Asking Coach if Child can occasionally try a position

Question
I would like to know if it would be appropriate to ask our new coach if it were possible our son could take the pitcher position on the field occasionally, since he wants to be a pitcher in the future.  This is my sons 3rd year to play, he is 8 and played on pitcher mound most of last year.  This year we are with a new coach through the draft here in North Texas and it appears the 4 kids that have played the last few years together are staying on the bases and pitcher.  My son wants to pitch next year in kid pitch, which he is a decent lefty thrower and catcher...however it seems coach's tend to keep their own kids in prime positions regardless of their abilities.  Let me know if this would be something we should ask.  I got in trouble once for asking why my kid was on the bench 3 out of 4 innings and coach's sons never sat out.  I'm a little frustrated with the politics in baseball.  Please help...I don't want to start the year off with asking a question that will put us on the coach's bad graces.  thanks Kim

Answer
Hey Kim,

There is nothing wrong with you requesting for your son to pitch in a practice game. He should start there, however. Ask that he pitch some batting practice. If your son can throw the ball over the plate most of the time, there will be room for him. But remember accuracy is   more important than speed.. Tell your son to concentrate on throwing the ball over the plate. When he can do this regularly, than add some speed to his pitches.  You, however, need to be objective toward his talent. Ask someone who's opinion you trust, and ask for an honest response to the question as to his pitching talent.
Have your son pitch against the side of a building, with a square strike zone written in chalk, and have him pitch to this. Have him throw to different corners. Over and over again.
Good Luck and let me know how he pitches.

Dennis