Help from coaches out there for rising sophomore

I understand what your son is thinking and there is some legitimacy to that but let me ask you this - he decides he wants to be a shortstop. So he takes all of his reps at short and starts learning the nuances of the position. He plays 3 or 4 games in a row at short and actually does well. Then he shows up at the field and for whatever reason the team needs him to play right field. Let's say the kid who's going to play short will do a fine job but without your son playing right field the team has to put a player out there who just can't handle it. Now the reasoning is because your son has played there before the coach is confident the move is best for the team.

Do you tell the coach no and he's only going to play short or will he do what's best for the team and play RF?

The point I'm trying to get is that your son does need to pick a primary position and work on it. When he does the showcase circuit and college camps or whatever else he's going to do that will help him as an individual he needs to put the position he wants to play. But never shy away from the fact he has and can play other positions. It can be a huge plus for you in getting playing time at the next level.

The way I look at it you have to approcach this from two ways - what's best for you as an individual and what's best for the team.

He needs to pick something because the farther he goes up the ladder the more he will need to find that "identity" as a player. I know you said it's hard to get winter instruction but find someway to get it done. I apologize for not being able to give a better answer than just do it but it's all I got right now.

But if the team needs him to play another position to help the team win then he needs to grab his glove and go play that position. While you have to prepare yourself as an individual the concept here is for the team to win.

One piece of advice is to have your son talk to the coach and tell him that he wants to pick one position to play. Obviously be respectful and your son needs to tell the coach his concerns about being a jack of all trades and master of none. Tell him he wants to play at the next level and he wants to start learning everything about this one position. But he's still willing to do whatever it takes to help the team win.

Remember this - it's better to be the starter at a secondary position than sitting on the bench waiting on time at your primary one.

Coach,

Thanks for the advice. I get what you are saying and the boy is the consummate team player. He actually carries 6 or 7 gloves in his bag and never hesitates to use any of them for any team he plays for. The point of the question was that he is beginning to feel compromised in all positions and doesn't like that feeling moving on to higher levels of play. He doesn't even know which one he is best suited for at this point, which is why he is interested in an evaluation to provide guidance.

Coach - I appreciate your taking the time to respond. That is what makes this site great.

I see what you're saying and I agree that an independent evaluation would be very beneficial. Not knowing the area where you live I can only throw out some general ideas. I guess go to a local college camp and have him ask the coaches there where they think he could be best suited at. Or go to a few different showcases that provide evaluations and try a different position at each one and see what they say. Try to find one of those baseball businesses that's fairly close to you and see if they provide private instruction. Tell the guy your son wants to start focusing on a position and ask him what he thinks is best.

Now that being said I'm not sure if that's the best advice because your son is allowing others a lot of input / influence on what he should be. Personally I think your son ia gamer and just wants to be on the field and that's awesome and I hope he never loses that passion. But it's time to start making decisions and he needs to pick the position that he wants to play. Use that passion to become the best whatever he wants.

The way I picture your son is he's at least an above average athlete. I can't see the stereotypical big lug first baseman being able to do the things your son can by playing other positions. Your son should be able to pick up quickly the things needed to be whatever he wants.

Back in the day I always wanted to be a second baseman but I was a lot closer to the stereotypical big lug first baseman. I bounced between first and third and was like your son - I wanted to be on the field but wanted a position. So goofing off one day after practice I got behind the plate and loved it. I decided to be a catcher and I did everything I could to be a good catcher. Back in the olden days we obviously didn't have private instruction and all that so I watched games on TV to see what the catchers did. Plus I watched that old TV show The Baseball Bunch with Johnny Bench and Tommy Lasorda and I learned a bunch there. Still played some first but overall I was a catcher and ended up playing two years in college beforew switching to coaching. But I became a pretty darn good catcher due to my passion of wanting to become one. My skill set or athleticism was limited to a few positions but I found one that I loved and went to work.

The game is about passion and let that passion help your son select a position.

Hope all that gibberish helps some but you're right - this is a great place.

I think you are on the right path in finding someone who can evaluate and give you guidance where he best fits. Positions on the field are typically profiled based on speed, arm strength, fielding ability, size and power. A good coach should be able to spend a little time with you and him to figure out where he will most likely fit the best. I am sure with a little digging you can find some one in your area.

The highest value college coaches put on players are “up the middle”. C,CF, SS, 2nd. (and pitchers of course) No matter what you come up with however his HS coach is going to put him where he is needed and best fits the kids on his squad. Always remember this: No matter where he fits on the field he will play if he can hit and hit for power.

Good luck!

Pretty much the same advice as others here but perhaps with different wording...

If he can really hit and is versatile, the coach will find a spot for him. That's something he can be very focused on right now - hit, hit, hit. Also, conditioning and arm strength.

He's going to be with the HS team for the next 3 years. He should look at the V roster and ask himself what positions seem to offer the best opportunity.
Depending on relationship with the HC, he should ask him the same.

