Camp Takeaways

We just finished up another great Fall Camp. Kevin Castleberry and his team of instructors were outstanding and at the top of their game. Here are some of my notes from Friday's session:

On Picking Up Clues During the Game --

To pick up what kind of pitch might be coming, take a look at how the catcher is setting up. Is he preparing to block something in the dirt? Moving up?

Defensive issues --

Real key for fielders is to not only have the glove toe on the ground, but also to bend the wrist back to get as much glove coverage as possible in front of the ball.

Communication --

Communication on the field is key. The better and more advanced a team, the better it will communicate with itself. In addition to our own set of signs, players should communicate with each other regarding all manner of things -- i.e., coverage issues, who has bag, what pitch is coming to increase readiness.

Baserunning --

A lot of Coach Burton's reminders here were key: Baserunners should get the number of outs and sign before each play. Coach suggested looking to outfield position, as well. This would be the third priority. First two are mandatory and part of our S-O-L-D approach.

Key to getting a good jump on steal is not so much pegging the move, but learning when a pitcher is going to the plate. This is when we are going. This analysis should start in the dugout and continue out onto the field. Note: Is he a one-looker, two-looker, what? Does he go after the first look each time? Pick up the pattern.

When stealing a base, shorten the distance by making sure you are not leading off behind a straight line between the bases.

Also, open up slightly with the right foot a little bit behind the left (to where the toe of right shoe is even with the heel of left shoe). This gives us a little advantage in getting up to full speed quicker.

Explode low and get arms in sync with legs as fast as possible.

If a sign is on and you move and then ball is fouled off, look over to coach ASAP so he doesn't have to give you sign while every one is watching.

Slide aggressively and away from tags.

When on 2B, to get better angle around 3B and increase chances of scoring, move back toward LF a step or two. If stealing, you should be looking to make it the shortest distance between 2B and 3B.

Throwing issues --

To learn your teammates' throwing strength and particular style, throw with a different teammate each day in warm-ups.

In general, if consistently missing high lengthen your stride, and vice-verse (shorten to throw higher). If missing left or right, make sure you are pulling through with glove side and also that your head is remaining still. My note: Are you focusing on the target?

Middle-infielders and the double-play --

Balls hit to you or between the bag and you should usually result in a flip; balls hit to the right of the SS or the left of the 2B should be a throw. Always follow your throw, no matter what type of throw you are making. This increases accuracy.

SS waits for the throw a step or so behind the bad (because he can/will use momentum to throw to first); 2B waits for the throw on the bag.

Move chest to the ball, and communicate when flipping/throwing.

Middle-infielders should, as much as possible, receive the throw on the LF side of the bag to shield themselves from the runner.

Throws should be "uphill", that is, from low to high. This is much easier to handle than a low throw or one in the dirt. Receiving IF should be prepared for bad throw.

On ball to his left, 2B should either jump turn to throw or drop step (drop right leg and step with left). Again, these techniques allow us to throw "uphill" and give the SS a good feed to handle.

Okay, that's all for now.

See you on the field at tryouts.

Yanks Secret Weapon: Nick Swisher (But Maybe for Different Reasons Than You Thought)

From Rick Reilly @ ESPN.com:

"Charles Barkley joins Augusta National. Wanda Sykes is elected to the Supreme Court. "Dilbert" cartoons hang at the Met.

That gives you an idea of what it's been like having Nick Swisher suddenly join the New York Yankees.

Swisher is a guy who won't stop laughing even when he brushes his teeth. The only time he says "no" is when they ask him if he's had enough. He could make a colonoscopy fun.

It's actually a problem for the Yankee right fielder. "I smile so much, my cheek muscles are too built up and it makes my face look fat," he says.

Not a problem you usually find with Yankees, who are generally stiffer than the center field monuments. Even moreso: the Yankees clubhouse, which has always been just slightly tighter than Jerry Jones' face. Bounding into all this stodginess came the unsinkably happy kid from Ohio State and nothing's been dull since.

"The first couple days I was here, it was a little stuffy, everybody was a little quiet, not talking too much," Swisher says. " ... I guess the Yankees were more known for having a corporate-type atmosphere."

Not anymore. Everything's more fun since Nick at Night. For instance, he has 24 different home run handshakes -- a different one for each teammate.

