1st and 2nd, 2 outs offense.

My last post in this year long venture will discuss the 1st and 2nd situation. Typically, when a runner is at 2nd base with 2 outs you don't consider stealing 3rd base. Why? You're already in scoring position. However, sometimes desperate times call for desperate measures.

In amateur baseball 1st and 3rd is significantly harder to defend then 1st and 2nd. So, how could we create a 1st and 3rd? Draw a throw at 2nd.

You can do this with a strong arm catcher by simply getting a large secondary lead and anticipate the throw. When the catcher cocks his arm to throw you could "catcher break" and move to 3B. Obviously, advancing to 3B is predicated on the catcher making the throw.

Once you have a 1st and 3rd, you have significantly more options available. And, if in fact, the runner at 3B is a very important run there is a good chance the defense will give you 2B if you would like it. Now, you have managed a 2nd and 3rd out of a 1st and 2nd.

This blog has discussed many, many 1st and 3rd options. You could certainly choose to use one of those or you could allow the hitter to hit with all forces removed.

The idea here is in amateur baseball you could more than likely create this situation if you can take advantage of the catcher. If you execute the "draw a throw" right, it's very tough for the catcher to not try and record the easy out. It's very tough to betray your instincts.

Why don't they throw curveballs during home run derby?

Do you know that curveballs go further than fastballs? It's not even debatable. The research has been performed and it's an open and shut case. A 75 mph curveball will travel further than an 88 mph fastball. Why?

Well, it goes to reason that a fastball would be hit with more ball exit speed. Absolutely. But, here's the thing. The fastball has backspin from the pitchers perspective. However, from the hitters perspective, it's topspin. So, when a batter hits the bottom half of the ball he changes the direction of the spin. That redirection is important.

Now, let's look at the curveball. The curveball has topspin from the pitchers perspective. That topspin is backspin from the hitters perspective. When the batter hits the bottom half of the ball he accelerates the spin that is already on the ball. This acceleration makes the ball hold its line longer resulting in longer fly balls.

Golfers know that ball spin is king. They are constantly trying to control their ball spin as it dramatically affects how the ball flies. Here is an example that not many people are aware of with respect to baseball.

So, why not have a pitcher simply throw get me over topspin curveballs during home run derby?

Orioles/ Angles. 2nd and 3rd 1 out

I was watching the Orioles Angels the other night and watched something that bothered me. I don't necessarily know if the Orioles mis-managed the play but I certainly know that I would have been more aggressive. I'll paint the scenario and see if you might agree.

The Orioles were leading 5-0 in the sixth inning. They had speed on the bases. The runner at 3rd was Juan Castro (a shortstop with some wheels). Adam Jones (fleet footed centerfielder) was hitting. The Angels recognizing they didn't want to give up any more runs brought their infield in(See Sept. 15th blog).

What to tell the lead runner?

I believe the Orioles have nothing to lose by having the runner at 3rd go on contact. They already have a 5 run lead. They have speed on the bases and speed in the box. Furthermore, there is something else that helps my decision in hindsight. Nick Markakis is on deck.

Adam Jones hits a weak ground ball to the shortstop. It would have been interesting at the plate, for sure. But, the Orioles did not break on contact and the out was recorded at 1st. Nick Markakis then stepped to the plate with the 1B back and in a deep position. If the Orioles went on contact and were in fact thrown out at home plate, at least Markakis would have had the "4 hole" opened up for him as a hitter.

Guess what? Markakis hit a smash that the 1B dove for and gloved deep in the 4 hole.

I watch a lot of Orioles games over the year and Trembley is definitely a conservative manager. Here is a situation that aggressive baseball may have forced a run but also could have bought an extra hit for his 3 hole hitter. And, I never even mentioned the fact that by having a runner on 1st it might prevent an intentional walk to a potential quality hitter.

Then, the next night I witnessed the Mariners and Rangers have the same sitaution. The Mariners were losing and had runners at 2nd and 3rd with 1 out. The Mariners went on contact. They scored the run but that really is irrelevant. What is important is the manager knew that bringing the infield in this situation should not be a deterrent for going on contact. There is simply more to gain by being aggressive here.

A tradition as old as baseball. The "beanball"

Throwing at a batter.

Is this tradition based upon emotion or strategy?

It's not like teams do this when the game is in hand. Managers sometimes direct pitchers to put the tying or winning run on base simply to prove a point. That point of course being that - "we are idiots by intentionally placing an important run on base."

I just don't get it. I mean, I can understand if you don't want your players being thrown at. Completely understandable. And, if the game is out of hand, I can understand emotions playing a role in the decision to throw at another player. That's always been a part of the game. Call it self policing.

What I think is absolutely ludicrous is retaliating in a close ball game. Whether manager directed or pitcher directed this is simply an egregious decision in the game of baseball.

Take the bunt sign off?

I've seen it professionally. I've seen it in college, high school, and below.

The bunt sign is given to the batter to begin the at bat. The pitcher throws a ball or two balls and the bunt sign is removed in favor of the batter now swinging away. Obviously, the count has changed in the batter's favor and the coach now believes it's more advantageous for the batter to swing away than give up an out.

When the batter was approaching the plate, the coach thought that the prudent play was to advance a runner. Is an advantage count now enough of an impetus to change his mind? It might be if the batter has the ability to drive the ball. It might be if the pitcher is very hittable. It might be if the batter has some speed(a ground ball might not be a double play ball anyway).

I'm of the opinion that in most cases the count should not change a coach's strategy. There are so many variables that go into deciding a bunt is in order. Too many times amateur hitters aren't disciplined enough to make these advantage counts pay off. They swing at a ball that might be ball 3 or they roll over or pop a ball up and the runner stands exactly where he stood prior to the at bat.

A disciplined hitter might make all the difference in the world but a 2-0 count is certainly a good count to bunt in. Allow him to execute the play that you had intended him to make all along.

One day baseball showcases

It seems like baseball showcases have simply proliferated in the last 10 years or so. Everyone is offering them and some even gain the title of elite status. Some attach the label of "invite only" to make it seem more prestigious. It really is an ingenious idea. Take supreme advantage of those that are willing to be taken advantage of.

What's a one day showcase look like?

Well, you herd all these "great" baseball players into an environment where you have baseball coaches and scouts evaluating their ability. Now, understand that many of these athletes arriving to participate play baseball for a high school team, a legion team, an AAU team. Needless to say, they have coaches "back home" that have plans for them. So, indeed there is an inherent risk associated with even showing up for these things. Let's investigate further.

Baseball players are then asked to run a 60 yd. dash. Why a 60 is indicative of a good baseball player is beyond me. Then they check they're arm strength from each position. Outfielders first, then infielders and then catchers. The outfielders simply launch the ball home after catching a routiune fly ball. Infielders take about 3 groundballs each and catchers throw 3 balls to 2B. So, ostensibly, these showcases give scouts and coaches an opportunity to judge the speed and arm of each player.

With respect to baseball showcases, the running and the throwing are the most palatable of all the processes. I mean if a kid can run he can run. If a kid can throw he can throw. The one notable exception is the catcher position. A catcher throws under duress after the runner takes off. Often times with batters leaning over the plate.The catcher must also handle all different pitches in all different locations. The catcher's game throw is a very athletic movement based upon adjusting to the ball flight. Showcases rarely stress the catcher in this manner. The catcher knows that he is throwing the ball and he gets to catch a routine fastball preferrably glove side. Not nearly a true measure of the catcher's skill set.

Then what?

Batting practice of course. This is certainly a good opportunity to watch a players "pop." But, it only allows them to assess what a player can do off of a BP fastball. Nothing is gained with respect to adjusting to pitches. As far as scouting a player, you can certainly gauge batspeed with batting practice but gauging bat quickness is much more difficult. One thing that can be gauged and is usually the death knell is the idea of top spin on the ball. If a player hits the bottom of the ball in a manner where the barrel changes direction rapidly (This is topspin at its basics. A barrel goes from below ball to above ball) you know that this player has major swing flaws.

Then the game comes.

Runners must run within the first two pitches. At least, that's been the norm for these processes. But, how about judging pitchers velocity at a showcase? One day to observe how hard a pitcher throws? This is probably the most egregious issue with showcases. The absolute damage that these things can do to a pitcher's arm. If a pitcher has an opportunity to train for a showcase- great. This should be no problem at all. But, many kids do not have that chance. Many kids will drive miles for an opportunity to play in front of a scout or coach. To hell with the consequences! Furthermore, what about the batters.

Each batter might get a couple of at bats. You might get a good draw. You might not. You might get left on left. You might get the best arm in the showcase. Certainly not a true gauge of a players worth.

All of the above are indictments that I have on the process that is the baseball showcase. Yet, of all these problems, it isn't the worst. The worst problem I have with these showcases is that often times the coaches and scouts that make this an attractive offer fail to show or fail to be attentive. I've seen far too many guys show up and make a casual observation about the quality of the players in attendance and then give a half hearted effort in evaluating the players. How frustrating this must be for the parents of these players. You drive 200-300 miles hoping to be seen by a college coach and the coach you want to watch your son is talking to an ole buddy when your son is taking his batting practice swings.

How do you combat this process?

The coach and scout need to be professional when they visit a showcase.
The showcase needs to ask scouts and coaches to put a radar gun away if a player requests this. It might be fatal to that player but he shouldn't have to light a gun up if he's on one day of rest.
The player needs to understand what a showcase really is- a money maker for the college or academy running it.
The parent needs to understand that knowing someone is often the best way to be seen. Showing up at a showcase with so many others can be overwhelming. Giving a scout or a coach a heads up can be all that is needed for your son to be seen.

Whew! Needless to say I'm not to impressed with these showcases.

"Get on, get 'em over, get 'em in"

This phrase can be heard around many batting cages at upper levels of baseball. What does it mean and does it have merit at the amateur levels?

