Posted by: Scott B (baseball@integritycorp.com) on Mon Jun 10 12:28:12 2002

I'm in basic agreement with you Joe. The kids need live BP for that reason (fear of the ball) as well as all the others (timimg, pitch selection/location, etc.).

But a good Jugs curveball machine, set up for fastballs with a 3/4 mechanics on the outside part of plate, are great for working on the mechanics of hitting a ball. And like I said, the hard rubber Jugs balls are good for kids and the BP coaches (who are afraid to hit them). I occasionally throw some at my kids, so they don't get complacent, and so they can learn to bail out correctly. I also toss some hard balls in the mix.

I understand your perspective, but the machines have their place. I figure 1/3 Tee work, 1/3 Soft toss and machine pitch, and 1/3 live pitching is an idea BP.

- Scott