Lead runner at 2nd base. How to keep him close?

When a lead runner is at 2nd base, he is already in scoring position. The middle infielders must weigh their options of "holding him close" vs. "being in fielding position." I believe their is only one sure fire way of doing this.

The middle infielders jockey the lead runner by moving back and forth to let the runner know that they are there and there is a possibility of a pick off. What you absolutely don't want the middle infielders doing is moving while the ball is being delivered to home plate. Here is what you can and should do.

Have one of the middle infielders tell the pitcher how many times he would like the pitcher to check the runner by looking in his direction. The shortstop or 2B gives hand signals to alert the pitcher you should look 0,1,2,3 times and then throw home. You also could have pickoff plays attached to these hand signals.

This serves two primary purposes.

1) It allows the middle infielders the opportunity to jockey the lead runner while knowing they will be in fielding position when the pitch is delivered to the plate.
2) It keeps the runner at 2B a little closer as it mixes up the number of looks that they are giving. Pitchers tend to get in a rhythm when they pitch. Having an infielder administer the looks can vary it up just enough.

The "looks" system is very prevalant in college baseball. Has it made it to professional baseball? Probably not. It's too "contemporary."

Runner on 3rd only (1 out vs. 0 out)

When a runner gets to 3rd base, the 3rd base coach must be keenly aware of how many outs there are. The number of outs determines exactly how aggressive the runner should be.

If there are 0 outs, the 3B coach or manager should more than likely have a "on the ground up the middle" read on. This says that you do not want the runner breaking for home plate unless the ball is hit up the middle past the pitcher to the SS or 2B. This baserunning read is predicated on the corner infielders being in an "in" position. If the infield comes in, then the read must be "make the ball go through." If the batter grounds out, you still have a runner at 3B with 1 out. This is no time to be aggressive with a runner in scoring position.

If there is 1 out, it is definitely time to be aggressive. Many times, this scenario would imply that the "contact" play is on. This means that the runner breaks for home when the ball is hit on the ground. The idea here is that you are running out of scoring opportunites and we want to be aggressive with trying to score. If the ball is hit to a corner infielder or the pitcher and there is a play on the runner going home we say "out by a lot, get in a rundown." This rundown is very important in a 1 out contact play.

The runner must stay in the rundown long enough for the batter to sprint to 2B. If the batter is sprinting out of the box and he gets into scoring position with two outs then we still have a runner in scoring position with two outs. It is very important that the runner on 3rd understand these principles. You absolutely do not want him running into an easy out at home and stranding our batter at 1st base.

If you understand "risk vs. reward" scenarios and you understand "out by a lot, get in a rundown" choosing the right baserunning read isn't too difficult. You simply play percentage baseball.

Infield in or double play depth(1 out)?

This is one of the harder coaching decisions that a manager must encounter. It is so difficult because the decision comes late in the game when the game is on the line.

Runner on 3rd base with a runner on 1st as well. Do you bring your infield in to cut the runner down at the plate or do you stay back in double play depth and hope you can get the inning ender? One of the key things that helps you decide is the speed of the batter. If he is simply too fast then the decision is quite simple you bring the infield in.

Now, if the bases are loaded it actually makes the decision quite simple. You can bring the infield in and still get a double play. It doesn't mean that bringing the infield in is always the right choice but you can get the out at home and also turn two to end the inning. Therefore, the bases loaded one out scenario has an easier feel to it than a 1st and 3rd scenario with 1 out.

If runners are at 1st and 3rd and the manager is debating whether to bring the infield in or stay back in double play depth he must also consider the positioning of the 2B. If you bring the 2B straight in there is no way he can cover the bag if the runner breaks. Now, you can align him near the bag if you think that might be a deterrence to steal 2B. However, you again have to weigh whether or not moving him closer to the bag is worth taking him out of his normal 2B positioning.

If you do leave him in and not closer to the bag you have for all intents and purposes conceded a 2nd and 3rd situation. There is simply no way to truly defend the steal if the runner goes. But, you knew that when you decided to bring your infield in and attend to the lead runner.

Sometimes you can't defend two things at the same time. Here is a classic example. Come in and concede another runner in scoring position. Stay back and risk a very important run scoring at the expense of turning a double play. Quite the conundrum.

Man on 2nd, 2 outs (ball hit to the 3B)

This baseball situation is not the easiest to understand. In fact, I've seen many coaches not exactly understand this scenario when it comes to teaching the runner on 2nd how to react.

The runner takes off immediately at contact in a 2 out situation. He should have been getting a large two out secondary lead. If there were 2 strikes on the batter then he should have gotten an even bigger jump on the batted ball. But, even with that big jump he can't beat the ground ball hit directly at the 3B. So, he's off and running and now the 3B fields the ball and he is 10, 15, 20 ft. away from the 3B and he is moving full speed.

