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If you are struggling at the plate, what you should attempt to do is to hit every pitch at the pitcher’s belt buckle. And no, I haven’t lost my mind and I resent that you’re thinking that I’ve lost it. Try to do this on every pitch, no matter what type of pitch it is or where the pitch is located. There is a good chance that it will improve your batting average and let me explain why.

First of all, the big question may be that if this works, why don’t all of the weaker baseball hitters try it? That’s a very fair question and the answer is quite simple. They can’t try it because they don’t know about it. Obviously, it’s probably not at the top of your list of baseball tips on hitting. Another reason is that ego comes into play, that’s why! Smart hitters are very well aware of their strengths as well as their weaknesses. You must know your limitations if you truly want to be successful as a baseball hitter.

Too many baseball hitters want to clobber everything and are in love with the long ball. Not all baseball hitters possess great power and some of them are not willing to face that fact. I completely enjoy watching a terrific power hitter hit a bomb. But I also thoroughly enjoy a baseball hitter who stays within his limits, does not over swing and just makes decent contact and hits for a high batting average.

Too many baseball hitters would rather hit bombs over the fences or into the gaps. They should really do a reality check.  By trying to hit the ball toward the pitcher’s belt buckle, even though you are aiming up the middle, you will also hit to all fields because you won’t always hit the ball straight up the middle. When trying to hit it up the middle, it forces the hitter to watch the pitch carefully and there is a very good chance that the player’s baseball hitting mechanics will improve.

It’s identical to why some outstanding professional hitters take batting practice with a smaller bat than they use in a live game. That may seem a little bizarre too, right? Why wouldn’t they use the same exact bat that they use in a game? Their reasoning is that with the smaller bat it encourages them to have better mechanics or they may very well not even hit the ball at all. Please note that I said outstanding professional hitters. And aiming for the pitcher’s belt buckle will do the same exact thing. Are you starting to get the feeling that this just might not be so bizarre after all and just might be helpful?

Another added plus is that by aiming for the pitcher’s belt buckle, you will not be trying to “do too much” with your baseball swing. A very common baseball hitting problem is that hitters have way too much going on. It’s referred to as the swing “being too busy.” Don’t try to do to much at the plate. Keep it simple and don’t complicate hitting.

A player who is struggling at the plate should at least give this an attempt to get back on the right track! The expression “sometimes less is more” definitely applies here. Hopefully, it will be helpful and they will overcome any baseball hitting struggles.

Like I said, don’t knock it until you’ve tried it. You just may be very pleasantly surprised!

About The Author:

You CAN improve and overcome any baseball weaknesses if you are a player, a coach, or a baseball parent and your son is struggling! Larry Cicchiello has hundreds of baseball articles on line and has some FREE baseball tips on hitting and FREE baseball pitching tips available at http://www.LarryBaseball.com. Get ready to be raising a few eyebrows!

Article by Yi

It truly is true, process does help make perfect. Even so, sometime procedure gets boring, and foreseen. Even instructors get panel doing exactly the same thing over together with over. The suggestion, hunt for new drills you need to do, or trainers, get innovative and makeup you have. They all like to wear high quality major league baseball jerseys. If you aren’t going to the imaginative type, i have 2 drills that would help an infield through, and help save the period of trying to get something cutting edge.

The very first drill may be to help individuals improve during tracking in addition to fielding floor balls reach directly by them, on their backhand half, to their particular glove part, and at short hops. The infielders should are partners together with one sphere per combine. Have the particular players face the other person 3 to 5 yards separately, on the particular infield grime or outfield lawn.

While facing 1 another, both infielders should wind up in good fielding place, knees twisted, butt downward, and palms out before the body.

Fielders start ground balls to one another. In round of golf 1, they rotate ground tennis balls right at 1 another. In round of golf 2, they rotate ground balls towards back personally side. With round some, they start short hops. Each round needs ten sheets. Fielders should never move their own feet however should stop in good fielding job, tracking the particular ball because of their glove, work to discover the glove inside of the ball whenever fielding it again, and capture the ball from the web belonging to the glove. More and more football fans choose to wear Roger Craig jerseys to support their favorite teams and players. Just about every third basketball and infielder career fields, he or even she should certainly flip to their very own partner immediately from their glove. That way the fielder discovers to have the ball inside the web from the glove.

While you are coaching your own players you ought to focus regarding fielders fielding pool balls out face-to-face with their physique, tracking the particular ball in glove, and getting the ball from the web on their glove. Never let your gamers get sloppy utilizing fielding standing. Remind fielders to figure hard to remain seated under the entire ball using their gloves also to field your ball in the ground upward. If you would like to change it again up somewhat, have the particular fielders improve their range to 7 towards 10 lawns apart. This will give them to be able to roll typically the ball slightly harder and additionally makes the actual drill additional game prefer.