The concept is once you get to 2nd base (it's important that it's 2nd) the batter is supposed to hit the ball to the right side of the infield to advance the runner to 3B. Once on 3B, the batter is supposed to drive the ball up the middle. The ball up the middle can be a ground ball with the infield back or it can be a fly ball deep enough to tag on.

The issue that I would like to analyze is "get 'em over."

With 0 outs and a runner in scoring position is this really worth it? Give up an out to move the runner to 3B? I contend at the amateur level(at least at levels with limited arm strength) this play should be abolished all together. There are simply too many ways to advance to 3B without giving up an out to do it.

Third base break(as the 3B prepares to throw to 1B), shortstop break in the 6 hole, catcher break on a strike 3 in the dirt, bunt for a base hit, fly ball to average depth in center or right. These are all conventional and not so conventional ways to move to 3B rather than an ordinary ground out.

Is it important to move the runner to 3B with 1 out? Yes. All teams that understand offensive baseball should understand this concept. Yet, having a runner at 3B with 0 outs isn't bad either, right?

It also depends on where you are at in the batting order with how you manage this situation. The 8 hole hitter might have a different point of view than the 3 hole hitter.

Professional baseball theories trickle down to amateur baseball. But, we're talking about two totally different games. This is one axiom that should be, in my opinion, thoroughly thought out before uttering. There are guys that just shouldn't "get 'em over" in amateur baseball.

Eliminate the middle man and just "get 'em in."

What bat to select?

It's one of the most common questions asked. Is this bat right for my son? Understand that there are many things that go into answering this question intelligently.

Let's get a grip on the fact that in physics there is an equation that directly relates to this question. Force = Mass X Velocity X Velocity. It's important to note that Mass isn't exactly the mass of the bat. The mass at the "sweet spot" is not the center of mass of the bat. The center of mass of the bat is down the handle somewhere(try and balance the bat on one finger and you'll find the center of mass). This is why bat companies try and make thin handle bats with big barrels. They are attempting to move the "sweet spot" closer to the center of mass. This creates more force into the ball.

Ok, back to the equation. It goes to reason that doubling your velocity would increase your force by four times. While, doubling your mass would only double your force output. This is very important. As the ball is moving in the direction of the batter, the batter must create enough force to counter the balls momentum. To do this, velocity is king.

But, that still doesn't take into consideration the fact that maybe you could swing a heavier bat with negligible difference in bat speed. How do you determine this? Well, you could use a force meter(GoWags offers this) or you could measure your batspeed and then plug into the equation guesstimating at the mass.

I have often times used a very uneducated process of having a kid grab the end of the bat with his forefinger and his middle finger. I then ask him to hold the bat straight out for ten seconds. If he can do this, I contend that he is strong enough to swing the bat. Empirical observation says it works ok.

Having said that, I found a chart online from Kettering University after their detailed search on correct bat weights. I certainly found this interesting.

Player Recommended Bat Weight (oz)
Major League Baseball Height/3 + 7
Amateur Baseball Height/3 + 6
Fast Pitch Softball Height/7 + 20
Slow Pitch Softball Weight/115 + 24
Junior League Baseball (13-17 yrs) Height/3 + 1
Little League Baseball (11-12 yrs) Weight/18 + 16
Little League Baseball (9-10 yrs) Height/3 + 4
Little League Baseball (7-8 yrs) Age*2 + 4

One of the hardest plays on defense. Catcher pop up

At the amateur level, there may be nothing more difficult than the pop up that goes straight up the cattle chute. Not only is the ball difficult to find sometimes but the real challenge is it has amazing backspin on it.

It usually occurs when a player slightly deflects a fastball at the very bottom of the ball. The fastball is approaching the plate with backspin in the direction of the plate. The batter actually accelerates that same spin as it deflects the ball straight up.

The ball is now spinning extremely fast towards the direction of the field of play. The catcher looks up to find the ball and it looks like a normal ball flight coming down from the sky.

However, the pop up to the catcher has more spin on it than any other batted ball. It will dramatically change direction as it begins to descend.

Here's what needs to happen.

The catcher needs to always keep the ball on average about ten degrees in front of him. The higher the ball, the greater the degree. With an average pop up, 10 degrees in front of him will spin back to him.

The other important piece of advice is the higher the pop up, the slower you walk at it. As the ball descends it will begin to cut that angle down significantly. If you are moving rapidly in the direction of the ball then the angle really shrinks quickly.

Professionals, for the most part, have this spin and angle thing figured out. However, I would be willing to place money on a high pop at the amateur level being dropped. I don't even think it's 50 50.

2nd and 3rd, 0 outs.

With runners on 2nd and 3rd and 0 outs it brings some interesting dynamics into the game. What should the defense do with respect to playing their infield? What should the hitter try and do with respect to advancing runners? Should the pitcher pitch to his defense? Is the squeeze a viable option?

Let's investigate a little further.

Let's assume that it's early in the game and that both teams value both runners.

If it's early in the game, the defense probably won't bring their infield in. If that's the case the batter approaches the batters box with two objectives.

The first objective is to drive the runner at 3rd in. Certainly there are many ways to do this. A base hit of any variety will do the trick. A fly ball with enough depth will do the trick. A ground ball to a middle infielder will do the trick. However, this scenario has different levels of success.

The second objective is to advance the runner from 2nd to 3rd so he can be 90 ft. away with only one out. A truly successful at bat would be to accomplish both objectives. How can we manage this without the benefit of a base hit(obvious)?

1)A ground out to 2B or any ground ball that the runner can advance on.
2)A fly ball deep enough to score the runner hit to center or right.
3)A bunt for a hit past the pitcher at the 2B.

It's the responsibility of the manager or the 3rd base coach to try and communicate to the batter what is a quality at bat in the situation. It's solid baseball when a batter advances both runners without getting a hit.

Hitting the curveball.

Hitting a baseball is not like golf. You don't get to set the ball where you would like to. You have to adjust to speed, location and movement of the pitch.

One pitch that many amateur players struggle with is the curveball. It literally re-defines the game of baseball for many hitters once it becomes a part of the pitcher's arsenal.

Here's my opinion.

The curveball is an adjustment. You shouldn't be looking for the curveball. If you are looking to hit the curveball that's different story all together. You should be looking fastball and trying to adjust to the curve. So, let's assume that the batter's approach is correct and move from there.

Many young hitters approach the ball from too steep of a position. They do this because they have been taught to swing down on the ball. By swinging down on the ball that presumes that you will be making contact out in front of the plate. I mean, you can't swing down on the ball and make contact deep on the plate. That would certainly be a "chopped" hit.

So, we have a batter approaching what he believes is a fastball from the top side. He is "staying above the ball" on his approach. Yet, now the ball moves down and away from him. The manner in which you would try to adjust to this pitch would almost look like lunging down at it to try and hit it. This is the majority of young hitters with respect to the breaking ball.

Yet, look at the manner in which professional or college players approach the curveball. Better hitters approach the ball from underneath. They have a slightly ascending bat path. They prepare to launch the bat to the ball by working slightly underneath the ball. They understand that by hitting a fastball on the bottom half of the ball you create backspin- not by swinging down on the ball.

So, as the better hitter prepares to hit that fastball he is then encountered with an adjustment. However, this adjustment is actually working down in his direction. Because better hitters understand posture and swing plane, the hitter will actually stay balanced as the topspin works down to the batter. It can still be difficult to hit but you won't see better hitters lunge down at the curveball.

I'll close by saying this. Hitters should be approaching balls with the back shoulder working under the lead shoulder. Yet, the "uppercut" is taboo in baseball's vernacular. What should be taboo is the back arm dominance that causes the "uppercut." But, make no mistake, players need to swing up at the ball at contact. Until they comprehend this idea they will always struggle with the curveball.

Outfielder, where to throw the ball w/ bases loaded

I was with my 6 yr. old son at a little league practice the other day and witnessed something that really caused some confusion with me. His team was simply practicing simulated situations and my son was in right field. The bases were loaded and the coach hit a pop up to right field. My son, Luke, hustled over near the line and caught the ball.

Then, the fun began.

Luke turned to throw the ball to someone in the infield but literally had no idea who to throw the ball to. He hesitated, hesitated some more and eventually tossed it to the 2B. A coach admonished Luke for not throwing the ball right away. But, the play was much much deeper than any little league coach could realize.

The runner at 3B tagged. The ball was not deep but with little league arms it was certainly a ball that a player could tag up on. So, the throw should go to some sort of cut man at the pitchers mound, right? In little league this very may well be the pitcher.

Here's the thing, though. The runner at 2nd left early and was near the 3B bag when the ball was caught. So, there is a potential double play waiting at 2B if the ball can be relayed back into the infield quickly enough. If the out is recorded after the runner crosses home plate, the run counts.

To make matters more complicated, when Luke looked to throw for the appeal double play no one was standing at 2B. So, I believe he wanted to record the out at 2B but there was no one there to receive the throw. Furthermore, what if someone was there? Is it worth the risk throwing it to 2B when a runner is prepared to tag at 3B?

Obviously, this situation was in a simulated game. Yet, imagine a 3-3 game in the last inning. What do you do? The runner at 3B is the winning run. The outfielder is trained to throw to that cutoff man. The only way you could actually communicate to him to throw to another base would be to do so as the ball were in the air. Quite challenging indeed considering the magnitude of the situation.

1st and 2nd , 0 outs. Pinch run for the lead runner.

I was watching the Orioles and Tigers paly the other night and a situation arose that sparked my interest. Here is what happened.

The Orioles were losing 6-4 in the ninth inning. The Orioles put their first two runners on base against Detroit closer Todd Jones. A classic bunt situation.

Dave Trembley calls time and pinch runs for his cleanup hitter Kevin Millar with pinch runner Freddie Bynum. At first I thought why is he pinch running for the 5th run? And then I immediately realized that he was going to be bunting and he wanted speed as the lead runner. It certainly makes an aggressive bunt defense less attractive if the lead runner has some wheels.

But, again, I'm going to regress and discuss how absurd the game of baseball can be at times.

