Son moving up to bigger field

Question
Dear Pete,

I have a couple of questions for you regarding the same principle subject.  My son is now 12 1/2 but we are moving up to a 13 year old size field (80 ft bases, 54 ft rubber).  He is a left handed pitcher and has been the ace of our team for the last 3 years at the 46-48 ft distance.  His velocity is still strong from the 54 ft distance (60-65mph) and his breaking ball is moving even more with the extra six feet.  We have worked hard on strengthening (long toss mostly) over the last 8 weeks preparing for the fall season and increased distance.  He is having some trouble with his control at this point.  He has always been a power pitcher with a lot of strikeouts (136 in 72 innings this year) and not too many walks (44).  
My question is: Is there anything we can do to improve his control, or is this just due to the 6 extra feet and his attempt to provide extra velocity at this point.  We have only had 6 or 7 mound sessions at 54 feet to date.  I would say he is at about 50-50 with his balls-strikes.  He is normally at about 65-35.  I think that he just needs more time, but do you have any pointers to add?  

My second question is on bat weight.  He has always liked a lighter bat (right now a 19.5 oz, 31 inch, 2 1/4 in barrel).  He is a good sized, strong kid (5'2" 120 pounds).  He has expressed the desire to go to a 2 3/4 in barrel which would put him in the 23 oz range. He has more of a classic long lefty swing kind of like a Ken Griffey Jr. instead of a compact quick swing. He does hit for power mostly to left center, but the majority of his hits are middle of the field liners.

What is your opinion on what weight would be best or anything pertaining to the swing?

Sorry about the length of my questions. He is really working hard to be the best he can be and as with a lot of kids, he will take your advice to heart more than mine.

Thanks for your time,
Mike Boss

Answer
Hi Mike,

I wish I could offer a technique that would result in a quick improvement in control, but I think you are doing the right things.  So long as his delivery is mechanically consistent, practice will very likely be the solution for your son.

I will add this, however.  When I have a pitcher who is struggling with control, I try to remove any variation in delivery or any factor that might lead him to lose balance at any point in the delivery.  Many times, having the pitcher throw from the stretch will help him to remain more balanced from start of motion to finish.  Often, a wind-up leads to a side to side movement which can cause imbalance.  Perhaps he might try this and see if it doesn't help.  He can always work backwards from that point and develop a balanced wind-up once his confidence is back to normal.

Another point--there will likely be more base runners at the next level than he is used to--hitters are getting better at a faster rate than pitchers at that age.  They have longer to see the ball and umpires usually make the pitcher work more accurately.  The added experience pitching from the stretch will help him a great deal.  Also, have him work hard at fielding his position..80 feet is a long way to run and pitcher defense is a key factor.

Final note--because he is a lefty, there will not be such an emphasis placed on velocity--you are very correct to be thinking about control.

FYI--down here, we go right to 60'6" and 90' bases at age 13 and good pitchers always seem to make the adjustment after a few outings.

On bat size:  I ALWAYS advise my hitters to use the lightest bat that the league will allow in order to get maximum bat speed.  That said, your son is at the turning point when it comes to bat size.  The small barrel bats are probably too light for him.  Go to the store and have him hold the lightest "big barrel" bat ( -8.5 oz ) parallel to the ground with arm fully outstretched for 25-30 seconds.  If he can do this, it is time to move him up.  I think you will find that he will do just fine with the larger barrel.  The added "sweet spot" will be nice for him.

Best of luck to your son. Sounds like he has the right work ethic to make his dreams come true.

Pete