Number in the pitching rotation?

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I've been reading a pretty good thread on another forum http://www.discussfastpitch.com/softball-discussions/14013-pitchers-3.html#post165327

In this thread, there is some discussion on whether you would you rather:
a) Be the 4th or 5th pitcher on a Elite team and get no pitching time
b) Be the 3rd or 4th pitcher on A team and get some time
c) Be the 2nd or 3rd pitcher on a B team and get guaranteed pitching time

I believe we all would "rather" be #1-2 on an A/elite team, but you have to start somewhere. You don't just decide one day to be that #1-2 and POOF it happens.

Here is what one poster said that i found interesting:

What I see around here :
7-9 years old, all are considered A/B/C/D pitchers at the rec level. There really is no 1/2/3/4 even though one or two might be more effective.

About 10 the more effective move away from rec into travel. They usually start off on a B team as a 3-4 pitcher to adjust to the higher level of play.

11-12 the lights usually turn on. Either they move up in the pitching slot to 1-2 in B, or they make the next move as a 2-4 pitcher in A.

13-14-( younger )15 I consider the drop out era. Teen years and all that comes with it. Most pitchers ( who stay ) must find a compatible team for there level of pitching and one who offers enough circle time.

15-18 are the exposure years. If you're looking at playing at the next level you gotta have the circle time and experience. Being 4-5 on a great team will do little to help YOU BE SEEN and KNOWN.

Curious what the thoughts are in Ohio and playing on the better marquis teams in Ohio?

 

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I'm guessing you want them to be on the best team possible where they will get the most pitching....and the competitive pitching (games on sunday). Pitchers need to pitch. If a team has 3 #1's that fine as long as the innings are even during pool play and those that are hot pitch on sunday.

Ideally, the elite teams should have 3 #1's each capable......I can't imagine being recruited or getting developed if you are not in the circle. the kids that are clearly #3's on the elite teams are doing themselves a disservice....especially 12-15u.

anyone on a team with 4 pitchers expecting enough innings for any of the 4 is just plain crazy

 

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The teams better than average, elite as some put them, would love to have 3 number ones. I know with our team we have two number ones and with the schedule we are playing it could get rough at times. Both are plenty capable of throwing multiple games but any injury could occur at anytime and then we go down to one. One will not get us through our schedule so I as the coach must use them wisely and give them rest every chance I get. That should not be an issue with the talented young ladies that I have but you just never know. Three pitchers is ideal and we will have that next year. Any parent that wants their kid, or any kid that wants to pitch every game is just plain crazy. The pitchers and catchers need more breaks than anyone. Just my opinion.

 

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I think McKenna had it dead on if it is about recruiting. Be on the best team possible where you will get quality pitching time. My daughter played on what most would consider an elite team and they used 3 pitchers, all of whom got recruited and are pitching in college. If your team goes beyond 3 pitchers it is very difficult to get quality innings. Many people will disagree, but I never wanted my daughter on a team where she was #1 and everyone else was behind her for a couple reasons. One I never wanted her overused, have seen too many injuries and burnouts from that. Second I wanted her to always have to compete for pitching time, that is what makes you better. Many parents of young players ask me about teams and I always tell them the same thing. Make sure your daughter is on team where she has to compete to get on the field, if she is clearly one of the top 2-3 players on the team she probably needs to play at a higher level. Yes this means you will not always get to pitch as much as you might want, play the position you want, bat where you want in the order, or never sit the bench. If those things are what matters most to the player and parents then find a team where she is the star, but don't complain to me when your daughter does not develop into the type of player you hoped, or is unable to get recruited the way you think she should later on.

 

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I believe the assessment is pretty close to normal on this topic. Depending on the area you might slide the ages a notch. Weaker areas, areas where the overall level of skill is less, may lengthen a girl's hopes by a year with 16 being more the drop out area. Also, you have high school coaches that may still encourage a girl to keep pitching simply because it is all they have coming around for their school team. There's always exceptions but overall I think they nailed it.

Nice work!