It would move the lead runner to 3rd base so he could score on a sac fly or a contact play and it would eliminate the double play possibility. The issue becomes it both runners take off who do you throw out?

The trail runner is taught to make sure the lead runner goes. That means he will certainly get a late jump. It might be very advantageous to throw out the trail runner if in fact he gets a late jump. Here's the problem- how do the infielders know where the catcher is going to throw the ball. Actually, there should be a signal that tells the infielders what runner the catcher is going after. The very last thing you want in this situation is for two infielders to leave their position and the batter shoots one through either hole. The catcher should notify the infielders or simply throw the lead runner out and make sure the middle infielders hold their ground.

Saturday, August 18, 2007

Where to get your lead?

When at 1st base where you take your lead is determined by the pitcher. Is the pitcher right handed or is he lefthanded?

If the pitcher is lefthanded we take our lead in the front of the bag. We do this for two primary reasons. 1st, if the pitcher is throwing to 1st and we are taking a "one way" lead, we will be back in plenty of time. Our positioning in the front of the bag might give us an opportunity to block the 1B from retrieving an errant throw. It is important that the runner anchor down as he returns to 1st. 2nd, we are on the inside in case we steal and the pitcher picks us off. If we are running on the inside lane it puts an emphasis on the 1B to gain ground to make a proper throw. Two very important reasons to be on the front of the base.

If the pitcher is a right hander we take our lead from the back of the bag. This is a very straight forward reason. When we steal we want to slide into the back edge of second base. In order to run in the shortest distance that would require us to run back edge to back edge.

Again, where we take our lead is predicated on what hand the pitcher throws with. If a team doesn't take one way leads and doesn't run on "first lift" then I wouldn't think that this would be a major issue. For our team, it is a major part of our running game.

Friday, August 17, 2007

Hit and run (the ultimate sacrifice)

The hit and run sounds like a very detailed concept that managers put into play to be bold and courageous. In all reality the hit and run is a concept that only the most skilled batsmen can do with great success. For most of the other baseball players, the hit and run is a play that makes them sacrifice their at bat for the betterment of the team.

Let's make something perfectly clear. The hit and run is a glorified bunt. The main objective is to advance a runner. Now, with a sacrifice bunt the batter is not credited with an at bat. Not so with the hit and run. The batter is asked to protect the runner by swinging at almost every pitch and yet he gets credited with an at bat. That doesn't sound like such a good deal.

The hit and run is typically done with a runner on 1st. However, it could also be done with runners on 1st and 2nd (this is when triple plays happen). The batter is told to swing at any pitch as long as it is not in the dirt, it's going to hit you or it's a pitchout. The primary focus should be to hit a simple ground ball so the runner advances. In a perfect world, the ground ball would find a hole. An honest expectation is a simple groundout with a runner advancing. What counts should the hit and run be given?

Advantage counts for the hitter are good counts to hit and run in because the pitcher should be throwing a hittable pitch. Also, remember that this is a glorified bunt so never, never hit and run with two outs and seldom hit and run with 1 out.

It sounds exciting but at lower levels of amateur baseball it can be too difficult for its reward.

Thursday, August 16, 2007

Man on 1st 2 out

Here is baseball situation that seems relatively simple but a lot of things ought to be racing through both the offensive and defensive managers mind here. Let's tackle the offensive managers mind first.

He wants a runner in scoring position so he can score on a single. How do I get him there? Well, if the runner has speed, a straight steal is the easiest option. If he doesn't it gets more complicated. Other ideas to consider are a delayed steal. This is effective if the catcher is lazy in his receiving or his throwing back to the pitcher. Another sign a delayed steal might work is if the middle infielders are not backing up the return throw and just lazily holding their position. Another technique that could allow a runner to move into scoring position is the early break play. Sometimes, pitchers pitch in rhythm. This means they get into a habit of throwing in the same pattern. Slower runners can anticipate this and leave early. It's not that much of a risk if the pitcher has demonstrated that he is a rhythm pitcher.

