Our team started out well posting a 5-0 record. I warned our team that we have yet to play tougher teams. Our next five games we went 1-3-1. Our pitching has been good. The top half of our lineup has done well. Our fielding at times has been suspect. I have seen great improvement though. Very often we will make a good play fielding a grounder only to look up and not know where the play is at. Many times it has been as simple as field the ball and throw to first base. However, I think kids this age are just excited to make a play that they forget what to do next. I always remind the boys to know what to do with the ball before every pitch. Unfortunately, staying focused is a challenge for 9-10 year olds.
Over the last few weeks, Griffey has really improved and gained a lot of confidence both at the plate and on the mound. He now routinely makes contact and gets hits almost every game. This year he logged his first legitimate double.
As a pitcher, Griffey has really improved his accuracy. He still doesn't throw very hard but at this level, getting the ball over the plate is key. In game #9, Griffey started and pitched a gem. He pitched 3 innings, struck out 7 while walking just 1 batter and giving up 0 runs.
Brady has been much more aggressive at the plate. I have been urging all the boys to start swinging the bat. Brady has yet to record a hit, but we all know it's coming. Coach Mike and I can't understand how he's not hitting the ball. He seems to be right on it timing wise. It looks like every swing he is an inch under or over the ball.
Defensively, Brady is solid. I have recently shifted him from his normal position at second base to shortstop. I have made sure to pair him up when Christian is catching. Christian is really quick behind the plate and has a pretty good arm, The kids I've had at short in the past have either not covered 2nd on a steal/wild pitch or couldn't catch the ball when thrown to them. Brady is a bit opposite of most all the other boys. The mental part of his game is better than the physical part. I trust that he will be in position to receive the ball from Christian should a runner be moving.
The highlight of Brady's season so far came tonight while playing 2nd base. A low pop up/liner was hit in his direction. He ran up several feet and made a shoestring type of catch. I was so excited for him to make a play that he could be proud of. He really amazed me. Despite not getting any hits this year, he has never hung his head or showed any signs of discouragement.
Two games left until the tournament. Time to get back on the winning side of things.