Another fantastic drill such as this one facility around solely the short-hop place ball. All over again, have the actual infielders other half up together with face both about 3 yards apart having a ball. Fielders should wind up in a excellent fielding placement, knees twisted, butt lower and fingers out before the middle on their body. One fielder tosses a quick hop when in front of his and / or her loved one, about 6 in order to 12 inches when in front of his and / or her hand wear cover. The spouse fields the particular ball within the short stay, working upon fielding it belonging to the bottom away or getting beneath the ball together with his glove. Develop the fielders achieve 10 to be able to 12 brief hops each and every.

Coaches should look at reminding their own players towards catch all the ball out when in front of their systems with palms slightly longer and arms flexed affordable. Millions of football fans put on their mlb wholesale jerseys to watch live football games in stadium. They tend to be to area the ball belonging to the bottom “up “, working upon keeping their own glove inside of the ball together with keeping the head straight down.

If participants have problems throwing 1 another short hop, you may need to line all the way up your fielders inside a single-file line and present them limited hops one by one. This means that you can give fielders a complete short jump and best them like needed. Also you can slow the actual drill lower for players which are struggling.

Article

OUTFIELD (OF) RANKINGS 2009

1. Grady Sizemore – Cleveland Indians (26)

Sizemore has all the tools that every fantasy baseball team wants and needs to win their league championship in 2009. His combination of 30 plus homeruns, 30 plus stolen bases, and 110 plus runs scored from his leadoff spot give him the #1 overall outfield ranking heading into the 2009 season. Sizemore’s 2009 stats should resemble 30-35 homeruns, 35-40 stolen bases, 110 runs scored, 85-95 rbi, and a solid .270-.280 batting average.

2. Ryan Braun – Milwaukee Brewers (25)

With two straight excellent fantasy baseball seasons under his belt, Braun is firmly entrenched as a top 3 overall fantasy baseball outfielder for the 2009 season. At just age 25, Braun is entering the prime of his career and he has the potential to post 40 homeruns, 110 rbi, 100 runs scored, 15 stolen bases, and a solid .290 batting average for the 2009 season.

3. Josh Hamilton – Texas Rangers (28)

Hamilton took the fantasy baseball world by storm in 2008, and with power and strength galore, he should easily finish the 2009 season as a top 5 overall fantasy baseball outfielder. Entering the prime of his career at just age 28, Hamilton has the ability and potential to put up new career high stats in 2009. 40 plus homeruns, 120 plus rbi, 100 runs scored, 10 stolen bases, and a solid .300 batting average is likely for Hamilton in 2009.

4. Matt Holliday – Oakland Athletics (29)

Holliday didn’t match his outstanding stat totals from the 2006 and 2007 seasons last year, but he also missed nearly 20 more games last year then he did in the those two prior years which didn’t help his cause either. Unfortunately Holliday will enter the 2009 season not playing in the Colorado air, so a drop off in stats is possible. However 25-30 homeruns, 100 rbi, 100 runs scored, 15-20 stolen bases, and a solid .300 plus batting average is still likely for Holiday in 2009.

5. Alfonso Soriano – Chicago Cubs (33)

Injuries have limited Soriano’s value over the past two years, but he is still capable of being a 30 homerun and 20 stolen base outfielder if he can manage to play in just 130 games during the 2009 season. If Soriano played a full schedule with over 150 games played and over 600 at bats during the 2009 season, then a 40 homerun and 40 stolen base season would be possible. As it stands, Soriano is still a premiere fantasy baseball outfielder entering the 2009 season. His stats for 2009 should come close to 30 homeruns, 90 rbi, 90 runs scored, 25 stolen bases, with greater stats possible if he plays in more than 130 games.

6. Carlos Beltran – New York Mets (32)

Entering the pinnacle of his career at age 32 for the 2009 season, Beltran is a safe bet for another 25 homerun and 20 stolen base season in 2009. Beltran should remain a five scoring category outfielder in 2009, with stats approaching 30 homeruns, 110 rbi, 100 runs scored, 20-25 stolen bases, and a .280 batting average.

7. BJ Upton – Tampa Bay Rays (24)

Even though Upton will likely enter the 2009 season a bit banged up from off-season surgery on his shoulder, the good news is that it was his non-throwing shoulder. At just age 24 for the 2009 season, Upton has excellent potential to post his fist career 30 homerun and 40 stolen base season. Upton’s overall 2009 stats could include 25-30 homeruns, 40-50 stolen bases, 100 runs scored, 80 rbi, and a solid batting average around .290.

8. Jason Bay – Boston Red Sox (30) BREAKOUT

No longer in need of carrying the lowly Pittsburgh Pirates offense, Bay should enjoy hitting in a heavy run producing Boston lineup. With 150 plus games played in the Boston lineup during the 2009 season, Bay could very easily have a career year in 2009. 35 homeruns, 110 rbi, 110 runs scored, 10 stolen bases, and a batting average approaching .300 for the 2009 season is very possible.

9. Matt Kemp – Los Angeles Dodgers (24)

With the releasing of former outfielder Andruw Jones, Kemp appears set to take over an everyday starting outfield job in Los Angeles for the 2009 season. With a 35 stolen base season in 2008 already under his belt, Kemp has excellent potential to post a 20 homerun and 40 stolen base season in 2009. Kemp’s overall 2009 stats could include 20-25 homeruns, 90-100 rbi, 100 runs scored, 35-45 stolen bases, and a solid .300 batting average.