Dave Trembley manages by the book. If you watch the Baltimore Orioles often you realize this. So, here, with the winning run walking to the plate Trembley announces as audibly as possible for anyone to hear, I'M BUNTING. Don't get me wrong, I think I probably would have bunted to. It's just that I think it's laughable that no professional baseball team ever thinks creatively on the defensive side of the ball (July 6th BLOG entry).

So, what happens?

The bunt is succesful. The Tigers hardly resisted. Maybe they were willing to have the tying run at 3rd with 1 out. Maybe they thought even if the Orioles tie the game they can beat them in extra innings.

But, consider that you have bunt defenses that teams practice all the time in spring training. If you aren't going to use an aggressive bunt defense when you KNOW (pulling your cleanup hitter for the 5th run) they are bunting, when will you use it?

Here's the last thing on this topic. Even if you choose to put the "wheel" play on. Even if you put the "flash" play on. This doesn't mean that you can't record the out at 1B. It simply means that you are prepared to record an out at 3B.

I'm certain the Tigers braintrusts understood the situation and made a decision based upon some criteria. This entry isn't meant to disparage the Tigers coaches. Rather, it's another example of the institution of major league baseball.

By the book, by the book.

Runner on 1st base, 1 out (fly ball)

If offensive baseball is predicated on getting to 2nd base with 2 outs and getting to 3rd with 1 out, then this situation offers up some interesting dynamics.

When a runner is at 1B with 1 out he needs to be very aware of potential fly balls situations. If a routine fly ball is hit where the outfielder is camped under the ball, the runner at 1st should most definitely consider hustling back to tag. When should this be done is the sticky part to this process.

You absolutely can not go back to tag if the outfielder is running at the ball. Running at the ball means running in any direction. The assumption is that the outfielder might not get to the ball. If there is any doubt that the ball won't be caught the runner at 1st can't tag. Besides the fact that he could be forced out at 2B, there is the possibility that the batter could actually pass the runner tagging. This would result in the batter being called out.

The time to tag is when the outfielder has a routine play. While he camps underneath the ball the runner at 1st should sprint back to the bag in order to tag to move into scoring position.

Again, this is not necessarily the prudent play with 0 outs. But, with 1 out this is certainly very astute baseball to try and move into scoring position.

Phillies Mets game. Carlos Beltran's decision in "no doubles" defense

Billy Wagner entered the game in the ninth. The Mets had a three run lead.

To make a long story short, the Phillies cut the lead to 10-8 and had a runner on 1st with 2 outs. The Mets were in a "no doubles" defense. Great. Don't let an extra base hit beat you.

The next batter singles to center field and Jason Werth races to 3rd base as the outfielders were in a no doubles defense. Not a big deal, right. The 9th run is moving to 3rd base and the important run is advancing to 1st.

Except, Carlos Beltran threw to 3B. The all-star outfielder threw to third allowing the batter(Pedro Feliz) to advance to 2nd. SCORING POSITION.

What an absolutely egregious error. If you are in a "no doubles" defense you implicitly also fall into an "all throws to second" defense. Your depth prevents you from even thinking about recording an outfield assist. Furthermore, it's not even worth the risk. Who cares about the 9th run in this game?

The Mets won but decisions like this will cost you in a 162 game season.

Five major adjustments in the life of a hitter

When a baseball player first picks up a baseball bat he must begin to make adjustments throughout his career. Here are the five major adjustments that I believe have the biggest impact on a player.

1- Going from the tee to the overhand toss

The overhand toss provides something that the tee simply couldn't. Force in the opposite direction than the batted ball. This can not be overstated. The ball now has some momentum behind it as it travels to the hitter. This momentum must be overcome with the force of the batter. The difficulty that kids have is that in order to produce a force that can counter the balls they must summon enough energy to create this force. Guess what? If they swing and miss while trying to create this force the ole "keep your eye on the ball crowd" starts to chirp. Overcoming momentum is the first major adjustment.

2- Going from overhand toss to kid pitch

Kid pitch provides the second major challenge as it provides kids the opportunity to take pitches on a consistent basis. This can be very detrimental as the walk becomes an attractive consequence. Kids should not be thinking walk and coaches need to refrain from asking to swing only if it's perfect. We're talking player development- not just winning. Oh, did I also mention that when kids pitch hitters begin to have real fears that they're going to get hit. Another psychological issue to overcome.

3- The introduction of the curveball

Whoa. What to do with this thing? We have a ball breaking down and most often away from us. How do we hit this thing. Top spin is introduced and it's like nothing we've seen to this point. Proper posture and approach can offer some idea as to how to hjt this thing but nothing substitutes for experience. The curveball can take years to learn to hit.

4- Adjusting to the big field distance

The field difference happens at 13. It can happen again at 14 if there happens to be a transiition field that kids play on. This adjustment is critical because of timing issues that develop when the mound difference presents itself. Furthermore, the big kid that could pop balls out at the little league field has his power re-defined. Often times, other kids begin to catch up and that power never truly does come back.

5- Pitcher's pitching backwards

The last and final adjustment is the idea that pitchers will throw a hitter backwards. Curveballs come when fastballs are expected. This can foul everything up. How are you supposed to time a pitcher if you can't anticipate what is coming. Those darn pitchers.

These five adjustments certainly aren't the end all be all adjustments in the life of a hitter. However, after watching players develop from tee ball to professional baseball these are 5 biggies. Today, they're big enough for my attention.

How handedness affects the youth swing

The more I watch youth hitters, the more I realize that their handedness greatly determines their swing.

Let's first stipulate that any high level swing needs to recruit the large muscles to generate bat speed. The torso and the scapular complex drive this system. The legs provide the foundation for the torso and the scapular complex to work its magic. However, attached at the end of the "link" are your hands. These hands provide the last segment in a chain that is expected to hit a baseball.

Regardless if your chain is efficient(good connection and rotation) or not effiicient, you're going to need your hands to provide a role in the swing. That role is to unload the barrel to the ball with the last and final arc in the swing.

If you happen to right right or left left. That is, your top hand is your dominant hand. There is a tendency at youth levels to pull with that top hand too early. This causes a bat drag that will be difficult to overcome later. In this swing the back elbow slots very early and much too forward. Physically, it seems to be done to put the swing on plane with the dominant top hand. But, this hand is not responsible for putting the swing on plane. Many powerful youth hitters have a strong top hand as this hand provides the barrel at contact often times in a ascending blow.

If you happen to be right left or left right, well then some other issues present themselves. This situation manifests itself in a direct path to the ball (good) but sometimes a lazy barrel. The top hand fires the barrel and when players lead with their dominant lead arm it can be a challenge to recruit the barrel to fire. These kids have a tendency to be opposite field hitters early in their careers as they develop their weaker hand.

1st and 3rd, 0 outs. Bunt responsibilities.

Last night watching the Sunday night game of the week between the Mets and Rockies I heard Joe Morgan speak his usual nonsense. Oh, it sounds right. The casual fan gives it the approval without thinking a second thought. It's Joe Morgan, hall of famer. He must know what he's talking about.

Here is the situation.

The Mets had runners on 1st and 3rd with 0 outs. The pitcher was up in a classic bunt situation(see August 1st blog). Now, here is where Joe Morgan starts to pontificate about stopping the bunt.

You see Morgan explains how the pitcher is attempting to advance the runner at 1st and not the runner at 3rd. So, the defense should be defending against that play. Morgan says the Rockies could potentially put a "wheel" play on. Huh?

How you gonna do that Joe? The wheel in its very nature gives up 2nd base. It's designed to record an out at 3B. Furthermore, the "wheel" is used in a 1st and 2nd bunt situation, not just a 1B(ignoring the lead runner here) situation. Oh, I understand that he means an aggressive defense. But, you can't suggest the wheel is the best manner to accomplish this.

Let's analyze this very confusing bunt situation deeper.

The 1B should hold the runner on. I mean this is the run that we are attempting to prevent from moving into scoring position. There are some interesting options that could be employed but the basic premise is to stay close to the bag. Now, the "wheel" concept could be used with the 1B crashing. Understand, however, that if the 1B crashes the 2B absolutely must cover 1B.

Let's move to the 2B.

In a traditional bunt defense with the runner at 1st, the 2B needs to make sure he can get to the 1B bag. Even moreso if the 1B crashes.

Let's move to the SS.

In a typical bunt situation with a runner on 1st, the SS covers 2B. But, this is not a typical bunt situation with a runner on 1st. Although the runner on 1st is the runner that is trying to be advanced, there is a runner standing 90 ft. away at 3rd base. If the shortstop covers 2B, who is going to cover 3B? In other words, if the ball is bunted at the 3B, who is going to "anchor" down 3B to prevent the lead runner from drifting down the line. Although the lead runner is not important, the runner must be given attention. The shortstop with a bunt situation with a runner on 3B must cover 3B. He doesn't really have an option here. With the possibility of the 3B leaving the bag to field the ball if the shortstop doesn't rotate over the runner can literally walk down the line and score following a subsequent throw. So, the Shortstop covers 3B.

So, here is what we have so far. 1B needs to field a potential bunt. 2B must be able to cover 1B. SS has to go to 3B. WHO IS TO COVER 2B IN THIS "WHEEL" DEFENSE THAT MORGAN SUGGESTED BE USED?

I suppose the 1B could stay back and you could ask the pitcher to cover the 1B side. This would allow the 2B to cover 2B. But, that wouldn't be the wheel play at all. This actually isn't an option because the 1B needs to have the ability to field a bunted ball. Giving the pitcher too much area in a bunt defense is an unrealistic expectation.

The Rockies were stuck last night. The best that they could have hoped for was a poorly executed bunt. If the defense understands the magnitude of the lead runner it hamstrings the shortstop and prevents the defense from being too aggressive.

Yet, Joe Morgan stated so matter of fact, the Rockies should consider the "wheel" play.

HMMMMM.

