Dispelling the first-pitch swing myth
Posted: Thu Aug 21, 2008 10:03 pm
I've seen all over the place how Long needs to be fired or changes need to be made because the team isn't taking pitches anymore. Here are some stats to discredit that statement.
Player: 2007/2008
Molina: 3.49/3.55
Posada: 3.83/3.86
Betemit: 4.08/3.70
Cano: 3.42/3.38
Giambi: 4.30/4.26
Jeter: 3.71/3.73
Arod: 3.80/3.84
Abreu: 4.38/4.27
Damon: 4.30/4.12
Matsui: 4.02/3.75
Melky: 3.65/3.67
Molina, Posada, Cano, Giambi, Jeter, Arod, and Melky are taking about the same pitches they took last year in the best offense in the majors. Abreu is slightly lower, but that might be just because Arod isn't hitting as well behind him so Abreu might be looking to drive in more runs than just be happy getting on base. Matsui and Damon are interesting. No clue why Damon is taking fewer pitches but perhaps Matsui was swinging earlier because he has a hobbled knee? Damon and Matsui are both having better years this year than last so it doesn't seem to be effecting them. -Jitpal
Player: 2007/2008
Molina: 3.49/3.55
Posada: 3.83/3.86
Betemit: 4.08/3.70
Cano: 3.42/3.38
Giambi: 4.30/4.26
Jeter: 3.71/3.73
Arod: 3.80/3.84
Abreu: 4.38/4.27
Damon: 4.30/4.12
Matsui: 4.02/3.75
Melky: 3.65/3.67
Molina, Posada, Cano, Giambi, Jeter, Arod, and Melky are taking about the same pitches they took last year in the best offense in the majors. Abreu is slightly lower, but that might be just because Arod isn't hitting as well behind him so Abreu might be looking to drive in more runs than just be happy getting on base. Matsui and Damon are interesting. No clue why Damon is taking fewer pitches but perhaps Matsui was swinging earlier because he has a hobbled knee? Damon and Matsui are both having better years this year than last so it doesn't seem to be effecting them. -Jitpal