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I can't remember the source, and I don't know how reliable their data are. If you are interested, try Google. If you are not that interested, believe whatever you want.
I'll second the idea that you're going to make a good coach someday...perhaps quicker than many other "good" coaches.
Great, make an extraordinary claim as fact, then backtrack and put it on me to substantiate when questioned.I can't remember the source, and I don't know how reliable their data are. If you are interested, try Google. If you are not that interested, believe whatever you want.
To jump in, as we have a bit of a catching obsession in our household and I have all this memorized. The article people were looking for was in Grantland and called “The Art of Pitch Framing” and it references an article from Baseball Prospectus.
The person was Jose Molina and yes there are so many Molina catchers it is hard not to confuse them. The point was over a period of about 5 years Jose Molina was so good that he was able to save his team over 100 runs. The article compared that to a poor MLB receiver (and for reference Barry Bond run production during his peak) and what that means to WAR or win-share. Link is below and every can geek out as there are tons of articles on framing with much debate over if it overblown.
For Gabby (using my coach hat) let simplify this for usage.
Blocking: Strong arms are good but unfortunately it what most coaches see and all they ever measure in a catcher. A catcher with a strong arm who can’t block lets the runner get to second on the passed ball so advantage is negated. Also the pitcher has no confidence throwing her nasty drop particularly with a runner on third. Plus if the batter knows it won’t be called with the runner on third, they get to sit on a fastball.
Framing: As Eric F mentioned the idea is to keep a strike a strike. A photo frame enhances a photo it doesn’t move because that would be a distraction. If you see Molina in the article he starts with thumb at bottom of zone and works every pitch up and/or in with a very slight quarter turn. This skill requires practice so doing things like holding a golf ball in your pinky/ring fingers and catching a tennis ball with your thumb/index/middle finger (flexing only wrist) will improve your ability to receive. Also just take balls off a machine over and over. Pitching machines are better for catcher drills than actual hitting.
Pitch calling: This is an art so they best thing is study and watch. MLB charts every pitch so you can see how they work batters and there are patterns. Obviously a good mentor is best.
A good catcher is the coach on the field and your willingness to observe and learn makes you my new favorite player. Most youth/HS teams go as far as the catcher takes them.
Article: The Art of Pitch Framing «
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You're attacking me for no reason, I'm calling out BS. Does BS help a discussion?Sorry, but I was more interested in a discussion than a flame war. I had a feeling you were more interested in a flame war. It appears I was correct.