The determination is unyielding and the instruction doesn't cease.
Example 1: Sr. C Diego Seastrunk deftly slid to his left to scoop a pitch in the dirt, making the move with such casual grace that a layman would not detect any flaws in his technique. But before Seastrunk could get the ball out of his glove and back to the pitcher, Owls assistant Pat Hallmark barked, 'Get over there!' Almost immediately thereafter The OG, sitting two rows directly behind home plate, suggested to the standing Hallmark that another session of drills for the catchers was in order. Hallmark agreed, affirming the course of action with a head nod.
Example 2: Fr. C Geoff Perrott made the mistake of allowing Fr. RHP Jeremy Fant to fire four consecutive pitches up in the zone. When Perrott received the next Fant offering, also high, Owls assistant David Pierce let him have it as the batter took his base: "That's five straight pitches up in the zone! Do something about it!" Added Owls assistant Mike Taylor, pacing alongside Pierce, "You make him get it down!" Two pitches later, after Perrott tapped his glove on the ground only to have Fant uncork another high, hard one - "That's six!" Pierce yelled - Fant delivered a wicked breaking ball that garnered the approval of the entire coaching staff.
The OG is tough on his catchers, a stance he validates by noting his allowing them to call their own games. If catchers relish the opportunity to dictate pitch sequence, they must deal with his set of exacting standards. That's the trade-off, and The OG makes that clear from the start.
The OG and Hallmark can't afford to be anything but diligent this preseason. With so many unproven pitchers being pressed into critical roles on the staff, the Owls' catchers must be up to snuff. First and foremost on the pitchers' minds should be the job of executing pitches; there can be no room for worry over whether or not the catcher calls the right pitch or is capable of blocking a breaking ball in the dirt. The catchers must have the unwavering trust of their pitchers so that the pitchers can perform to the full extent of their ability with nary a concern.
"I don't want to have to keep extrapolating what a pitcher could do if he got good catching," The OG said. "They (Seastrunk, Perrott and So. C Craig Manuel) have got to help them.
"We want these guys (Rice pitchers) to get all the help they need. For us to get to Omaha, we're going to have to have good pitching."
Seastrunk: His footwork, throwing accuracy and defensive alignment have all improved over last season, his first behind the plate. But there are times when it is clear that Seastrunk lacks natural instincts for blocking balls in the dirt. The staff has worked with him on when to get his body down, when to turn his glove, and when to slide his feet as opposed to backhanding the ball. These issues can be corrected with drills, so the staff has drilled Seastrunk repeatedly.
The motivation behind their efforts is obvious. As a pitcher, Seastrunk touched 93-94, and The OG is convinced that no catcher in America has a stronger arm behind the plate. Seastrunk has launched throws to second base this preseason that left mouths agape, a skill that, along with his earnest commitment and switch-hitting bat, make Seastrunk an all-America candidate.
Manuel: Yet another example of the recruiting prowess of Pierce, Manuel was an undiscovered gem from Satellite, Beach, Fla., poised to play for a junior college program before Pierce caught a glance of his defensive skills at a summer tournament in 2008. This coming summer Manuel will play for the Harwich Mariners in the Cap Code League after receiving an unsolicited invitation. It seems that his attributes - excellent makeup, strong leadership skills, a team-first attitude plus excellent receiving ability - have made the rounds.
Though not powerful, Manuel has an accurate arm. He is good at blocking balls, something he proved while catching Ryan Berry with aplomb as a freshman, and is a strong hitter. Like Seastrunk, he returned last fall in excellent physical condition, a testament to his commitment.
Perrott: Serendipity personified, Perrott was a late addition to the roster and has proven to be more advanced than even The OG anticipated. He possess plus catch-and-throw skills, a fantastic arm, and a frame fit for the position. Additionally, Perrott is attentive, soaking up instruction at every opportunity. He benefited from catching former Rice RHP Wade Townsend between fall ball and intrasquads, and Townsend himself was quite pleased with his work.
Because Perrott has proven to be a capable third backstop, The OG has the flexibility to play both Seastrunk and Manuel simultaneously should the need arise. His upside is tremendous.
Daily missteps aside, The OG remains confident in what his trio of catchers provide his team. He will remain vigilant with his instruction, but he's grateful for the depth he has at the position.
"I don't have any doubts. There is no question we're going to have good catching," The OG said. "All three guys have the tools to do it.
"The talent is fine. We've got to get more of a sense of immediacy."
