Pitchers are taught to point at pop-ups to help fielders locate the ball off the bat. It’s especially helpful for catchers when they’re chasing down foul balls, and it can sometimes be helpful if players lose balls in the lights. Closer Frankie Rodriguez has always taken this to the extreme, and it makes him look especially foolish.
Take the home run ball Brooks Conrad blasted in the bottom of the 9th in Atlanta Thursday to tie the game. Everyone knew the ball was gone as soon as it left Conrad’s bat. At that point most pitchers are yelling curse words, tossing gloves, and turning to the umpire for a new ball. Not Frankie. He was pointing to help his right fielder locate the ball in the seats.
I’m sure Carlos Beltran appreciates the help, but unless he’s got a rocket up his butt, there ain’t any hope for a ball like that. Nice try, Frankie. Remember, pointing at balls only helps when they’re routine popups, not 400-foot home runs.