10. Carlos Lee – Houston Astros (33)

Lee has been one of the most consistent and steady fantasy baseball outfielders for the past ten years. And now entering the summit of his career in 2009 at age 33, Lee should once again be good for 30 homeruns, 100 rbi, 90 runs scored, 5-10 stolen bases, and a solid .300 batting average.

11. Manny Ramirez – Free Agent (37)

Even after a 37 homerun, 121 rbi, 102 runs scored, and .332 batting average last year, Ramirez at age 37 for the 2009 season, is hard to trust for that kind of production from him again for the 2009 season. Yet even considering all that, Ramirez is still deserving of a top 15 overall fantasy baseball outfield ranking heading into the 2009 season. As a free agent, Ramirez would likely benefit if he could sign with an AL and play some at DH to keep him healthy for the entire season. So as your fantasy baseball draft approaches, if Ramirez signs with an AL team, he could very easily match his 2008 stats, but if he signs with an NL team, beware of a drop off in stats from his 2008 numbers. Overall a positive outlook for Ramirez is likely in 2009, with numbers potential reaching 30 homeruns, 100 rbi, 100 runs scored, and an excellent .300 plus batting average.

12. Carlos Quentin – Chicago White Sox (26)

There was never any doubt about Quentin’s potential, however up until last year, he was a constant disappointment. Now with a 36 homerun season in just 130 games under his belt, there is no doubt Quentin has the potential for a 40 plus homerun campaign in 2009. However, be cautious not to draft him too high, as he clearly does not have a good major league track record. If all goes as well as it could for Quentin during the 2009 season, then a final 2009 stat line could include 40 homeruns, 110 rbi, 100 runs scored, 10 stolen bases, and a .285 batting average.

13. Carl Crawford – Tampa Bay Rays (27)

Injuries put a damper on Crawford’s 2008 season, however at just age 27 for the 2009 season, Crawford could actually post a career high in stolen bases, homeruns, and runs scored. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Crawford notch 60 plus stolen bases, 15-20 homeruns, 110 runs scored, 80 rbi, and a very good batting average around .300 for the 2009 season. It’s hard to call Crawford a breakout player, but with his age in his favor and an excellent run scoring offense in Tampa Bay, Crawford could very easily be in store for a career year in 2009.

14. Alex Rios – Toronto Blue Jays (28)

Even though Rios may have seemed like a huge disappointment in 2008 because of all the high expectations placed on him, he actually had a very solid fantasy year last season. Rios nearly doubled his career high for stolen bases in a season, going from 17 as his previous high to 32 in 2008. At just age 28 for the 2009 season, Rios could very easily have a career year. His 2009 season stats could finish at 25-30 homeruns, 30-35 stolen bases, 90-100 rbi, 100 runs scored, and a solid batting average around .295.

15. Magglio Ordonez – Detroit Tigers (35)

Even at age 35 for the 2009 season, Ordonez appears headed for another solid fantasy baseball year. His 2009 stats could include 25 homeruns, 110 rbi, 100 runs scored, and an excellent .310 plus batting average.

16. Corey Hart – Milwaukee Brewers (27)

Hart will be entering the 2009 season at the magic age of 27, and even though he is a proven 20 homerun and 20 stolen base outfielder, it wouldn’t at all be surprising to see him take his game to the next level and post a 30 homerun and 30 stolen base season in 2009. Hart definitely has the potential, so a career year could be in store for him. 25-30 homeruns, 25-30 steals, 90-100 rbi, 90 runs scored, and a batting average around .290 is possible for Hart in 2009.

17. Nate McLouth – Pittsburgh Pirates (27)

With his power stroke developing, McLouth is a good bet to post another 20 homerun and 20 stolen base season in 2009. By seasons end, 20 homeruns, 25 stolen bases, 80 rbi, 100 runs scored, and a .280 batting average seem realistic to expect from McLouth for the 2009 season.

18. Nick Markakis – Baltimore Orioles (25)

Unfortunately for fantasy baseball managers who bet big time on Markakis for a breakout year in 2008, where gravely disappointed. In fact Markakis actually posted lower homeruns, rbi, and stolen bases in 2008, then he had in 2007. Playing at just age 25 for the entire 2009 season, Markakis is a big time threat to post 25 homeruns and 20 stolen bases during the 2009 season. His overall 2009 stat line could include 25 homeruns, 20 stolen bases, 100 rbi, 100 runs scored, and a .300 batting average.

19. Curtis Granderson – Detroit Tigers (28)

If Granderson wouldn’t have missed the beginning of the 2008 season because of injury, he may very well have posted career highs in several scoring categories. However as it stands, Granderson enters the 2009 fantasy baseball season as somewhat of a disappointment for fantasy baseball managers because he didn’t produce a lot of stolen bases last year. In other words, Granderson will likely be ranked and get drafted a lot lower in 2009 fantasy baseball drafts than his potential warrants for the 2009 season. I fully expect Granderson to be a top 15 overall fantasy baseball outfielder by the end of the 2009 season, with stats in the range of 20-25 homeruns, 20-30 stolen bases, 120 runs scored, 70-80 rbi, and a batting average around .300.

