Offense vs Defense

[CoogansBluff]

I spent some time yesterday looking the the ODM numbers for a few of the OnDeck tryouts from last year. The kids that scored in the 90s are always fast. The highest speed numbers always have the highest scores. The highest power numbers are never the highest scores. Speed is weighted more important there I think.

What are ODM numbers?

 

[spleen1015]

The numbers from the OnDeck tryouts/camps. Not sure what ODM really stands for. OnDeck Measurements?

 

[Greenmonsters]

Anybody recall Herb Washington's career with the Charlie O. era A's?!

 

[Greenmonsters]

Anybody read Jay Weaver's latest tip of the month explaining why he doesn't do pop times during his clinics/camps?!

 

[YOCOACH]

I did. I prefer Dave Weaver's response to the question though

 

[softball dad 6]

I am a little to close to the first baseman defense question. DD plays 1B. She always has been placed there because she is a very tall lefty. 1B is definitely an under appreciated defensive position. We like to say anyone can play 1B but not everyone is a first baseman. DD has 2 dropped throws in her last 200 games. Over the last four years she has improved catching bouncing throws form 0% to ~25% to ~50% to ~75%. Pitcher and infielder parents like to see her on first. One thing I have noticed is that umpires like to give the close call to the defense on a good play by the fielder and a good stretch by the first baseman. She is also quick on bunt coverage. Unfortunately DD only hit .450 and slugged .650 last year. She has good speed and a strong arm. I am pretty sure she needs to learn to play a corner outfield spot if she wants to play at the next level.

 

[BB875]

There are lots of good comments and observations in this thread. My opinions are:
1) Speed kills & you can't teach it. On offense, speed can help manufacture runs. On defense, that certain outfielder with wheels can keep you in a game.
2) Its tough to give an opposing team 4-5 outs per inning due to errors and still win games, so solid defense is high on my list. How many games are lost because of a big 2 out RBI hit right after an error that would have ended an inning?
3) Of course, there is no substitution for timely hits.
4) Its all about pitching at every level! lol

 

[CoogansBluff]

Unfortunately DD only hit .450 and slugged .650 last year. She has good speed and a strong arm. I am pretty sure she needs to learn to play a corner outfield spot if she wants to play at the next level.

She ''only'' hit .450? Why is that unfortunate?

 

[Greenmonsters]

I'll take a smart ball player over a fast ball player every time if I can't take a smart, fast ball player.

 

[Greenmonsters]

I am a little to close to the first baseman defense question. DD plays 1B. She always has been placed there because she is a very tall lefty. 1B is definitely an under appreciated defensive position. We like to say anyone can play 1B but not everyone is a first baseman. DD has 2 dropped throws in her last 200 games. Over the last four years she has improved catching bouncing throws form 0% to ~25% to ~50% to ~75%. Pitcher and infielder parents like to see her on first. One thing I have noticed is that umpires like to give the close call to the defense on a good play by the fielder and a good stretch by the first baseman. She is also quick on bunt coverage. Unfortunately DD only hit .450 and slugged .650 last year. She has good speed and a strong arm. I am pretty sure she needs to learn to play a corner outfield spot if she wants to play at the next level.

If you are not a big slugger, you generally need to be a great first baseman to play there in college. A great first baseman makes the rest of the infield much better.