Eye Of The Beholder
by Texy
2008 February 4 at 12:19 am
There was an interesting mini-interview quoted over in the Royal Rooters forum back at the end of November. Ten coaches and infielders (including three current Red Sox players) were asked where their eyes are trained — and should be trained — from the time the pitcher looks in for his sign until the ball reaches the hitting zone. Their answers were similar, but also indicative of the fact that no two people look at things in exactly the same way.
Alex Cora:
I’m looking at the pitcher to get my timing, then, at his delivery, I’m looking at the strike zone to see where the pitch is. Before that, I always want to know what pitch was called, and the location, so I check the signs. The first time through the order usually dictates how guys are reacting to pitches, so I look for that. But even if I’m anticipating where the ball might be hit, I’m not leaning with my body. That gets you in trouble if the ball is hit to your other side. I am leaning with my mind, though.
Julio Lugo:
I watch the strike zone, because that’s where the ball is coming at you from. If there’s a man on base, I’m looking at both the runner and the pitcher before he delivers the ball. Before that I’m looking at what pitch is coming. You always want to know the signs. And you want to stay still. You don’t want to be moving when the pitch is delivered.
Dustin Pedroia:
I look at the sign, but I’m not sure I can tell you if my eyes usually go back to the pitcher or stay at home plate. For me, defense is basically awareness, and the ball off the bat is a reaction play.
It would be even more interesting to ask Dustin this same question again in five years, and see if (and how) his answer changes.
Often with 2 strikes and a guy on second Tek walks to the mound and discusses/agrees on pitch slection. Then he sets up without giving a signal. Doesn’t that mess up the infielders?
I’ve got to wonder in a situation like that, if the infielders aren’t getting signs from inside the dugout.
I wonder, do batters get signals from the dugout on baserunners’ activity? I’d assume they do… but then why would Lugo watch the runner?