Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr. Marlin
Pitch to contact means the pitcher is throwing a ball with the intention of the batter putting it into play, hoping for a ground out. For example, if you have a runner on first, one out and a groundball pitcher you might set the defense for double play, pitch to contact and hope the batter hits into a DP. But you are taking a chance. A pitch to contact pitch is a high probability of being hit and if it ends up in the outfield... you won't be happy.
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Not picking on this post specifically more the concept of pitch to contact. I think it's "mythology". The original DIPS theory and refinements to stats like FIP still show that pitchers have little control over how balls are put in play. The idea that a pitcher has a switch of technique that can increase balls in play is not supported by evidence. Maybe Matt and/or Markus can let us know what concept or set of numbers is used to make this occur. In earlier versions I found PTC mostly produced poor results and stopped using it as it seemed to make the pitcher less effective than his actual talent.
The only use I can think of for a "let 'em hit it" mode is up 12-0 in the 4th 5th inning. Most of the time this just makes it 12-6 by the 7th.
Apologies if this is too OT.