Some pros have done pretty well pitching backwards. Like this guy. But not this particular pitch.
Originally Posted by TPM:
…How fair is it to judge a pitcher by the stats kept by someone who probably isn't relaly that good at taking stats? …
That’s a fair question, and my answer is: it isn’t fair, but its certainly a lot better than nothing or word of mouth alone.
There are times when you have to go with what you have until you can create your own history and evaluations.
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Originally Posted by BOF:
Originally Posted by Coach_Sampson:
Originally Posted by BOF:
I would be curious what Coach Sampson thinks of all of this?
I'm just taking it all in. This is just something that I was kicking around as an idea to try to win some games this year only. This incoming freshman class shows a lot of promise and have want.
Coach do keep us informed with how things are going and working out. We are all here for our love of baseball and it is great to get HS coaches perspective and experience. Plus....well.... I for one just love to hear baseball stories. As a former HSer parent (now playing in college BTW) we got tidbits of what goes (went) on from our kids, but always through filters.
I'll be able to give stories from a player's, coach's, and umpire's perspective.
Originally Posted by TPM:
Originally Posted by Coach_Sampson:
Originally Posted by Soylent Green:
TPM,
I agree with you... this is definitely what you tend to do here.
Regarding stats, I won't speak for the OP (who I'm guessing is wondering how his simple pitching post turned into such a can of worms) but I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt that he's not judging his staff entirely from last season's stats. Of course he will take a first hand look as soon as he can. The stats are just the best he has to go on at the moment... And just a rough indication of how guys performed last season. But why do you assume that the stats weren't kept accurately? Maybe they were kept by an expert... Maybe by someone who didn't know what they were doing at all... Probably something in between. But why assume... and then offer unconditional feedback based on that assumption being 100% correct? Why not simply make the point that "stats can be deceiving", and leave it at that?
Likewise, why assume that the current returning roster is made up of "kids who don't care"? I didn't read that from what the coach said. Maybe it's just a group of guys who haven't had better training, or simply have avg but not exceptional abilities. Maybe the coach can help some of these guys take their games up a notch. Who knows, you may be right that they're all a bunch of "clueless" dregs... But you might be wrong. Whatever the case, it's up to the coach to work with the guys he's got and figure out ways to help the TEAM improve. This as opposed to plowing the field under.
This "Can of Worms" is actually great. I always enjoy hearing everyone's opinions about topics and I'm glad that I could, as a new member, facilitate such a passionate debate on this site. As for the stats... I have no clue who kept them so I can only use them as a rough outline for performance.
Coach,
As far as the can of worms, I guess you realize this isn't just your everyday baseball website. FWIW, I hope that we made you think about your original post.
Every program my son has ever been in (and that includes pro), there has been a philosophy that is taught that the players have to buy into and accept in order for the program to work. When you have no philosophy, success seems to be allusive, no matter what you do. Develop a true plan.
I understand what you want to accomplish, you want to win. But while trying to do so, do what is best for each individual player. I think you understand what I am saying.
It has definitely made me think more about my approach and has made me get with the head coach and said that we need come up with what our program's philosophy will be on the mound.
We already have put together the idea's that we would like to do offensively and defensively, besides the pitching. I'm working with the catchers and corner infielders mainly and the head coach will be dealing with the pitchers so knowing what he wants to implement on the mound is very important for my side of things.
Originally Posted by Coach_Sampson:
It has definitely made me think more about my approach and has made me get with the head coach and said that we need come up with what our program's philosophy will be on the mound.
We already have put together the idea's that we would like to do offensively and defensively, besides the pitching. I'm working with the catchers and corner infielders mainly and the head coach will be dealing with the pitchers so knowing what he wants to implement on the mound is very important for my side of things.
That’s just about the best example I’ve seen of why boards like this are valuable! You’ve gotten ideas from all directions and its helped you formulate the most important thing there is for a coach. Developing a plan!
I can tell you one small piece of the pitching “plan” at our school that’s led to great success. If a V pitcher is on the mound and doesn’t throw strikes, he’s removed and doesn’t get to take the hill again in a game until he proves he can do it in practices. It’s one of those things coaches, players, and especially parents understand. A pitcher might give up some hits or some runs and stay in the game, but let him do something like walk 2 batters in an inning or keep getting behind the count, and it’ll be a trip to the showers.
