<P> A pitching coach mentors and trains teams' pitchers . He advises the manager on the condition of pitchers and their arms, and serves as an in - game coach for the pitcher currently on the mound . When a manager makes a visit to the mound, he typically is doing so to make a pitching change or to discuss situational defense . However, to talk about mechanics or how to pitch to a particular batter, the pitching coach is the one who will typically visit the mound . The pitching coach is generally a former pitcher . One exception is Dave Duncan, the former pitching coach of the St. Louis Cardinals, who was a catcher . Prior to the early 1950s, pitching coaches were usually former catchers . </P> <P> The bullpen coach is similar to a pitching coach, but works primarily with relief pitchers in the bullpen . He does not make mound visits, however, as he stays in the bullpen the entire game, working with relievers who are warming up to enter the game . Generally, the bullpen coach is either a former pitcher or catcher . </P> <P> A hitting coach, as the name suggests, works with a team's players to improve their hitting techniques and form . He monitors players' swings during the game and over the course of the season, advising them when necessary between at - bats on adjustments to make . He also oversees their performance during practices, cage sessions, and pre-game batting practice . With the advent of technology, hitting coaches are increasingly utilizing video to analyze their hitters along with scouting the opposing pitchers . Video has allowed hitting coaches to clearly illustrate problem areas in the swing, making the adjustment period quicker for the player being analyzed . This process is typically called video analysis . </P> <P> Two on - field coaches are present when the team is at bat . Stationed in designated coaches' boxes near first and third base, they are appropriately named base coaches--individually, first base coach and third base coach . They assist in the direction of baserunners, help prevent pickoffs, and relay signals sent from the manager in the dugout to runners and batters . While the first base coach is primarily responsible for the batter as to whether he stops at first base or not or for a runner already on first, the third base coach carries more responsibility . His duties include holding or sending runners rounding second and third bases, as well as having to make critical, split - second decisions about whether to try to score a runner on a hit, and accounting for the arm strength of the opposing team's fielder and the speed and position of his baserunner . </P>

How many coaches are on an mlb team