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.