But here's the bottom line: If we execute our offensive plan as a team as we continue to grow and improve, it won't matter so much what our opponents are doing.
At the plate, remember, it starts with the three "E's" ... Expect your pitch and hit it where it wants to go ... Every one has a two-strike adjustment ... and, Eyes ... broad to fine focus.
Focusing on these three elements of hitting will keep a hitter on track and out of prolonged slumps. When a team buys in ... that is, each player is executing the three "E's" consistently ... then special things start to happen. We have made progress and seen bits and pieces of this during the season. We've got a ways to go still.
So, let's talk about a few key concepts.
First, our approach is not ... I repeat, is not ... passive. Rather, it's controlled aggression. Remember, we expect our pitch. We are not surprised to get it. Go back and read the Hitting Chapter from "The Mental Game." As Al Oliver expected his pitch, he thus saw it more.
I liken what we are doing to turning down sparrows while we are on a big game hunt. We are aggressive, but we know what we are hunting for. We decide, not the opposing pitcher.
Regarding the two-strike adjustment, keep the following in mind ... every one has one (meaning we make a mechanical adjustment to give us more plate coverage and a quicker bat while expanding our hitting zone to cover the whole plate). Also, we are not trying to "just put it in play." While making our adjustment, we are still trying to hit the ball hard.
But doesn't the two-strike adjustment run counter to "Moneyball" theory? That is, aren't we now hitting more on the pitcher's terms and adjusting our general approach of looking to hit our pitch? Yes, indeed. But we are doing so to neutralize the pitcher's advantage with two strikes. Furthermore, the value of putting the ball play is much higher at the high school level than MLB.
As we continue to work our approach at the plate, some times our offense will appear methodical as the innings roll along. But ... the excitement is usually on the way.
Here is what we are seeing, over and over. Our offense continues to improve and get stronger as the game goes on, as we continue to put pressure on the opposing pitching staff and defense. When it's late in the game and things are getting interesting, we are often ready to play our best offense of the game.
This happens for a number of reasons. For one thing, when our hitters are seeing pitches, so is the rest of our team in the dugout. Also, we tend to get into bullpens sooner. When we get to tournament time, the benefits of what we are doing is amplified even more.
So ... buy in.
Our stock is rising.
See you on the field,
Coach Rut
