http://www.sbnation.comhttp://www.sbnation.com/users/RJB7 Posts made by RJB7 on SB Nation http://www.minorleagueball.com/2006/6/8/1192/13429 RJB7 Thu, 08 Jun 2006 05:19:02 -0000 <p>I believe that hitters can develop plate discipline, patience or pitch selection. &nbsp;Some hitters seem to develop this more easily than others and some hitters seem to be blessed to start further along the curve than most.</p><p>This question is addressed to John and all others that are knowlegable on this topic:</p><p>What/How would you go about instructing a hitter to develop his plate discipline?</p><p>a) What swing mechanics are key here? &nbsp;<br /> I feel that good balance over the back leg is very important. &nbsp;I also think being loaded by/at the moment the pitcher is about to release the ball is important. &nbsp;I feel that these things allow the hitter to see the pitch longer, which gives him a better chance to decide if the pitch is a ball or strike, inside or outside, type, and speed of pitch.</p><p>b) What mental gameplans are we looking at?<br /> I feel that knowing the external situation of the game: tendencies of the pitcher, pitches the pitcher is throwing for strikes today, score, runners on base, etc. is important because it will help a batter know what pitch will likely by thrown and its location.<br /> I learned to anticipate every pitch being a perfect pitch to hit until I decided it was not, which really helped me be ready for every pitch.</p><p>c) What physical drills can be used to help develop plate discipline?<br /> I feel that tracking pitches while guys throw bullpens helps a lot because it helps develop where and when to "see" the ball at its release point.<br /> I feel that the "tennis ball machines" with colored numbers on them are very helpful to develop pitch recognition.</p><p>Thanks.<br /></p> http://www.minorleagueball.com/2005/8/28/235119/276 RJB7 Mon, 29 Aug 2005 03:51:19 -0000 <p>As a Cubs fan I have followed the Cubs since I was young. &nbsp;I have never seen anyone mention the effect that Jeff Pentland may or may not have had on Sosa's development as a hitter. &nbsp;It seems that his arrival precipated a change in Sosa's stance, load (the step back and then forward), and at-bat plan. &nbsp;These changes seemed to spark the amazing run of offensive numbers he put up over several years. &nbsp;When Pentland was let go it seemed that Sosa started his decline. &nbsp;It appeared that the patience (not swinging at sliders in the dirt) and the gameplan slowly changed and I saw a Sosa swinging much more like he did at the beginning of his career. &nbsp;I'm curious to see what anybody else noticed this. &nbsp;How much of his success can be contributed to his batting coach, pentland? &nbsp;I feel that he was a big part of Sosa's success.</p>