Showcase Baseball

hitman

I have seen some coaches use a new pitcher every inning--I find that extreme because I like to see a pitcher in 2 or 3 inning stints to gets into a groove--some kids need the first inning to get their feet under them--we will do it in the 4th game of a 4 game showcase event so 7 pitchers get another shot to be seen

Same showcase same impression.

I asked a few of the other teams parents, "do they always bunt" and they said they didn't know but suspected the reason was that the teams were not formed for showcase purposes but were competitive summer teams that played "tournament" ball and were getting ready for WW perfect game woodbat tournaments in Fl. in a few weeks.

I share your frustration as we lost two games by 1 run and 2 runs where bunting was the reason. What clued me in about that being "just how they play" was how ecstatic their fans were when they were successful. They obviously had no inkling of what "showcase" games are. On the other hand it's frustrating for our kids as they aren't allowed to bunt or play for the bunt. They are playing with one hand tied behind their back.

I'm OK with our coaches philosophy. But I wish he would just tell the other teams coach before the game that we don't bunt and won't play to defense the bunt. If they then chose to bunt at least I'd know they were showing their true colors. I'm thinking they wouldn't if they knew.

Then again, it's like hunting in a baited field some folks just look at the kill not the sport.

Keep in mind that bunting is part of baseball--you dont say how they used ther bunt--if they are using it not as a SACRIFICE BUNT then I have no problem with it

I'm Ok with the bunting I just wish our team was allowed to bunt if the other teams are allowed.

To specifically answer your question some were sacrfices some were for hits. But in all cases our corners play back -- too far for me. i think you shouldn't play more than a few steps behind the bag at the deepest (3rd) but we often play near the grass.

I don't know if there is a right answer but I'll give my opinion.

TR....Bunting in a showcase tournament IMO is not going to get 99.9% of the kids any notice from a college coach. The College coach may only see a batter for 3 AB's. I think it is more productive to see what type of swing he has and what he can do with the bat. The player would be better served running through the bag on a weak grounder so the coaches can get their home to 1st time...not to mention effort!

Mr. Mom...In regards to wishing you're team could bunt. You say they were showcase games but you still are concerned about losing due to a bunt. I guess I would say you can't have it both ways. However I don't see a problem playing the corners in vs. playing back. This gives the coaches a chance to see your players react to plays.

In regards to having a pitcher throw most of the game it seems to be a waste for the scouts and a lost opportunity for the other pitchers. In many of the events the guns seem to be out for the first inning only just to get their readings. Throwing a pitcher 2 innings should be enough to have a school either put the kid in the maybe pile or the no pile.

Obviously there are exceptions especially if a college coach is watching and wants to see more.

One last thing (maybe)...there are some teams that are not very strong and to play everyone equally may not be to the teams advantage and may cause the scouts to lose interest in the team. Most teams seem to have a mix of a few D-1 players to low D-3. Depending on what colleges are watching will also affect playing time.

Ok one last last thing...about playing time every situation is different as well as every tournament (one field vs 2 or 3 sites). For position players I would think it would be better to play most of a game and get a 3 to 4 AB's and hopefully some plays in the field vs. doing wholesale changes swapping the team at the midpoint of the game. In the 2nd game of the Tournamnet have your bench player play the majority...again depending on the situation and need for exposure.

At many of the Bear Classic Showcases the teams that have returned year in and year out do the following:

a) Players are hacking at 3-0!

b) Will typically throw the starter 2-3 innings, 1-2 innings for middle relief guy, then a set up and close guy. Sometimes the starter is able to come back again after a days rest.

c) Will substitute on defense, yet try to keep the offensive line-up intact.

d) Ask the speed merchants to be agressive on the base paths.

e) Ask the mashers to swing.

f) Ask the lead-off types to have an 11 pitch AB.

I recall in one of the early years, Randy Leek (LHP) throwing a 7 inning complete game 2 hitter, and impressed Jim Farr so much, he pulled the trigger on the soft lefty will a great change and command! Last checked Leek has been at AAA, and a phone call away.

Two years ago, Stevey Garrison (LHP) threw two innings opening night in middle relief. NC pulled the trigger on him, yet Garrison signed and pitched well in Ariz Rookie League this summer!

Bottom Line: In the late 1980's not many college coaches believed in showcases. That has changed!

Hitman00:

I don't believe that any of us know enough to make an assessment about leaving in the "starting pitcher", at least from the information as presented here.

We've played showcase ball in that region for years and the approach varied by year and team. When we had a deep bullpen, the pitchers would split a game 4/3, starting one weekend and relieving the next. When we didn't have a deep bullpen (either missing due to camps, official visits or just years when we were a bit short of bodies that could pitch decently), then the starters normally went at least 5, sometimes 6. Two-way players were used as "closers" for the final 2 innings normally.

If you have a pitcher-only on a relatively small squad, he better be getting some extensive work instead of letting the two-way players get equal amount of time on the mound ... or else you won't have him the next season, he'll be hunting for greener pastures where he can be seen more regularly.

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I don't know who you played, so I can't venture a guess. One thing I do know ... there are TOO MANY showcase teams in the Greenville region (in all of NC/SC for that matter), so the talent level is diluted on a lot of teams.

Concerning bunting .... you are going to be bunting in college, you are going to be evaluated on your bunting ... not bunting (just because it's "Showcase" ball) isn't acceptable. Not teaching how to defense a bunt (just because it's "Showcase" ball) is plain stupid. It's an important part of the game.

Folks when a player has HR power to go with his speed the coaches take notice when he drags a bunt for a hit--the ability to bunt well is a key element in a players arsenal

I wanted to put this topic out there and see what most of you had to say about bunting. College coaches don't care if you can bunt or not or if you can defense a bunt, they will teach you that. What college coaches and pro scout are looking for is the 5 tools and bunting isn't one of them. How about pitching, 2-3 innings is plenty of time to be seen especially when you have 10-12 pitchers and your going to play only 4 games. It's all about getting ALL the kids exposed at each showcase you attend. Position players should be playing 3 innings each game and than make a change and start the kids that didn't start in the next game. Now that's how to get your players the most exposure. You have teams like Pro Level Sports, On Deck O's and Impact Baseball that are all very good teams but all they care about is winning not getting ALL there players exposure.

Hitman dont worry about what the other teams are doing. If you are satified with what your team is doing then who cares? You can not controll how the other teams approach these games. So what if they leave the pitchers in longer than you like or bunt when you dont like it. In my opinion play these games like a real game period. The exceptions are rotate all your players and pitchers so they can all be showcased. But as far as moving runners with the bunt etc it is part of the game. Just play the game and the coaches will see what they want to see in due time. JMO

quote:

Originally posted by hitman00:
You have teams like Pro Level Sports, On Deck O's and Impact Baseball that are all very good teams but all they care about is winning not getting ALL there players exposure.

I can't speak for Pro Level sports, but my son has participated with both On Deck and Impact Baseball. It was my experience that all the players on both teams received a college scholarship, so I don't believe they have any problems in getting their players exposed. Trying to win vs exposure is not mutually exclusive. Playing the game the right way and giving your players opportunities should be the goal.