Savvy Baseball Observations (Volume 6)

(#113)

In this “smashing fastballs” age we are playing in, a 3-2 breaking ball or change-up is a must for every pitcher’s repertoire.

The effectiveness of a pitcher revolves around getting ahead and staying ahead on the count.

The 1-2 pitch, RBI single to the opposite field is a beautiful work of art.

Confuscius say, “Ball put in play sometime find hole. Ball not put in play never find hole.”

A brisk 9 pitch top of the seventh has always been on my Christmas list.

To start game 2 with a 5 pitch inning is a great way to start the game. Let’s score some runs.

I saw a big 2-out opposite field 2-run home run on a 3-2 breaking ball. We are making great progress.

When the cleanup hitter is batting with runners in scoring position in a close game and the pitching coach meets with the team at the mound for a long discussion, perhaps the hitter will deduce that he will see no fastballs during this at bat. Sit on the breaking ball before two strikes and take it away from the pitcher.

It’s never good to walk the fastest guy in the league on four pitches to start the inning. Make this guy hit his way on. He’ll reach base 100% of the time on a walk (and will probably score). You’ve got at least a 50-50 shot to get him out if he swings or bunts.

There is a time in an inning when the starting pitcher must become the closer and get out of a tough inning either ahead or tied. Sometimes you have to close the fourth, for example, without going to the bullpen to have a chance win the game.

I think the umpire has gone blind or suffered a mini-stroke; calling a lot of strikes, balls. The pitcher must keep his composure during these kinds of trials… and this one did.

The other team’s best hitter was awarded first base on a hit-by-pitch that did not hit him. He didn’t even think it hit him. In the long run, that was probably just a good intentional walk. It took the bat out of a dangerous hitter’s hands in a close game. Thanks Mr. Ump. I apologize.

Just saw a “can of corn.”

Do we pitch to this guy with first base open or do we load the bases and go for the double play? Roll the dice.

When is it time to bring the infield in? Give up one run on a ground ball and get an out? Base hit through a drawn in infield? Get a double play ball? Bring them in and get the ground ball that hold the runners where they are? Lot’s of options here. Sometimes it’s just a hunch.

Still don’t like to see either team’s middle infielders out of position worrying about a runner that most likely will not attempt a steal. Got to close that big hole on both sides. It hasn’t hurt us…. yet. Don’t care if it hurts the other team.

The other teams center fielder was shading dramatically to the gaps on certain hitters all night. He shifted the wrong way and got beat at least 3 times. Probably not enough data to justify that shift. When he went back to “straightway”, we hit about a half a dozen hard hit balls right to him.

I keep thinking about the “curse of the leadoff walk.”

A couple of good, effective bullpen moves.

Bullpen guys just cannot walk the leadoff man in a close game. Buzzer.

Today’s teams throw so many sliders and curveballs and pitch backwards so much that hitters must learn to sit on those pitches at times when ahead of the count. However, always fastball first and adjust to the off speed stuff, let the ball get deep and hit up the middle and away with two strikes.

Tough luck several times on hard hit balls right at the defensive guy.

Saw other team’s infielder boot a routine ground ball trying to field it with the glove hand only. Not necessary. It hurt them. Use both hands every time you can if you have two hands. Same thing with the outfielders one-handing fly balls. It hasn’t hurt us… yet. I say this every week.

The bunt consistently causes havoc on offense and defense.

Saw another clutch home run to the opposite field on a breaking ball. This time, a three-run homer to tie the game in the bottom of the seventh. It appeared the hitter was looking for it. Yes!

We did not strand many runners with strikeouts today. Much better early and two-strike contact with runners in scoring position.

We had a lot of great at bats today.

Our number 1 starter just came in to pitch the top of the eighth. I love it! Great move. He had great stuff, was highly motivated and got 3 routine ground balls on just 10 pitches (and helped his team get a sweep). He threw a crucial zero.

Two walk off hits tonight by a pinch hitter. One was a line drive single to invoke the 8 run rule in the bottom of the seventh in game one. The other was a ground ball double into the right field corner scoring the runner from first. When you get a chance to help your team win…. step up to the plate and do it. Compete.

A very productive day against a very good team.