The runner should not slow down until the 3B fields the ball and makes him stop. Never assume the 3B will field the ball. You do not want your runner slowing down prior to the 3B fielding the ball cleanly. If he boots the ball you want to be able to score the runner. If he fields the ball cleanly the runner should slam on the breaks immediately and demand that the 3B throw the ball across the infield. Never let the 3B tag you out to end the inning- if at all possible.

Certainly if there is a force play at 3B then the 3B will simply go over and tag the bag, but in an unforced situation make him make the throw.

Major baserunning gaffe to end O's/Angels game.

Major league baseball is supposed to be the level to which baseball is played at its highest form.

This summer, a game occured in which the Angels beat the Orioles in the bottom of the ninth inning. The game ended when Vladimir Guerrero threw out an Orioles baserunner at home plate to end the game. That isn't necessarily unusual. What is unusual is the manner in which the trail runner reacted.

Here is the setting. Runners on 1st and 3rd with 1 out. A fly ball was hit to rightfield. Guerrero had an obvious play on the ball. Brian Roberts tagged at 3rd base to prepare to score. The major issue was that the man on 1st did not tag on the play. What an egregious error. Because he did not tag, the outfielder could for all intents and purposes eliminate the cutoff man. He could throw a strike to home plate to end the game. Furthermore, it put absolutely zero pressure on the cutoff man to make a decision.

Here is what should have happened. As soon as the routine fly ball is hit the runner at 1st should race back to the bag because the lead runner is tagging. When the ball is caught he should sprint to 2B to incite a possible cutoff from the 1B. If the 1B allows the ball through the game is either over or the tying run scores. If the tying run scores then the man on 1st is now in scoring position as the go ahead run. If the 1B cuts the ball off the game is at least tied and we're heading for extras.

This is another example of how teams should be thinking about running into an out for a run. It doesn't usually occur in this manner but it certainly could. Two major points of emphasis.

1) The 3B coach should have a signal telling the trail runner that he is indeed sending the runner home. The most common would be lead arm extended. The last thing you want is the trail runner running into an out if the lead runner doesn't run.

2) The 1B coach must alert the baserunner to this play prior to the ball being hit. 1st and 3rd 1 out flyball is the situation.

Possible double (1B coach's responsibility)

On a batted ball to the outfield the 1B coach has a responsibility to communicate very important information to the batter/runner rounding 1st base. The 1B should be screaming at him how many outs there are. It is absolutely not the 1B coach's responsibility to tell the runner whether or not he should attempt to get to 2B. It is the coach's responsibility to inform the runner of the risk/reward scenario.

A general baseball rule is that you should try and get into scoring position with 2 outs. Many, many times it is deemed appropriate if you are thrown out going to 2B for the 3rd out. You are simply trying to get into scoring position so you can score on a hit with two outs. Therefore, on a hit to the outfield the 1B coach screams the number of outs as they are rounding 1B. If the coach yells "2 outs, 2 outs!" the runner is thinking I should try and get into scoring position.

If the coach yells "nobody, nobody" the runner is aware that he is leading off the inning. Most coaches like a baserunner anywhere with nobody out. They don't want inning killers so this information makes the runner a lot more cautious. Predictably, if the 1B coach yells "1 out, 1 out" the runner is aware of the outs and is a little more cautious. The runner isn't thinking "definitely 2B" but he isn't nearly as cautious as if there were nobody out.

I think it is very important for the 1B coach to express to the runner how many outs there are rather than telling them to go or not go(the exception being when you're running into an out). The speed of the runner, the angle the outfielder takes to the ball, the arm strength of the outfielder should help guide the runner rounding 1st base. The 1B coach mentioning the outs is a subtle reminder as to how aggressive the runner should be.

When and where to bunt for a hit?

Bunting for a base hit is something that can be done if the batter knows the best times to do it and where the ball should be bunted. Here are some great times to think about bunting for a base hit.

1) Man on 2nd, 0 outs.
2) If you have trouble with the pitcher.
3) Following a home run.
4) Infield depth is simply too deep.

Now, for the manner in which you bunt the ball. Whether you are a righty hitter or a lefty you want to try and not tip your hand. You want to try and show bunt very late in the process. If you are choosing to bunt to the 3B side, make sure the bunt is perfect or foul. This phrase obviously depends on the depth of the 3B. However, if the 3B isn't in a best range deep position, you don't want to make yourself an easy out by not placing it in a great spot. "Perfect or foul" communicates the idea that if you miss the bunt at least it rolls foul and you get another shot at the pitcher. Thinking "perfect or foul" is often a good idea against a right handed pitcher as his momentum usually pulls him off to the 1B side of the mound.

If you are thinking about bunting the ball to the 1B side you must puch or drag the ball past the pitcher and beat the pitcher to the bag. The play is predicated on making the 2B or 1B range far to field the ball and then racing the pitcher to the bag. This bunt can be very succcessful against a 2B who is simply too deep in the infield. As is the opposite with a righthanded pitcher, a lefty falls to the 3B side. This bunt is usually successful against lefthanded pitchers. The most common fault with this bunt is that it is not bunted hard enough.

