What should the catcer do with fastballs in the dirt? Block them, or try to pick them?

Block.

Block them. First priority of the backstop is to be just that. Any ball that gets by, especially with men on base is an extra base. It is also good "practice" to keep all those pitches in front even when men not on base.....staying away from bad habits.

That's what I was told. My son's varsity coach has taught him the same. Yet, at camp today he was instructed differently. I was curious as to whether there might be any situations or scnerios that would make it more advantageous to try and pick rather than block. I'm just trying to understand why the instructors at the college camp would be telling him he should be picking instead of blocking.

There really is no down side to blocking. Blocking sends a great message to the pitcher that he can just cut loose and pitch and not worry about missing low.

The problem with picking the fastball is that it might lead a catcher to try and pick change ups and curve balls as well. That is a real dangerous habit to get into. If you get used to picking fastballs you might just also try it on offspeed pitches as well.

I guess block.. but i noticed that jorge posada rarely blocks he almost always goes for the pick, even when runners are on base...ive seen it hit his glove and roll away nad runners advance...i wonder why he doesnt block more...

also, if someone picks succesfully on a fastball, do u say- "nice pick" or "block that"?

Block or pick? Depends on the baserunners --- depends on the count --- depends on the pitch location --- depends on the score and I guess you could say a lot depends on the catcher. Like catching Coach says “There really is no down side to blocking”. I have seen times the only way to throw out a stealing baserunner off a FB in the dirt was with a pick but you do increase the odds of a wild pitch or possibly a broken finger on the throwing hand (which happened to my son a few years back).
Fungo

The hardest pitch for a catcher to block is the fast ball right at him. The majority of the time a clean block on that type of pitch is a great reaction play. Most catchers aren't anticipating a fastball in the dirt, which is a reason why you way see catchers trying to pick them. The key is do drills where the catcher has to read the height and velocity of the pitch and determine whether to block or receive.

For me the cardinal rule for a catcher is "keep the ball in front of you at all times"

They cannot run if the ball is in front of you

If the runner is stealing on the pitch I can see trying to pick it to throw him out, even if you miss it he probably won't get third. Other than that, this shouldn't even be a topic. A catcher should always block the ball. Not only does it keep the baserunners from advancing, it also gives the pitcher some confidence that he can miss low without having to worry.

Every pitch is an opportunity. This includes pitches in the dirt with no one on. Part of your job as a catcher is to make your pitcher appear better than he may actually be. One way you do this is by keeping the ball between you and your pitcher at all times.

Character is what you do when no one is watching. Kind of like blocking balls in the dirt with no one on.

quote:

Originally posted by Catch43:
jorge posada rarely blocks he almost always goes for the pick, even when runners are on base...ive seen it hit his glove and roll away nad runners advance...i wonder why he doesnt block more...

I brought this tendency of Jorge's up to my son in an effort to get him to be more open to suggestions from unfamiliar coaches. His response was "Posada is terrible behind the plate, way too many balls get by him and if it were up to me, I'd put him on 1st base full time."

If Posada is good at picking balls out of the dirt, maybe the kid has a point.

its always to block. even if nobody is on, it keeps you in the habit. its all about repitition. when nobody is on, i believe this is the best time to work on blocking because there isnt any pressure and you can develop your skills.

Posada also has a rocket for an arm.

Always block the ball,unless its an easy pick.Keep the ball infront if at all possible

If you're the parent of pitcher don't automitcally assume the catcher is lazy, poorly coached or isn't helping your son when he attempts to pick a pitch with a runner going!!

Fungo has the answer! If a runner is going on the pitch you're only chance to get him is to pick the ball....... The consequence of missing the pick is generally the same as blocking the pitch....the runner will advance anyway.

The risk to "picking" is the ball may take a bad bounce and roll far enough away to allow the runner to take another base.

quote:

Originally posted by futurecatcher27:
Posada also has a rocket for an arm.

I'll give you that. His bat hasn't been too shabby either.

Thanks everyone, for your input on this topic. I'll share your thoughts on this matter with my kid. Good food for baseball thought.

One other thing: most stolen bases come off the pitcher not the catcher

if you have time to decide whether to pick or block, BLOCK

Posada is not terrible behind the plate at all.