The manager must weigh the idea that if the runner moves into scoring position does it open up a base for a good hitter. The opposing team might choose to intentionally walk the batter. Also, does the 1st baseman holding the baserunner create a better offensive situation than if he is back and in position. Usually, this applies only if a lefty hitter is up.

Now, for the defensive side. Do I hold the runner or not? Usually you do because you do not want to allow the offense to simply move into scoring position. But, there are situations where it does merit playing behind the runner. Another option to consider here is do you play a "no doubles" defense to try and prevent the runner from scoring all the way from 1st base. This is a solid idea if the runner has wheels at first base. However, if he does steal 2nd you must remember to bring them in to a straight away position. A lot of times, when the count goes full teams neglect a very important element. The 1B must play behind the runner. The only exception here might be if a lefty is pitching so as to keep him from running a split second later. The other thing is you might go to a "no doubles" defense in this count because the runner is off a little earlier.

Lots of things to consider with such a very common occuring baseball situation.

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Outfielders- when not to hit the cutoff.

Hey outfielders, HIT THE CUTOFF MAN! That seems like the battlecry of every coach after the outfielder airmails the cutoff allowing a runner to advance an extra base. In some cases, those extra bases can be very costly as it eliminates a double play or even worse it allows a tying or go ahead run to advance into scoring position.

This is where good coaching should come into play. Outfielders should have a signal that tells them the manager wants ALL THROWS TO SECOND BASE. This doesn't necessarily mean that all throws need to go to the 2B bag but rather to one of the middle infielders.

Situation: Defense is winning 5-3 with a runner on 2nd late in the game. Single to the centerfielder and he comes up attempting to throw the runner out at home. WHY? He is attempting to throw the 4th run out and who cares if he even hits the cutoff man. You have still put undue pressure on the outfielder. What should occur here is a signal that says all throws to second. When the ball is hit to an outfielder they simply concede the run and flip the ball into second base keeping the tying run at 1st base.

Managers should always be a nonverbal signal that communicates this to outfielders. You don't want the opposing 3rd base coach to know that you are doing this but you also need to make sure that your outfielders don't chase unimportant baserunners.

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

Where does the pitcher go after a pickoff?

There are many different ways that a pitcher can pickoff a baserunner. However, regardless of the base or the manner in which a runner is picked off there should be a firm set of rules that a pitcher should live by as to where he should go in the event there is a rundown.

Here is the rule that has very few exceptions. Back up the furthest base in jeopardy but never second base.

In other words, if home is threatened with a runner on 3rd base, the pitcher must be able to back up the catcher regardless if the runner he picked off was at 1st base. A common pickoff could happen in a 1st and 3rd situation where the runner at 1st gets picked off. Quite possibly with a fake to 3rd and back to 1st move. If the runner at 1st is picked off at 1st the pitcher must go 1/2 way between 1st and home and be able to back up either spot. However, if the runner at 3rd breaks and the throw goes home to the catcher, the only true option to back up the catcher is the pitcher.

One exception to the rule that I have found. Let's say you have a pickoff play off of the wheel bunt defense. In this case if you pick the runner off at 2nd base the pitcher should back up 2nd base because the shortstop has already vacated and is standing at 3rd base. It could happen.

Monday, August 13, 2007

Major league managers manage not to lose

There is a saying that teams that play "not to lose" often do lose. Well, there is no better example of managing not to lose as to when starting pitchers are removed from the game by the manager. Next time there is a close game in the 6th to 9th innings watch when the manager goes and yanks the pitcher. A lot of times it has absolutely nothing to do with whether he is tired, or whether the relief pitcher is a better matchup. It simply has evrything to do with - I don't want this pitcher to get the loss.

What kind of thinking is this? I mean you play to win the game and shouldn't the thinking simply be "who gives me the best chance to win the game?"

Not in Major League Baseball. The primary thought often is remove the pitcher prior to him pitching to the go ahead run late in the game so a relief pitcher would earn the loss rather than him. Next time you're watching a game, predict this before it happens and look like a pro in front of your friends.