Remember that the answer may not necessarily match up with what a nuetral party might tell you as far as what position he may be best suited for. Embrace whatever HS opportunity is there. He can work on another position on your own and during summer ball if necessary.

It's good to look ahead but not at the expense of fully enjoying the HS baseball experience.

As part of the equation in determining best position, try to project what his body shape/size and throwing velo might be in a few years. If he is at a big school, they will be more likely to want prototypical players at each position. Of course, that will also be the case with college.
Also, what type of thrower is he naturally... is he more long and deliberate (pitcher/OF) or does he excel with the quick release as a catcher (C/IF)?

Don't let the success of summer/fall create any expectations or sense of entitlement for HS. Use the fact that he has to earn it all over again as motivation. Hopefully, it won't be the last time he has to start from point zero.

quote:

He had always seen that versatility as an asset, but is now afraid of being labeled as a jack of all trades (master of none).

HV, I am likely to provide a very different and minority view.
Starting with the spot where I do agree with the others...hitting.
If your son can hit, hit for average, do all the little things like hit behind runners, advance runners, drive in runners, run up pitch counts, score runs and drive in runs, every coach will find a place in the line up.
Being a hitter who knows the game/situations and performs in both will make a difference for him.
As to a position, why take the view of being a "jack of all trades" and "master of none."
Why not take the approach of being a "master" of each.
As players move up and especially after HS, coaches love those who can play and perform at multiple positions. More importantly, being able to perform at multiple positions is likely to get a player far more innings. Just yesterday, the Giants made a trade to get a versatile infielder who can hit for average and play 3B, short and 2B, even though they already have one who does that on their roster.
Personally, I would not want a player or parent to be or feel "restricted" because a showcase needs him to "declare" a position.
In college our son started as a 2B and became the shortstop his sophomore year.
In the Summer Wood bat leagues, he played both and then ended up learning 3B when he played with a very good team loaded with middle infielders who were top players from top programs. That move to 3B ended up with him playing every inning of every game at one of those 3 positions.
When he was drafted and got to Milb, the ability to hit and to play 2B, short and 3B kept him in the line up. He ended up playing more games and innings than any other player.
What I would propose is that if your son loves the game and wants a future, he needs to work at developing his versatility. Look at it as a gift, not a hindrance.
He won't develop those talents in games, however. Players who have the versatility to excel at multiple positions "learn" and "earn" those stripes by the extra work they do before and after practice and their spare time.
Is it easy? Nope.
There is only one way to be a "master" of many positions on a baseball field. Practice...lots of practice and good instruction along the way.
Good luck to your son.

baseball dad

if you so desire give me a call and we can discuss the situation
tom rizzi
860645-9854

OOPS - Guess you asked for input from Coaches - dont claim to be that!!
We had a slightly different situation with our son - but perhaps our experience will be helpful to you. Son has always been a primary pitcher - but grew up being SS/3b when not on the mound. Like your son he played wherever needed - literally all 9 positions. Once we got to a high level of travel ball - his bat was needed in the line-up so he played where needed - depending on who was pitching - who was hurt - etc. While this was fun - it ultimately might not have been the best thing for him. While he continued pitching - he lost his edge at 3b (some players are really ONLY suited to that position and because he could play elsewhere - he usually did - best for the team - maybe not best for him).
Colleges recruited him to pitch but he chose one where he thinks he has a good chance to play both ways. Problem is - what position ? - he has not had consistent playing time at any one position for several years. So while I agree with being a team player - there are times when you might need to focus on one thing.

With that said - ask a trusted/knowledgable coach for an honest skills evaluation. (Initially it was hard to hear that our son was never going to be a true SS at a D1 school - but it is/was true.) Get very familiar with the tools that pro/college scouts evaluate for each position and try to be objective and honest about your sons ability and potential.(The most overlooked skills needed by baseball players, IMO, are speed and agility - be very honest about that in your self eval.) Know how fast is fast.

Good luck!

quote:

Now that being said I'm not sure if that's the best advice because your son is allowing others a lot of input / influence on what he should be. Personally I think your son ia gamer and just wants to be on the field and that's awesome and I hope he never loses that passion. But it's time to start making decisions and he needs to pick the position that he wants to play. Use that passion to become the best whatever he wants.

I predict that soon you are going to see the difference between the kids who are following their passion and those just hanging out on the diamond. You can spot that passion in any position. It is amazing how the herd starts to thin out around 16-17. I'm sure it happens continuously, but I really noticed it this year.

I'm not suggesting that your son would look like that, just saying that the more he loves the position, the better he will likely be at it.

HV,
I would not really worry about it to much. I had 2 players last year on the High School Team I coach, both sign D1 and neither have a "True" position. I have a junior who is a Senior to be who is a committed D1 and he does not have a "True" position. This actually helped them earn their scholarships because the coaches have seen them play multiple positions and it allows them to fit in or be moved. When they have gone to a show case they always wrote down what they thought their strongest position was.

To all,

Thank you for all of the responses. They have been extremely helpfull.

