Baseball Talk: Hitting, Pitching, Catching Strategy

In some ways, I agree with you Braves. But a LH Quarterback presents more of a challenge to the defense than a LH catcher presents to an offense in baseball. The defense in football has to change pursuit patterns, coverage option, roll-out direction, everything. The receivers have to get used to the spin on the ball but they generally don't curve away from them.

 

Can't that tail action be corrected...not all LH's throw 3/4

 

yes it can... but if it's natural, it can be an advantage. A RH catcher starts the ball just to the left of the bag and it tails right and down exactly (or pretty near) where you want the tag to occur. That tailing action really gives you a slight "margin of error" which can help. That margin doesn't exist with a LH catcher.

When it doesn't happen, the ball is still near the bag for a RH guy. When it does happen, the SS/2B is in no position to make a tag for a LH guy.

 

I love this thread. It can be argued all day

That tailing action works well at 3rd and throwing behind the runner at 2nd..and the batter will learn real quick how to get out of the way of a LH toss to third. One plunk usually will correct it

 

I like it too.....

It's not the batter getting out of the way of the lefty throwing to 3rd ... it's the body shift that has to occur. The runner is getting a larger lead than at 1st and usually gets a better jump.

The LH catcher has to turn his body 180 degrees or risk eiter a bad throw or a throw with no "mustard" on it.. (Back to the food references ... hmmmm).

 

Lefthanded catchers...

Yes guys, its a nice argument, but I'd put my lefthander over at 1B, or the outfield.

Remember one more thing,,,, that "EVEN" if you can convince us all that a lefthanded catcher can do ok, do you honestly believe coaches at higher levels (high school and beyond) will take him seriously?

 

Re: Lefthanded catchers...

Nope..my point exactly. If he has an arm, ...he's a pitcher

 

100 % agree with Braves ..... GET THAT KID OUT FROM BEHIND THE PLATE.

If he has enough of an arm to be a catcher, get him on the mound. If he doesn't, then teams will run wild on him. They are NOT doing that kid a service and helping him get to the next level. I'm afraid that colleges & pros won't touch a LH catcher unless he absolutely pounds the baseball, and even then, they both will convert him to another position.

If the guy doesn't have the talent to get to the next level, it doesn't matter as much (or if he's a stud in another sport and going to play that sport in college).

But why would anyone want to play something other than baseball?

 

and why would anyone want to be a catcher?

 

Most of the good catchers I've talked to thought the other positions didn't have enough action to suit them.

Most of the average catchers I've talked to play the position because no one else wanted to.