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Coach Convention 2009 - Jeremy Guthrie - Facing hitters

In the ' last episode 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 learn a little bit, so I will talk about the very interesting speech by Jeremy Guthrie on his way to face hitters.

As I said, Jeremy is primarily a very outgoing person and available, as well as technically prepared. And I must admit that since he enjoyed the skit to register for the intro to bem , I suddenly started to feel some sympathy for the Orioles! (The charm of a Major League pitcher is unrivaled ..) Jeremy told us that he thinks the most important thing when you're on the mountain, you know the batter is ahead. In this MLB is "relatively" easy, thanks all'eccelso 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 so 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 (during the beaters bp), the pitchers have a meeting in the clubhouse to discuss about the other players that will face.

Another way is to get hitters to watch video. Jeremy usually does at 14.30 each day, while eating a giant burger in the best restaurant in the ballpark! :)
But what I can not give the technology away from the experience, attention and intelligence. It 'important fact to know how to "read" your opponent. Being able to understand what "forward" the player who is in front, * just * 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 avoids 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, it is likely that a bait grounder for an easy out. Strike looking.
0-1, the second launch. Low outside fastball. Lancia 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 tells him that his opponent is not much sull'esterna. So insist on the location.
0-2, fourth jump. Slider outer, low to avoid another foul. It 'a ball and the batter does not draw.
1-2, the fifth launch. External exchange. Having seen only fast balls and not being sure sull'esterna, A-Rod idles and goes 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 pitch with fastball in the strike zone, is mainly due to this choice. Moreover primarily concerned that the location is low and should not be forced to look for the wires because if the launch is beaten, it is most likely a grounder. And if this be a viable, relatively little matter to him as runner.

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

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

Coach Convention 2009 Report
Part 1 - Introduction
Part 2 - Jeremy Guthrie - How to face hitters