Scouting Opponents

A lot of coaches call the pitches...

Catchers dont get days off like pitchers between starts thus the choice to send pitchers

I couldn't agree more. It would be difficult to send catchers to games, but they should when they get a chance. However, both coaches and instructors can improve a catcher's ability to read hitters in the box. By teaching a catcher that part of the game you can greatly increase the success of a team or program. Think of developing catchers on the same level as developing a young pitcher. Great topic!!!

Brian Weingart
www.poweralleyonline.com

I always wondered how a catcher can read a hitter in the box. I assume you mean by his stance, b/c once the pitch is on its way, that's the focus.

So a guy who stands tall may be susceptible to the low pitch, things like that?

Stance is one part of it, for sure. Also how close to the plate, and swing tendencies - it can give some very good info on where and how to pitch to a guy.

I just dug up an old document that has the following advice for how to pitch based on the hitter's stance:

Stands inside - outside
stands outside - inside
afraid - outside
closed - down and in
open - outside
hands high - up and in
crouching - up and in
stands up right - up
long stride - change up and fastball up
ahead in count - inside
behind in count - outside


(not that I agree with them all, but its food for thought..)

My son calls all of his own pitches. If he doesn't know the batter then on the first pitch he says he throws something that he knows his pitcher can throw for a strike and depending on how the batter reacts to that pitch then he decides what to throw from then on.

If it is someone that he has scouted or has watched play then he goes with what he knows works.