Pick up players for Nationals

[NoNothin]

Let me add a spin to this question. What if the pickup player originally tried out for the team and couldn't commit financially this season, but is fully committed to stay with that team after nationals in the fall?

NoNo

[Lefty's Dad]

Let me add a spin to this question. What if the pickup player originally tried out for the team and couldn't commit financially this season, but is fully committed to stay with that team after nationals in the fall?

NoNo

So their finances have changed now? Who's to say the same thing won't occur in the Fall season? I agree, finances can be a tough burden to deal with especially when talking about a great athlete but we all know that it's not cheap to play this sport and how fair is it to the other sets of parents that pay full price and also have to cover the "free ride"? If it's just for nationals pickup then I really don't have an issue with it being a discounted or free ride honestly but I know that some parents do.

[Killer Rabbit]

Does this pickup players dad leave when there is work to be done, and instead eats an elaborate meal @ Joe's? I'd say unless he is a pitch calling genious, then no.

[artomatic]

ok, this post is picking up steam, as I thought it would...
the question is:
will it surpass the 200+ replies of the infamous "DD's forced to change #, might leave team!" (blech) and donnie's "high school countdown" posts?

anyways, alot of opinions here...it's a really tough call, and alot depends on the makeup of a particular team.
Add the right player/family and it takes you to that next level...add the wrong player/family and you run the risk of screwing up a team's chemistry and causing alot of bad energy at the wrong time...

[Skarp]

With respect to 12u and younger:

If the pick-up is just a role player (runner, sub utility, part-time DP, etc.) then I don't see why it should be too much of a problem. However if the kid is just going to be given a starting position, bat in every line-up, etc., I think you're asking for trouble. Possible exceptions: pitcher and catcher, where often the other pitchers and catchers are themselves begging for relief (i.e., those are naturally shared positions).

And really, what's the lesson? Win at all costs? I'd rather pay back what was actually earned, and let the results (or lack thereof) take care of themselves.

Now if a late season pick-up spends enough time on the team to actually become a teammate to the others, and to demonstrate to them that she is deserving of her time and someone who they don't resent losing time to, that's a different story. Then she's a part of the team and certainly shouldn't be subject to artificial restrictions about where, when, and how much she can play...even at nationals.

But if she's basically just some stranger to the kids who worked their asses off to get you there...how do you justify that? You can't.

[Bucket Mom]

I agree with you 100% Skarp.

[NoNothin]

Does this pickup players dad leave when there is work to be done, and instead eats an elaborate meal @ Joe's? I'd say unless he is a pitch calling genious, then no.

Easter bunny, your not getting out of your pitch calling duties and there is nothing wrong with dumping your BFF for a couple of hours to eat King Crab at Joe's instead of prepping fields that aren't suited for 8U rec-ball. Besides, you couldn't have obtained a kitchen pass anyway with your inlaws at the house.

As for this post, I agree with the make up of each team being the key to pickup players. It depends alot also on the coach's concept of fairness vs. winning or vs. life time experience for a 13 year old girl or vs. recruiting for next year etc. etc. etc. Everyone has a different point of view on this and it is mostly going to be opposed by those that lose playing time or starting spots or even a spot on the team. All I know is that if it became an issue with my dd I would just go find a nice lake somewhere in Bama to catch large mouth bass and enjoy the trip in other ways. Sorry coach, Roadie and I are gone fishin... Life is too short!!!

NoNo

NoNo

[anonlooker]

There is no blanket answer to this question. It depends on your team philosophy, your team make-up, and how you have fared up until now.

If you are in the top 2 or 3 at every tournament against top competition, you're probably not looking to upgrade any certain position. But it never hurts to have an extra OF, IF, Utility in case of injury, fatigue, illness, etc. Alabama, Texas, etc. in August!! Think about it.

If you are 3-4 deep at pitcher and 3 deep at catcher, you don't need any more there. If not, what happens if someone gets hurt? You'll wish you had a pick-up, but it will be too late.

Picking up 'speed' to pinch run is never a bad idea.

Integrating the player is critical. Try adding a girl that other girls on your team play HS with, or played with on another team last year, etc. Add them as early as possible so they become more a part of the team by the time you get to Nats.

If your team philosophy (as made clear to players and parents at the beginning) is to attend and win ASA nationals, then no one should have a problem with you adding players. If you're just happy to be there for the experience and don't mind getting swept out, then no need picking up any help. Go and have a good time.

Bottom line is the answer will vary for each team.

[Judd]

Just to pick up a stud, bad idea. If you are short at pitcher or catcher, then bring help. But just cause some girl has a big bat doesnt mean she now starts at 2nd and replaces the girl who has gotten the job done all year

[3Bsnag]

I agree completely with anonlooker. The only thing I would add on to his post is what Randi Jo touched on, adding the pickup player because she wants the Nationals experience too. As long as she understands her role and can compliment the existing team in some fashion, I'd take pickups.