Pitching is an art perfected by very few. A pitcher's goal is to make quality pitches and get batters out. That can be as simple as throwing strikes and changing speeds. At a professional level a pitcher must also hit their spots consistently in order to be effective. Missing the outside corner by a couple of inches over the plate could easily be the difference in a broken bat groundout, and an opposite field homerun. The majority of a pitcher's practice is done in the bullpen away from the rest of the team. However, in a game situation once the ball is released, the pitcher then becomes a fielder. Some pitchers have been converted from other positions and pitcher's fielding ability relies heavily upon that individuals natural abilities such as hand eye coordination and overall athleticism.
Generally, every infielder will have priority over the pitcher on batted balls because they are constantly practicing fielding unlike a pitcher whose main focus is on retiring hitters. For Major League clubs a large portion of pitcher's fielding practice is accomplished at spring training. The importance of fielding the position soundly, however, lasts throughout the season. Just ask the 2006 Detroit Tigers whose loss to the St.Louis Cardinals was largely in part to errant throws and fielding blunders on behalf of the pitching staff.
Pitcher's fielding practice ("PFP") can be as simple as fielding a come-backer or as complex as mastering the "hidden ball trick." PFP also consists of knowing bunt coverages, turning double plays, backing up bases, fly ball communication, and pick off plays. Depending on the situation, each can be equally as important. Pitcher's will typically be part of a full team workout or work with infielders as part of PFP.
Pitchers often practice maximizing extension using various methods such as the "towel drill." The pitcher will take a full stride and then five heel to toe steps from that point and place an object such as a bucket, or have someone kneel holding out a glove. While holding a hand towel in the throwing hand pitcher's will practice max extension by follwing through hitting the object (bucket, glove) with the towel.
It is important that pitchers maximize their stride and follow through when practicing fielding comebackers to simulate a live game situation. On a medium to hard hit ground ball, pitcher's should stress the "step and throw" to first base. Proper leg and footwork is essential in throwing strikes whether it be to a hitter or a base. When turning double plays off a comebacker pitchers should know who is covering second base and throw chest high to the bag.
When practicing bunt coverages the pitcher must be aware of who is charging the play and who is staying put. Pitchers should practice fielding bunts on both the first and third base side yielding to position players when called off the ball.
On a ground ball hit to the right side, a pitcher's natural instinct must be to cover first base. When a ball is fielded by the first baseman away from the bag, the pitcher typically find the baseline approximately three quarters the way up the line, present a target, receive the ball, find the bag, and be prepared to make a throw if other runners are on base. Repetition of this drill is imperative to establish good communication and increase bag location awareness by the pitcher. This is a common play and should be routine but there is little margin for error.
Pitchers should be alert on plays with runners on base and all extra base hits as to which base to back up. On a "sure double" with nobody on, the pitcher will back up third base. A single with runners in scoring position will result in the pitcher backing up a possible play at the plate. Situations with multiple runners may have the potential for a play at third base or home plate. In this case the pitcher should retreat to foul territory about halfway up the third base line (out of the baseline) and wait for the play to develop, breaking for the base in which a play is most likely to occur. (Like anything) Experience will improve judgement and the best way to practice is through live game simulation or situational practice.
Pick off plays including a simple "throw over" are key in controlling the running game. A good pickoff move can save many runs over the course of a season and botched pickoff attempts can cost runs and prolong innings. Pitchers may have a couple moves they show to keep the runner's timing off balance. A right handed pitcher should come set, give one or two looks and throw over between sixty and eighty percent of their maximum velocity. It is important to mix up the amount of looks and occasionally throw over without looking or before coming to a set position.
Left handed pitchers have the advantage of facing first base once set and the ability to use a "balk move" to throw over using a forty five degree angle created with the pitching rubber and the pitchers right leg. This measure is perceived by the umpire and can often be cheated by a few degrees. Lefties can rely on a "safe move" to keep runners close and a craftier move for more serious pick off attempts.
On timing pick off plays the pitcher must be on the same page as the infielder and catcher. Usually the catcher will give a sign (i.e flick of the glove) that indicates when the second baseman or shortstop breaks for the bag at which point the pitcher turns and fires to second base. In order for this play to work timing must be in sync and the ball delivered to second base with good velocity.
Pick off attempts to third base are the same for right handers as a pickoff to first base for lefties and vice versa.
The "hidden ball trick" to second base is also a timing play except the pitcher will fake an errant throw and keep the ball. The infielder should fake an attempt to stop the ball at which time the center fielder breaks as if to retrieve the overthrow. The pitcher casually walks toward the play to see if the runner breaks or remains off the base. The "hidden ball trick" to first base requires the pitcher to step off the rubber. It is a balk to fake a throw to first without doing so.
Pitchers fielding practice is a part of what makes pitching an incredibly difficult art to master. Aside from the degree of difficulty involved in all the components of PFP and fielding in general, having a quality outing (throwing 6+ innings, 3 or less earned runs) is tougher. It is no mystery why pitchers do most of their work in the bullpen, however being fundamentally sound in PFP is imperative. That is why teams spend ample amount of time in spring training working the drills. Having a pitcher who can't make routine plays and know situations can be a serious liability to a ball club. Being a pitcher requires a certain mental make up and passion for a your trade, which PFP is an important part of.