Bunting for a base hit is an art form that can be crafted through hard work but also an understanding of when and where to bunt for a hit.

A 1st and 3rd essential (the 1B's responsibility)

In a 1st and 3rd situation, the 1B must be acutely aware of what his responsibilities are. Besides the obvious of yelling "runner" the 1B has a responsibility that contributes to the success of an offensive play. This responsibility is done with a 2 outs situation.

Here is what the 1B must do. When the runner takes off and after the ball is received by the catcher, the 1B sprints in the direction of 2B. He does this in case the runner attempting to steal 2B stops. This play is designed to steal a run and the play demands that the runner stop giving the defense a rundown rather than a tag out at 2B. The runner at 3B races home before the tag is applied in the rundown.

But, the 1B can defeat the offensive play if he races to 2B correctly. When the middle infielder recognizes that the tag is not there he should look up to find his 1B closing in on the runner. He should give it to the 1B so he can continue full speed and tag out the runner between 1st and 2nd. This tag out must occur before the runner crosses home plate in order for the run to not count.

1st and 3rd situations are difficult to defend but the role of the 1B must not be diminshed. The "steal stop" is not seen too often but when it is done correctly you need the 1B trailing to stop it.

When should the catcher leave his position?

The unexcusable in baseball is the catcher not being at home plate when a runner is attempting to score. It seldom happens but there are times when the catcher is expected to leave homeplate and provide some help elsewhere during the course of a game.

The first and most common example of the catcher leaving homeplate is the routine groundball to an infielder with a runner not in scoring position. On those groundballs the catcher sprints at a wide angle to be the backup in case of overthrows. It is very difficult to be an effective backup on this play if the field does not have a fence. However, if there is a fence surrounding the field of play a catcher backing up the play can prevent a runner from moving into scoring position.

Another time that a catcher can prove to be valuable is a single to right field that the 1B has to chase. Often times this "blooper" has the 1B chasing it while the batter rounds 1st base. The play is in front of him and he knows where the 1B is. He doesn't really expect the catcher to be a threat to him. However, if the catcher actually trails the runner he could prove to be a major threat in this situation. The rightfielder could pick up the ball and look for a catcher who has come behind the unsuspecting baserunner. Reminder- no one can be on base!

The third time a catcher should leave home plate is on a bunt to the 3B with a man on 1st. As the 3B fields the ball the catcher should continue past the 3B and anchor down 3B.

This is simply an example of how hustle can provide a benefit to a baseball team. But, hustle can't be blind. And, knowing when and where you should hustle comes down to knowing the game.

2 strike hitting

Hitting with 2 strikes is certainly an art. I think it goes to reason in amateur baseball that a player that can make consistent contact is a valuable asset to a team. If you can cut down on your strikeouts than you put pressure on the defense and give your team a chance for a baserunner.

Here are the basic tenets to be used when hitting with 2 strikes.

1) Widen your stance. This is designed to prevent lunging and therefore allow you to hit the offspeed pitch. Offspeed pitchers are often taken because the batter commits all of his weight to his front foot too quickly.

2) Shorten up on the bat. By "choking up", you give yourself better bat control.

3) Expect to hit the fastball to the opposite field. By hitting the fastest thing a pitcher can throw you to the opposite fied, you're not being too quick. This allows the hitter to have better timing again on the offspeed pitches that pitchers like to throw as strikeout pitches.

4) Look for the ball away. Pitchers at amateur levels prefer the ball on the outside corner. There is less risk for a hit batsmen out there. Plus to come inside with two strikes you have to be really precise. Most pitchers throw away, look away. A good rule of thumb- if you're going to strike out looking, make sure it is on the inside corner. Never strikeout looking on the outside corner.

5) Learn to recognize the curveball out of the pitchers hand. Curveballs on some level will appear to pop up out of the pitchers hand. That is, the ball gets higher than the fingers at release and "white" is on top. Hitters need to think "curveball up and fastball down." Learning to take the curveball in the dirt and lay off the fastball up will cut down immensely on strikeouts.

6) Learn to pull your hands in. This is probably the most important aspect to 2 strike hitting. You absolutely must be able to shorten your swing by pulling your hands in close to your body to adjust to that inside pitch when it does come. It is an emergency swing because you should be looking away. However, being able to pull your hands in gives you the confidence to truly look away.

These adjustments can truly make you a better hitter and a tougher out.

Rundown scenario with two runners occupying one base.

Often times in the course of a season, you'll see a rundown happen where a runner advances to 3rd base while a rundown is occuring between home and 3rd. Now you have two players occupying the same base. What do you do if you are the defense?

