You see it all throughout baseball, hitters get hot and hitters slump. Coaches invariably change their lineup according to who’s hot and who’s not. It sounds logical in the major leagues because they have 162 games to get out of their funk. To the majority of us, we have only several games to accomplish this.

Coaches play an important role in the development of their players, both physically and psychologically. The re-arrangement or re-assignment in the batting order is done to benefit the team, regardless of the psychological stress this may impose on the player. This works both ways. A player not used to batting in the 4 slot may not feel worthy of being a big run producer. Vice versa, a player dropped from the 4 slot may feel slighted and angry. Both emotions can cause anxiety and further lack of production. Coaches do not do this intentionally, but it happens.

What to do when this situation arises? Let’s first look at it from the perspective of getting moved up to the 4 slot. The biggest thing you have to understand is different spots in the lineup will be pitched to differently. You will not face the same types of pitches hitting 4th as you would say hitting 7th. Pitchers will be more careful and hence more likely to throw more off-speed pitches. If you are not used to hitting 4th, get accustomed to the fact that you will have to be a little more patient.

Second, you now need to take on the mantra of that spot in the order. You must feel you deserve to hit there. Confidence. You earned it, relax and make it happen. There is absolutely nothing more important than feeling you belong where you are and have earned it. Your coach has moved you there because he has confidence you can do the job.

Now from the perspective of getting moved out of that spot. Wow. You are obviously struggling a little bit (refer to the slump buster article last week). More than anything right now you are pissed at the coach for moving you out. Staying angry will get you nowhere. You must now hit your way out of it. The biggest enemy we have as baseball players is tension. Trying to kill the ball every time up will do more harm than good and prolong your slump. Get back to basics and shoot for line drives. Your coach has moved you to alleviate a little pressure and get you back on track.

Coaches can play havoc on your emotions, most of the time with the best intentions for the team. The higher level you play, the more your coach can affect you. Do your job and the rest will take care of itself. It’s the coach’s job to get the most out of every player. Moving hitters to different spots in the lineup is a way to utilize each player’s strengths to the max.

Coach Joe