If a hitter knows what pitch is coming, even great pitchers become hittable. As a pitching coach, Jerry Weinstein knows this all too well. So he did something about it.

Instead of the traditional hand signals from the pitching coach in the dugout to the catcher, the veteran coach developed a computerized system to relay signals instead. The coach has a card with numbers and signs on it and the catcher has the same card on his wristband.

Many of the top college programs in the country are already using this simple foolproof method to help speed up the game and protect against signs being picked.

Weinstein has used all of his years of coaching to help 50+ different baseball programs with his product, the Weinstein Brain.

While at the pitching coach at Cal Poly, he first noticed the University of Washington using a method of pitch calling that involved a wristband for the catcher. The coach would relay the signs in for pitches and pick moves.

As he soon found out, Washington had borrowed the method from Texas A&M who had borrowed it from another junior college that was using the method by hand.

This new revelation didn't take long for Weinstein to pick up and make it into his own. Weinstein went to the computer lab for assistance in developing a java based computer program that would generate random codes for the pick system that would serve as the foundation of the method.

What they developed is closely related to others systems using three numbers that can be used for any pitch, pick or play. The wristband grid system can be used for defense adjustment or calling bunts and other offensive signals.

The signal uses a random number generator that gives the coaches the three number codes. The first two numbers that are given to the catcher tell him which column on the grid to find the pitch. The second number indicates the corresponding row on the grid. The three numbers together form a sequence that is on the wristband that the catcher signals to the pitcher. Example: 1-2-3 might be a fastball away and the next pitch might be 1-5-4.

There are two different levels of the wristband system. The first comes with a minimum amount of input from Weinstein and with the basic wristband and random signal generator software.

With the second level, Weinstein gets direct input from the coach and works them to find the right mix of picks and signals. "What makes it unique is we can get the coach develop a pitch calling sequence with however many fastballs or breaking balls they need," said Weinstein.

Weinstein makes a suggestion and gives his thoughts on the aspects of pitch calling and pitch outs.

"Guys figure out what they want and I give them a little input," said Weinstein. "We customize it for each team based on their pitch calling tendencies. It's very much structured to pitching philosophies of that pitching and head coach."

It's not just for the catchers either. The infielders can also benefit from the system by being able to anticipate the pitch and be ready in their stance based on the type of pitch thrown.

During the season teams can easily change the team specific customized program. "The whole concept is based on speeding up the game and reducing the stress level of the coach that someone is going to break their code," said Weinstein.

Another benefit is of this tool is to teach catchers how to call pitches in the game.

"When the coach is calling the pitches, it is imperative to debrief the catcher after the game in a learning environment," said Weinstein.

"I have always said, my job is to eliminate my job." Weinstein feels the catcher has to learn how to sequence the pitches and learn the coach's philosophy and it aids his developing of a philosophy.

It also helps speed the training process relative to the time coaches have with players because of the restrictions placed on college teams. "When you have an older and more experienced catcher it works better when he does it," said Weinstein.

"Ultimately the responsibility on the pitch thrown relies on the pitcher. There is no one right pitch to call. The wrong pitch thrown with confidence is better than the wrong pitch thrown out,' said Weinstein.

As the popularity of his system grows, Weinstein is innovating the current generation of the system. "You have to be careful where you put the pitch sequences on the card so they aren't on the same side," said Weinstein. "You don't want fastballs all on one side or curveballs on the other."

The Weinstein Brain has grown out of word of mouth. He doesn't sell his product over the Internet or have it in a catalog. It's all just good old fashioned networking, talking to coaches, and helping them fill a need.

Weinstein's eyes have seen many years of baseball that can't be put on to a grid number system. It is more than a wristband and software that Weinstein sells.

The former Sacramento City College coach and Cal Poly coach has been in the business of teaching baseball for a long time. He has lived a very accomplished career in the coaching and instructional ranks developing players from all levels. He's published magazine articles, books and DVD's with his teachings.

He owns 831 career collegiate coaching wins, with 16 conference championships, two co-conference titles and a national title in 1998. He is a member of the California Community College Baseball Hall of Fame and was named the National Community College Baseball Coach of the Year in 1988 and 1998. At Sacramento City College he coached 27 players that went on to have careers in the major leagues.

Weinstein also coached the United States Olympic baseball teams in 1992 and 1996. He served as the catching coordinator for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1999 and has managed several minor league teams for the Milwaukee Brewers, Montreal Expos, Chicago Cubs and now the Colorado Rockies. Weinstein is currently the manager of the Modesto Nuts of the California League.

"The only difference between my system and another pitch calling is system is going to be the 33 years of coaching and pitch calling experience that they can tap into," said Weinstein.

Given his successful track record and foolproof product, more and more coaches across the country are tapping into "The Weinstein Brain".