Well, there are two schools of thought on this one. The traditional school of thought says run the lead runner back and tag both guys out. The trail runner will be declared out and you've got what you want- an out. However, I've seen some strange things happen when you drive the lead runner back to a bag expecting the trail runner to stay put.

What if in the process of driving the lead runner back, the trail runner retreats and heads back to 2nd base? Now, you have a rundown between 2nd and 3rd with your back to the lead runner. That certainly isn't ideal.

I think the answer lies in whether or not you can record an out easily prior to driving the runner back to 3rd. If the catcher (or any other position player for that matter) can record an out with relative ease prior to creating the logjam at 3rd he should do so. However, if it does appear that a second runner has advanced to 3rd and has no intent of leaving, run them back to the bag and tag both.

It should be noted that at higher levels of baseball the trail runner is there on purpose and he will most assuredly not leave. The same thing can't be said at lower levels. There is a very legitimate chance that the trail runner will retreat.

Knowing this makes you ready for the unexpected.

1st and 3rd comebacker to the mound (1 out)

Many times while pitchers are practicing their PFP (pitchers fielding practice) they handle comebackers and instinctively turn and throw to 2nd base to start a double play. It's a spring training ritual. However, seldom do you see pitchers handle a comebacker where there is a runner attempting to score AND a potential double play. How should the pitcher handle this situation?

This scenario makes the assumption that the runner at 3rd is running on contact. That is to say that as soon as the ball is hit to the pitcher he will be running home.

The pitcher must absolutely be aware of who is running at home plate and who is running at 1st base. If he can't turn a double play, chasing and preventing a run might be the best option. What would prevent him from turning a double play? If the runner at 1st is in motion before the comebacker is hit. This would prevent a double play and the pitcher should attack the lead runner. Furthermore, if the batter is an A runner and a double play is in doubt because of his speed, the pitcher should go after the lead runner.

However, if he thinks he can turn a double play on a comebacker, he should certainly attempt to do so. He should not even glance at the lead runner as his goal his to divert the pitchers attention if only for a split second to keep the inning alive and prevent a double play from being turned.

This play is absolutely predicated upon the pitcher being prepared prior to the ball being thrown. There is no time to choose the correct play if you're reacting instead of anticipating.

One other factor that does come into play is the score at the time of the comebacker. If the game is not in doubt in this situation the pitcher should not chase the lead runner and try and record the double play.

Running into an out for a run

This baserunning concept might be the most misunderstood element in major league baseball by the common fan. Most fans see a runner get tagged out on the bases and they chalk it up to bad baserunning. On the contrary. They are actually taught to get in a rundown and give themselves up for dead so a run can score. It can happen in many situations.

The most common occurence of the play is with a runner on 2nd and 2 outs. In this scenario, a sharply hit ball to the outfield has a chance of the runner being thrown out at the plate. Most good 3rd base coaches send the runner with two outs because they understand that consecutive hits don't happen often. As the batter-runner rounds 1st base and notices there could be a close play at home plate he races towards second base. He doesn't watch the arc of the throw. He simply runs hoping that the cutoff man goes after him rather than the runner racing home. Three results could happen.

1) The ball is not cutoff and the runner is out. It doesn't really matter where the batter ends up in this situation.

2) The ball is not cutoff and the runner is safe. You are now in scoring position with two outs.

3) The ball is cutoff. We score a run in this scenario. Quite honestly, it doesn't matter if they throw you out or not. We got what we wanted. A run.

In any evening of watching major league baseball you will see this occur on average once a night. And, you'll see an average fan criticize their baserunning once a night.

They are doing this intentionally because it is sound fundamental baseball.

How to take advantage of a strong armed catcher.

A lot of times, you see a catcher with a strong arm and you think, "well, he'll stop the running game." Actually, there are certainties that come with a team having a catcher that can throw. One of those certainties is the fact that he'll try and throw runners out. Here are some ways that you can take advantage of that fact.

1- 1st and 3rd and 2 out. Have the runner at 1st straight steal 2nd base. The catcher, more than likely, will attempt to throw the runner out at 2nd base. Have the runner stop short of second base to prevent a tag. The runner at 3B breaks as the catcher gets the ball up in throwing position. He does not wait until the ball is released. That is too late. The infielder awaiting the throw will have no one to tag out as the runner crosses the plate.

2- 2nd and 3rd with 2 out. This play relies on the secondary lead of the man on 2nd. Knowing that he is in plan view of the catcher. The trail runner gets a large secondary lead and "loafs" back to the bag. The strong armed catcher notices that he can get an out just by throwing in behind the runner at 2nd. The catch is that as soon as he goes to throw behind the runner the man at 3rd sprints home and the runner at 2nd gets in a rundown. Run scores.

3- This play is a more daring proposition. With runners on 1st and 2nd if the runner on 1st gets a large secondary, the catcher could throw behind the runner. When the catcher comes up to throw, the lead runner could take 3rd base. The tricky part is recognizing where the catcher is actually throwing the ball. It is also important to have the trail runner get back to 1st base.