Sunday, August 12, 2007

The three elements to every pitch

Every pitch that is thrown in a baseball game has three elements attached to it. How fast is the pitch thrown? How much movement did the pitch have? Where did the pitch end up? Of the three, which is the most important? Let's discuss.

All children learn how to throw fastballs before they throw any other pitch. In fact, if you're a pitcher it must mean that you learned over time to throw strikes with your fastball. Regardless of how hard you throw, if you couldn't throw strikes you were removed from the mound. The point I'm making is when throwing the fastball, the most important element is location. If a pitcher can spot his fastball inside, outside, up and down it is an invaluable weapon! I would probably rank the next elements as movement followed lastly by velocity.

The curveball is probably the second most popular pitch. So, what element is important here. Well, if the pitch doesn't move it really wouldn't be called a curveball would it? Actually, a curveball with good "tilt" or break is very effective regardless if it's a strike or not. Many solid hitters chase breakers in the dirt because the pitch appears to be a strike. The breaking ball with excellent tilt is the primary feature you must develop when throwing this pitch.

The changeup's significance is based upon its' velocity. The irony is that it is the slowest pitch in a pitcher's arsenal. However, a change of speed needs to simply be slower that its fastball by at least 8 mph for it to be very effective. I know many coaches stress "same arm speed" and that is important. But, if your change isn't 8 mph off of your fastball it will be hit with more success than the pitcher would like.

To recap, the fastball needs to be located well for maximum effectiveness. The curveball must have good movement for maximum effectiveness. The changeup must have great speed differential for maximum effectiveness.

Saturday, August 11, 2007

Do you notice "bag peekers?"

I truly believe this bad habit develops at the 13 yr. old level and if the coaches that coach that level are not vigilant it can be a difficult habit to break. What am I talking about? As players lead away from 1st base, take note if they look back to see where the bag is located.

This can be a very dangerous habit as an astute catcher can pick you off.

The catcher recognizes that you are bag peeking. He has a pre-determined sign with his pitcher that tells the pitcher to immediately jump and throw to 1st base. As the catcher determines that you are bag peeking and he times his signal the moment you begin to look. By the time you turn around to find the pitcher again, too late! You're out.

Now, it is easier for the righty to do this because of the manner in which he throws to 1st base. However, if a lefty has the step off pick, he can do it also.

Friday, August 10, 2007

Runner goes. Who's got the bag?

When a runner at 1st takes off to 2nd base whether it be a hit and run or a straight steal it is very important as to who covers the bag. And, lets be perfectly clear in understanding that it is only one player that covers the bag. I know many youth coaches ask one to cover and one to back up. Those are the little league days when the player had to wait until the catcher received the ball. So, who has it? The shortstop or the 2B?

OK. What is the situation dictates so much of what happens next. Conventional thinking says right handed batter means the 2B covers the bag. Left handed batter the shortstop covers the bag. That ceratinly makes things consistent. However, at upper levels of baseball there is more that goes into it than just that. Usually, the shortstop and 2B will have a closed mouth "me" and an open mouth "you" signal that they determine on each and every pitch. Complicated? Maybe. Sometimes, I think the conventional method is just as prudent.

Now, if a manager thinks the hit and run might be on and he believes the batter could try and shoot the ball to the opposite field he may "switch coverage" with his middle infielders. Usually, this is done with a right handed batter only as most teams would prefer the shortstop to cover when there is some doubt.

Another sticky coverage issue occurs when the batter shows bunt while the runner is running. If the 2B has bag coverage and the batter squares, doesn't he also have 1B? Well, the way this is resolved is on all shows of bunts- coverage is automatically conferred to the shortstop.

The last thing that needs to be addressed here is when a steal isn't a steal. Man on 1st. 2 out. 3-2 count. Please don't cover the bag when he takes off for 2nd.

I've witnessed so many games where middle infield play is simply neglected when it comes to defending the running game.

