That process includes communication between the pitcher and catcher about which pitch to throw. As a fan, measures of how well pitches are called do not seem to exist. Exploring pitch calling was like exploring a foreign country. The last explanation seems the most simple, so I like it. It speaks well of the Diamondbacks that despite the rarity they have two catchers Daulton Varsho and Carson Kelly who are projected to have an OPS in the top 30 catchers league-wide.
Many interconnected statistics are available to provide insight on pitchers, batters, and expected results for pitcher-batter matchups.
Those insights can reveal situations that expose a weakness, a strength, or a predictable action. In addition, many teams have a team-approach that makes them more predictable. For example: Using the list from Common Pitch Signs and odd number outside and even for an inside pitch. The first number tells the pitcher to throw a fastball and the second number an odd number tells him the pitch should be away to a hitter. Now you figure out the pitch and location for these pitches.
Curveball Away 2. Fastball Inside 3. Change Up Away Call for a pitch high in the zone or a ball in the dirt using a couple of basic signals. One way to signal this change in height is with glove and through body language.
Briefly show the pitcher where you expect the pitch to go using your glove hand. Another way is to signal the pitcher using your signal hand before or after you give him the type of pitch. Maybe flatten out your hand for down and flick a thumb up for a pitch up in the zone. It's up to you. With a runner on second base the catcher and pitcher will have to disguise the pitch and location to keep the runner from relaying that information to the hitter. See the section below With Runners on 2nd for more info.
Methods of Giving Signs There are three main methods that I have seen and used for calling signs in a game. The first way was discussed earlier in the Signals section and involves using fingers to call pitches and locations.
Another way to give signs is to combine hand signals and body signals. For example: I may touch a part of my equipment with my signal hand mask, chest, thigh and then put down a series of finger signals in the normal position. Depending what part of my equipment I touched will affect what those hand signals mean.
This system is for older players and is usually only used with a runner on second base. It can create some level of chaos, but, when done correctly, creates an environment where the players learn to lead and become smarter baseball players.
The catcher tosses the ball back to his pitcher and gets down into his crouch. He turns his head to the dugout. Multiply this by about pitches. All of this slows the game down. It makes it harder to watch, but it also creates downtime for the defense. It creates an environment where fielders are less likely to be focused and in the game.
Have you ever played the game telephone? One person whispers a message to another, who whispers to another. The result? This can be especially true when back picks and pickoffs are called only as signs relayed to the catcher. If anyone misses that sign, a ball is flying into the outfield. So, what does a coach do to limit the time it takes or confusion that can be caused by relaying signs?
They simplify those signs. Everyone can see them. Next thing you know, parents, coaches, and even players are picking up on it.
If only the catcher is calling pitches and he does a good job of hiding those signs, this eliminates the possibility of stealing signals. Is he overly aggressive at the plate and expand the strike zone swing at bad pitches? Is he a pull, opposite field, or spray hitter? What number hitter is he? Does he have a lot of power?
Is there a chance he drag bunts? How fast is the hitter? Where does he stand in the box? How close is he to the plate? Is he open, even, or closed in his stance?
How does he stride: pull out, straight, dive in? With two strikes, will he cut down his swing and put the ball in play? What has he done in his previous at bats today? What pitch did he hit hard or whiff on? Know the Other Team Teams do not play the same style of baseball. Some teams will play station-to-station base to base. This means they are waiting for the big hit or home run.
Other teams will play small ball. Teams that play small ball will move runners with sacrifice bunts, steal bases, hit and run, and pressure the defense. Still other teams will use a combination of the two styles depending on the hitter, base runners, pitcher, and game situation.
In general, teams that play station-to-station look for the big inning, while small ball teams will look to score one or two runs an inning every inning.
Know the other team's philosophy. What are their tendencies? What have they done in the past in the same situation? Know the Situation Throughout the game, strategies change depending on the situation. You could have a situation with a runner on 1st and 3rd and one out in the first inning and the same 1st and 3rd situation with one out in the last inning.
Depending on the score and hitter, your objective may be different. Early in the game 1st inning you are trying not to give up a big inning, so you will probably let the runner from 3rd score and get a force at second or attempt a double play. Late in the game and up a run, the defense will want to cut down the run at the plate on a non-double play ball. In this example, the catcher needs to know the hitter and call pitches accordingly.
With what pitch is the hitter most likely to hit a ground ball? Should we go for the K? Different Ways to Pitch to Hitters There are different ways to go about pitching to hitters. One important rule is to mix pitches, speeds, levels, and locations.
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