"If you would throw it 3-2, throw it 2-2"

There is an axiom in baseball that says if you'd throw it 3-2, then you ought to throw it 2-2. The logic is the 2-2 count is the "make it happen" count. You don't want to run the risk of going full. So, if going to a full count is such a deterrent, don't throw a potential ball.

The logic is sound.

However, I don't think you can always say that you're 2-2 pitch should necessarily be your 3-2 pitch. If you have confidence in multiple pitches than obviously you could throw different pitches as the 3-2 pitch.

I do believe it is a prudent piece of advice for amatuer pitchers. It simply reinforces the importance placed on the 2-2 pitch.

The eight hitter dilema in National League baseball

National League baseball is so different than baseball played anywhere else. Why? No DH of course.

This certainly affects how the game is played and also how the game is managed.

The eight hitter in a lineup has so much value because he hits in front of the pitcher. Here is the significance behind this rationale.

1- The eight hitter gets intentionally walked quite a bit. This needs to be considered with respect to a batters speed. It would certainly be a more difficult decision if the opposing team had to intentionally walk a batter that had some wheels. If a runner was on 3rd this actually might dissuade the opposing team from actually walking the hitter.

2-Pitchers bunt. They bunt when no one else would ever consider bunting. This means you would want some speed in front of the pitcher's spot. Speed on the bases always makes advancing the runner an easier proposition.

3- The eight hitter would be the ideal candidate for a double switch. If the pitcher were to be a leadoff hitter in a subsequent inning, a double switch would be made with the eight hitter in the lineup. This suggests that the eight hitter should potentially not be a catcher unless there is a better defensive catcher on the bench. The point here is you do not want to weaken yourself defensively late in the game if you can avoid it.

It appears that a major factor in who hits in the eight spot is the speed that spot can provide. Putting plodding runners in that spot simply puts the offense at a disadvantage.

It would be interesting to see how Nat'l League teams approach this spot.

By my account it appears shortstops and 2B appear to be the best candidates. Outfielders are certainly fast also but usually if you're an outfielder playing in the major leagues you're higher in the order.

Dr. Mike Marshall

If you haven't heard of him you haven't been REALLY following baseball.

Dr. Mike Marshall was a former Cy Young award winner. Following his baseball career he became obsessed with understanding how the arm functions in throwing a baseball. It seems he become addicted to preventing arm injuries. He has developed many opinions about how kids should prepare, perform and recover.

Are his opinions sound? I'm sure they are. Who am I to discredit what Dr. Marhsall espouses?

I simply would like to address some of his opinions regarding youth baseball and how absolutely ridiculous these assertions are. Regardless of his knowledge and his opinions on how he can assist baseball, to actually endorse some of his beliefs is sheer imbecility.

Number 1- He asserts that you should not pitch competitively until you are 13. You should not get on the mound until you are 13! That would effectively eradicate little league baseball of all kind. He would rather a pitching machine replace the pitcher. Why? There is simply too much stress placed on the youth arm before the growth plates start to develop.

Are you kidding me?

I don't care how much you know about the arm and what you think it does or doesn't do to a young pitcher. You lose all credibility when you suggest such absurd notions. The game of baseball needs to be learned and you can't learn the game by not playing the game. If you believe that young kids need to be careful about their arm, fine. State it in such a manner that is actually realistic. Be helpful. Don't set unrealistic expectations.

Number 2- Once you reach the age of 13, you should only throw one inning twice a week. So, if you play three games a week, you would need 14 pitchers. You see Marshall says that if you throw one inning on Monday you could throw one more on Friday. The same would be true for every other pitcher that pitched on Monday. That makes 7 pitchers. Of course you would need 7 more pitchers for that Wednesday game. Did I mention that most teener teams have rosters of 11-12 players.

I'll say it again. Ridiculous.

Number 3- Throwing an object is about as natural an athletic movement as there is. Kids do it from a very early age. They learn to do it when they are 2, 3 ,4. It progresses into pitching a ball into a strike zone that is attempted to be hit by hitters. Yet, Mike Marshall says that the whole throwing motion needs to be revamped. It's all wrong. Everything that comes natural to every human ever to pick up a sphere, needs to be admonished and instructed in the proper technique. A technique that will forever cure arm ailments.

Again. It might be true. But, it's as unrealistic an expectation as you could ever imagine.

What's more important? Saying the right thing in the wrong package. Or, saying the wrong thing in the right package? Many pitching coaches with far less knowledge than Dr. Mike Marshall understand the importance of the package. Unfortunately, Marshall's knowledge clouds his presentation.

Anytime you threaten to make little league baseball extinct, the message gets lost.

I suppose Dr. Mike Marshall is one of many doctors with poor "bedside manners."

Reversing field on a "tag" call at 1st.

Many times when a runner reaches 1st base he is talked to by the 1st base coach. Among the items of business are how many outs, what to do on line drives, ground balls, fly balls. They remind the runner about not being tagged out on balls hit to the 2B. They remind the runner about tagging on potential "can of corn" fly balls.

I contend that one item of interest should be the tag ball at 1B.

Here's what I mean.

If the ball is hit down the line where the 1B fields it, he will likely tag the bag. This takes the force play off. The runner heading to 2B does not need to continue to advance.

The 1B coach could say "listen for the tag shout by the 1B." If he yells tag you may want to reverse field and come back to the bag if you think you're out by a lot. In amateur baseball this would require two throws and a tag to record the out.

I like the play. However, the play would need some foresight by the 1B coach. Amateur baseball players simply aren't going to think about this on their own.

I haven't actually seen this play but somewhere down the line someone will do it and I'll certainly be impressed.

An extremely common amateur baseball defensive miscue

I don't know how many times I see this play. It happens almost every game that I see. It's egregious and yet it seems like it never gets addressed.

Here's the play.

Runner on 1st. Single to the outfield. Runner goes from 1st to 3rd. The outfielder, thinking he has a cannon, attempts to throw the runner out. He air mails the cutoff. Actually, there may not even be a cutoff. The shortstop often times doesn't even know exactly where he should go for this play. The batter advances to 2nd on the play.

It drives me crazy on so many levels.

Outfielders in high school baseball do not throw runners out. They simply lack the arm strength and arm accuracy to do it. Every now and again you see one do it but more often than not they don't know how or lack the skill to record an out. They would be better served to simply field the ball and toss it into second base to at least keep the double play or force in order.

The importance of this can't be overstated. Preventing long throws in amateur baseball is very important. Keeping runners at 1st rather than 2nd can be difference enough in stopping big innings.

Furthermore, if in fact, there is a cutoff man the throw needs to at least give the impression that it can be cut. This could be a major deterrent in the batter/runner advancing to 3B. At some amateur levels you can't even fake a cut. This is deemed obstruction by the defense. This takes away one major advantage that the defense can employ with the throw.

Why did I bring this up? Because often times the shortstop prevents the batter from taking 2nd base by faking or "dekeing" the batter/runner. If the shortstop can't do this, it might not even be worth attempting to throw to 3B.

Watch professional baseball or college baseball and you see defensive players in the proper position. This is the first step in preventing the offense from taking extra bases.

Lefty pitcher step off pick

The ability of the lefty pitcher to step off pick is a special skill. Not all lefthanders show this move. Yet, this move can prove to be a very effective method of controlling the running game. Here's how.

Most runners against lefties get what's called a "one way lead." The mechanics of the "one way" is to get a bigger lead to incite a pickoff attempt. Once the move is seen, they runner can get a good jump on a first move. Typically, the runner is taking advantage of the fact that the lefty is slow to the plate and that the 1B might not gain ground as he receives the ball. All of these variable conspire to make a stolen base an almost certainty if the pitcher is somewhat deliberate to 1B.

The step off pick is another bullet in the pitcher's arsenal.

As the runner gets an extended lead at 1B expecting a slow deliberate move, the pitcher steps off the back of the rubber and snaps the throw to 1B. Many times the unsuspecting runner is in the middle of getting his extended lead. Furthermore, runners tend to get complacent as they lead with a lefty on the mound. They don't expect the pitcher to snap throw as a righty would. This sudden, unexpected pickoff is a surprise attack well worth implementing.

Another benefit of the stepoff pick is in 1st and 3rd scenarios. Many times the runner on 3rd can take advantage of the slow move to 1st. The quick move to 1st prevents any chicanery and keeps the runner at 1st close.

The step off pick doesn't have to be the only move that a lefty employs but what a great compliment.

A great base running play by Jimmy Rollins

I was watching the Phillies/Mets game yesterday and witnessed a great play on the bases by Jimmy Rollins. Actually, I think it was a great base running play by both Jason Werth and Jimmy Rollins. Here's the sceanrio.

Phillies had runners on 1st and 3rd with 1 out. The Mets were in double play depth and Ryan Howard was hitting.

It appeared to me that Wertz and Rolliins conspired to advance Rollins to 2B to take the double play away. With 1 out, a lot of teams will go on contact at 3B. Professional baseball teams understand this as well. So, there is a very good likelihood that the catcher might attempt to pickoff a runner at 3B if he is trying to get to big of a secondary. Furthermore, with a lefthanded hitter in the box, the catcher isn't nearly as deterred from throwing the ball.

I believe that Wertz baited the Mets catcher(Bryan Schneider) into attempting to pick him off at 3B. By doing so, Jimmy Rollins was prepared to take 2B when Schneider came up throwing.

That is in fact exactly what happened.

Wertz baited Schneider, Schneider took the bait, and Rollins advanced to 2B.

It was something that I would expect to see in college baseball. But, when I saw it in a major league baseball game I was shocked. Maybe there is some creative thought that takes place in the bigs.

A bunt defense focused on trail runner.

Bunt defenses are designed to be executed against 1st and 2nd scenarios. The most aggressive ones try and record the out at 3B while the more passive ones take the out at 1B. Why not try and put a defense on that records the out at 2B?

The very aggressive bunt defense occurs when the tying or go ahead run is at 1B. So, maybe it's a 2-0 game or a 4-2 game. Either way, the trail runner is the runner that needs to advance into scoring position to make the play really viable for the offense. If this weren't true, they would have bunted when the first runner reached base.

