Hitter's Responsibilities While in the Dugout

The hitter should be preparing for his AB by gathering the following information while in the dugout waiting his turn at the plate. The more info you can gather prior to your AB, the more productive you will be as a hitter and base runner: 1. Check the pitcher's arm slot - is he over the top, side arm, 3/4 or submarine? 2. What pitch does the pitcher usually throw on his first pitch to the hitter? Is it usually a FB, breaking ball, slider or off-speed? 3. What does the pitcher usually throw when he's ahead in the count? 4. What does he throw when he's behind in the count? 5. How strong are the outfielder's arms? Can you run on them? 6. How well does the catcher throw? What's his POP time to second base? 7. What's the pitcher's release time from the stretch? 8. How good is the pitcher's move to first base? 9. Does the pitcher finish in a balanced position or does he fall off to the side? Is he susceptible to a bunt? 10. Do the middle infielders protect the second base bag with a runner on first base? If not, a delayed steal may be a possibility. 11. Does the catcher stay on his feet on throw backs to the pitcher or does he drop to his knees? Another opportunity for a delayed steal?