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Alter-Ego
802 Posts |
 Posted - 09/14/2009 : 11:22:39
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Since we have worn out the other topics, I thought I would introduce a new one.
Which is more important a catcher's pop-time or his ability to block balls?
The ideal would be a blocking catcher that has a great pop time.
This should help to give catchers direction on which they should work on first/most.
My opinion is that the foundation of a catcher is to catch the ball or at least block it. There are more situations where blocking a pitch, and not letting runners advance, comes into play than having to throw a runner out.
Curious to hear other's opinions. |
Edited by - Alter-Ego on 09/14/2009 11:23:34 |
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gabandit
25 Posts |
Posted - 09/14/2009 : 12:52:35
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There are three priorities for catchers to work on that are widely recognized...
1. Receiving the ball (not catching, be a receiver)
2. Blocking the ball
3. Throwing out runners
Lots of others fall into leadership and being a field general, but most coaches will agree on the above 3. Unfortunately most youth coaches focus on them in the opposite order, leaving the most important one, that happens on every single pitch, untaught. Especially in the 14 yr forum, where you are moving to 60 x 90, receiving the ball properly will greatly enhance your staff. With 6 more feet of movement, consider that the angle that the ball crosses the plate on off speed pitches changes dramatically. A catchers ability, or inability, to properly "stick" pitches, dig their thumb under low fastballs, receive the ball at the "spot" rather then tracking it, etc. will all go a long way to helping gain strikes for your staff...
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loveforthegame25
448 Posts |
Posted - 09/14/2009 : 13:15:47
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| AE i agree. The way to look at it in my opinion is how many times a catcher blocks a ball each game vs how many steal attempts. And it also helps the pitchers confidence that he knows he can throw a ball anywhere and his catcher will block it. The catcher still needs to have a respectable arm or it will be a steal fest. But overall i think blocking is more important. |
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baseballnation
25 Posts |
Posted - 09/14/2009 : 15:30:55
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| I think gabandit nailed it. |
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Alter-Ego
802 Posts |
Posted - 09/14/2009 : 15:41:33
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gabandit,
You bring up a very important point that I think gets overlooked when developing catchers; receiving the ball. Making the borderline pitch look like a strike. Being able to catch a ball inside the body even if it is a little off the plate by swaying to the ball rather than dropping to a knee or letting the pitch carry the glove out of the zone further.
I don't know how many times I have heard parents complain about pitches and say "that pitch was the same as you called a strike for the other team. Call it both ways Blue!!!" What they failed to realize is that the other team's catcher was doing a better job of receiving the ball and making it appear a strike while their catcher is letting the ball carry his glove out of the zone. I have even seen this within the same AB where fans say "That was the same pitch you called a strike earlier." Yes but the catcher did not stick this one.
The details win more games than people think. |
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whits23
596 Posts |
Posted - 09/14/2009 : 16:21:24
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| switch hitting so they can bat vs righties when they get older |
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bballman
1432 Posts |
Posted - 09/14/2009 : 16:39:10
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| I would also put blocking on the top of the list. The breaking ball is a big out pitch and there is nothing worse than striking a guy out and having the catcher miss the ball and have the kid reach 1st. A strong is probably next on the list. Pop time is a function of a strong arm and quick footwork and mechanics. I have seen many, many times where the first throw down to second in warm-ups has discouraged teams from even trying to steal. As a coach, I have seen a kid with a gun throw to second and said, we're not even going to try and steal off him. Maybe our fastest guy, but not much. You can then work on pop time down the road. Receiving is important also, but I would put blocking ahead of it. |
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goyard
217 Posts |
Posted - 09/14/2009 : 21:35:52
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| all great points...whits23 - like the way you think and as they get older, that is a valuable commodity. |
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Alter-Ego
802 Posts |
Posted - 09/14/2009 : 23:27:10
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whit23,
Contrary to popular belief, switch hitting does not help a catcher become a better catcher. You can argue it helps them stay in the lineup, but does nothing for their defensive assistance. You could say they are better off hitting from the left side since they will see mostly RH pitching. Of course they could just work to hit from the right side and not make it an issue. (ala Mike Piazza).
But for those that want to be catchers that hit, not hitters that catch, I would say pop time, blocking skills, and the ability to frame pitches, rank a little higher. |
Edited by - Alter-Ego on 09/15/2009 08:54:43 |
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goyard
217 Posts |
Posted - 09/15/2009 : 12:08:04
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Alter - going back to your original question, I would have to say IMHO that blocking is #1. The backstops are deep and POP time isn't allowed opportunity when the ball is hugging or kicking away from the backstop. It's great to see "bounce" as well and what I mean is the ability for a catcher to react or "bounce" up and get to his spot (whether it be scooping a bunt, getting down the line, pouncing on a blocked or deflected ball, snap throwing, etc.
Mental awareness has to be in the top running as well. I have seen good POPS, blocks and frames get dwarfed by lack of mental awareness or the ability to know where to go with the ball, the pitch, the play, etc.
My son and I are working on the side regarding the mental aspect of taking care of his pitchers as well!! Very important IMHO. |
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whits23
596 Posts |
Posted - 09/15/2009 : 14:07:23
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| true ...but it was the only item left to say as all the others were taken ;] |
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jay
177 Posts |
Posted - 09/15/2009 : 15:44:16
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Pop time if it's a tryout (mainly because you can't coach speed) otherwise blocking; catchers aren't of much use if they can't block no matter how fast their pop time is...and that you can teach (to most). 
6-4-3, I'd be more concerned about breaking balls. Most fastballs will be around the plate... but breaking balls in the dirt are trouble for a catcher that can't block. Unless you never throw them I guess; then you need a fast outfield.
More importantly... what is this post doing in this forum?  |
Edited by - jay on 09/15/2009 17:36:48 |
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goyard
217 Posts |
Posted - 09/15/2009 : 16:19:58
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Interesting Stat for Switch Hitting Catchers:
Out of the 1,650+ career catchers there have only been 82 switch-hitters. They span the length of baseball from 1883 to the present day. Ted Simmons heads the list with 2,456 games played (1,771 games caught). |
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goyard
217 Posts |
Posted - 09/15/2009 : 16:32:18
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Regarding POP TIME ...Here are some interesting BIG Stats:
Most Stolen Bases Off catcher (Game)
19 - (Amer Assoc) Grant Briggs, Syracuse, April 22, 1890
17 - (National League 19th Century) Doggie Miller, Pittsburgh, May 23, 1890
13 - (American League) Branch Rickey, New York, June 28, 1907
11 - (National League 1900- ) Bill Fischer, St. Louis, August 13, 1916
Most Stolen Bases Off catcher (Inning)
8 - (American League) Steve O'Neill, Cleveland, July 19, 1915, first inning
8 - (National League) Mike Gonzalez, New York, July 7, 1919, ninth inning
Most Runners Caught Stealing (nine inning game)
8 - (National League 19th Century) Duke Farrell, Washington, May 11, 1897
6 - (National League 1900- ) Bill Bergen, Brooklyn, August 23, 1909
6 - (Americal League) Wally Schang, Philadelphia, May 12, 1915
Most Runners Caught Stealing (inning)
3 - (Amer Assoc) Jocko Milligan, Philadelphia, July 26, 1887, third inning
3 - (Americal League) Les Nunamaker, New York, August 3, 1914, second inning
2 - (National League) held by many catchers
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