20. Vladimir Guerrero – Los Angeles Angels (33)

Guerrero clearly isn’t a top 5 or even top 10 overall fantasy baseball outfielder anymore, and he definitely doesn’t steal bases anymore either. However Guerrero isn’t completely useless on fantasy baseball teams either. His stats may likely fall again in 2009, but 25 homeruns, 90 rbi, 80 runs scored, and a solid .300 plus batting average is still very useful on 2009 fantasy baseball teams.

21. Ichiro Suzuki – Seattle Mariners (35)

Even though Ichiro will be 35 for the 2009 season, it doesn’t look like his best fantasy baseball asset of stolen bases, runs scored, and batting average will be declining anytime soon. I think it is safe to bank on Ichiro posting 5-10 homeruns, 40-50 rbi, 100-100 runs scored, 35-45 stolen bases, and an excellent .300 plus batting average with the potential for a .320 plus batting average during the 2009 season.

22. Adam Dunn – Free Agent (29)

If you draft Dunn, you can take 35-40 homeruns and 100 rbi to the bank for the 2009 season. However Dunn’s .243, .233, .234, .247, .215, and .249 batting averages over the past couple of seasons is also something you can take to the bank in 2009. I guess it depends how important those 35 homeruns and 100 rbi are to you. If batting average isn’t a scoring category in your fantasy baseball league, then Dunn could easily be ranked in the top 15 on this list.

23. Ryan Ludwick – St. Louis Cardinals (31) BUST
After posting a career high in every single scoring category in 2008, a drop off in production only seems obvious from Ludwick for the 2009 season. His 37 homeruns and 113 rbi from 2008 probably won’t resemble anything that he will produce in 2009. My guess is to keep your expectations a bit low and don’t draft Ludwick too high or over a proven outfielder. 20 homeruns, 90 rbi, 90 runs scored, and a .285 batting average seems realistic for Ludwick in 2009.

24. Jacoby Ellsbury – Boston Red Sox (25) BREAKOUT

Ellsbury didn’t excel like many had hoped last year, but 50 stolen bases and 98 runs scored sure isn’t terrible either. Now that CoCo Crisp is gone, Ellsbury has the starting center field job all to himself entering the 2009 season. A career year could be in store, as another 50 plus stolen bases combined with 10 homeruns, 100-110 runs scored, 50 rbi, and a batting average around .290-.300 is a realistic bet for Ellsbury in 2009.

25. Hunter Pence – Houston Astros (26)

Even though Pence regressed a bit in 2008 after his outstanding major league debut in 2007, expectations will remain high for him as he will be just 26 years old during the 2009 season. Pence has the potential to be a 20 homerun and 20 stolen base outfielder, and 2009 could be his year to finally hit that plateau. Numbers in the range of 25 homeruns, 15-20 stolen bases, 90 rbi, 80-90 runs scored, and a batting average around .290 is reasonable to expect from Pence in 2009.

26. Jay Bruce – Cincinnati Reds (22) BREAKOUT

At just age 22 for the 2009 season, Bruce could make a meteoric rise into the top 10 overall fantasy baseball outfielders by the end of the 2009 season. 30-40 homeruns, 100 rbi, 100 runs scored, 5-10 stolen bases, and a batting average around .285 is possible for Bruce in 2009.

27. Andre Ethier – Los Angeles Dodgers (27) BREAKOUT

Ethier is anything but an unknown, however now that Andruw Jones is out of the Dodgers outfield, Ethier will be assured of a starting outfield job entering the 2009 season. Entering the prime of his career at age 27, Ethier has the potential to post 25-30 homeruns, 10-15 stolen bases, 80-90 rbi, 90-100 runs scored, and a batting average above .300.

28. Jermaine Dye – Chicago White Sox (35)

Dye will be 35 for the 2009 fantasy baseball season, and even though he is coming off of five excellent seasons, it wouldn’t at all be surprising to see his stat production decrease in 2009. It would be wise to stay on the conservative side with Dye, as stats in the range of 20-25 homeruns, 80 rbi, 75 runs scored, and a .285 batting average is realistic to expect from him for the 2009 season.

29. Raul Ibanez – Philadelphia Phillies (37)

After signing with Philadelphia in the off season, Ibanez now finds himself firmly entrenched in the high scoring Phillies offense. With this in mind, Ibanez, even at age 37 for the 2009 season, has the potential for a posting an all-star caliber season. 25-30 homeruns, 110 rbi, 100 runs scored, and a solid .290 batting average seem very realistic for Ibanez in 2009.

30. Shane Victorino – Philadelphia Phillies (28)

With back to back 35 plus stolen base seasons in 2007 and 2008, the 28 year old Victorino shouldn’t be slowing down anytime soon. A 40 stolen base season is possible in 2009, as well as 100-110 runs scored, 60 rbi, 10-15 homeruns, and a batting average around .290.