All of these plays must be practiced and repped repeatedly. The trail runner in both instances must make sure he doesn't get tagged out before the run crosses the plate as these are usually two scenarios.

Why the changeup is so seldom used in high school.

I think most reasonable people agree that the changeup is a great pitch. At the big league level, it might be the most lethal of all pitches when thrown correctly. Furthermore, it puts no extra strain on the arm. So, why isn't it thrown more at the high school level?

Quite simply, it isn't a great pitch in high school. The reason? Primarily, because high school pitchers don't throw the pitch in the correct count.

Changeups are effective when the batter is expecting a fastball. Hitters anticipate fastballs in advantage counts. Therefore, the changeup is best thrown in hitter advantage counts. 1-0, 2-0, 2-1, 3-1. Here's the thing, the changeup is seen as a waste pitch. It is seen as pitch that isn't mastered yet. The high school pitcher doesn't usually have command of the changeup. Why would a catcher or coach call a pitch that he doesn't have command of when the hitter already has an advantage.

Until the pitcher can throw the changeup for a strike, it isn't effective because it isn't thrown in the proper count.

Watch a MLB game. You'll notice that the changeup is thrown in hitter advantage counts. Most high school pitchers would cringe at that pitch selection. Until a pitcher gains complete confidence in that pitch it simply won't be effective.

2nd and 3rd, 1 out (infield in)

This is a great baseball situation and a situation that has many decisions to be made. Let's first understand the score of the game.

If the infield is in, the offensive team is either well ahead, tied, or down by one. There would be no other reason for the defensive team to have his infield in if this were not the case. Having said that, I've seen coaches bring their infield in during other sitautions. That's for another time though.

Many times the infield coming in is a deterrant to the offensive team to not go on contact. However, at amateur levels of baseball I believe that this situation is always(provided the defense actually knows when to have the infield in)a "contact" play at 3rd base. This means that the runner at 3rd should aggressively attack home plate on all ground balls. Let's look at the consequences.

If the infield is in, they are looking to throw home on all ground balls. If the ball is indeed hit on the ground the runner at 3rd should break towards home on the contact play. The runner at 2nd should break towards 3rd. The runner at 2nd base should always follow the lead runner in an "infield in" situation with the contact play on. Here's why.

If the offensive team has a big lead, at the least you created another 1st and 3rd situation. With that big lead there is a good chance the defense will concede 2nd base to you on a steal attempt shortly thereafter if you would like.

If the offensive team is tied, you force the issue here and if they cut you down you have a 1st and 3rd situation. I think at the amateur level, 1st and 3rds might be better than 2nd and 3rds if you need one run.

If the offensive team is down 1, again you create a 1st and 3rd if the batter is thrown out at the plate. You have attempted to tie the score but failed. Now, you have runners at 1st and 3rd with 2 outs. If you were not aggressive, you would have had runners at 2nd and 3rd and 2 outs. You need 1 run to tie. What situation would you prefer? Me, I'll take the aggression and the 1st and 3rd. I'm thinking I'm going to try and steal a run with one of my 1st and 3rd plays. If they don't bite on defense for one of my plays? Well, at the least I'm back to a 2nd and 3rd 2 out situation.

Too many times the defense dictates what the offense does without the offense thinking beyond the obvious. Just because the infield comes in, the offense should not lose it's aggressiveness. In fact, in this case, I believe every amateur coach should put the contact play on here. There just aren't enough risks to even make it a debate.

A weapon every pitcher should use

There are times in a game when the pitcher should throw a pitch that the batter is expecting. There are no bones about it. The count is 2-0 and the only pitch the pitcher can command is his fastball. The batter knows it and is sitting "dead red."

The pitcher needs to have a designed shakeoff. Simply, it creates doubt in the batters mind when he sees the pitcher shake off a signal from the catcher. He is certain that the catcher is calling fastball. And yet, the pitcher is shaking his head. The batter must think "this doesn't make any sense." Therefore, the very aggressive hitter now becomes slightly defensive and vulnerable in a situation that he certainly should not be. In fact, you'll know it's worked when hitters freeze on those 2-0 fastballs down the middle.

A note of caution, this should not be overworked. It could become predictable if the pitcher always shakes and throws a fastball following a shake off the head.

It's definitely something that should be in the repertoire of every pitcher.

To bunt with 2 strikes or not?

Traditional thinking says when the batter gets 2 strikes on them that you take the bunt off. However, there are times when asking the batter to bunt certainly has merit.

The 2 strike bunt should be considered when the alternative could be worse. What is worse than a strike out? A double play. Therefore, asking a batter to execute a sac bunt with 2 strikes should be considered if you believe a weak ground ball at an infielder could be a possibility. Also, if the batter does not have speed a sacrifice in this situation might be the more prudent decision.