Most aggressive bunt defenses either try and confuse the lead runner by driving him back to 2nd base or they try and attack from every angle making the out at 3B more likely with so many defenders in the vicinity of the bunted ball.

What about this play?

Give the lead runner 3B. Don't worry about him. In a 2-0 game they can have the 1st run at 3B. But, rather take the tying run away by preventing it from getting into scoring position. How are we going to do this?

The 1B does not hold the runner on. He wouldn't normally hold him on anyway. So, by cheating in there isn't much out of the norm here. The 3B also cheats in a little bit but nothing that would prompt the lead runner to think stolen base. Only so much where he has a head start. The shortstop could even cheat over to the 6 hole to prevent the lead runner from having any ideas. The shortstop will have 3B responsibility when the 3B charges.

The play begins with the timing between the pitcher and the 1B. The 1B runs back to the bag demanding the ball. The runner will hopefully shuffle back to 1B. The 1B will then anchor down the base. The 2B will cover the 2nd base bag. The shortstop covers third.

The play is predicated upon the pitcher hustling over to the 1B side and fielding everything he can while the 3B crashes hard trying to get what he can. The out is to be made at 2B.

So many bunt defenses become predictable with the lead runner. Well coached teams understand what defenses are trying to do. Yet, few teams try and attack the trail runner. Maybe it's because the throw is longer. Maybe it's because they want to be assured of at least an out and are uncomfortable with the pitcher covering so much ground while the 1B holds. But, more likely it's because it's outside the box thinking.

By the way, this play works wonders. It's an easier throw for the aggressive 3B to throw to 2B than spinning and finding a moving target at 3B.

This is a very astute aggressive bunt defense.

One caveat- your pitcher better be somewhat athletic.

Runner on 1B. Fake steal and bunt for a hit.

With a runner on 1B, there are some interesting dynamics that occur that a good offensive team might be able to take advantage of. With less than two outs, the middle infielders must "shorten up" so they could potentially turn a double play. The 1B must also hold the runner on 1B. These two things allow the batter to have an advantage if he's willing to take advantage of it.

The 1B can't move in on the batter because he's holding the runner.

The 2B could have the bag on a potential steal.

So, a very creative offensive strategy is to fake a steal and then push bunt for a hit. By faking a steal, the 2B must cheat to the bag in case the runner actually breaks. This creates a bigger hole for the bunter.

The bunter then bunts the ball hard enough to get it past the pitcher into that huge hole between the 2B and the 1B.

In order to have this play be a realistic signal you need a sign for a fake steal followed by a bunt for a hit. Now, if both signs are given with hand signals you could be in trouble. I would think that either or both of these signals would have to be given by a basic gesture.

I like the play. It puts a ton of pressure on the defense.

Bottom of the ninth. You're down 3.

Here's the situation. You're on the losing end of a 6-3 game. You're up in the bottom of the ninth. The first three batters reach base loading the bases. The tying run is now at 1B with 0 outs.

If this were a 6-5 game and the tying run reached 1B to leadoff the inning there is a great chance that the bunt would be executed. So, why not now? Of course, there are some extenuating circumstances here but let's investigate.

a) There is a force at home plate which makes recording a force out a whole lot easier on bunts just in front of the plate.
b) The tying run is at 1B late in the game. The defense will more than likely be in a no doubles defense guarding the lines. This is advantage for the bunt as most defenses put the corner infielders deeper and on the lines.
c)The lead runner at 3B will be able to get as much as the 3B gives him with his primary lead. If the 3B is in a no doubles defense his position to the line might not allow the runner to get too much.
d) The 1B will more than likely be behind the runner at 1B guarding against the double.
e) This is the biggest and most important issue. All runners must run on the bunted ball. If all don't advance, the play is not successful.

I do not like the traditional sacrifice. There is simply to much to go right. The force out at the plate is the big stickler for me. If you even make an average bunt the 3B (charging at the first sign), P and 1B (charging) have a force out option.

The bunt for a hit intrigues me here. As long as the batter holds his bunt long enough it should hold the corner infielders enough to allow all runners to advance. However, the bunt back to the pitcher here would be catastrophic. Bunting for a hit is harder to set the angle making bunts back to the pitcher more likely.

How about the "suicide squeeze." It wouldn't necessarily be the squeeze but it would be a "bunt and run" that looks like the squeeze. Start the runners and bunt the ball and let all runners advance one base. It gets the job done but oh, so risky.

How about a hit and run? Here is the one that I like. This could easily be communicated and I think it has a lot of merit. Here's how it would work. All runners take off with the exception of the runner at 3B. The runner at 3B shuffles down the line in case the ball is hit and then he breaks for home. The batter hits the ball on the ground to advance all runners. Mission accomplished. One of the big reasons that I think this play could work is the fact that you're not asking the runner at 3B to break. You're asking him to "gain ground" in the direction of the plate.

Now, if the batter swings and misses, it obviously fails. More than likely, the lead runner will be out and you'd have runners at 2nd and 3rd with 1 out.

I have not seen this play. I don't know if I ever will. I don't know if I'd ever do this. But, when the tying run gets to 1B with 0 outs so late in the game, coaches should at least think creatively to advance the tying run into scoring position.

It's better to dismiss an idea than to never have considered an idea.

Red Sox and Rays ninth inning (Varitek up)

Let's get right to it. The Rays were up on the Red Sox 7-6 in the top of the ninth with 1 out and a runner on 1st base. It was Mike Lowell (we'd classify him as a C runner). Jason Varitek was hitting against the Rays closer, Wheeler. To give some perspective on Varitek, he was 12 for his last 101 at bats from the left side. Wheeler is a righty.

What to do? Pinch hit for Varitek seems like the likely answer. How about pinch run for Lowell.

Yet, the Red Sox did something that seemed beyond the realm of possibility. They put on a hit and run with Jason Varitek and Mike Lowell. WITH 1 OUT! TWICE!

Understand that the hit and run is a glorified sacrifice bunt. Ostensibly, you put a hit and run on to advance a runner into scoring position and to stay out of a double play. Best case scenario- you hit the ball through a vacated hole and create a 1st and 3rd.

I'm having a hard time getting a grip on what Francona was thinking. There was 1 out and you were down . You had 2 outs remaining to score the runner from 1B. Let's think this one through before we throw Francona under the bus.

Wheeler wasn't a hard thrower. Just the opposite. He was a righthanded "thumber." Varitek was hitting in the seven hole in the lineup. That means that 8 and 9 are on deck. More likely, a pinch hitter would make an appearance following Varitek's at bat. Francona signals a hit and run on a 1-0 count. Varitek laces the ball foul down the right field line. I didn't see who had coverage on the play. I can only assume it was the shortstop. Very few times do professional teams have the 2B cover with a lefty up. Just too much of a hole and less damage occurs when the shortstop covers. So, Varitek turns on a hit and run with the shortstop covering? This would tell me that he isn't exactly invested in the hit and run.

So, the count goes 2-1 and they put the hit and run on again. Except this time Varitek swings through the pitch and Lowell gets thrown out by a mile. 2 outs and nobody on.

Seriously, this was terrible baseball. You're asking a slumping hitter to make contact and hit it the other way through the vacated hole. It's the only possible way to justify the play. You can't claim you're looking to advance the runner. There was 1 out. So, you've got 2 outs left to work with and although Varitek is slumping, he can hit it out of the park. Yet, as the visiting team (play to win?) you ask him to swing at the pitcher's pitch to try and find a hole on the left side of the field vs. a soft throwing righty.

I don't think I've seen a more egregious call.

Maybe there is a better explanation. Maybe both infielders were covering on the play? Doubtful. Maybe Varitek asked Francona to give him the hit and run? Doubtful.

I just can't figure it out. THERE WAS 1 OUT!

The "mechanics" of the contact play

When a runner gets to 3B, the third base coach has a decision to make. Do you ask the runner to break on contact? There are other options too. You could ask him to make a certain less aggressive read based upon depths of certain infielders. However, the absolute most aggressive read at 3B is the contact play.

Here's how it works.

The runner at 3B gets as much as the 3B gives him. When the pitcher commits to going home, the runner walks in the direction of home plate. He does this in foul territory. As the ball enters the hitting zone, the runner at 3B lands on his right foot ready to make a break.

If the ball is hit or "contacted" the runner immediately breaks toward home plate. He does not "read" this play. The initial crossover is imperative to making the contact play a very effective play.

If the ball is not hit, he braces against the right leg and drives hard coming back to 3B in fair territory. At no point will he ever think about diving back to 3B. If the catcher makes a snap throw on the runner he must find the glove of the 3B and try and get in a direct line.

Now, the details of the contact play once the ball is "contacted."

If the ball is hit on the ground, the runner breaks hard for home plate moving inside the base line. Running inside the baseline could serve as a deterrent to either the shortstop or the 3B throwing home. The quick break home should give the baserunner a head start on ground balls. If the ball is "lifted," the runner needs to recognize that as quickly as possible and head back to the bag in order to tag.

If the ball is hit on the ground, there is a chance that the runner could be out at home plate. If the runner thinks that he is going to be out by a lot, he needs to stop and get in a rundown. The runner should try and stay in the rundown so any trail runners and the batter can advance.

The most exciting time for the contact play is when the defense brings the infield in and yet the runner goes on contact.

Coach- "you're run doesn't matter!" Huh?

I went to an American Legion game the other night and witnessed something that I'm sure only bothered me. It wasn't sound baseball but I'm sure no one else batted an eye. Here's what happened.

Leadoff batter singles in a 4-2 deficit in the top of the seventh. The third base coach yells across the field "You're run doesn't matter." Good. Nothing wrong here.

Next batter singles and the runner advances to 3rd. 1st and 3rd. 0 outs. The runner on 3rd still doesn't matter. Tying run is on 1st base.

