nice article on new catching instructor/bench coach

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/sfl-mar...la-sports-front

MARLINS

New bench coach one of game's top catching gurus

By Juan C. Rodriguez

South Florida Sun-Sentinel

February 25, 2006

JUPITER -- He's made his notes, talked to the family back home. Gary Tuck is ready to relax in his spring training hotel room.

That's when the calls start. It might be Jorge Posada or Sandy Alomar. Maybe it's Dioner Navarro or John Flaherty. They all want to update him on their respective camps.

Tuck's discipleship doesn't have organizational boundaries, but only eight Marlins catchers currently are gleaning the full benefits.

Among the most noticeable differences this spring is the scope and breadth of the catching instruction. Tuck, the Marlins' bench coach, is one of the game's authoritative voices on all things behind the plate as his charges are discovering.

"It's probably the most I've ever experienced, not just with the Marlins but since I've been playing," said Matt Treanor, of Tuck's tutelage. "Having someone who's going to work with you in between games or on an everyday basis is going to be very good because it'll keep you sharp on all your skills."

Friday, Tuck stood in front of the catchers and simulated a right-handed pitching motion. In unison they would assume a blocking position based on the type of breaking ball coming in. A few minutes later, Tuck twisted his cap to the side a la Dontrelle Willis and pretended to be a lefty.

Not only are there multiple ways to block a ball, there are specific ways to block certain pitches from certain pitchers.

At least one of Tuck's drills can be classified as old school. He outfits two catchers with undersized mitts, circa 1927, and has them flip balls back and forth. If a guy can receive it perfectly with the tiny mitt, doing it with his own standard issue becomes elementary.

"It gives them a little appreciation for when it was a game," said Tuck, adding that he owned a third 1927 mitt he gave to manager and former pupil Joe Girardi.

Girardi credits Tuck for reinventing him defensively.

"He taught me to be a better receiver, a more comfortable receiver," Girardi said. "He taught me how to throw better. I changed my whole throwing once I met him. We talked in depth about handling pitchers, pitch selection. Any phase of the game he was involved in making me better."

Though Tuck never made it to the majors, as a player he identified the need for more thorough catching instruction. He likens the position to an NFL quarterback, yet the mechanics of it weren't readily broken down like hitting or pitching.

Tuck's prodigies aren't easily distinguishable since he doesn't take a cookie cutter approach to the craft. Because of different bodies types, and strength, quickness and flexibility levels, Tuck identifies what techniques work best for particular players.

"I give them personal attention," Tuck said. "We do defense three times a day, show them video, talk about it, have meetings. All I think about is defense. I wish the catcher didn't have to hit.

"My catchers have no choice. They're either going to go all out or they're not going to be in the drill. They're either going to be attentive or they're gone. Here's my program. Here's the deal."

Which is fine with his students.

"I'd always heard big-league camps are relaxed and easy," catching prospect Brad Davis said. "He's making me better and that's what I want."