When should it not be asked of the batter? When there is a runner at 2nd base only. I have seen coaches ask batters to bunt with 2 strikes in this situation and I'm always curious as to why? The double play is not in order and it seems that the risk of a potential foul ball strike out far exceeds the reward of putting it into play.


Next time the thought of asking a batter to bunt with 2 strikes comes into play, think is a strike out here actually a better option than a potential double play?

0-2 count(pitchers perspective)

This count might be the most debated count all of all the counts you could possibly hit out of. The pitcher has a clear advantage in this situation. So much of an advantage that if the hitter gets a hit many coaches "scream" that the count was 0-2 and how in the world was a hittable pitch thrown.

Let's make one thing perfectly clear. This is not a waste pitch. If that were the case, pitches would be thrown off of backstops. Furthermore, if you are wasting a pitch why not just ask the umpire to roll the count to 1-2.

The 0-2 pitch is a purpose pitch. It should be thrown with the intent of a batter chasing the pitchers pitch off the plate. The two most common locations for this pitch are up and in with hard stuff or down and away with off speed stuff. Understand, however, that mistakes do happen and results are not always favorable. Trying to execute a pitch and missing location can shift the advantage to the hitter. It doesn't happen too often but when a hitter drives a pitch, the pitcher simply didn't execute his intended purpose.

At the amateur level, most pitchers will throw the ball off the outside corner of the plate avoiding the dreaded consequence of a hit batsmen. Amateurs don't have the greatest command of the strike zone so it would go to reason that they don't have the best command outside the strike zone either.

A coaches note here- you can't claim that 0-2 is a purpose pitch and then criticize a pitcher for hitting a batter. If you want to pitch inside with a purpose then a hit batter is a potential possibility.

Should I show the sacrifice bunt early?

One debate that I have encountered is the idea of whether or not the sacrifice bunt should be tipped early or not. The answer lies simply with how prepared is the bunter to handle the defense when it reacts.

With a man on 1st and the bunter squares early, the 1B technically should hold his ground as to hold the runner on 1st. If the bunter knows that the ball should go to the 1B then it doesn't matter when the bunter squares. However, if the ball gets bunted at the 3B then the offense is at a distinct disadvantage. One other point of emphasis here. Many times early squares indicate that the "slash" play might be on. This is one instance where an offense should not slash. Regardless, of the 3B depth. If the batter squares early and the 1B crashes the runner at 1st should gain some ground to shorten his running distance.

With a man on 1B and 2B the early square has more significance. There are quite a few defenses that could be employed here. An early square team better be adept at "reading" the defense or they become vulnerable to some plays. Squaring early in a forced bunt situation with a man on 2nd says that the batter knows he's bunting the ball at the 3B. If the SS rotates to cover 3B and the 3B crashes then the batter may pull the bat back and slash. Usually the "early square" in this situation screams slash.

If there is a man on just 2nd, the more aggressive bunt defenses don't apply. Simply because the runner is not forced. An early square here indicates that the bunter knows he's going to 3B with the ball. If the 3B charges the steal might be in order. He should hold his ground.

What if a batter squares early with a man on 3rd? That's for another time as that doesn't fall under the auspices of a sacrifice.

Is the defense tipping the pitchers pitches?

Realistically the only people that need to know what pitch is being thrown is the pitcher and the catcher. However, it is also nice to know when an offspeed pitch is coming as most of those pitches are hit to the pull side field. Well, if you look closely some defenses give away those off speed pitches.

The shortsop and the 2B are privy to the catchers signals. They have a great view of what the catcher is calling on each and every pitch. Sometimes the infielders themselves will shift depending on the pitch. They also will sometimes relay the signal to another defender to give them a heads up.

Watch the middle infielders. Do they put a hand behind their back telling the outfielders? Do they verbal something to the 3B to alert him to a changeup? Sometimes, movement comes directly after this signal. They could be giving the batter an opportunity here.

If a coach or batter is alert, he might be able to pick up on the pitch simply because a shortstop is betraying his pitcher.

Stretch or Windup?

With a runner on 3rd base, a decision must be made whether the pitcher throws out of the windup or the stretch. Well, if the pitcher is comfortable pitching out of the stretch, that is if he is just as effective out of the stretch than there is no debate. You throw out of the stretch! This eliminates the possibility of a steal of home.

However, if a pitcher is more comfortable out of the windup then a decision must be made. Do you ask the pitcher to throw out of the windup giving the offense some opportunities they might not otherwise have.

With less than 2outs and a runner on 3rd, the pitcher should almost always throw out of the stretch. This prevents the runner from getting a walking lead and making the contact play a more attractive option for the offense. Furthermore, when the infield plays in- you must have the pitcher out of the stretch. I've seen too many instances where a defense looks to cut the runner down at the plate but the pitcher is throwing from the windup. Huh?

