How pitchers can intimidate hitters

Want to intimidate the batters you're facing? Want to keep them guessing?

You have to pitch with a "poker face."

If you're out there showing visible signs of frustration -- whether its a facial expression or a body gesture --  you're telling your opponent, "I am weak; you have beaten me mentally."

However, if you hide your expressions like a poker player hides his hand, you'll maintain the mental edge. And perhaps more importantly, the hitter won't know what's coming next.

Most closers in major league baseball do this very well. Mariano Rivera of the Yankees is one of the best, but John Palpabon of the Red Sox and Billy Wagner are excellent at hiding their expressions, too.  Next time you watch them pitch on TV, see if you can tell what they're thinking. Bet you can't. How about when you pitch?