1/24/2011

Intrasqauds went well this weekend.  Our pitching took a step in the right direction, and we continued to swing the bats effectively.  Another positive sign is that all four of our scrimmages have been decided by very close scores, which indicates to me that our depth is pretty good and that we have multiple guys at many positions capable of getting the job done. 

Our outfield play in particular has progressed quite a bit.  We've got loads of talent out there, and they are really starting to execute well.  All of our throws the last few scrimmages have been right on the money and we are doing a great job of cutting down balls in the gaps and preventing extra bases. 

The infield has been very solid as well, despite a dropped pop up the other day.  we had what guys like to call a "high sky", which pretty much just means there are no clouds to provide a backdrop for the ball once it goes up in the air.  In the outfield, this isn't as big of a difference because the ball is moving as much forward as it is up and down, so your depth perception works a little better.  On the infield, the ball is essentially going straight up and straight down.  Without a few clouds to help you determine the depth and any change of direction the ball might take, it can be much more difficult to judge a high pop up.  This is particularly true on balls hit straight at an infielder, and most guys will tell you that it is actually easier to range a bit left or right to catch a pop up and than it is to catch one hit straight up.  Anyway, the "high sky" does make pop ups tougher, but regardless, they have to be caught.

Our catchers are doing a great job of controlling the running game thus far, as all three guys are really throwing well right now.  If our pitchers get them the ball in a reasonable amount of time, its going to be pretty tough to swipe bags on this group.  On the other hand, we've had "the little man" in our mitts a bit, and we need to get that guy out of there.  For those of you that are unfamiliar with the little man, that's what catchers jokingly blame their misses on..  "Man, that little man keeps knocking the ball out today.", or a teammate might say to him "Hey, get that little man out of mitt."  Silly?  Yes, but we are playing a game, right?