With two outs is when the true decision should take place. Again, only if a pitcher gains an advantage out of the windup should he even consider it. What are the risks with two outs of throwing out of the windup. Well, you're vulnerable to a straight steal(especially if you're lefthanded), you're vulnerable to a balk with a runner bluffing you at 3rd base and you're vulnerable to a bases loaded 3-2 count merry go round play. I call this the merry go round because all three runners can get a sprinting start and a single can score three runs when it should only plate two out of the stretch.

A coach must make a decision if a pitcher's windup is worth the risk of allowing the offense to gain certain advantages. In most cases, I would rather the pitcher be comfortable but at least the coach should now how the windup could be taken advantage of by the opposing offense.

The delayed steal

The concept of a delayed steal is designed to move a runner into scoring position when a straight steal isn't an option. Maybe the pitcher is simply too quick to the plate. Maybe a delayed steal is an option.

When do you run it? The delayed steal is used with a runner on 1st and 2 outs(infielders are back and not in double play depth) or a 1st and 3rd situation. The steal takes of advantage of 1 or 2 defensive players(middle infielders or catcher).

The most common position to take advantage of is the middle infielders. If the middle infielders are lazy you can run the play. The 2 out man on 1st situation is a common opportunity when the cather receives the ball and the middle infielders drop their heads and don't cover the base. The runer at 1st gets a normal secondary lead and takes off full speed on the third shuffle. It's very important to gain ground on the secondary lead.

The other time to try the play is a 1st and 3rd situation. Why does this work? Well, the defense thinks a play is on and ususally concedes the runner to 2nd as it looks at the runner at 3rd too long. 1st and 3rds lend itself to deceptive plays as high school arms can't handle to much deviation.

A catcher is also vulnerable to the delayed steal if the catcher is a "framer." In other words, if the catcher holds the ball for an extended period he is very vulnerable to this type of steal. As the catcher holds the ball showing the umpire the runner is running towards second. As mentioned earlier in another thread, a lefthanded batter could make this even harder for a catcher because he doesn't have full view of the runner.

It's a play that isn't run too often but it has merit. You've got to know when to try it but it can move a runner into scoring position when a pitcher might not allow you do it.

A great time for the catcher to pickoff a runner

Usually successful pickoffs occur when baserunners are attempting to gain an extra base. An absolutely great time for the catcher to get a pickoff is on bunt attempts.

The most common time is when there is a runner on 1st and the batter is trying to advance the runner to 2nd. The 3B may commit when he would like. There is nothing for him to guard against. The 1B must hold the runner on base so he is staying near the bag until the ball gets bunted. The pitcher has 1B responsibility. If the batter misses the bunt, an aggressive secondary will put him in "no mans land" and an alert catcher should have an opportunity. A point of note, usually the slower runners at 1B try and get the extra head start.

Another opportunity for the catcher exists at 2B. But, in order to pull this one off you definitely need a catcher with a strong arm. The same situation applies except the runner is trying to be advanced to 3B. Rather than the 1B catching the pickoff attempt it would be the SS rotating over to cover the bag.

Next time there is a bunt situation, look for the missed bunt and if the catcher comes up firing. It's almost automatic at the big league level.

1st and 3rd, 1 out, do you consider...

a hit and run? I think at the upper levels of baseball it should certainly be a play worth exploring.

A couple of things need to be in order for this play to be a viable option. The infield must be in double play depth. They can't be "in" trying to cut the run down at the plate. If that's the case then the straight steal is definitely in order. The other variable is a double play candidate in the batters box.

You have a runner at 3rd base with less than two outs but the double play is still in order. You're a little concerned that your runner at 1st could be thrown out at 2nd on a straight steal. Therefore, you're hesitant about sending the runner as it would eliminate the runner at 3rd in a very advantageous situation. The solution could be a hit and run.

Technically, in a 1st and 3rd steal the runner at 1st can't get a great jump anyway as the pitcher could fake to 3rd. So, we start the runner in a hit and run and ask the batter to hit the ball on the ground. The runner at 3rd is going on "contact" on this play. Ideally, what you get is a ground ball that scores the runner at 3rd and the batter is thrown out at 1st. The play ends with a runner in scoring position at 2nd base.

Of course, it could result in a better play if the batter actually gets a base hit. However, the idea is I don't want them to turn a double play so I'm going to start the runner to keep my advantage.

Who covers 3B on this bunt? (Man on 1st)

With a man on 1B and a bunt towards the 3B(textbook says this is not where you bunt the ball) the third base bag is left vacated for a brief moment. That brief moment, however, can be long enough for the runner rounding 2B to try and advance to 3B. This is especially true of the runner is very fast or if the runner was moving while the bunt was being laid down.

