There was an interesting article in the San Diego Union Tribune that talked about Everth Cabrera of the Padres. In the article coach Black was asked about the all-around improvement shown by Padres shortstop Everth Cabrera. He is quoted as saying that Cabrera is “… playing with calmness and poise to go with a lot of energy. He now understands the pace of a major league season.”
There’s no questioning the fact that these factors can play a major role in player performance. However, the calmness, poise and energy etc. must be seen in execution of his skills. If not, they are of little value in player performance. But, improvement in any of his skills, especially those that can make him a great player, was not mentioned.
What I have seen in Cabrera this season is improved hitting technique. He has one of the most effective techniques of all the team players. He does not use the sit and spin technique which is so typical of many of the players who want to hit home runs.
His swing is more level with a more pronounced forward weight shift which allows him to make better contact with the ball. As a result he is getting more hits and if he continues in this manner he may get close to the 300 mark.
It is always interesting to me that these factors are never mentioned by coaches. They seem to take for granted that all the players have effective technique and that there is no need to try to improve them. Thus their focus is on the mental/psychological side rather than on the physical and technical aspects. But it should not be one or the other, but a combination of both.
Most important in my estimation are the physical and technical aspects that constitute the base. If he cannot hit the ball or field the ball well, then all the psychological/mental training or coaching, will not improve performance. All players can be improved. The key is to determine what is needed most and to direct the training to this end.
For more information on developing the abilities of baseball players see Build a Better Athlete.