Posted by: THG () on Mon Dec 17 13:21:32 2007

> > Jimmy. I look at things slightly different with regard to confidence being number one. To me the biggest factor in any sport is hard work. Some players do not have the confidence, but the hard work can allow them to gain it and eventually succeed.
>
> THG,
>
> The reason anyone works hard at anything is to be prepared. The feeling of being prepared for anything is the fuel for confidence.
>
> If confidence didn't come from that hard work you would have a hard working nice kid with no confidence....They go nowhere in baseball and there are plenty of them.
>
> However you can do it, you've gotta help your hitters gain genuine confidence in themselves and their swing.


Jimmy. For the most part I am in agreement. It is just that when I speak, I am mostly referring to hitters like Alex Rodriguez. As you know, Rodriguez has difficulty in the playoffs. In fact he really does not look at all like his regular season performance. But his talent, hardwork, and physical fitness are so much higher than most hitters, he can get away with a lack of confidence (or as much confidence as he should have) at the plate.