BuyWoodBats.com Sox Holly"Wood" Bat Tournament, Jan. 15-17

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Managerial Philosophy

The Tournament team will carry a roster of 12-13 players. A smaller lineup means that everyone will get plenty of playing time and plenty of at-bats. My first objective for the ballclub is that everyone is treated fairly and with respect. My second objective is that we have a good time. My third objective is that we play well and win. Fortunately, I believe the first two objectives support the third.

Carrying a smaller lineup like this places a premium on every player being responsible. You are responsible for knowing when and where the games are and being there on time, prepared to play.

I normally prepare my lineup the night before the game and ALWAYS prepare it before going to the field. No, this is not because I am an incredibly organized (anal) person, in fact the opposite is more true. I need to have a plan going in or I can get overwhelmed at game time. Plus, I don't like surprises. Players who don't show up on time or miss games without calling, don't last long in the system. Also, I don't want a lot of discussion at game time. I have seen tournament teams fall apart when everyone wants to tell the manager what to do five (5) minutes before game time.

I have asked the other two managers, Carlos Estrella (Rebels) and "Mo" Padilla (1090) to help coach the ballclub. I will ask for their input on the lineup and pitching decisions. Everyone needs to pitch in with basecoaching, keeping the book, etc.

I also try to spread decisionmaking on game day. For example, I will typically divide the field into three sections: Infield, Outfield and Battery (pitcher, catcher, first base). If we have 12 players for a game, I will normally put four (4) players in each section. I will typically designate a "lead" for each area and leave it up to him and the players to handle substitutions. It usually breaks down by the 5th or 6th inning, or so, for example, an outfielder might need to pitch, but it gives us a game plan going in. Like I said, I want to play ball and not have to worry about how much playing time everyone is getting.

I keep statistics and use them to make out the batting order. Basically, I try to bat the team *roughly* in order of On Base Average (OBA) with minor adjustments for leadoff, cleanup, etc. It's the most fair (objective) way I know of. Because we are a new team, obviously, I don't have a track record on everybody, so I will rely on past performance and coaching staff observations at first. We will probably juggle the lineup some at the beginning, to see what works and to try and level out at-bats. Eventually things will sort out. One final thought: Please don't take your spot in the lineup personally... I would rather be the 12th best hitter on the best team in the tournament than the best hitter on the worst team in the tournament... hopefully, you all feel the same. You all can play, that's why we picked you.

Finally, I don't like making a lot of phone calls. As much as possible, I will send info about the team via email and this website. Check your email frequently, you'll be hearing from me.

Dan Darrin - Nov. 6, 2004