What does this mean?

I would assume the “coach” is referring to the player missing his assignment during a play or not recognizing a play as it develops. Mistakes are commonplace in baseball and every player can correct those mistakes if taught properly by a competent coach. The bigger mistake in this situation was made by the coach by his insensitive remarks. I’ll never forget coaching a 6 year old during his first year of baseball. He was the left fielder and was failing to back up the third baseman when the catcher would throw to third. I walked out to left field and explained he needed to back up the throw so he could catch the ball and then he could throw it to the catcher. He said he understood about catching the wild throw to third but he didn’t know which “catcher” to throw the ball to if he had the ball. In his small world everyone with a baseball glove was a catcher. Everything on the baseball field has to be learned.....and taught.
Fungo

I agree with Fungo...a very insensitive comment by the coach. If he felt that way, how about just not recruiting the player? Or if he wanted to be constructive, how about giving him some pointers/drills/things-to-work-on to help with his weaknesses?

Trying to understand the criticism...could the coach have meant that the catcher was having trouble receiving the ball from pitchers throwing hard? I have seen HS level catchers working with a 90-mph prospect who seem to be chasing the ball all over the strike zone...never quite sure of themselves and where the ball may end up. I don't know...just a shot in the dark as to what the coach may have meant.

niner, fungo gives a good explaination

I can recall coaches discussing with my son the increased speed and complexity of the game that a catcher could expect beyond hs -

it's possible the comments were intended as info/intruction rather than just knocking him down

The scores this catcher rec'd after the showcase were excelent

Receives well
hand are sure
frames good
footwork good
lateral movement good
block the ball good
throwing good
accuracy on the bag

release time 2.0 and 1.9

To me it sounds like the coach is talking out both sides of his mouth.

I don't believe he meant it negatively. He has had quite a repoire with the kid the past few months.

Then in one breathe says there is no place for him on their roster, not sure if he can play Div I ball., time will tell, doesnt feel he is a fit for their school, and junior college would be a better choice.

Then two weeks later goes to antoher Div I school and is told he is a hell of an athlete and all he needs to do is get stronger. Come back for the winter showcase and lets talk.

Coaches look for different things in a player, and after they see someone play, their minds often change either one way or the other. Also remember, many coaches want players who do not need a lot of work, just some tweaking.
I may be wrong, but in essence the coaches may be saying, we're not interested, each in different ways(trying to be as polite and tactful as possible).
Move on.

I think Fungo is correct.

The things you list in your post above about "scores" are all pretty much mechanics related. So the coach is not necessarily speaking out of both sides of his mouth.

"Can't keep up with the speed of the game" was probably exactly what Fungo mentioned. The mental side of the game. Being able to recognize the play as it is developing, making the optimum decision during the play, etc. This has nothing to do with athleticism.

Since it sounds like your son has found another school where he is wanted, things will probably work out fine.

Your son does have an opportunity to learn & improve. If he did not understand exactly what the coach meant, he should go back to the coach and obtain clarification. He can tell the coach, "I want to improve, but I don't know exactly what you meant. Could you explain further and give me some examples, so that I can better understand. This will give me some things to work on."

Any coach worth anything at all will take time to explain.

niner - one could also read that (if I wanted to) as;
we got out "A" list guy, if you will go JC and continue to develope, I'll follow you and welcome your transfer in 2 yrs
(that is - unless someone better comes along)

by niner-"To me it sounds like the coach is talking out both sides of his mouth"

if that's your instinct, why do ya want anything to do with the guy?

I didnt say I wanted something to do with the guy in any of my posts. Dont know where you see this at. I just wanted to know what that statement meant as I had never heard it before. No where did I say it was my son. I just wanted a general opinion of what this could mean.

Thanks for the response.

Fungo I think you response is right on.

niner's parent -
It's difficult without knowing the rating system to compare the comments you've written. Yes, the rating comments do sound great, but if the "rating" terms for this showcase were fair/good/excellent, then they tell a different story. Instead of wondering, try contacting the showcase organizers to get more details on their evaluation and suggested areas for improvement.

As far as the comments from the coaches, everyone sees players differently. These guys have specific recruiting needs to fill. Not being a match with this one school just means you expand your search for the right fit or look for another opportunity to demonstrate his skills in front of this school at a later time. Critiques are never easy for parents to take, and sometimes coaches comments will make no sense. Don't dwell on it. Just have your son continue to work on his skills and continue to look for a college program where there is interest. Good Luck to you both!

quote:

I didnt say I wanted something to do with the guy in any of my posts.

just trying to give ya an opinion - like you asked for

I could be way off base, so maybe try asking the coach that said it -
or - - maybe he'll respond here, as alot of those guys frequent these boards


good luck