Pitch, Pitch Around, Pitch to Contact? When to Use?

BKL · 08-14-2015, 05:35 PM

I know what each of these mean, but I would be interested in learning under what batter/pitcher and situational combinations it's best to use one over the other.

For instance, if you have a strikeout pitcher, I assume it's best to use "Pitch" Also, with a power hitter, maybe pitch around. What about bases loaded with a power hitter? What about a very high contact hitter? Etc.?

Can someone give me a general outline of when to use what type of pitch - for what type of pitcher, against what type of batter, in what situation...general "rules of thumb"

Thanks!

Sweed · 08-14-2015, 06:15 PM

I don't know that there would be a "best" way to use either option. I can tell you how I use it...

I mostly start a game using the standard pitch until I see how things are going. I then make decisions on when to use "around" and "to contact" based on game situations. I don't use the options a lot. I would guess maybe 2-3 times per game though there are many games I never use it at all and there are some I may use it 10 or more times, though this is just a guess as I've never really kept track.

If a guy has a career against my pitcher something like 8/20 with 4 home runs, dependent on score etc., he may get pitched around every time he comes up to bat. Don't worry he may still clobber the ball as pitch around doesn't stop the pitcher from making a mistake and throwing one down the middle.

On the opening lineups screen for a game I check out how each batter did against my starter. In game I use the expanded player box so I can see how the current batter has hit against my current pitcher. These guys don't automatically get pitched around but I know who they are and do use that info in my decision making. With that in mind I'll give some ideas on how I handle pitch around or pitch to contact...

None of these are set in stone but are done based on the current batter's and pitcher's skill set, batter history vs current P and of course how the current game is playing out.

1. Facing a high contact\ low eye player I may pitch around. I figure with a bad eye he's less likely to take a BB and more likely to chase a pitch he can't reach negating his high contact, at least a bit.

2. Low contact\ high eye rating, opposite of #1. Pitch to contact and make him hit the ball and rely on the defense. Cuts down his chance to BB and with low contact may still K or if he does hit the ball he probably won't hit it hard.

3. P has high stuff and low control. Pitch to contact may be a good option especially if he's struggling and walking guys. I don't use this to start a game I wait and see how he is pitching. Sometimes a guy with 5/20 control goes 6 or 7 innings and only bb 1 or 2 guys so don't use it here. If he's bb 5 guys in 3 innings it may be time to give it a try.

4. low stuff and high control. This is a guy I may pitch around with if he's getting hit hard. Use that control to try to nibble and get guys to chase.

There's way more than 4 scenarios for using this but this gives an idea of my mindset on if and when to use p-around or p-contact.

08-14-2015, 05:35 PM	#1
BKL All Star Reserve Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 929	Pitch, Pitch Around, Pitch to Contact? When to Use? I know what each of these mean, but I would be interested in learning under what batter/pitcher and situational combinations it's best to use one over the other. For instance, if you have a strikeout pitcher, I assume it's best to use "Pitch" Also, with a power hitter, maybe pitch around. What about bases loaded with a power hitter? What about a very high contact hitter? Etc.? Can someone give me a general outline of when to use what type of pitch - for what type of pitcher, against what type of batter, in what situation...general "rules of thumb" Thanks!

08-14-2015, 06:15 PM	#2
Sweed Hall Of Famer Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Iowa Posts: 6,667	I don't know that there would be a "best" way to use either option. I can tell you how I use it... I mostly start a game using the standard pitch until I see how things are going. I then make decisions on when to use "around" and "to contact" based on game situations. I don't use the options a lot. I would guess maybe 2-3 times per game though there are many games I never use it at all and there are some I may use it 10 or more times, though this is just a guess as I've never really kept track. If a guy has a career against my pitcher something like 8/20 with 4 home runs, dependent on score etc., he may get pitched around every time he comes up to bat. Don't worry he may still clobber the ball as pitch around doesn't stop the pitcher from making a mistake and throwing one down the middle. On the opening lineups screen for a game I check out how each batter did against my starter. In game I use the expanded player box so I can see how the current batter has hit against my current pitcher. These guys don't automatically get pitched around but I know who they are and do use that info in my decision making. With that in mind I'll give some ideas on how I handle pitch around or pitch to contact... None of these are set in stone but are done based on the current batter's and pitcher's skill set, batter history vs current P and of course how the current game is playing out. 1. Facing a high contact\ low eye player I may pitch around. I figure with a bad eye he's less likely to take a BB and more likely to chase a pitch he can't reach negating his high contact, at least a bit. 2. Low contact\ high eye rating, opposite of #1. Pitch to contact and make him hit the ball and rely on the defense. Cuts down his chance to BB and with low contact may still K or if he does hit the ball he probably won't hit it hard. 3. P has high stuff and low control. Pitch to contact may be a good option especially if he's struggling and walking guys. I don't use this to start a game I wait and see how he is pitching. Sometimes a guy with 5/20 control goes 6 or 7 innings and only bb 1 or 2 guys so don't use it here. If he's bb 5 guys in 3 innings it may be time to give it a try. 4. low stuff and high control. This is a guy I may pitch around with if he's getting hit hard. Use that control to try to nibble and get guys to chase. There's way more than 4 scenarios for using this but this gives an idea of my mindset on if and when to use p-around or p-contact.