The offense could sacrifice bunt the runner to 2nd since that is the important run. Yet, they do not. They ask the hitter (5 hole?) to swing away. He hits the ball hard but right at the 3B. The 3B glances at the runner at 3B. The runner at 3B holds and the defense turns a double play.

The coach yelled to the runner "you're run doesn't matter" so nothing egregious right? Wrong.

That runner should have taken off to score if nothing else to allow the tying run to remain on base. He should have given himself up immediately by going on contact. The 3B glanced at him, why? He should care less about the 3rd run. The 3B could have easily fallen prey to the good base running that never occurred. Instead, the runner at 3B believing he was unimportant did nothing and in turn his team lost the tying run.

The coach shrugged his shoulders and made a "what are you going to do?" gesture. How about tell your runner on third base to go on contact and stay in a run down as long as possible. How about that?

It certainly is an esoteric circumstance but anytime a coach is going to yell, I put him under the microscope.

What's the saying "It's better to stay quiet and let 'em think you're a fool, then open your mouth and remove all doubt."

My opinion. Why lefties are low ball hitters and righties high ball hitters.

Many times in baseball it's said that lefties are low ball hitters and righties are high ball hitters. There isn't any scientific research that goes into that statement. It's just empirical observation and for the most part there is some merit to the statement. Now, it isn't always true but it's certainly true enough to discuss.

Here's what I think.

The high pitch and the inside pitch are balls that you adjust to. The swing works from underneath and outside to up and in. In other words, the fastball in is a pitch that you must re-direct your bat path to hit effectively. To do this you elevate your lead elbow and pinch your scapula complex. This allows you to maintain a tight position at contact. It is without a doubt an adjustment. Most hitters would prefer not to do this. They would prefer to keep their arms slightly extended and not cramp their arms to get to the ball.

This adjustment is developed over the years by righthanded hitters as they learn to adjust to pitches. With more righty pitchers than lefty pitchers, right handed batters learn to adjust more. They have to hit the breaking ball away so they must adjust to that fastball in.

The lefthanded hitter mostly sees righthanded pitching. The lefty does not have to face the breaking ball away so much. Over the years a swing can develop that does not have to adjust that much as the flight of the ball is fairly predictable. Since balls aren't breaking away from the lefty he doesn't have to look away and adjust in. Since he isn't adjusting as much he isn't training to hit the up and in pitch.

Since the lefty doesn't train to adjust to pitches breaking away, they develop a slightly longer swing and handle the low pitch better than the high pitch.

One other observation with respect to this topic.

There are many lefty hitters that are righty throwers. Not nearly as many righty hitters that are lefty throwers. The hand dominance can certainly impact the place in which you prefer to hit the ball. The lead arm can drive the low ball without an aggressive, strong top hand. However, the high pitch must have a strong top hand to hit it well. Generally, the handedness of players can determine some of their preferences when it comes to hitting zones.

This is just my humble opinion. I have no idea if it's got any creedence whatsoever.

Do we pitch to our defense OR do we defend behind our pitcher?

There are 7 defensive players positioned behind the pitcher. There role is obviously to assist the pitcher in recording outs. There needs to be a synchronicity between the pitcher and his defense. Ostensibly, every pitch the pitcher throws should be thrown with the intent of recording an out. If not immediately, eventually. So, the question exists, do amateur defenses align themselves to the pitcher's intentions OR do pitcher's pitch to their defense.

I contend that there isn't nearly enough cohesion between the two units. There aren't enough hours in the day usually to have meetings to discuss goals and plans with each and every hitter. Usually, a pitcher warms up and goes on the mound with his arsenal. He, erroneously, believes that his stuff will get the batters out alone.

However, many times throughout the game, balls will be put into play. And, the defense may or may not be in the proper position.

Here is what I believe is the best case scenario for amateur baseball teams. Understand who is on the mound and try and anticipate the manner in which he throws.

Does he throw hard? Shade opposite field.

Does he throw backwards? Shade pull side.

Does he hit his spots on most occassions? Play the count in the outfield.

Does he struggle with his command? Play straight up and deeper in the outfield.

Simply understanding the pitcher will give the defense and the pitcher that synchronicity that is so needed to prevent the offense from scoring.

Umpire needs to alert the catcher on a 3 ball steal.

When a runner takes off with 3 balls on the batter, there exits a possibility that the batter could walk. However, the catcher can't anticipate this and must be prepared to throw the runner out. This can be a very difficult proposition for the catcher if the umpire isn't an assertive guy behind the plate.

When the ball is received for ball 4, an assertive umpire will YELL ball 4 so the catcher knows he doesn't have to make the throw.

This is one of those plays where nothing could can come from the catcher throwing the ball. If he throws the runner out he was entitled to the base anyway.

If he throws the ball away, the runner can advance to 3rd. Absolutely a miserable proposition for throwing the ball.

The umpire must alert the catcher early. This is one of those situations where managers could and would go ballistic if the umpire isn't aware of this situation.

What all occurs when the catcher gives the pitcher a sign.

It happens about 100-150 times a game. The catcher signals a pitch to the pitcher.
Many of those pitches occur with a runner at 1B without a runner at 2B. If that's the case, the catcher typically drops just one sign.

I'd like to discuss some of the nuances of what the pitcher ought to do, the catcher and the runner at 1B. It's very interesting.

First, let's discuss the catcher.

The catcher should first always look at the batter to make sure he isn't peaking. He can do this in some very surreptitious ways. You want to make sure his eyes are not looking rearward. The catcher then needs to just take a quick peek at the runner at 1st to check on his eyes. Does he take his eyes off the ball at all? Does he look back at the bag when he gets his lead? Does he actually try and peek in at the catcher's signals? If his eyes get off the pitcher there is a chance to record an out on a pickoff attempt.

The pitcher, in a perfect world, should not alert the runner when he is looking in for the signs. You don't want the runner at 1st to know exactly when the catcher is dropping the signal. The pitcher can avoid this by staying taller in the stretch rather than bending over and taking the sign. Astute base runners could prey on the obvious dropped signal.

The runner at 1st should get his lead in a punctual manner. Getting a delayed lead would prevent the runner from having an opportunity to steal the catcher's signals. His lead is predicated on early signals from the third base coach. When the runner has his lead and the pitcher peers in for the sign, the runner can glance in to the catcher. The runner is attempting to notice what sign has been dropped. If he can recognize off speed, he can run on it.

All of this happens in the span of 2-3 seconds. It's definitely a game within the game and it goes unnoticed more often than not.

The best way to promote success for a hitter in the lineup.

Many coaches have decisions to make when writing the lineup. A necessary decision must be where do you hit your best hitter. Typically, the best hitter hits in the 3 spot in the lineup. For many reasons this makes the most sense.

One item that coaches then must decide is how do you protect your best hitters. This doesn't necessarily have to be the 3 hitter. This could also apply to the the 4 hitter, the 5 hitter. Really, it's anyone that could be pitched around with runners in scoring position.

Here's the best way to do that.

1) Put speed in front of the hitter. A hitter should always prefer hitting behind speed. Pitchers have more of a tendency to throw fastballs to hitters when speed is on the bases. Also, middle infielders tend to shorten up to the 2nd base bag even more when speed is on base. Fastballs and open holes is a great recipe for a hitters success.

2)Be willing to run that speed in disadvantage counts with 2 outs for the hitter. So many times managers say that they don't like to run in front of big bats. It opens up a base to pitch around the batter. But, this is important to "promote success" for the hitter. When you run with two outs you provide opportunities for the hitter's at bat to start over. I know this involves the runner getting thrown out but the heading is to "promote success," not score runs.

3) Place a big bat behind the batter. This is an obvious one. If there is a good hitter hitting behind you, there is a chance they will throw you hittable pitches in those advantage counts. If there is a marginal stick behind you, breaking balls and slop are still in play for the pitcher.

4) Alternate sides in the lineup. In other words, don't put lefties on top of each other. It's harder to do the same with right handers but it's worth noting anyway. What this does is it makes the opposing manager think twice before matching up a same side matchup(left on left / right on right). If you're a lefthanded hitter and there is a lefty behind you, the other manager might not hesitate to create a difficult lefty, lefty matchup.

An observation- there is no way that Ryan Howard should hit cleanup behind Chase Utley. Howard doesn't hit for a high enough average to effectively protect Utley and since Howard is also a lefty there are way too many tough lefty, lefty matchups down the road for both Utley and Howard.

Taking a starter out when effective. Different than any other sport.

What other sport does the manager have to make decision to change strategy when the current strategy is effective. It just seems so counter-intuitive to winning baseball.

Taking a pitcher out of the game based upon pitch counts is part of baseball in 2008. It wasn't always this way but it certainly has become a staple of the way the game is played. Bullpens now consist of long men, short men, lefties, set up guys and closers. And, they are all needed because the starter has a limited number of pitches that he can throw.

Somewhere around the 100-120 pitch mark is all they'll allow a starter to throw. And, it doesn't matter if it's a 5-4 game in the seventh and the starter has retired the last 12 consecutive hitters. Out he comes.

Could you imagine a football team drive the length of the field by running it right up the gut for 12 straight plays. But, because they had reached a limit they had to abandon it in favor of the pass.

It's one of those things that makes baseball a great game.

It's also one of those things that makes managers so effective at the professional level. When to go to the bullpen?

Coming set with ball in bare hand or glove?

It's such a basic idea. Where should the ball be as the pitcher comes set? Should the pitcher hold the ball in his bare hand or the glove?

I believe the ball should be held in the bare hand. If the ball is in the hand, the pitcher has an opportunity to attempt a quick pick if he so chooses.

If the ball is in the glove, he can not pickoff.

Now, having the ball in the glove might give the pitcher the element of surprise in some respects. Many times, amateur pitchers hold the ball in the bare hand and grip the ball prematurely with their pitch selection. They tip their change up, their fastball, their curveball by griping the ball before they come set.

Given all this, I still like the ball in the pitcher's bare hand as he can attempt a pickoff.