Thursday, August 9, 2007

Going 1st to 3rd

Going from 1st base to 3rd base on a batted ball is a skill that must be developed. Many advantages exist if a runner can reach 3rd base rather than settling for 2nd base. However, there are factors that go into a baserunners decision making process.

The first thing that a runner needs to understand is how many outs are there. If there is one out the runner should be very aggressive. If he thinks he has a chance at making it to 3rd base on the base hit he should go for it. 1 out scenarios are "greeen lights" when thinking do I take 3rd base.

The second thing a runner needs to understand is the decision to go to 3rd base should be his decision. I know a lot of youth coaches want there runner to look to the 3rd base coach but that simply slows the process down. The decision is a very quick one and should not be delayed by a 3rd base coach who is processing the same information as the runner. Eliminate the "middle man" and make a prudent quick decision.

There are certainly times that you should attempt to go to 3rd base with 0 or 2 outs. I teach that these times you should only go if you think you can make it standing up. The risk of making a 1st out or a 3rd out at 3rd base simply isn't worth the risk.

Now, here some more variable that go into making this decision. 1) What was the outfielders original depth? 2) What angle is the outfielder taking to the ball? 3) At what speed is the outfielder approaching the ball? 4) What is the arm strength of the outfielder? 5) How fast am I? 6) Am I an important run? This last element speaks to the idea of being late in the game. Maybe the tying run is 4 batters away and it simply doesn't matter whether you are at 2nd or 3rd.

This skill must be practiced so the baserunner gets comfortable making this decision for himself.

Wednesday, August 8, 2007

Catcher communicating to pitcher

The catcher is often seen as the link between the coach and the pitcher. He has an opportunity to communicate to the pitcher through baseball's tradition of "signals." Here is what a catcher should be able to communicate.

First and foremost is the pitch to be thrown. Usually a 1 is a fastball, 2 curveball, 3 slider, wiggle is a changeup or a specialty pitch. If a runner reaches second base the catcher should give multiple signals so the runner can not relay the pitch to the hitter. This is such an egregious error at lower levels of baseball. A pitcher should not deliver a pitch with a runner at 2nd if the catcher drops only one sign. If the catcher does this, he should step off and ask for a new sequence. Typical ways in which to hide the signal is using the second sign, the sign after the two, the first sign , the last sign, the sign that coincides with the number of outs. There are lots of possible ways to relay signals.

The following are ways in which the catcher helps the pitcher thwart the running game. The catcher needs to be able ask the pitcher to throw to 1st in a pickoff attempt. He could also ask the pitcher to hold the ball to create some tension with runners or give the pitcher a slide step signal. The hold and the slide step are designed to prevent a big jump by the basestealer. The catcher should also have an inside move signal if he wants the pitcher to spin in rather than throwing home. The catcher should have a fake to 3rd signal with runners on 1st and 3rd. The last and maybe most important sign is the pitchout. Not only is it effective against hit and runs but it the only legitimate way to defend a suicide squeeze.

The catcher usually doesn't call all of these things on his own. He usually gets help from the bench as to when certain things should be called. But, certainly he has a very direct impact on what the pitcher does on the mound.

Tuesday, August 7, 2007

2nd and 3rd. You're on 2nd.

If you're the trail runner in this situation you better have your "A" game as a baserunner. So many different scenarios dictate what you do as a baserunner. Let's diagnose what you should do with less than two outs.

Scenario #1: The infield is back. This means that they are conceding the run from the 3rd base. It is very important that you know what the lead runner is doing in this situation(The 3rd base coach needs to communicate this through signals). If the lead runner is going on contact, your reads are independent of his. In other words, you advance to 3rd base as if you are the only base runner on base at the time of the batted ball.

Scenario #2: The infield has the corners playing in. You as the runner at 2nd base must again know what the lead runner is doing. If the contact play is on see scenario #1. If the lead runner gets caught in a pickle, usually the trail runner will advance to 3rd base and simply give the lead runner "up for dead." If the lead runner is advancing only on balls hit up the middle then the trail runner should advance on a ball that he can make go behind him. The "sticky" ball is the ball hit to the 1B. This is the one spot where the trail runner can't advance.

