Monday, February 4, 2008

"You, Me" system with middle infielders

The way professional middle infielders handle bag coverage on potential stolen bases is with a system called "Me/You." Typically, the SS peers in at the catcher and recognizes what pitch the catcher has called. Based upon the hitter and the pitch selection the SS will then cover his mouth with his glove and determine bag coverage.

A close mouth indicates "me" and an open mouth indicates "you."

Is this something that could be done at the amateur level? Is this something that should be done at the amateur level?

Professional teams meet and discuss hitter tendencies and how they want to defend all situations. They discuss how each pitcher should attack each hitter and how the defense should defend them.

Amateur baseball isn't nearly as sophisticated. Nor should it be. The amateur level simply doesn't have the time and the resources to allow for such detailed meetings. Therefore, a "me/you" system seems a little overkill. In fact, without detailed scouting reports the "me/you" system would simply be a shot in the dark if a deviation from the norm would be called. So, what is the answer for the amateur player?

I believe the answer is what many teams do. Righty hitting- 2B cover. Lefty hitting- SS cover.

If the manager or coach would like to switch coverage then he can signal for such a change.

But, avoiding the "me/you" system actually seems like the prudent decision.

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