I think it is different because if you inform your team the change-up is coming on 0-2 because that is what has happened in the past, you may very well be walking right into the pitcher’s trap. If I can get you thinking change-up, and I throw a fast ball, you have no shot at hitting it. If you are thinking fastball and adjusting changeup at least you can foul it off or make a productive out.

That is strategy, not theft.

I do like the embarrasment thing. We started off one game w/ a fake bunt and every time the team screamed and crashed the plate. It was funny. We kept doing it to wear them out and the coach told them “they aren’t bunting”. Everyone knows what happened next right? We bunted of course!…lol. I love this stuff!

I don’t think the 1st base coach should “call out” the off speed pitch when he sees him loading. This can get someone hurt as well. Also, if you do it, you may be falling into that same trap. If I think you are stealing this. I will walk you right into a key situation, dig into my glove, and proceed to blow a fastball by you! Again, as the signal caller, I ALWAYS have the upper hand.

I tell my kids to always control their situation. If they do that, they hold the upper hand. This allows them the best opportunity at success. Not stealing signs or digs. Now if the coach points this out to his players subtly and never tips that they have picked this up then he retains the upper hand!

Isn’t that a better solution? Isn’t that what we want? The upper hand?

Here’s another one to consider. As a first base coach, is it OK to call out the offspeed pitch when you see the pitcher “loading it up” in his glove?