31. Brad Hawpe – Colorado Rockies (30)

With Matt Holiday out of Colorado, Hawpe should take over the lead roll as the top homerun and RBI man for the Rockies in 2009. Another solid season of 25-30 homeruns, 100 rbi, 80 runs scored, and a batting average around .285 is likely for Hawpe in 2009.

32. Jayson Werth – Philadelphia Phillies (30)

To say it lightly, Werth’s batting order was the single most reason for his success in 2008. Batting after Jimmy Rollins and before Chase Utley and Ryan Howard is probably the best lineup spot in all of major league baseball! With this in mind, assuming Werth continues to bat #2 in the Phillies lineup, he could easily post 25 homeruns, 20 stolen bases, 90-100 runs scored, 80 rbi, and a batting average around .280.

33. Xavier Nady – New York Yankees (30) BUST

After posting a career year in 2008, many fantasy baseball managers will be extremely high on Nady entering the 2009 season. If Nady remains in the potent Yankees offense, then he has a great chance of matching his career numbers again in 2009. However if Nady gets traded to a team that doesn’t have as much offensive potential as the Yankees, then his fantasy baseball value should decrease quite a bit. Numbers in the range of 15-20 homeruns, 80 rbi, 70 runs scored, and a .275 batting average seem like a safe bet for Nady in 2009.

34. Rick Ankiel – St. Louis Cardinals (30)

With a full season of major league playing time under his belt as a starting outfielder, Ankiel could easily take another step forward during the 2009 season. After posting 25 homeruns in 2008, Ankiel could easily notch 30 homeruns, 90 rbi, 70 runs scored, and a batting average around .280 for the 2009 season.

35. Vernon Wells – Toronto Blue Jays (30)

Once the best offensive player on the entire Blue Jays team, injuries have hampered Wells’ production over the past two seasons. After accounting for injuries and missed games, Wells should post 500 at bats and could tally 15-20 homeruns, 80-100 rbi, 90 runs scored, 10 stolen bases, and a batting average around .290-.300 for the 2009 season.

36. Mark DeRosa – Cleveland Indians (34) BUST

After posting a career year in 2008, the Cubs quickly bailed on the 34 year old DeRosa in hopes of getting good value for him while they still could. DeRosa’s fantasy outlook for 2009 looks solid, but with a track record that includes just 13 homeruns as his career high prior to his 21 homeruns in 2008, I highly doubt DeRosa will come close to 20 homeruns again in 2009. Expect solid numbers, but not great numbers from DeRosa in 2009. His best fantasy baseball asset is definitely his versatility, as DeRosa should qualify at second base, third base, left field and right field in your league, and if an injury occurs to a starter, DeRosa can even play first base and shortstop if needed, which would give him even more position eligibility in fantasy baseball leagues for the 2009 season. 15 homeruns, 70 rbi, 80-90 runs scored, 5 stolen bases, and a batting average around .285 seems realistic for DeRosa in 2009.

37. Torii Hunter – Los Angeles Angels (34)

Even though Hunter will be 34 years old for the 2009 season, he still offers a very good combination of power and speed. Expecting 20 homeruns, 15-20 stolen bases, 90 runs scored, 80 rbi, and a batting average around .280 is very likely for Hunter during the 2009 season.

38. Johnny Damon – New York Yankees (35)

Damon is clearly getting up there in age, but a stacked Yankees lineup should still give Damon plenty of opportunities to put up very good fantasy baseball stats in 2009. 15 homeruns, 20-25 stolen bases, 90-100 runs scored, 60-70 rbi, and a batting average around .290 can be very helpful on any fantasy baseball team in 2009.

39. Delmon Young – Minnesota Twins (23)

Even though Young has seemed like a major disappointment thus far in his career, it is important to remember that he will be just 23 years old for the entire 2009 season! It only seems reasonable for him to improve upon his 2008 stats. Expecting 15-20 homeruns, 15-20 stolen bases, 80 runs scored, 80 rbi, and a batting average around .290 is a good bet for Young in 2009.

40. Bobby Abreu – Free Agent (35) BUST

Granted Abreu had a very solid fantasy baseball season in 2008, however he will be 35 years old during the 2009 season, and he is currently a free agent without a team really wanting him. I would expect a decline in homeruns and steals for the 2009 season, with a final 2009 stat line of 15-20 homeruns, 12-15 stolen bases, 80 rbi, 80 runs scored, and a .290 batting average.

41. Pat Burrell – Tampa Bay Rays (32)

Burrell is no longer in the high run scoring Phillies lineup, but the Rays lineup sure isn’t terrible at scoring runs either. Expecting 25-30 homeruns, 90 rbi, 70 runs scored, and a batting average around .260 is likely for Burrell in 2009.

42. Conor Jackson – Arizona Diamondbacks (27)

If Jackson ever develops some power and homerun potential, he could easily be a top 20 overall fantasy baseball outfielder. However if Jackson can just improve a little upon his 2008 numbers, then stats in the range of 15-20 homeruns, 10 stolen bases, 90 rbi, and a .300 batting average is very possible for him in 2009.