"The weirdest one is with A.J. (Burnett). There's some snapping, some fist bumping and it ends with some howling, like a wolf."

He has more hairstyles than gloves: The Mohawk, the Fauxhawk, the Swishhawk and the Light Socket. "I saw Johnny Damon's Jesus cut and I just decided to branch out," he says. "Soon as we can grow facial hair again (banned on the Yankees), I might go with the full Jake Plummer Grizzly Adams."

He is the Yankees' version of Kevin Millar, the crazy on the 2004 world champion Boston Red Sox team who made the clubhouse a nuthouse. Without Swisher, the Yankees aren't this deep in the playoffs. He's a human pressure-release valve.

That's his collage poster every player walks by on the way to the field. He works on it nearly every day. It's a shine shrine. Everything on it is upbeat articles and photos reminding his teammates how great he thinks they are.

"My locker is the last one you see before you go out on the field," he says. "So if a guy's having a bad day, he can go by there and maybe get a little pick-me-up."

Swisher's been more than a little pick-me-up for the Yankees. He's had one of the best seasons of his six-year Swish-hitting career (.249 in the regular season, with 29 jacks and 82 RBI), played all three outfield positions and first base, even pitched one shutout inning. ... "

My thought: What's interesting is that Swisher is positive and fun-loving, but it obviously has a purpose ... and an effect. He is not simply having fun or being goofy in a vacuum. He is a valuable, valuable teammate.

Rare Occasion When a Pitcher Should Catch a Pop-up

Pretty incredible how nonchalant Cliff Lee is on the play. He was pretty relaxed all night, throwing a complete game vs. the Yanks. Afterward, Lee (who also fielded a ball headed up the middle behind his back) said that he "doesn't get nervous in the major leagues." Lee explained that he does his work, he prepares, and so he has confidence in MLB games.


Hmm ... Confidence comes from preparation. Where have we heard that before?

Baserunning 101A -- New and Updated

Greetings All,

As promised, here is my updated paper on baserunning. High school players should be familiar with it ... and let it sink into your DNA.

I. Introduction

A. Good baserunners need three things:

1) Focus

2) Judgment (which is knowledge plus experience); and

3) Enthusiasm. We run with our "hair on fire", always.

B. Why is it important to run hard?

1) The opposition may misplay the ball, and we want to be in a position to capitalize

2) Our hustling, in fact, might create misplays by putting pressure on the defense; and

3) We give our best at everything. I Cor. 10:31.

C. Message to "slow guys": Base stealing is not baserunning. Rather, base stealing is a part of baserunning. Understand this and grow as a player. Every player can be a good baserunner.

D. According to "The Mental Game of Baseball", a player who has shown the commitment to become a good baserunner has shown the commitment to become a complete player.

E. Important note: Understand the difference between rules and principles. It is important to understand the rules of the game that affect what we can do on the bases. Equally important is that we understand the principles that govern what we can and should do in various situations.

II. We begin at home

A. On a dropped third strike, the ball is live and the batter can advance to first unless first base is occupied and there are less than two outs. With two outs, the ball is always live on a dropped third strike.

1) If a runner is advancing on a dropped third strike, then force plays are in order. For example, if the bases are loaded the catcher should simply step on home plate to force the runner coming home. Why? It gets an out without a throw.

2) Catchers especially need to learn this rule ... to the point where it is automatic.

3) For the batter/runner ... the principle is that we should run always. Why? Because the opposition often will not know this rule and will make unnecessary throws. If a ball gets thrown away, the batter may be out (i.e., if 1B is occupied with less than two outs), but other runners can advance on an overthrow.

B. When we make contact, we take a quick glance to see if the ball is going to the outfield. If we can't tell, then we assume there will be a play at first. No admiring hits allowed. Run with a purpose.

1) If the ball is through the infield, we take the turn at first and put pressure ... always we put pressure ... on the defense. We make a good turn, starting about 12-15 feet from the bag, swinging out to the right about 5 feet or so to where we can hit the inside corner of the bag and push off hard toward second.

2) Note: Angles are basically the same for all bases, with the idea being to cut down unnecessary steps and reduce the time it takes to get to the next base.