Example 1: Sr. C Diego Seastrunk deftly slid to his left to scoop a pitch in the dirt, making the move with such casual grace that a layman would not detect any flaws in his technique. But before Seastrunk could get the ball out of his glove and back to the pitcher, Owls assistant Pat Hallmark barked, 'Get over there!' Almost immediately thereafter The OG, sitting two rows directly behind home plate, suggested to the standing Hallmark that another session of drills for the catchers was in order. Hallmark agreed, affirming the course of action with a head nod.
Example 2: Fr. C Geoff Perrott made the mistake of allowing Fr. RHP Jeremy Fant to fire four consecutive pitches up in the zone. When Perrott received the next Fant offering, also high, Owls assistant David Pierce let him have it as the batter took his base: "That's five straight pitches up in the zone! Do something about it!" Added Owls assistant Mike Taylor, pacing alongside Pierce, "You make him get it down!" Two pitches later, after Perrott tapped his glove on the ground only to have Fant uncork another high, hard one - "That's six!" Pierce yelled - Fant delivered a wicked breaking ball that garnered the approval of the entire coaching staff.
The OG is tough on his catchers, a stance he validates by noting his allowing them to call their own games. If catchers relish the opportunity to dictate pitch sequence, they must deal with his set of exacting standards. That's the trade-off, and The OG makes that clear from the start.
The OG and Hallmark can't afford to be anything but diligent this preseason. With so many unproven pitchers being pressed into critical roles on the staff, the Owls' catchers must be up to snuff. First and foremost on the pitchers' minds should be the job of executing pitches; there can be no room for worry over whether or not the catcher calls the right pitch or is capable of blocking a breaking ball in the dirt. The catchers must have the unwavering trust of their pitchers so that the pitchers can perform to the full extent of their ability with nary a concern.
"I don't want to have to keep extrapolating what a pitcher could do if he got good catching," The OG said. "They (Seastrunk, Perrott and So. C Craig Manuel) have got to help them.
"We want these guys (Rice pitchers) to get all the help they need. For us to get to Omaha, we're going to have to have good pitching."
Seastrunk: His footwork, throwing accuracy and defensive alignment have all improved over last season, his first behind the plate. But there are times when it is clear that Seastrunk lacks natural instincts for blocking balls in the dirt. The staff has worked with him on when to get his body down, when to turn his glove, and when to slide his feet as opposed to backhanding the ball. These issues can be corrected with drills, so the staff has drilled Seastrunk repeatedly.
The motivation behind their efforts is obvious. As a pitcher, Seastrunk touched 93-94, and The OG is convinced that no catcher in America has a stronger arm behind the plate. Seastrunk has launched throws to second base this preseason that left mouths agape, a skill that, along with his earnest commitment and switch-hitting bat, make Seastrunk an all-America candidate.
Manuel: Yet another example of the recruiting prowess of Pierce, Manuel was an undiscovered gem from Satellite, Beach, Fla., poised to play for a junior college program before Pierce caught a glance of his defensive skills at a summer tournament in 2008. This coming summer Manuel will play for the Harwich Mariners in the Cap Code League after receiving an unsolicited invitation. It seems that his attributes - excellent makeup, strong leadership skills, a team-first attitude plus excellent receiving ability - have made the rounds.
Though not powerful, Manuel has an accurate arm. He is good at blocking balls, something he proved while catching Ryan Berry with aplomb as a freshman, and is a strong hitter. Like Seastrunk, he returned last fall in excellent physical condition, a testament to his commitment.
Perrott: Serendipity personified, Perrott was a late addition to the roster and has proven to be more advanced than even The OG anticipated. He possess plus catch-and-throw skills, a fantastic arm, and a frame fit for the position. Additionally, Perrott is attentive, soaking up instruction at every opportunity. He benefited from catching former Rice RHP Wade Townsend between fall ball and intrasquads, and Townsend himself was quite pleased with his work.
Because Perrott has proven to be a capable third backstop, The OG has the flexibility to play both Seastrunk and Manuel simultaneously should the need arise. His upside is tremendous.
Daily missteps aside, The OG remains confident in what his trio of catchers provide his team. He will remain vigilant with his instruction, but he's grateful for the depth he has at the position.
"I don't have any doubts. There is no question we're going to have good catching," The OG said. "All three guys have the tools to do it.
"The talent is fine. We've got to get more of a sense of immediacy."