We are not far, have winter workouts, and can easily help with you problem and the going forward problem

quote:

Originally posted by infielddad:

quote:

He had always seen that versatility as an asset, but is now afraid of being labeled as a jack of all trades (master of none).

HV, I am likely to provide a very different and minority view.
Starting with the spot where I do agree with the others...hitting.
If your son can hit, hit for average, do all the little things like hit behind runners, advance runners, drive in runners, run up pitch counts, score runs and drive in runs, every coach will find a place in the line up.
Being a hitter who knows the game/situations and performs in both will make a difference for him.
As to a position, why take the view of being a "jack of all trades" and "master of none."
Why not take the approach of being a "master" of each.
As players move up and especially after HS, coaches love those who can play and perform at multiple positions. More importantly, being able to perform at multiple positions is likely to get a player far more innings. Just yesterday, the Giants made a trade to get a versatile infielder who can hit for average and play 3B, short and 2B, even though they already have one who does that on their roster.
Personally, I would not want a player or parent to be or feel "restricted" because a showcase needs him to "declare" a position.
In college our son started as a 2B and became the shortstop his sophomore year.
In the Summer Wood bat leagues, he played both and then ended up learning 3B when he played with a very good team loaded with middle infielders who were top players from top programs. That move to 3B ended up with him playing every inning of every game at one of those 3 positions.
When he was drafted and got to Milb, the ability to hit and to play 2B, short and 3B kept him in the line up. He ended up playing more games and innings than any other player.
What I would propose is that if your son loves the game and wants a future, he needs to work at developing his versatility. Look at it as a gift, not a hindrance.
He won't develop those talents in games, however. Players who have the versatility to excel at multiple positions "learn" and "earn" those stripes by the extra work they do before and after practice and their spare time.
Is it easy? Nope.
There is only one way to be a "master" of many positions on a baseball field. Practice...lots of practice and good instruction along the way.
Good luck to your son.

Great advice.

For aspiring college players, versatility is a huge asset. It can double, triple, or quadruple your chances of getting on the field. For offensive players, they must first demonstate the ability to hit as infielddad points out. Then, the coach must find a position for them and versatile players make that decision easier for them. Embrace versatilty. Some pro teams like Tampa actually scout and draft players who are versatile. Look at how many positions Ben Zobrist plays, for example.

HVbaseballDAD

You're getting some great advice. One thing you might want to consider... Someone other than you or your son is going to make the decision for you regarding his future position or positions.

We see thousands of players that profile at a different position than the one they currently play. Tools usually dictate this, but size, body type, actions, etc., all play a part. The better you can hit, the more the profiling will take place. And yes, some actually do profile as utility players.

Here is one example, we graded Sean Rodriguez a "10" between his freshman and sophomore HS year. He was listed as a SS/OF/RHP at every event he attended. Here is the report from 2001.

Excellent player with the ability to hit for average and power. Has a plus arm… one of the best in the “03” class! outstanding actions in the field and at the plate. Good tools across the board except a bit below average foot-speed. We think he could play many positions maybe even be a premier catcher someday. Good bloodlines, watch him very closely, an outstanding prospect!

He was drafted in the 3rd round by the Angels in 2003. He has been kind of a streaky hitter. The main reason he made the Big Leagues is his ability to play multiple positions. He has played in 278 MLB games and has played the following positions. 2B,3B,SS,1B,LF,CF,RF,DH. He could also catch or pitch in emergency situations.

Actually there are lots of utility players in MLB. Every club has at least one, most have more than one.

Just something to think about.

Great topic..here is our experience this year

My son tried out for HS team..to give him an advantage over some who only played one position he tried out or took rep's at mif,catcher and pitcher.

He made the JV team and was immediatly put at catcher full time and got some time as well at short stop in some JV games. He eventually got called up to varsity as a catcher so the decision was made for him and he likes catching so that helps.
I do see a lot of kids struggle with the pitcher only job they are given. I think multiple positions was good coming up thru travel as with 5-6 games in a weekend,small rosters and every kid pitching it allowed you to not play catchers every game and to learn many spots. At the high school showcase level teams play more like a pro or college schedule with 1 game per day other than maybe the final day of event. I do agree hitters dont sit often and learn to bunt!!!!

PG - very good points.

Sean Rodriguez is a great example. Since we are talking about Tampa, lets talk about a recent move. Reid Brignac is sent to triple A for lack of hitting and Desmond Jennings - their top offensive prospect is called up. Jennings is an outfilder so they moved Zobrist to second to open an outfield spot. Rodriguez will now have an opportunity at ss. I don't believe it is a secret that Joe Maddon loves guys who can do more than one thing.

I'm shocked a Buster Posey reference hasn't surfaced

quote:

Actually there are lots of utility players in MLB. Every club has at least one, most have more than one.

opens up a players options at all levels. i always played players at many positions, it can't ever hurt.

agreed but most pro athletes are good enough to move around some..and all were the best player on their team in hs at the position they played (and probably most they didnt) bryce harper references to follow

my point is ,by the time kids get to high school they may be log jammed at their position. but if the know how to/can play another position they become more valuable.