my 2 random cents. as a coach i don't liket that, 'what should i improve on' line. Everything is the only honest answer... so you mean if i tell you to start hitting shots to the gap you will do it? wow, that was awesome coaching.
I would never advise a kid to use the term PT to a coach, as in, how can i get more PT.
Son, we are here to win games. we are a team. PT is for some NBA guy who has an agent.
Those pitchers that are being past up are usually at the mercy of one thing, a radar gun. I'd bet ya a sausage those new guys light it up a little better, they can't get outs apparently, but they get opportunities because of that little electronic beast.
Good luck to the kids... it does sound like they are doing their job when they get their chance... they just have to hang in there.