Teach the pitcher how to hold the ball and when to change to a pitch and all issues are resolved. However, try asking a pitcher to quick pick with the ball still in his glove. Not happening.

A base running fiasco. Man on 2nd, 2 outs. Who is to blame?

I went to a Phillies Angels game the other night and witnessed an absolute base running debacle. After it was all said and done, I was trying to figure out who was to blame.

A runner was on 2nd with 2 outs. It was a tie game and he was the go ahead run in the seventh inning. The batter hit a clean single to center field. The runner was off on the crack of the bat.

Typically(like 9/10 times), the third base coach waives the runner home on a single with 2 outs. The idea is that 2 out hits are few and far between. Therefore, take the risk and send the runner home. Except this time was different.

The third base coach did not send the runner. But, the batter that hit the ball either did not check the runner or possibly just assumed that he would be sent home, ran to 2B to run into an out.

What actually occurred was the 1B cut the ball because there was no play at home and he threw to the SS for an out on the advancing runner. Quite simple actually. And there was the runner standing on 3B watching all of this occur.

Should the runner have been sent home? Possibly. Probably. But, he wasn't and as long as the third base coach has some discretion there is a chance that he won't be sent home. It is absolutely the responsibility of the batter/runner to check the runner rounding third base before advancing to 2B.

Cecil Cooper said home run's kill rally's?

Cecil Cooper (manager of the Astros) made the comment following a bunt attempt by Lance Berkman in the bottom of the ninth down four. When asked of the play by the media following the game Cooper said that he had no problem with the play because home runs can be rally killers. Huh?

Of course the media crucified him. Their angle was how can home runs be rally killers when home runs score runs?

Here is what he meant.

When runners are on base, infielders "shorten up." That is the 1B might have to hold the runner on opening up the "4" hole. Middle infielders may have to move nearer to 2B in double play depth. Furthermore, the 3B must always be cognizant of when a bunt attempt might be an option.

That's what Cecil Cooper was referring to.

His comment spoke to the fact that Berkman's bunt attempt kept the infielders shortened up. A home run would clear the bases and give the infielders a chance to back up and improve their range.

Having said all that, Cecil Cooper was protecting his player. I guarantee you that he wanted Berkman to swing away. He just wasn't going to say that in the media.

How early is too early to bring the infield in?

Simply having a runner on 3B is not enough of a reason to bring the infield in. Obviously, certain parameters must be met. One of those parameters is the inning in which the game is being played.

Obviously, every single manager of the defensive would prefer that the runner on third base not score. But, it's simply not that easy. You can't bring the infield in in an attempt to take away the runner at third base without giving up something. That something is a potential out by the batter.

When the game begins each manager has 21-27 outs to record while scoring more runs than the other team.

Herein lies the debate - attempt to prevent the run from scoring and give up an out opportunity or stay back and concede the run and try for one of those precious outs.

Early in the game many managers will not bring the infield in thinking that they have a lot of at bat opportunities to score some runs of their own. However, the opposing pitcher often times is the major factor in determining how early you bring the infield in. If you believe that your chances of scoring runs is minimal you may choose to bring the infield in as early as the first inning.

Typically,however, the infield in as an option is usually eschewed until the mid to later innings.

But, again, the prevailing issue is whether or not you are willing to trade a potential out at first base(by moving in you concede the ever important range for an infielder) for deterring the runner at 3B from running. Or, even worse, having a play at home plate with no guarantee of recording the out anyway.

Needless to say, infield in early in the game screams of desperation.

Runner at 3B, 1 out and speed in the box.

I think that one of the most mis-understood ideas when it comes to base running is that the person in the batters box should most definitely change what the runner at 3B does.

Here is what I mean.

Let's first concede that typically with 0 outs and at 3B the runner is not very aggressive. If the defense brings the infield in, the offense will relent and ask the runner at 3B to make the ball go through the infield. However, if an out is recorded and the runner stands at 3B with 1 out, what to do?

I contend that if the batter has speed you must send the runner on contact. If the runner at 3B is out by a lot and he gets in a rundown(like he's taught) there is a solid chance that your speed guy will end up in scoring position anyway. Even if he can't get into scoring position, he could potentially steal 2B anyway.

If there are runners at 2nd and 3rd with speed in the box, it's an absolute no brainer. Send the runner on contact and put pressure on the defense. Again, if the out is recorded at home plate you have a 1st and 3rd scenario with speed at 1st.

The other night I was watching the Phillies and the Red Sox. The Phillies had runners on 2nd and 3rd with 1 out and the Red Sox brought the infield in. The Phillies had a one run lead. Eric Bruntlett (middle infielder) hit a slow roller that the 3B fielded. The runner at 3B did not break and it remained 2nd and 3rd with 2 outs. The first thing that crossed my mind was in amateur baseball I would have no doubt sent the runner. Heck, if they record the out at home plate we have a 1st and 3rd with speed at 1st. I wonder how much thought went into the "make it go through" read at 3B. I would hope that the infield in simply didn't deter the Phillies.

Professional baseball is definitely different than amateur baseball with respect to infield skill and arm strength. However, many times amateur baseball takes its cue from pro ball and here is one aspect that needs to be handled much more aggressively.

1 out and speed in the box, send the runner on contact!

1 major league manager never played professional baseball.

Does that seem odd? That all but one manager of the 32 major league teams never played professional baseball. It should.

Consider the fact that only eight NFL head coaches played NFL football.

I guess I first need to stipulate that I definitely believe that being exposed to high level baseball is a prerequisite to coaching high level baseball. You simply can't be expected to understand many of the nuances to the game without some high level exposure. But, does that necessarily mean that it must come from a former player?

Here's the thing. Professional baseball is most definitely the "good ole boys club." You know, you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours. Job assignments are simply not handed out on credibility. They're handed out on the concept of what "lifer" needs a job and what do we have to offer.

The cycle of pro baseball gets perpetuated like no other. Play the game in the minors, maybe advance to the majors, retire, accept a coaching position in the system, teach the same thing that you were taught. The cycle gets perpetuated.

No outside the box thinking involved.

No fresh and innovative ideas.

No outside influences ever get a crack and interjecting ideas into the cycle.

The NBA and the NFL have different cultures. They don't have a minor league system that they can cultivate talent. I think MLB would probably be the envy of both leagues in this regard. However, the NBA and the NFL also don't have this stale, squalid farm system that often times proves to be a holding ground for perpetuating old ideas.

Understand, that it doesn't mean that every coach that has come from the farm system is a poor coach. That's the farthest thing from the truth. What it does unequivocally mean though is that MLB does not guarantee itself that the best pool is used in selecting a manager.

I would suspect that never in the history of the game has a college coach ascended to the ranks of MLB manager in less than 3 years. There's simply too many people to jump in the stale farm system. There are intelligent baseball people that would be exceptional candidates to manage big league teams. However, if they haven't paid their dues in the good ole boys club- forget about it.

Needless to say- what a joke!

Rounding 2nd base.

Taking a turn around 2nd base is a poorly taught concept. So many times I have seen young players come around the bag with a big turn. I suppose this is a result of poor outfield arms in youth baseball. I also suppose it's a result of tempting the outfielders to make an ill-advised throw to a base.

However, 2nd base is not the base too get cute with. You do not round 2nd base and take a big turn like it's 1B.

2B is the base where you coast into the bag after a double or you make your mind up about 15 feet prior to the bag and stretch it into a triple.

Now, hopefully the runner coming around 2B is making up his own mind. Hopefully, he isn't expected or trained to pick up the 3B coach to help him make his decision. Even as early as the 13/14 yr. old level the decision should be the runners. It makes things extremely difficult when the 3B coach has the burden of assisting.

Anyway, runners need to be taught to coast into the bag or make a decision about 15-20 ft. prior to the 2B bag on going to 3B.

Furthermore, when defenses are technically sound, a 1B often times trails the runner coming around 2B. In sure doubles/possible triples this makes a return throw a probability of a the base runner that rounds the bag too much.

The concept of rounding 2B is one of the many misinformed pieces of information that gets disseminated incorrectly by many youth coaches.

Should you be required to take after a four ball walk?

A batter walks on four consecutive pitches. Should the next batter take the first pitch?

Of course every situation is different but the answer is an emphatic no.

Nothing says a fastball over the plate like a 0-0 count where you're trying to throw a strike. If you've got one of your better hitters up, turn him loose and let him drive the baseball.

The idea of offensive baseball is to score runs. If you can anticipate a first pitch fastball and RBI's could result, the last thing you want to do is miss your pitch.

Be prepared to hit right away. Who cares that he threw 4 straight balls.

Now, if he threw 8 straight balls, that's a little different.

Is it worth having automatic signals?

In professional baseball we had an automatic signal when the count went full in a forced situation. The automatic was we were to run unless he gave us the stop sign. His thinking was he was going to give the sign more often than he wasn't going to give the sign so why not make it an automatic?

Could there be other automatic signs?

It doesn't even necessarily have to be a sign with all team members. It could be individual signs with certain players.

Why have automatics in the first place? Well, it certainly prevents that astute team from stealing potential signs. So, if there is some merit to the process, what could the situations be?

1- How about an inside move in all 3-2 2 out 1st and 2nd situations? Make it an inside move to see if you can catch them running early.

2- How about a pickoff at 3B with a RHP on the mound when a runner gets to 3B with 0 outs.

3- How about a steal of 3B off of a LHP when the base stealer notices a curveball called(this happens a lot more than it should in amateur baseball.)

A coach could certainly add more if needed with respect to individual players and their tendencies. I just think that certain baseball situations should speak to the fact that some things don't need signals. Some baseball plays should simply happen.

Suicide squeeze pitchout mechanics

The best way to defend the suicide squeeze is by pitching out. You have to guess right and call a pitchout. But, even if you guess right you have to know the proper defensive rotations after the pitchout is called.

The suicide squeeze is executed with a runner at 3B sprinting home when the pitcher commits to throwing home. This commitment begins when the pitcher reaches the point of no return. This occurs very late in the process of delivering the baseball.