Who is responsible for covering the 3B bag? I have heard many coaches criticize the SS for not being there but it is absolutely not the SS's responsibility. The responsibility falls directly at the feet of either the P or the C. The baseball traditionalist will say that the catcher is the sole guardian of the bag in this scenario. However, if the pitcher sees the bag is vacated he can just as easily maneuver himself over there to guard against any further advancement.

Last thing to mention is that if the 3B can retreat and take the bag himself he should.

Changing infield depths while the pitcher is set

When a runner gets to 3B with less than two outs, the 3rd base coach must survey the infield and give explicit directions to the runner at 3B. Go on "contact", go if the ball is hit on the ground up the middle, make the ball get through the infield on the ground. All of these decisions are based upon where infielders are playing.

One seldom used strategy is to move the infielders at the latest possible moment to confuse the 3B coach but more importantly catch the runner at 3B in a bad read.

Here is how it could work. Man on 3B and the infield is back. 3B coach says we're going on "contact." As the pitcher comes set the infielders sprint to a 1/2 way depth. Ostensibly, the move is made to throw the runner out at home plate when he breaks on "contact."

There is a big caveat to this kind of strategy. I would not recommend this to high school teams that have less than average arms. This is an advanced skill to be used when you believe the reward is greater than the risk of having the lead runner approach home plate.

At the high school level, I contend starting them in and backing them up is a smarter and more prudent defense. The idea here is that the 3B coach will be more conservative in nature and keep the runner at 3B when he might otherwise put on a more aggressive defense.

When to give the take sign?

Most coaches and managers have a take sign. Simply, it says to the batter that you need to take the pitch. The issue is when do you give the take sign?

In most instances a take sign is given with a 3-0 count. However, there certainly exists other legitimate times when the take sign should also be given. Let's consider some others.

I contend that many times when pitchers begin to struggle the last thing you want to do as a batter is let him off the hook by swinging at a ball. Therefore, the take sign becomes a viable option until he throws a strike. Usually, this scenario only applies to a pitchers first inning in the game.

Another time the take sign is given is late in the game on a losing team. The idea is that very rarely can a team mount a serious late comeback without the assistance of some walks. So, take strike one if need be to se if you can draw a walk or at least induce a hitters count.

The take sign may also be given in steal instances with two outs. Many instances the batter should allow the runner to advance into scoring position. The prudent "play" here is to not swing and hit with an RBI possibility.

Finally, one very important thing to consider when giving the take sign is the power potential of the batter. If the batter is not a power hitter than there is not much difference in letting him swing vs. letting him take. The take sign should, therefore, be considered more of an option with singles hitters. And, if that singles hitter has speed, even moreso of an option.

The take is a legitimate sign and managing your players opportunities to swing is an important aspect of offensive baseball.

Start the runner(1B) or don't start the runner?

Many times head coaches run into a decision with a 3-2 count with runners on base. Do I start the runner(s) or do I keep them stationary? I think there are some definite factors that should go into a coaches thinking process.

Here are some factors that should definitely play into the thinking.

1- Is it a lefty or a righty on the mound? (A lefty makes it more difficult to start the runner and it might be such a late break that you can't even stay out of a double play if in fact the ball is hit on the ground.)

2- Is the batter a swing and miss guy? (A guy who swings and misses a lot almost invites a strike em out throw em out double play.)

3- Is the batter fast? (If the batter is fast there is probably a good chance that he won't be doubled up on a ground ball so starting the runner is the only chance the other team has of turning two.)

4- Is the pitcher a power pitcher or a "contact" pitcher? (Power pitchers usually get strikeouts therefore don't start the runner. "Contact" pitchers get lots of ground balls so start the runner.)

5- Can I get a runner into scoring position? (Although starting the runner or not are both decisions, starting the runner is certainly the more bold decision. But, with bold decisions come rewards. By starting the runner and hitting a ground ball you should get a runner in scoring position. By not starting the runner and getting a swing and miss you avoid the double play but you still have a man on 1st base.)

6- Can my runner at 1st base score on a gaper? (A lot of times when there is a batter that has power potential, coaches will start the runner hoping that they can score on a ball in the gap. If the runner can score from 1st he might be better served to stay there and not use the extra head start.)

7- Gut feel. There is nothing like the coaches intuition. Although the old saying "The more I know, the less sure I am" certainly comes into play when you decide to start him or not.

A no risk steal situation

There are times when a steal becomes more of a risk than at other times. One time where you really have nothing to lose is when the batter in the box runs a very disadvantaged count.

Here is what I'm talking about. With two outs and a man on 1st base, the runner is thinking can I possibly take 2nd base with a steal. Many times when the count goes 0-2, 1-2 on the batter it becomes a very prudent play to attempt to steal the bag. Worst case scenario is the runner gets thrown out and the batter leads off with a new count.

The big caveat to this is you must be aware of where you are in the batting order. You do not want to run with the 9 hitter in the box. The steal in this situation is a no risk situation if the batter in the box is a quality hitter who would be a good option to lead off the next inning.