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Coach Convention 2009 - Jeremy Guthrie - Addressing the beaters

In ' latest installment of our radio program "baseball and music," I did a quick overview of the featured speakers at the CC2009. Now then is the time to investigate a bit, so I will speak of the very interesting speech by Jeremy Guthrie on his way to face hitters.

As I said, Jeremy is first and foremost a very outgoing, helpful, well prepared technically. And I must admit that since he enjoyed the skit to register for the intro of B flat , I suddenly started to feel a certain sympathy for the Orioles! (The charm of a Major League pitcher has no equal ..) Jeremy told us that he thinks the most important thing when you're on the mountain, is knowing that you have in front of the batter. In the MLB is "relatively" easy, with the lofty scouting is done by teams, but it is essential that the battery has a shared strategy before the batter enters the box.

Since no one believes you are holding the "absolute truth", players and coaches of the Big Leagues spend much time talking baseball before matches. Between Pitcher and Catcher is known that (usually) there is always a great relationship, but I discovered that there is much dialogue between the pitcher! (With some exceptions, of course .. hehe ..) For example, in Race 1 of each series, at 17.30 (while beaters bp), the pitchers have a meeting in the clubhouse to discuss about the other players that will face.

Another way to know the hitters and watch videos. Jeremy usually does at 14.30 each day, while eating a hamburger giant in the best restaurant in the ballpark! :)
But what I can not give you the technology, I'll be the experience, attention and intelligence. And 'in fact important to be able to "read" your opponent. Being able to understand what "transmits" the player who is in front, * right * at the time. And maybe even have the courage to change the initial strategy on the fly. For example, who is probably far from the plate like the balls that night outside or maybe you do not feel safe with the interior. Putting away of avoiding having to beat, but "communicates" to the pitcher in his situation.

In this regard, Guthrie told us how he played a certain AB against A-Rod.
That night had the feeling that Rodriguez did not beat the ball outside.

0-0, the first launch. Low outside fastball. If the battery is likely to hit one grounder for an easy out. Strike looking.
0-1, the second launch. Low outside fastball. Launch launch to see the exact same swing. Strike still looking.
0-2, the third launch. Slider outside, remained a bit high. A-Rod touches the ball, but foul. This confirmed that the opponent is not much on the outside. So insists on location.
0-2, the fourth launch. External slider, down to avoid another foul. It 'a ball and the batter does not draw.
1-2, fifth launch. External exchange. Having only seen fastball on the outside and not being sure, A-Rod is idling and K.

This whole sequence was called by the receiver, but the last launch, which was chosen by Jeremy had gone as a function of the AB.

After this interesting piece (complete with videos on megaproiettore), told us that last year he worked hard on reducing his pitch count. His decision to attack from the first launch with a fastball in the strike zone, is mainly due to this choice. In addition, its concerns that the location is low and should not be forced to look for the wires because if the launch is beaten, it is easy to be a grounder. And even if a viable, relatively little matter to him as a runner.

In conclusion, according to Jeremy, are four focal points:
- Know yourself. And above all, the location that "has".
- Know the batter opponent.
- Knowing the situation of the game (Pitch Count, IP, Runs ..)
- Looking into the batter. Unlikely to lie on his swing.

Well .. also post this week is gone. I greet you with the hilarious and interesting videos that I shot when Jeremy told his AB against Manny .. enjoy it!

Coach Convention 2009 Report
Part 1 - Introduction
Part 2 - Jeremy Guthrie - How to deal with the beaters