MLB Talk: Big contract offer and what does it mean for another player.
Just Switch Spots: Catcher and Third Baseman
With a guy on first and nobody out we have a bunt situation, I think most of you know this. I often see the ball go down the third base line and the pitcher goes for it but cannot get to it and the catcher instinctively takes a few steps toward the ball, and of course the third baseman crashes in and makes the play leaving third base open. With all this action a lot of youth players will watch the play develop and before you know it there is a foot race between one of the defensive players and the base runner. Advantage runner, not because he is faster but because the first baseman is going to have to make a great throw to a moving target, and then the player on the run actually has to catch the ball in an awkward position and get the tag down. This is highly unlikely to happen by the way. So what to do? We will be proactive and teach the catcher the proper action to take.
When the bunt is laid down with a runner on first the catcher should simply go to third base and cover the bag, the pitcher if he does not make the play can simply head to home plate, the third baseman can make the play and then if something develops he can back up the plate. By the catcher going to third, the first baseman has an easy throw across the field to a target that is stationary.
You can practice this when you do your bunt coverage. This is very simple and will save your team some runs, and like I always say it won’t hurt at all, because even if there is no play at least you hustled.
Play hard, have fun, and respect the game.
Hitting Instructors
The tricky question of how often, and how much should I pay. First of all my business partner and I do hitting, fielding, and pitching instruction for a living so what I am about to say may surprise some.
I am a firm believer that private instructors have a place in sports, I am also a firm believer we are not as important as we sometimes think. What I am saying is your kid needs to have drive, a love for the game, a work ethic, and the ability to make adjustments. Instructors only help with the last part and that is only if they are used correctly. You should not visit an instructor more than two times per week, and I like kids to go one time per week to be honest. If kids get too much instruction they will not learn how to fix problems they have during games or practices when the instructor is not around. A kid who cannot make adjustments will not succeed because he will be stuck for an entire game or maybe even series before he is taught what to do. I think one to two times per week allows kids to get their swings in on their own and use what the instructor said to help them with their swings. Also, a kid may find that something the instructor said does not quite fit his game, which is OK, and it also does not mean the instructor is bad, sometimes things work for people that do not work for others. Instructors are a good thing but too much of them turns into counter productivity, because in sports you need to know how to do things when nobody is around is around to help.
OK I am ready to get crushed for this one but I do not think you should pay more than $40 per half hour lesson either. I also think $30-$35 is the most reasonable. Trust me when I tell you there are quality instructors out there for that much, and you can find them if you just look a little. I wish all of you the best in your search and if you need help finding an instructor let me know. I know people all throughout Michigan so I can usually help you if you are looking for someone to work with your kid. Talk to you later.
Product Review, this bat will be available on www.baseballaroundtheclock.com
