Everyone is familiar with the age-old adage that you should “always keep your eye on the ball.” A good infielder knows that there is more to it than that.

Ten coaches and infielders were asked where their eyes are trained -- and should be trained -- from the time the pitcher looks in for his sign until the ball reaches the hitting zone. Their answers were similar, but also indicative of the fact that no two people look at things in exactly the same way.


Alex Cora, Red Sox infielder:
I’m looking at the pitcher to get my timing, then, at his delivery, I’m looking at the strike zone to see where the pitch is. Before that, I always want to know what pitch was called, and the location, so I check the signs. The first time through the order usually dictates how guys are reacting to pitches, so I look for that. But even if I’m anticipating where the ball might be hit, I’m not leaning with my body. That gets you in trouble if the ball is hit to your other side. I am leaning with my mind, though.

Bruce Crabbe, Red Sox minor league infield coordinator:
Your vision will be peripheral to an area. You’ll see the pitcher’s timing and the hitter’s preparation. You’ll look for the signal given by the catcher, and you’ll prepare yourself based on the tendencies of the hitter and pitcher. You’ll make a slight adjustment to the location with your positioning, maybe half a step to play the tendency. You do that as late as possible, though.

Ted Kubiak, Indians minor league infield coordinator, MLB infielder 1967-1976:
A number of players say they follow the pitch, but that’s wrong. Following the pitch as it is thrown to improve an infielders range is difficult to do. Focus should be on the hitting-zone once the pitcher begins his delivery. Knowing what pitch is to be thrown, the hitter's tendencies with that pitch, its intended location, and his stance and swing-path through the zone are factors in giving the infielder the opportunity to lean with his upper body in the direction the ball will be hit, thus improving his "jump". If the read is correct, the "lean" begins before contact.

Julio Lugo, Red Sox shortstop:
I watch the strike zone, because that’s where the ball is coming at you from. If there’s a man on base, I’m looking at both the runner and the pitcher before he delivers the ball. Before that I’m looking at what pitch is coming. You always want to know the signs. And you want to stay still. You don’t want to be moving when the pitch is delivered.

Dave McCarty, MLB first baseman 1993-2005
When holding a runner your eyes are on the pitcher. You can see the runner with your peripheral vision to see if he is getting a big lead or maybe stepping across his body rather than shuffling his feet when getting a lead. If you notice either of these, then you might let the pitcher know that he is vulnerable to a pick-off. If nobody is on, once the pitcher is winding up you check the hitter to see if he is tipping you off on what he’s doing, maybe by shortening up or by moving up in the box. You’re also looking at the contact zone.

John McDonald, Blue Jays shortstop:
I try to watch a combination of things, including the pitcher’s delivery out of the corner of my eye. I’m primarily watching the hitter, because I want to see the bat coming through the zone. I’m not staring at one area though, especially if there’s a runner on base, because you need to be aware of everything. Of course, the first thing I look at is the catcher’s sign, which helps me to anticipate. I won’t lean until I see the bat path, though.

“Super Joe” McEwing, MLB infielder 1998-2006:
I always try to see the catcher’s signs. If I’m playing third base, I usually can if there’s a lefty up, especially if I’m toward the hole. First, I want to know the hitter’s tendencies, because that will impact my positioning. I pick up the pitcher after I see the sign, and when he goes into his motion I go into my pre-pitch routine. I like to get low, so I’m more eye-level with the bat going through the zone.

Tim Naehring, Reds minor league field coordinator, MLB infielder 1990-1997:
It’s a little different on the corners than it is in the middle of the infield. As a middle infielder you have an ability to see the hitting zone and the batter – you see the whole picture. You’re timing your feet to the hitting zone. On the corner you have to focus on how the bat comes through the hitting zone. One of the middle infielders will usually give you a signal for what pitch is coming, but you’re basically reacting on the corner.

Dustin Pedroia, Red Sox second baseman:
I look at the sign, but I’m not sure I can tell you if my eyes usually go back to the pitcher or stay at home plate. For me, defense is basically awareness, and the ball off the bat is a reaction play.

U.L. Washington, MLB infielder 1987-1997:
My eyes were usually on the pitcher when he started his windup, and if there was a guy on base I would kind of have both of them in focus. Then I’d go with the ball through the strike zone. That’s how you get to your ready position. You’ll do a little hop onto the balls of your feet to get ready. For instance, you should always be moving on a foul ball, because you’re reacting to the swing.

interesting...i wonder if Pedroia's answer will more closely reflect those of the more experienced veterans in a few years....

Also interesting that Cambridge tracked down U.L. Washington. I wonder if U.L. had a toothpick in his mouth while being interviewed?