3) If the ball is on the infield and there is a play at 1B, we run hard through the bag and decelerate only after we clear the bag.

a) When we run through the bag, we automatically take a quick glance over our right shoulder to see if the ball has been overthrown, and if so, we are off to 2B unless held up/called back by the 1B coach.

b) Extremely important: A high school runner should be an informed, aggressive runner. We run hard and think aggressively and ahead, always. We run hard first, and listen for confirmation from base coaches. The days of waiting to be told to run before moving are over. To be clear, when a ball gets away or is put in play, (absent specific instructions to the contrary and/or a play being on ... i.e., instructions to hold at third) our runners are moving. Base coaches can override and/or confirm.

4) The running lane to first ... Runner only required to stay here (3 feet to the right of 1B line) when the play is behind him and the C or P is trying to make a play at 1B.

5) Rule: If the runner makes any move toward 2B after running through 1B, he is not considered to have run through the bag and must get to the base before being tagged or he is out. Principle: If you, as a runner, think you have made a move toward 2B, hustle back to 1B before you can be tagged. If you are playing 1B, then you should watch for any such move and then tag a runner coming back toward first. Many times, an umpire will call the runner out (and correctly so).

D. What about sliding into first? Don't do it, unless you are trying to avoid a tag. When you slide, you slow down. Sliding is for avoiding tags (either before getting to a bag or if we cannot run through the particular base). Note: Sliding into first head first is particularly dangerous (as is sliding into home this way) because of the elevated bag and the likelihood that the 1B will leave his feet to get an errant throw.

II. Okay, now we are at first.

A. We take our lead, and unless we are the first baserunner of the day we have already been studying the pitcher's move to first from the dugout.

1) Righty: Usually will move left shoulder toward first and his left leg while stepping off with back (right) foot. But all are unique. Study them.

2) Lefty: Tends to be trickier. Watch for the left shoulder coming toward you, and study how they move their right leg when coming home and going to 1B.

3) Baserunners need to know the balk rule. We will cover that later and in detail. But know this: A pitcher cannot fake to 1B while touching the rubber. He can fake to the other bases.

4) Once the runner arrives at 1B, he must know where the ball is at all times and not take a lead unless he see the pitcher with the ball an the pitcher is on the rubber (unless we have a play on).

B. What all runners need to know when they are on base ...

1) Situation details, i.e., locate the ball, what's the score/inning (because it might affect what our plan might be), the pitcher's pattern, the count, what you will do if the ball is hit to all places on the field, what if it's in the air/on the ground?

a) As an example, if we are on first and the ball is hit on the ground, we are always moving. Be aware that if a tag is made behind the runner that the force is off.

2) Offense -- Before every pitch, the runner looks over for the sign.

3) Once the runner is committed to second, he is then the responsibility of the 3B coach and should pick up that coach when he heads toward 2B.

C. Now, we are trying to take/steal 2B.

1) First, we fight for a good lead. We take a primary lead, and when not stealing, we take a secondary lead of at least 2-3 steps (from all bases).

2) If the pitcher makes a move, we go back in head first with our heads turned away from the play (for safety, but also to help us to pick up an overthrow).

3) We get a good jump ... always. We push with our back arm while pulling our front arm back. Should crossover with our left foot.

4) When we are running, unless the take sign is on we look back for a quick glance once we are up to full speed. It is primarily the runner's job to pick up the ball once it is put in play and to adjust accordingly.

D. A steal has three elements: A good lead, a good jump, and a good slide.

1) Three types of slides: Pop-up, hook, and head-first.

2) A pop-up slide is designed to enable the runner to pop up quickly after sliding in order to faclitate a quick move to the next base. On the pop-up and hook slides, the runner comes in with hands cupped and up, the leg is tucked under on a pop-up, and the runner leans back to avoid the tag.

3) On a hook slide, the runner slides down and away from the tag, hooking the base with the inside foot.

4) A head-first slide has the advantage of speed, but the runner is typically disoriented for a moment when sliding in this fashion. The body is, after all, designed to land on the feet and not the hands.

5) When do we slide? Whenever there is a close play at 2B, 3B, or home, or we are avoiding a tag play (with the first baseman pulled off the bag) at 1B.

6) Where do we slide? To the bag and away from the tag.

III. Now we are at second

A. Lead is dependent upon position of the middle infielders. Runner keeps eye on second baseman and 3B coach watches SS. Runner should be listening for 3B coach, and not the dugout or other players. Learn to listen for 3B coach.

