Sorry if I came acrossed as being peeved. When I read what I typed it did come acrossed that way. It is interesting that PGStaff used the term "controlled aggression", because that is exactly the term I used in practice Tuesday to express the idea I had in mind with my hitters.
The leadoff batter did get a bit of a backside chewing for swinging despite having the take sign, but I didn't chew too vigorously because he is a Freshmen. (Small school, limited talent pool, and he really can swing it...but only when he is in the leadoff spot.)
In Saturday's game we had this situation come up again, and this time he took one (To make the count 2-1) and became frustrated for having to take a strike, losing his focus, and diminishing his concentration. What I have been rethinking, is that with his level of aggression (which I really do like) he should have called time, and asked about swinging at 2-0...because I was sort of thinking the same thing. I am guessing he didn't know that was an option (my fault for not making that clear), and thus the thinking that started this thread.
One of my favorite things about the game is that there really is not ONE way to do everything, and that we as coaches are constantly challenged to adapt and learn.