How would you avoid obvious tendencies

I think I'd work extremely hard to overcome my shortcomings. For example, close the "holes" in my swing.

Most college and professional coaches I know would take a pretty dim view of some yahoo who "tanked" on occasion just to alter performance stats. "Dim view" ---> "View from the pine" (if not, the stadium seats) from the player's perspective.

I think hitting is being in a certain mindset for success and that may be as an ultra aggressive hitter or a more disciplined guy who sees a lot of pitches. When a young player tries to be something he's not, it can often lead to prolonged slumps or at least lost at bats as they are soon lost at the plate after leaving their comfort zone. Most college level hitters are not so advanced that they can tank an AB once in a while and still be an effective hitter. Hitting approach is not something one can turn on and off like a water faucet.

Don't think you understood what I was asking. I used the exaggerated word "tank" to explain my point a bit.

smh

Everyday Dad, if I understand the point and question you are asking, Consultant has posted a few times about a game he watched where Cal Ripken used an AB to "learn" and then went to work each of the next ABs:

http://community.hsbaseballweb...77#22975279699207677

To directly answer your question, I do believe good and confident hitters will work from pitch to pitch and AB to AB to set up situations where they are in command, have seen every pitch of that pitcher, and they do that by taking pitches and watching how hitters in front and behind them are worked. Consultant's post could be interpreted to suggest Ripken actually gave up an AB. I am not sure anyone but the best and most confident could do that, but good hitters will certainly work counts to their advantage.

As scouting information becomes more reliable, especially tendencies and situations, I think it happens more often.

I agree with Prepster and Three Bagger. It's a bad idea all around.

First, it's not going to work. Let's say you're a junior or senior who has faced a conference opponent every year, and the opposing coach has seen you be an aggressive hitter for thirty or forty at bats. There's not much you can do in a couple at bats here and there that make him forget what kind of hitter you are. If he has a plan to get you out when it matters, he won't abandon that plan until you prove it doesn't work. You can't unwrite your book.

Second, it's a waste. Every at bat is an opportunity to become a smarter, tougher competitor. Whatever you meant when you said "tank," you meant something other than walk to the plate with confidence in a well chosen approach and execute it with vigor. Any at bat you don't do that is a squandered opportunity to become a better hitter.

Third, it's the wrong way to deal with your tendencies. If your tendencies expose you to certain pitches or sequences, learn to hit or lay off those pitches or sequences.  Don't try to con them into thinking you've changed.

Fourth, it tells your coach you're not serious about the game.

I understand ALL of the above. Typical general responses that I answered myself as well.

Thought I would dig a bit deeper. Guess it's a keep it simple approach.

I'm ok with that....I guess