Scenario #3" The infield is in. Again, you must know what the lead runner is doing. If the lead runner is making the ball go through then you simply wait until the ball gets through on the ground and advance one base also. If the lead runner is going on contact, you do what he does. We say "you're on a string." Again, if he is caught in a pickle, you'll probably advance to 3rd and give him up for dead.

One last thing, if you're at 2B and the lead runner tags on what appears to be a close play at the plate, it is a good practice for you to tag and advance also. We would rather have the defense "take the bait" and attempt to throw you out instead of our potetial run.

Monday, August 6, 2007

The inside move

The inside move is a move that all pitchers should practice and use on many occassions.

With a runner on 2nd base, the pitcher lifts his leg and spins in the direction of his back leg. The move his inherently designed to be deceptive and yet it is not a balk as long as the front leg lands behind the pitchers rubber.

The move can be very effective if the pitcher suspects that a bunt might be on. In fact this move often preceeds very aggressive bunt defenses as it allows the manager to see if the opposing team squares early and therefore tips their hand.

The inside move is also a very effective move to thwart a steal of 3rd base. When runners attempt to steal 3rd they usually turn to run as the pitcher lifts his leg. This move is used to get would be base stealers caught in no mans land as the pitcher turns to find the runner caught in pickle. This is usually a 1 out situation as the runner is attempting to get to 3rd base with 1 out.

Another manner in which the move should be implemented is when the infield is in a "best range" defense. Man on 2nd, 2 out and the infield is deep to prevent a base hit from scoring that runner. Rather than have the middle infielders jockey the runner, the pitcher should occassionally show an inside move to slow his secondary lead.

The final way in which this move should be used is what a call a "no brainer" move. 1st and 2nd, 3-2 count on the batter and 2 outs. The runners are running on the pitch so why not see if the lead runner has the discipline to make sure the pitcher does in fact throw home.

At the high school level, we pick off on average 5 runners a year because of the inside move. Very effective but it must be practiced.

Sunday, August 5, 2007

Stealing 2nd vs. a lefty

Standard thought is that when a lefty pitches, the running game comes to a screaching halt. It can be too difficult to read the move and therefore not worth the risk to run.

I believe at the high school level it is much easier to steal 2nd base off of a lefty than a righty.

The first reason that it is easier is the fact that leftys usually take more time to deliver the ball to homeplate. They have been trained over years of pitching to lift their leg and deceive the runner at 1st base by creating doubt as to where they are throwing. If the runner takes off an a "first move" or what we call "first lift" then I naturally have a good head start before the pitcher throws to either possible destinations.

If the pitcher throws home the catcher better have a howitzer to even contemplate throwing the runner out.

If the pitcher throws to 1st we are taking advantage of a undertaught concept that must be practiced to have a legitimate chance to throw us out at 2B. The 1B must gain ground towards the pitcher before he receives the ball. If he does not do this he is making a longer throw than necessary and that distance is usually the reason the runner will be safe despite the pitcher "picking him off" at 1st base.

I should also point out that with lefty on the mound our base runners lead off the bag on the inside part so they put even more pressure on the 1B to make an accurate throw.

So, when I hear a lefty is throwing I think "let the race begin."

Saturday, August 4, 2007

Man on 2nd, 0 out

I love this baseball situation. It is certainly a situation in which managers need to make a decision. Do I sacrifice bunt? Do I ask him to try and hit the ball to the right side and advance the runner? Do I ask him to simply swing away?

I'm of the opinion that the sacrifice bunt gives away too many potential opportunities for the offense. In other words, I think I can advance the runner without necessarily giving up the automatic out. I love the bunt for a hit in this situation.

The batter attempts to bunt for a hit and if unsuccesful you have still created a runner on third, 1 out situation. If he is safe you have a 1st and 3rd 0 out situation.