MK, excellent analysis and insight as usual. One recommendation however. While those of us who are regulars on the Rice message boards know who 'The OG' is, readers of this official Rice forum may not. I suggest not using this reference to Wayne Graham for this venue.
ricex: Perhaps I should not. Your suggestion is under consideration. - MK
MK -- I like using the OG here. This blog is a looser, more informal venue for reporting than the mothersite. The OG, GDG, etc. are part of what makes MK MK and we are glad to have him. We need a nickname for Anthony, too. Suggestions?
owl-1983: 'Anthony Rendon' is too pedestrian for someone with such dynamic talent. However, I solicited nicknames last season and got very little feedback. I'm somewhat fond of Mr. Tony, but that isn't very original. Rendon has game fit for a nickname. - MK
Mr Tony sounds like a hairdresser to me. He doesn't have the mohawk or the bling, but how about "Mr T"? (I pity the poor fool that has to pitch to me.)
owl-1983: Rendon is so understated, and jovial, that an intimidating nickname is difficult to conjure. We might have to put this to a vote in the very near future. - MK
Perhaps I'm not familiar enough with the Owl's post-Rice happenings. Can you run down some of the previous Owl catchers from the OG's reign and update us on their baseball carears. I have often heard that OG pushes his catchers and that they call the game, but I have not heard much of them having success as professionals. You would think that with their physical tools and the excellent teaching they receive at Rice they would perform well as pro's. Have any previous Rice catchers done particularly well after leaving the hedges?
TFW: A quick check of baseball-reference.com reveals that none of the eight catchers taken in the amateur draft under The OG have dented the majors, not that that means much. Danny Lehmann just might be the first to stick. - MK
MK, I agree with '83. Love your familiar style and insider names in the blog. Though to be honest, despite knowing who GDG and the OG are, I'm not positive of their actual meanings. Ha. Assumably "The Original Gangsta"? But maybe "The Old Guard"? And "Go Diego Go"?? Perhaps an exclusive MK glossary is in order. :) As for Rendon, I think we need some serious thought on a nickname before the season begins. He's just too good--and will get too much press--to not have our "own" MK insider nickname for him. My knee-jerk suggestion, albeit a bit cheesy, is a play on his last name, (assumed) Italian heritage, and top dog status: "The 'Don" (or just "The Don"). What say ye?
smackowl: Rendon is Italian? Ya know, I haven't given his ethnicity much thought, although I have been led to believe he is Latino. I will put 'The Don' on the list because, as you noted, he is too good to play this season without a nickname. And you are right on both counts: The OG (Original Gangsta) has a dual meaning (Original Graham when the loathsome Todd was here), and Go, Diego, Go. - MK
MK, if "Slick Rick" has stuck as the nickname for Hague, I would think that some play off the word, "smooth", would be appropriate for AR, as he is just so smooth in just about everything he does. The Baseball America trio I believe have referred to him as "smooth", and PG Crosschecker latest pretty much infers the exact same thing ("he slows the game down at the plate and in the field"). "Smooth" also conveys his own modesty and understated-ness, as you call it. How about the "smooth assassin"? "Mr. Smooth"? Just thinking out loud here.
BTW, are we going to take the cue from one of our opposing C-USA coaches, and nickname Sultzy "The Greek God"?
For the record, I'm still pushing the urbandictionary-inspired "Rendonkulous" as Anthony's nickname.
Definition: Something so out of control, so over the top that it takes ridiculous to the next level.
although I like "The Don" as well. Reminds me of Don Vito Corleone.
Rendonculous? Renzilla? The Rendonator ... a cyborg sent back in time to destroy baseballs (tongue firmly in cheek)? What do his teammates call him? What music plays when he comes up to bat?
put me down as one who enjoys the psuedonyms and your insight. don't know if it was rivals or baseball america that referred to Rendon, without hesitation,as the best pro prospect in college ball. Would "The Prospect" be too much hubris? On the other hand if a blog reader can't figure out who "The Prospect" is they should probably quit reading.
geoff: That would be Baseball America. I have added 'The Prospect' to the list. And, there is no such thing as too much hubris when you hit .388/.461/.702 as a frosh. - MK
He's not an outfielder, nor is he a pitcher that had to retire when a lady in black shot him, but his swing would seem to make him "The Natural".
louismcc: The OG talks a lot about Rendon's wrists and makes the comparison to Henry Aaron in that Aaron also wasn't a large man, but he hit for power because he had strong and quick wrists. So, I was thinking 'El Martillo.' Anyone? Bueller? - MK
Playin off Henry Aaron... Hank Jr.
El Martillo only works if Rendon is indeed Hispanic; I have no clue what his heritage is.
I like something that is understated, implying that he is so good he doesn't need an impressive nickname. Maybe "hey you" or something like that.