43. Milton Bradley – Chicago Cubs (31)

A spot in a very good Chicago Cubs lineup should net Bradley 20 homeruns, 70 rbi, 70 runs scored, 5 stolen bases, and a batting average around .295 for the 2009 season. However injury concerns are always a problem with Bradley, so make sure you have a good backup plan to replace him ‘when’ not ‘if’ he gets injured.

44. Eric Byrnes – Arizona Diamondbacks (33)

After injuries decimated his 2008 season, Byrnes still has the potential to return to form during the 2009 season with the chance of posting 15-20 homeruns, 20-30 stolen bases, 90-100 runs scored, 70-80 rbi, and a batting average around .280. If you are looking for a backup outfielder with plenty of potential, Byrnes is a great late round draft pick to take a chance on.

45. Chris Young – Arizona Diamondbacks (25)

Even though Young has posted back to back seasons of 32 homeruns and 27 stolen bases, and 22 homeruns and 14 stolen bases, the jury is still out on him. The main reason for this mixed jury, his batting average is absolutely horrendous! With a career .243 batting average over 1,264 major league at bats, it is hard to expect anything above a .250 batting average for Young in 2009. Not good, but if you need the homeruns and stolen bases, then Young is worth a shot.

46. Nelson Cruz – Texas Rangers (29) SLEEPER

At age 29 for the 2009 season, Cruz is no longer a young prospect anymore, but he is still fairly limited in his major league experience. Cruz has so much power potential that he could easily post 40 homeruns and 100 rbi in 2009 if he is a full time starter. However Cruz has had a terrible time of translating his minor league success into major league success, so he clearly cannot be counted on entering the 2009 fantasy baseball season. With 500 plus at bats in 2009, Cruz could very easily post 35-40 homeruns, 100 rbi, 80 runs scored, 5 stolen bases, and a .300 plus batting average.

47. Justin Upton – Arizona Diamondbacks (21) SLEEPER

Upton has the name and popularity among fantasy baseball managers, but after a disappointing 2008 season, he will likely get drafted a lot lower than his potential warrants for the 2009 season. Upton could very easily skyrocket to being a top 20 overall fantasy baseball outfielder by the end of the season. His 2009 stats could approach 25-30 homeruns, 15-20 stolen bases, 80-90 rbi, 90-100 runs scored, and a batting average around .280.

48. Adam Jones – Baltimore Orioles (23) SLEEPER

With a full season of major league experience under his belt from 2008, Jones has the potential to shoot up the fantasy baseball outfield rankings by the end of the 2009 season. His combination of speed and power is something all fantasy baseball teams can use. 10-15 homeruns, 15-20 stolen bases, 90 runs scored, 70 rbi, and a batting average around .280 is likely for Jones in 2009, with more possible if he plays up to his full potential.

49. Carlos Gomez – Minnesota Twins (23)

With the ability to rack up 40 plus stolen bases and 100-120 runs scored in 2009, Gomez should offer outstanding value as a late round pick in fantasy baseball drafts in 2009. Gomez’s overall 2009 stat line could include 40-50 stolen bases, 5-10 homeruns, 100-120 runs scored, 60-70 rbi, and a batting average around .270.

50. Lastings Milledge – Washington Nationals (24)

Even though Milledge has not yet lived up to his high billing, the young 24 year old outfielder should continue to improve his stats in 2009. His biggest weakness is his batting average, as Milledge hit just .268 during the 2008 season in 523 at bats. With improvement likely on the horizon for Milledge in 2009, numbers in the range of 15-18 homeruns, 25-30 stolen bases, 70 rbi, 70 runs scored, and a batting average around .275 is possible for him during the 2009 season.

Article by Matt

New York City is the largest city in America. Roughly, 22 million people live in the New York Metropolitan area. Given the Yankees success, New York baseball fans have been spoiled for the past 15 years. If we go back 55-60 years ago, New Yorkers lived in Baseball Heaven. New York had three different baseball teams(Yankees, Giants, and Dodgers). During that time frame, each team featured premiere players. The New York Giants had all-time great, Willie Mays. The Brooklyn Dodgers had Jackie Robinson. The Yankes had Joe DiMaggio and Yogi Berra. Between 1949-1957, the Yankees had won 7 World Series titles. Baseball was at its peak in New York.

In 1957, both the Dodgers and Giants moved to California, leaving the Yankees as the only team in the city. The Golden Age of Baseball in the city ended in New York. Five years later, Joan Payson found the New York Mets in 1962. However, the mystique of 1950s New York baseball has never been restored.

Point being: Can New York bring back a 3rd team?

Let’s dive into that question. The Collective Bargaining Agreement in MLB expires after the 2011 season. The financial behemoth New York Yankees will be at the forefront of re-negotiating this agreement. The Yankees outpace every other team financially, paying roughly 5 million for players in 2009. At the core of that new agreement will be revenue sharing. Many owners disagree with the current revenue sharing structure and are clamoring or whining(Hello John Henry) for a salary cap.