When the runner at 3B begins his sprint home, the 3B follows the runner aggressively. He does this in case the ball is popped up and an out can be recorded on a poorly bunted ball. It is doubtful that that the 3B would have a play on a well bunted ball but the 3B's responsibility is to chase the ball.

Now, given the fact that a pitchout is called, you would hope that the ball would not be bunted. But, stranger things have happened and the batter is hoping to contact anything in the batters box. So, the 3B should go.

However, if the pitchout is successful, there needs to be someone at 3B. That's the role of the shortstop.

Proper pitchout mechanics of the suicide squeeze require the shortstop to rotate over to cover the 3B bag when the 3B leaves on suicide squeeze attempts.

How will the shortstop know that the squeeze is on and the pitchout is in fact given? Well, hopefully, he can see the catcher's signals that ask for a pitchout and then see when the batter squares to squeeze. Otherwise, it would be difficult for the shortstop to react to the pitchout and the squeeze without anticipating it.

The stop watch. What baseball measures

Go to a baseball game and you're likely to see a coach somewhere with a watch sticking out of his pocket. What do they have it for? Is it more than just aesthetic appeal?

Here are the things that baseball typically measures.

1) Is the pitcher 1.3 to the plate or slower out of the stretch? If so, we can possibly run on him.

2) Is the catcher 2.0 to second base? This one is harder to get because catcher's don't always show off their best time during warmups.

3) What's the hitter's time to 1B on a ground ball? A time of 4.1 would be considered very elite. 4.1 is an excellent time to 1B in professional baseball. Typically, an "A" runner would probably settle in at 4.3 in high school baseball.

4) The stop watch can also measure a players time to steal 2B out of his break from 1st. It would go to reason that if a pitcher is 1.3 and a catcher is 2.0, the runner would need to be 3.3 or better to make the math work.

5) The stop watch is also a very good tool to assist infielders in turning double plays. You can't always have runner running down the line to simulate turning two. But, if you give infielders a stopwatch time to shoot for it certainly allows them to work on proper speed and timing.

I don't carry a stopwatch as a coach. I think my eye is pretty sound at detecting slow vs. fast. And, since I can't exactly predict the jump that my runner would get it makes the process a little unpredictable.

The "back elbow up" advice

Let's first begin with the saying "the more you know, the less sure you are."

For many, many fans out there it seems "get your back elbow up" is the only piece of advice worth giving to young hitters. I'm not really sure why they say it or what it attempts to accomplish. It looks awkward and uncomfortable when the kids do it.

Ostensibly, I believe the back elbow up idea is to create a flatter bat path but boy does it create the exact opposite effect.

However, is it bad advice?

Many elite high level hitters do in fact hit with their back elbow up. Shouldn't we ask of our amateur players what our professionals do?

The back elbow up is a power mechanism that high level hitters use to create leverage into their swing from rotating correctly and staying connected correctly. If you don't stay connected(have the arms rotate in conjunction with the torso) then the back elbow up is usually the death knell to a hitter.

But, to dismiss the elbow up as bad advice isn't correct either. You simply need to know when it works.

It's better leaving the hitting tweaks up to professionals.

A lineup thought. Put speed behind power?

Every manager has a decision to make when they write the lineup out. Where should certain hitters hit in the lineup? I contend that putting fleet footed players behind those high power, high strikeout guys makes a considerable amount of sense.

Let's investigate.

High power guys tend to be high strikeout guys. The reason? The bat path that creates high flight balls also tends to miss more balls than one that has a slightly smaller degree of incline to it. So, guys that hit the ball out of the park more also strikeout more. Historically, the numbers bear this out.

If a player has a proclivity to hit home runs and or strike out, that implies there is a better than average chance the next hitter will hit with the bases empty(either a home run that clears the bases or leading off the next inning after a strikeout.)

If that is true, you want the leadoff hitter of an inning to be a potential high stress guy on the bases. You would like all leadoff hitters to put pressure on the defense by putting the ball in play and subsequently to provide a steal threat.

It seems that when speed hits behind power that it gives the lineup maker the best opportunity to constantly stress the defense.

Keep an eye on lineups and how often power hitters strike out to end innings. Furthermore, how often speed leads off the next inning.

Given the fact that most teams begin games with speed, I would contend that every manager would rather have speed leading off and power hitting with men on base. One logical way to do this is to have speed hitting behind power.

3-2 count. Move out of double play depth?

It's something that should probably be considered more often than it is. When the count runs full and you suspect that the runner at 1st could be in motion, do you move your infielders out of double play depth to improve their range?

Certainly, if there are two outs and the runner at 1st is guaranteed to be in motion you will unequivocally move the infielders out of double play depth.

But, what if there is 1 out? 0 outs? Should you consider that as well?

I suppose it's a decision very much like many other decisions in the game of baseball. Pitchout and risk a ball? Play no doubles and risk a single? Hit and run and risk a double play?

Yet, I think that coaches simply get caught up in at bats and don't think pitch to pitch. With a 3-2 count there is a very good opportunity to start the runner. Coaches should consider moving their infielders out of double play depth and giving them an opportunity to field the ball.

What if the batter swings and misses? You wouldn't have an opportunity for a strike 'em out throw 'em out double play. Agreed. So, the idea isn't necessarily if you think the runner is going that you should move the infielders out of position. More likely, if you suspect that the runner is going and a strikeout is unlikely.

I'll continue to look for the 3-2 count move the infielders out of double play depth.

A lefthander's pickoff move at 3B.

You seldom see it- a lefthander jump turning and firing to 3B. Should the play be a bigger part of baseball? If no one ever uses it, I suppose that it would certainly catch an unsuspecting runner off guard.

Why isn't it used much?

First, I think that the play isn't used much because the risk of throwing to 3B with a jump turn and a 3B running to the bag. In ther words, all of these variables coming together makes it very challenging. A runner leads off the bag. The 3B is 10 ft. away. The pitcher comes set. The 3B would have to break initially and the pitcher would have to spin and fire when he sees the 3B break. After all of this has been coordinated, the pitcher needs to turn and find the third base bag and hit the bag. The thrid baseman needs to catch the ball and apply the tag.

All of this is coordinated with a runner 90 ft. away from home plate.

Is it worth it? Apparently, coaches believe that it isn't. I never see it.

Yet, with a runner on 3B and nobody out it certainly may be worth the risk. You have to practice the play but I suppose if you have confidence in your lefthanded pitcher to throw to the bag, go for it.

One other comment. The play becomes extremely effective if the runner at 3B gets very comfortable very early. Sometimes you'll see the runner try and incite a balk by running down the line. I would think that the aggressive runner would be something that you would look for in attempting the pickoff play.

Can you call the wheel play in a non-forced situation?

The wheel play is designed to be used in a forced situation. In other words, it's to be called when the runner at 2nd must run. This allows the shortstop to simply receive the ball with his foot on the bag rather than applying the tag.

The question. Can you run the wheel play when the runner at 2nd is not forced?

Of course you CAN. But, does it have merit.

Consider that the no one would be behind the runner at 2nd anchoring him to the bag. He doesn't have to run and even if he did begin to run he could retreat to the bag without penalty. So, if the play was run you would have to consider the possibility of opening up the middle of the field without an option at 3B.

But, in this scenario, the wheel play may be more of a deterrent to advance to 3B rather than a play to get the out at 3B.

If the runner at 3B is that important and you know that the other team wants to advance him to 3B, I think the following would be worth considering.

Move your 3B in and rotate your shortstop over about 20 feet from 3B so he's got a considerable head start. Keep your 2B near the runner at 2B to hold him close. Have the 1B cheat in to begin with also. Now, you have planted a seed to the offense that we're just not going to let you advance the runner at your will. We might not record the out at 3B but it's going to be difficult for you to advance the runner to 3B.

It's basically a paradigm shift with this play that makes it a palatable option. Rather than thinking out at 3B, use it simply to dissuade the runner from moving to 3B.

How to signal 1st and 3rd defenses and bunt defenses.

Many times you'll see a catcher or a 3B make himself obvious to his teammates and signal a defense for the rest of the players to see. What and why is he doing this?

Well, there are multiple options that teams could have in this situation. The catcher or 3B is communicating to the team as to what play is on.

I can say very adamantly, I don't like this method. Here's why.

When a play is communicated it is communicated until another sign is given. In other words, "it's on until something else takes it off."

The very basic reason that I don't like this method is it's extremely difficult and time consuming to change pitch to pitch. Every pitch has a different count associated with it. Every count should be treated differently.

Furthermore, if an offense coach fakes something and you don't change your defense the offense has been clued in to your intentions.

My preferred method is a verbal system that all infielders can hear and can be changed on the fly. Don't like the current defense? Change it immediately.

As long as there aren't too many fans in the stands creating a deafening sound, the verbal method seems to be the better option.

Middle infielder tandem cut in 1st and 3rd

1st and 3rd situations have long been the bane of many defenses. What defense do you call when a runner takes off? What defense do you want if the offense attempts to steal a run?

Many professional teams employ a defense that asks the middle infielders to "read" the intentions of the lead runner. The catcher is supposed to come up and check the lead runner(I've discussed this concept in a previous blog) and then fire to the 2nd base bag. One infielder is to cover the bag while the other is to cut in front of the bag and see whether or not the runner is breaking to the plate. If the runner breaks he is to cut the ball and fire home for the out.

Are you serious?

For so many reasons, this is absurd.

First of all, doesn't the batter have an opportunity to actually hit the ball? Why would anyone ask two middle infielders to leave their position when the batter could actually hit a thrown ball?

Secondly, can you really ask a middle infielder to "read" something while he is in the act of running and catching? I contend that this is way too difficult to do. And, even if someone believes that they can pull this off reading anything makes the play subjective. If an offense knows that a certain defense uses this play, a fake break at 3B could be the preferred play of choice. This would entice the defense to make a cut while the runner at 3B would retreat to the bag.

Just way too much going on here.