Pitching With Runners In Scoring Position

One of the things I did in pro ball when pitching with runners in scoring position (which happened a lot since I was a closer, especially when I was called in to pitch in the middle of an inning), was to analyze how batters changed their approach.

With runners in scoring position, some batters get less aggressive, some get more aggressive. So I always tried to observe what the batters' tendencies were.

This gave me an idea about whether I could expand the strike zone a bit, or whether I needed to be more fine with my baseball pitches.

3 Baseball Pitching Tips For Outdueling Hitters

1. Save your strikeouts.

Runner on 3B, fewer than 2 outs. Runner on 2B, no outs. Or if a poor hitter up with a runner in scoring position. Those are the only times a strikeout should enter your mind. A strikeout isn't a byproduct of anything other than having your game plan and making good pitches. Ultimately, you should try not to show all your pitches in the first at-bat; save something for later in the game, to get the guy out when it matters.

2. Don't fear the runner.

A guy on 1B shouldn't dictate your pitch selection to the batter. Don't be afraid to throw an off-speed pitch, just because there's a guy on base. Ultimately, only 17% of stolen bases lead to a run that wouldn't have scored anyway, so you're better off concentrating on the hitter and getting him out.

3. Be the first to adjust.

After the first time through the batting order, you should have a pretty good idea about what to expect. But everybody makes adjustments. It's a matter of knowing enough about the hitter to pick up adjustments he may be making ... and then you making adjustments to stay one step ahead.

What 'Failure' Teaches Us?

We are brainwashed in school that failure is bad. But looking back over the course of my baseball career, I found that failure was truly the only path to success. Because with each failure comes the silver lining of knowledge that turns failure into success.

You're going to have bad games, bad weeks, and sometimes straight up bad seasons. I certainly had all three throughout my career.  But with all those failures, I was able to make the right adjustments in my pitching mechanics, to make the right adjustments with my strength training, and to make the right adjustments with my attitude. Ultimately, those failures are what allowed me to earn that baseball scholarship, to get drafted twice, and to have the opportunity to play professional baseball. Those failures led to some of my successes on the pitcher's mound.

Here's my point: Don't be like most people and get upset or lash out when you are forced to think ... when you are forced to look at what you are doing and make adjustments ... or when you have a failure. You must use those opportunities to learn something new -- to grow as a person, and to grow as a baseball pitcher. Trust me, throughout the process of pursuing a career in professional baseball, the road will be long and tough. Very tough. Yet it's through the failures we face that will allow you to succeed.

The only question is, "How will you handle it?" The answer to that question is what separates the great pitchers from the wannabes.

What It Takes For Baseball Pitchers To Get The Attention Of MLB Scouts

As a high school or college pitcher, do you ever wonder what pro baseball scouts are looking for in terms of pitching talent? Do you ever wonder what physical skills are necessary to get drafted and started on your journey to professional baseball?

Pitchers have got to have a loose arm. More importantly though, they need to be able to throw a fastball for strikes. Personally, I like guys that throw a good curveball because I believe you can't learn how to throw a curveball, you are born to throw a curveball. But having a plus slider is great, and it can be very effective at the major league level if used correctly.

Pitchers also need to be athletic, have a good makeup. They need to be tough, and coachable. You may have the ability to make it to the pros, but to stay, you need to tough, coachable, and athletic.