If I choose not to bunt I do not ask my batter to try and hit the ball to the right side. I do not do this because of the manner in which we teach our runners at 2nd to advance to 3B. Our runners are taught to advance to 3B if they can make the ball go behind them, or if the 3B moves in. However, there are some other special ways we can advance and it is because of these ways that I would often eschew the idea of hitting it to the right side.

Here it is- we call it the break play. If the 3B fields a routine ground ball we have our runner break when he "commits" to throwing to 1B. If he arm fakes we are in trouble. But, in this situation where the defensive player has a sure out at first- he won't arm fake. Becuase he'll make the throw to 1st we advance to 3B on a routine ground ball to 3B.

One more note for the very advanced base runner. You can also break on the catcher who must record the out at 1B when a strikeout happens.

With all of these ways to get to 3B it seems defeating to ask a batter to "sacrifice" bunt to achieve that same goal.

Friday, August 3, 2007

The speed of the batter

I think knowing the speed of the batter could be one of the more neglected elements of infield defense. Sure it effects the urgency in which you approach a ground ball to record an out at first base but it can be the primary reason that errors occur at 2nd base.

Here is what I see more often then I would like as a coach.

Man on 1st base with an "A" runner at the plate. Batter hits a ground ball to the SS. The shortstop fields the ball and thinks "Hey, this should be a double play." The problem though is that the runner simply isn't a person that is going to get doubled up. So, the shortstop hurries the throw to the 2B and the 2B tries to make a pivot in a millisecond to record the double play.

Rather than witnessing the near impossible double play, the shortstop either bobbles the routine ground ball or maybe more likely the 2B fumbles the exchange trying to be too quick.

What should happen with situations like this is the SS field the ball routinely and fires to a 2B who should act like a 1B at 2B. The 2B should receive the ball without the idea of relaying the ball back to the 1B. Simply, receive the ball and record one out instead of bringing an error into play.

Thursday, August 2, 2007

Outfield positioning

It's always been a pet peeve of mine to see those worn out patches of grass in little league outfields. Some of that is unavoidable but a lot of that is the outfielders simply not moving the whole time they're in the field.

We talk about a concept called playing the count. This is a general concept we use throughout the course of the game and it always is in effect unless we put a mandatory "no doubles" defense on. In that case, all outfielders should play very deep so nothing goes over their head.

If the hitter is in an advantage count (1-0, 2-1, 3-1) we shade pull side and a little deeper. When the count is disadvantage we shade opposite field and in. A lot of cheap hits can be taken away using this technique.

We also tell our pitchers that if a batter hits a 0-2, 1-2 pitch over the outfielders head you probably shouldn't be looking at the outfielder to blame.

The next time you are at a game try and see if the outfielders are "playing the count."

Wednesday, August 1, 2007

Why let them bunt?

This concept drives me crazy. I can't believe in all the years that baseball has been played that no one(at least anyone recently) has been willing to take the bunt away from National League hitting pitchers.

Here is the situation. Man on 1st , 0 out, and .034 hitting pitcher strides to the plate. Everyone in the park knows he's bunting and yet the defense will still have the 1B hold the runner (or some variation thereof) and give the pitcher a spot to bunt the ball.

Why not have the 3B AND the 1B commit prior to the pitch. Have the 2B cover 1st base and the SS cover 2B. "Conservative" baseball man - But the right side of the infield is left open. The guy is a pitcher hitting .034. I would think that in this spot you would rather take your chances with the hitting pitcher putting it in play than having him advance a runner in scoring position.

And, there is nothing to say that you couldn't bring an outfielder in to cover the right side of the infield if need be. I just want someone to say, "We know what you want to do and we are not going to let you do it."

Baseball needs to be more like football and think outside the box more often.

Heck, if Major League Baseball were still running football there would be no "West Coast Offense" no "Spread Formations" no "Zone Blitzes". Baseball isn't really interested in having brilliant minds infiltrate the system. But, that's for another time.