Real quickly here are some answers IMO. It would take a long time to completely answer all the questions. Here is condensed version.
Your question followed by reply:
What do you want your players to be doing/thinking in the following game situations? [I invite others to add more] Assume that your players have never faced this pitcher before.
1. Watching the opposing pitcher in warmups.
Look for type of pitches and command of each pitch. Detect flaws ie. Slowing arm on changeup or curve ball. Changing angle (dropping arm on breaking ball)
2. Watching the opposing pitcher pitch to other hitters.
Find his control pitch ASAP (usually fastball) then find his best out pitch and his best strike out pitch. Always know count and see what he uses in each count. Watch downward angle of all pitches. Visualize timing. Check for faults in stretch position (base running purposes) Look for trends. Try to figure out umpires zone.
3. On deck preparation to hit.
Same as from dugout with more emphasis on timing.
4. Upon entering the batter's box.
Know the situation and your job, have a plan. Visualize what you plan to do. Get comfortable. Check 3B coach. This could take a long time to go over completely here.
5. Take the first pitch regardless or not?
Depends on situation (see #4 above), but normally look for fastball in your power zone. The small zone that would make up the area where you would most like the pitch to be. If you see anything other than fastball in that zone… take the pitch. Expect the pitch to be the one you’re looking for.
6. Should a hitter change his mental approach based on the count? If so, what should his approach be on the various counts [1-0, 0-1, 1-1, 2-1, 2-0, 1-2, 0-2, 2-2, 3-1, 3-2, 3-0]
All the above counts could result in different thinking depending on the situation and the pitcher’s ability, but as a general rule…
0-0 … Look at # 5 above
1-0… same as 0-0
0-1… hit strikes, think up the middle, be ready for best out pitch (see # 2 above)
1-1 … same as 0-1, but more likely to see fastball depending on pitcher. This is a pitch that is most likely to be located. Think outer half, but be ready for inner half might be a decent thought.
2-1… same as 1-1 except even more likely to see fastball over the plate
2-0… same as 0-0, look for fastball in your zone only. Do not chase!
1-2… Use 2 strike mental approach, think about using the whole field, think about spoiling border line pitches. Be ready for best strike out pitch (see # 2 above)
0-2… Same as 1-2, do not get caught automatically thinking waste pitch. Do not be surprised on called strike 3. Spoil border line pitches. Use the whole field.
2-2… Same as 0-2 and 1-2 except most pitchers are likely to throw fastball in this count not wanting to go full. Especially if pitcher has shown trouble throwing other pitches for strikes.
3-1… Same as 0-0 and 2-0 look fastball in your zone. Do not chase!
3-2… Same as 0-0, 2-0 and 3-1 depending on situation. Do not expand the strike zone and chase. Make sure the pitcher throws a strike. Borderline pitches you might spoil on other 2 strike counts now become high on base % pitches. If swung at the same border line pitches will yield very low on base % and Batting Average.
3-0… If you have the green light you’re more than likely a power hitter or have a runner or two in scoring position with a bad hitter behind you. Look for a fastball that is in the best spot to get your job done. If it’s a power situation look for the fastball in the spot that allows you the best chance to really drive the ball. Don’t get anxious and miss-time, be ready for a fastball with a little something taken off of it. Pitch needs to be in your wheel-house, do not make adjustments to other locations.
7. Should the hitters mental approach change in subsequent at bats?
Yes, if you are leading off an inning vs having a runner in scoring position with 2 outs. If you’re AB with 2 outs and no one on base or a runner at 1B your goal should be extra base hit. Runner at 2B no outs, you might look for the best pitch to hit to the right side. Many situations would change your job thus change your mental approach and even sometimes your physical approach slightly.
Would your answer be different if he was successful in earlier at bats [a hit or good contact] than if he was not [stuck out or hit weak ground balls].
As a coach you might feel different based on previous performance and how dominant the pitcher is, but for the most part the hitter needs to do his job and forget his past at bat. (easier said than done)
8. Should a hitter make a guess about the next pitch [location, off speed, etc.] at any time and, if so under what circumstances?
Yes, educated guessing is part of hitting successfully. In fact,the pitchers ability, the pitchers chart, the count, the entire situation will help a hitter make excellent guesses. The best educated guess is fastball in fastball counts. This covers 90% of all pitchers. There are other situations ie. (behind in the count) where guessing becomes a negative.
Guess that wasn't "real quickly" afterall, but it could have been much much longer.
Nice topic! I’m sure others will add their thoughts. Thanks for bringing it up!