B. As on first, we fight for a good lead and always check the sign before every pitch. Yes, before every pitch.

C. It's crucial to know when to move on a grounder when you are on 2B and there is not a runner on first. What is the principle?

1) We run when the ball is hit at us or to our left, unless it is right to the pitcher.

2) But this is only a principle, and we look for other opportunities to move. We evaluate how the particular ball is put in play ... always. We are ready to make this judgment when the ball is hit.

3) If the ball is in front of us, we see it through the infield and then advance to 3B (and home, if possible).

4) Also, we stay alert on a grounder to 3B on in the hole deep at SS, for often with a nice lead we can make it to 3B after the throw goes to 1B. Think aggressively. Note: Our lead will be determined by where the second baseman is when a ball is hit into the hole.

IV. So, the ball is hit in the air and there are less than two outs. What do we do? If there are two outs, we are always running hard, of course.

A. How far off the base does the runner go before it is clear if a catch will be made? It depends.

1) The principle is for the runner to go far enough that he can make it to the next base without being forced or tagged (or advance as far as possible) while still being close enough to the base to avoid being doubled off. So, it depends on where the ball is hit and the arm of the outfielder involved.

2) Some specifics ... Remember, it depends.

a) Runner on first, and the ball is hit into the air to ...

1) RF -- Go less than halfway to 2B. Why? If it drops, you have to be concerned about a force and RF is the closest to all the OF positions to 1B, so there is the greatest risk here of being doubled off. Tough tag play almost always.

2) CF -- Go more than half-way to 2B. Why? Greatest risk of being forced at 2B because CF is closest OF position to 2B. Longer throw to 1B to attempt to double off runner.

3) LF -- Go two-thirds of the way to 2B. Why? LF is the farthest OF position from 1B and relatively close to 2B.

b) Runner on second, and the ball is hit in the air to ...

1) RF -- We want to stay pretty close to the bag if it looks like it is going to be caught -- less than one-third of the way. Why? This is a great tag situation if the RF catches the ball with any depth, and advancing to 3B won't be difficult if the ball drops. Remember: We are thinking aggressively and want to get home if possible, too.

2) CF -- This could also be a tag play, but the CF is closer to 3B than the RF. What this tells us is that we generally will want to get farther off the bag here than on a ball hit to RF, unless the ball is really deep.

3) LF -- A tag play is going to be difficult. Note that the LF is close to both 2B and 3B. This tells us that we need to get far enough off (probably more than a third to almost half) to guard against both getting doubled off and also to avoid a force if there is a runner on 1B. If there is no runner on 1B, we are going to stay closer to 2B.

c) Runner on third ... We always return to tag on a fly ball as soon as it's hit in the air. If it drops, we are going to score, any way. We don't need a jump to get home. Remember: Coach will send or not send.

d) What about tagging from 1B? Only when a really deep fly or lead runners moving up. Always be prepared to go if the lead runner is going.

e) Runners on 1B and 2B ... We return to the bag (after being the appropriate distance off, depending on where the ball is hit) as soon as we can see it's going to be caught.

B. What's the rule pertaining to tagging up?

1) We don't leave until the ball is caught. Listen to the coach and be ready to move. Coach will give "go" or "take three" (bluff). Coach responsible for the lead runner will be responsible for giving "go" sign. Trailing runner prepare to also tag when the lead runner tags, looking where the throw may be to adjust, as necessary.

2) Can we tag on foul flies? Absolutely.

C. But what is the principle? We always at least bluff when we can. We may force a misplay or a bad throw. When the ball is caught, we are always ready to move from the base.

V. So, we've made it to third.

A. Here, it's important to be aggressive. We are always moving on a ball that gets away from the catcher (unless called back by the 3B coach). We are always looking to take the next base. Here, it means a run.

B. Default on 3B will be to move on contact on a grounder (if not right in front of the plate or to the pitcher), unless told or given sign to hold. Note: The runner on 3B checks the sign before every pitch, too.

C. On flies, we tag always. We bluff if we are not going. We wait at the bag ... always.

D. The lead

1) A lead off of 3B is important, but not as important as moving 2-3 hard steps with the pitch and being ready to move on contact or a passed ball/wild pitch.

