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Baseball Wisdom From the Masters 
Catching Tip of the Week: "The Speed of the Game" brentmayne.com
By Brent Mayne / Kansas City Royals, NY Mets, Oakland A’s, SF Giants, Colorado Rockies, AZ Diamondbacks, LA Dodgers We've all heard the "pitch to contact" theories of Greg Maddux, right? Basically it means making the opposing team put the ball in play early. Decrease walks, keep the pitch count low...maximum outs with minimum pitches. In Maddux's world, a perfect inning isn't 3 strikeouts on 9 pitches, it's 3 pitches and 3 groundouts. Simply put, this theory works. The pace of the game speeds up, pitchers can work later into the game, the defense stays engaged and on its toes, umpires call more strikes, plus shorter games = happier girlfriends/wives, etc. Here's the deal though. Pitchers love to trick hitters. And pitchers love to nibble on the corners. Both of these facts are contrary to the "pitch to contact" theory. As the catcher you need to recognize this and take control of the situation. This is how you can help. Work fast. Put the signs down quickly and intuitively. Get the pitcher in a good tempo and remember the less time he has to think, the better. DO NOT set up too far on the corners! Unless your pitcher's name is Greg Maddux or Cliff Lee, setting up away from the plate is an excellent recipe for a walk-a-thon. Only split the corners of the plate with your crouch when you are way ahead in the count. Make the pitcher throw good low strikes yielding weak ground balls. Set up around the plate and make the offense put the ball in play right now. Till next week, good luck, have fun, and keep your eye on the ball. |
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