Could Major League Baseball institute a salary floor?

This would prevent smaller-market teams, like the Florida Marlins or Kansas City Royals, from pocketing luxury tax dollars from the Yankees. The only draw back to this plan would be increased inflation within the game. Teams would pay more for marginal talent and further drive up salary prices. This in turn, will make the rich, richer, player-wise.

Could Major League Baseball institute a salary cap?

The dreaded SC. Baseball did institute a luxury tax to prevent teams(Yankees) form spending an unlimited amount on free agent players. Since the luxury taxes inception seven seasons ago, the Yankees are a perfect 7 for 7 in exceeding the payroll threshold. 4 million of the 0 paid in luxury tax has come from the Yankees. The luxury tax has been good for the game. Teams who not break the threshold will claim a cut of the Yankees check. The Yankees have no problem paying the luxury tax, given their other sources of revenue.

Is it reasonable for a third team to come to New York?

Yes. I mentioned earlier that 22 million people reside in the NY Metropolitan area. Assuming all things being equal, each New York team has 11 million fans following them. In comparison, LA has 8 million fans per team. Chicago has 5 million fans per team. Injecting a 3rd team into New York would split that ratio to roughly 7.33 million people per team, justifible in terms of geographic positioning. Teams who make the playoffs benefit greatly from playoff revenues. The Yankees made million alone in ticket sales. This does not take into account for the large media revenues generated by the largest market in America. Alike the 1950s, a third team will renew borough rivalries. Any team or player stands to benefit greatly from the New York media exposure(Hi, LeBron).

Would the Yankees and Mets allow this move? Who would move?

I doubt the Mets or Yankees would allow this move. Each team has exclusive zoning rights in the city. The Yankees have a lot of pulling power in the CBA agreement. After building two stadium in the past year, public funding for a third stadium may be even tougher to come by. This does not even account for the new Nets arena in Brooklyn. I don’t think New Jersey, Long Island or Connecticut would want to foot the bill either for new a stadium. I doubt this new team would detract fans from either side, but players from the smaller market team would receive huge endorsement opportunities and exposure in New York. Tim Lincecum would become the modern day “Cy Young” in New York.

What team would move?

The Dodgers and Giants will not come back to New York. Population-wise, they rank 2nd and 5th respectively. Both teams do extremely well financially. Could the Royals move to New York? Kansas City only has 1.7 million people, but they don’t have the dollars to compete in New York. Ultimately, there really isn’t a great fit for a team to move.

It’s nice to watch film of Willie Mays’ catch with the New York Giants. Jackie Robinson changed the game forever by breaking the color barrier with the Brooklyn Dodgers. The Yankee Dynasty of the 1950s was the best ever in baseball. We will always have these memories of borough baseball. It’s just not possible in today’s game.

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Review the player performance statistics over the course of a year or career and you will find that every player, whether you are looking at the batting, fielding, or pitching charts, they will reveal up stretches and down stretches varying in duration. Who pitchers and batters face, really has little to do with altering the charts. When a player is ‘hot’ he’ll hit anyone. When a pitcher is in his zone the best of batters will fail. There is something that influences all that is happening.

How many times have you seen a ball take an unexpected crazy hop? How does that happen? What about a pitcher, who on some special days, has all the ‘luck’. He seems to have marvelous plays made behind him and line drives hit directly at his defense and he winds up getting another notch in the win column and even a shut out at times.

It’s a matter of inches, a home run or it’s simply an out.

It might be called strike three, or if not, the next pitch may be a bases loaded game winning home run. There is far more going on than one might think.

So what does a player bring to the game that is going to have the desired results made?

The law of attraction advances our understanding of what occurs in life. It is clear now that what we give our attention to we attract. This is long supported by the scientific study that energy precedes everything.

The past is of no value if the emotions triggered cause you to experience less than happy and joyful feelings. Other than those who study it, few recognize that the emotions you sustain in life draw to you the thoughts you have and what follows are the situations and circumstances.

The emotional energies at the higher end of the scale are happiness, joy, bliss and ecstasy providing the least resistance and freedom to achieving your aim. On the other hand solid resistance is experienced at the other end of the emotional scale.

When you search for better feeling thoughts and interpretations about anything and everything you increase the state of least resistance. When you deliberately allow yourself to be happy you improve your possibilities.

You can deliberately choose where to place your attention. I would not give a moment of attention to anything which evokes negative feelings. And if I caught myself forgetting I would quickly finish up with the best thing I could say.

No matter how long standing the slump a person is in, doing what you must to let go of negative emotions will produce the results you desire. Begin making positive statements about anything and everything. Notice any negative statements you make and immediately and intentionally make a positive statement.

Releasing negative emotions are the best thing you can do to produce greater results. Every day in every way allow yourself to be happier than you were the day before.

Baseball is a kind of a game, which gives us a good flexible body including a strong and confident mindset. Nowadays lot of have arisen! Thus shows how come this game has become popular so far in the current global world. On that note! Many base ball players have a chronically sore, weak, or injury-prone arm! Why?