2) We lead in foul territory and return to the bag (and not too quickly and tentatively) in fair territory. Why? If we are hit by a batted ball in foul territory, we are not out. Likewise, a thrown ball hitting a runner is a live ball, and the runner is safe. Also, it is a harder throw for a catcher to 3B if the runner is in fair territory.

E. Note: When coming home on a ball hit to 3B or coming to third on a ball hit to SS, the runner doesn't have to get down or even at all. This makes it a much more difficult defensive play.

F. When you have just scored or are on deck, you are the coach for the runner coming home (telling him when and where to slide to avoid the play at home).

VI. Special Situations

A. Infield fly rule: With runners on 1B and 2B and/or bases loaded with less than two out, and a pop is hit on the infield (and fair). The umpire calls "Infield fly, the batter's out." Runners can advance at their own risk after the ball is caught or hits the ground. Best move is to get back to the base you came from, unless the ball squirts away from the fielder after it comes down.

1) What if the umpire doesn't call it? Regular rules apply, and we'll have no problem because our runner will be hustling to 1B.

B. With two outs, a 3-2 count, and a force in front of the runner, it is automatic that the runner will be moving on the pitch. Treat this situation as a steal sign.

C. If the picther forgets and winds up, treat this as a steal sign.

D. Line drives ... "See" them through rather than simply freezing. If you see it's going to be caught, don't freeze. Rather, hustle back.

E. If a batted ball hits a runner in fair territory, the runner is out; if a thrown ball hits a runner in fair territory, the runner is safe (unless he is not in the running lane -- the 3 feet to the right of the first baseline -- and the play is behind him when he is running to first).

1) What if the runner and a fielder collide and the runner is going for the next base and the fielder is going for the ball? This is a judgment call, but it will usually go to the fielder. Principle: Runners should avoid contact with fielders, but can/should use their bodies to shield the ball and make a fielding play more difficult. If a fielder runs into a runner while not making a play, the runner will be awarded the next base.

F. When the third out is made, when does the run scoring from 3B count? When it scores before the last out is made, unless that out is a force play. Pay attention and keep your cool in walk-off situations. Runners touch all bases and the guy getting the winning hit needs to at least make it to first. Why? Because if he is forced at first, then the run doesn't count. Could that happen, you ask? Well, yes, it has.

G. Rundowns. Our job as runners, even if we have blown it and gotten picked off, is to never give up. We always make the defense work and make as many throws as possible. The next throw may get away. We may stay alive long enough for a run to score or another runner to advance. (See F. above). In general, we always make the defense make the more difficult play. If you can make them make a throw to force you instead of running into a tag, do it.

H. The baseline ... is three feet on either side of a straight line between the runner and the next base, on a tag play (that is, this rule only applies when a runner is trying to avoid a tag). If the runner runs outside the baseline to avoid a tag, he is out.

I. You can't pass your own runner, or you are out. Also, if two runners end up at the same base and are tagged, the trailing runner will be declared out. If encountering such confusion, wait for the umpire to tell you if you are out before leaving the base. In fact, if you don't know, stay there in all circumstances. If the opposition does this, tag them all ... early and often.

J. "Malicious contact". An umpire in HS baseball can call a player out (and eject him) for contacting a fielder without making a legitimate effort to make it to the bag via a slide. The solution? Make sure you can always reach the bag when you slide. If you are heading home and the catcher is blocking your path to the plate, you can make an effort to get there. Be aggressive but smart. Note: A defensive player can't block the plate without the ball in HS ball any more.

VI. Finally, remember ...

A. S-O-L-D: Situation (Know it)-Offense (Get the Sign)-Lead (Fight for it)-Do it.

B. If you have a question, ask it. It's not hard to be a good baserunner. With some knowledge and a lot of determination, you can get there.

See you on the field.

More coming soon ...

Greetings All,

Well, I've been in a blogging wilderness for some time. This is going to be the new home for blog posts talking baseball ... and more.

I've got an update due on baserunning, which will be extensive. So, hang in there.

Next week we cover another favorite subject -- rundowns. Year after year, we have found that this is a key area of execution that many teams fail to master. But we do. And we'll execute rundowns well in 2010, as well.

See you on the field ...

Fall Training Kicks off Today!

Fall training starts today at 5:30 p.m. at ORWALL. See you on the field. I love seeing our old players and meeting new ones. The new younger ones fire me up.

It should be a great fall. I am ready to get back on the field again.