There isn’t any reason why a player should have a chronically sore, weak, or injury-prone arm? If the arm would get the same kind of attention that our hitting, defense or pitching gets than it too would have a chance to thrive on a daily basis. Unfortunately, most baseball players neglect their arms or take them for granted.

Throwing is a lost art. Throwing isn’t something that we should do “just” to get our arms loose. Throwing should be done to maximize that skill; to develop it like any other skill to be strength rather than a potential career threatening weakness.

The reality of it is that a baseball player needs to have a strong, well-conditioned and healthy arm to play baseball. There is no substitution. Baseball players can simply not afford to allow their arm to be a liability — it must be an asset. In case you forgot, you can’t play baseball if you can’t throw a baseball. For example, how many players do you know that are drafted as Designated Hitters? How many pitchers do you know that are drafted out of a rehab facility?

On the other hand, wouldn’t it be nice to show up to the field every day and appreciate your arm? I mean really love to throw, love taking pre-game infield/outfield every day, love putting your arm on display, love throwing the ball with authority through (not to) the cutoff man’s target, from deep in the hole, when turning the double play, from behind the plate? Wouldn’t it be nice if the arm thrived on throwing every day? Lot of is available in online itself.

The arm is a skill and like any other skill it just needs committed attention. However, as long as we neglect this area of the game we are going to be limited as players. What could easily become an asset in this wonderful game can ultimately become a liability and limit your baseball career. But building a confidence in yourself and move forward your epic steps with a brawny way! And need to take a regular base ball drills, make doing exercise like Arm Circles and Surgical Tubing exercises. And also need to be member with your local they will guide you in a great way to achieve your goal. “Fitness makes a game live” So Be Impeccable! Proceed it in a Brawny Way! For further details, about this Baseball playing hit at http://www.playballacademy.com.

Article by Craig Garrett

As I previously stated to be a elite baseball player you need to develop all 5 tools. You need to be able to hit for average, hit for power, field, throw, and run. Now you can’t improve all of these skills in the gym. Hitting for average, hitting for power to some degree, and fielding are things that require hours and hours of practice on the field. It doesn’t matter how hard you swing a bat, if you pitch recognition is below average you won’t hit for power or average. You can plan your offseason  to increase your physical tools. In the gym you can increase your ability to generate bat speed, which can buy you another precious tenth of a second or two to recognize and square up a pitch. You can also increase your speed and quickness on the basepaths as well as in the field.  Here are five of the best strength exercise for baseball.

FRONT SQUAT
DEADLIFT
SLEDGEHAMMER SWINGS
SEATED POWER CLEANS
EXTERNAL DUMBBELL ROTATIONS

I am sure that the first thing you noticed is that I did not include the bench press or the military press on the list. I know that no matter what I say here you are going to press. That’s why I didn’t bother including either. Some people debate over which one is more effective; while others claim that they are too dangerous for ball players.  I can understand both sides of both arguements. I personally believe that the overhead press is superior. However, baseball players develop shoulder problems from pattern overload so it is hard to recommend either. You’ll also notice that the list works from the floor up. This is the way sports are played.  Baseball workouts should emphasize the lower body over the upper body. To be a true five tool player you should think of your body as a whip. The legs provide the base of power, the core transfers that power up from your feet to the hand or arm using that power to swing the bat or throw the ball. Let’s take a closer look at the exercises.

For some of you this will be an exercise that you have limited experience with. The few of you that do squat have probably been taught the back squat. And the back squat is a tremendously effective exercise. However, for baseball players I believe the front squat is superior because of the additional core work it provides. You have to have very strong abdominals and lower back to maintain the proper upright position during the front squat.

The deadlift is probably my favorite exercise for overall strength. If an athlete can only do one exercise in a strength training session they would be hard pressed to find a better one than the deadlift. It works your entire posterior chain as well as your forearm and grip. If you get stronger at the deadlift, you will get faster on the basepaths as well as swing/throw harder.

Ted Williams used to say that he developed his swing by chopping down trees. Any baseball player that saw his swing probably grabbed an axe and headed to the forest. Sledgehammer swings are a more convenient option these days. Doing overhead swings works your core, as well as your grip strength and forearms. This has a tremendous carry over to your bat speed.

This may be an exercise that you are unfamiliar with, but it is one of the best for your rear delts and upper back.  For those that don’t know, the rear delts serve as the brakes of your arm. Your body tries to limit your arm speed to what your brakes (rear delts) can handle. So if you increase your rear delts braking ability your arm speed will increase.

Baseball players throw a lot. Many develop pattern overload in their throwing shoulder. Positional players and especially pitchers develop rotator cuff issues. External dumbbell rotations are a good way to keep the muscles of your rotator cuff in balance. When these muscles become imbalanced that is when a player developed shoulder problems.

There you have it. Five exercises to include in your . Some of them you may already be doing, but some may be new to you. If you improve your strength on those five exercises your performance on the field will definitely improve.  To be a complete baseball player you have to use choose the most effective exercises. If it doesn’t help you between the lines, then why bother doing it?