What does pitch location say about where a batter will hit the ball? Jeremy Greenhouse has the...

What does pitch location say about where a batter will hit the ball? Jeremy Greenhouse has the answer, for Ichiro at least.

over 1 year ago J-Doug 2 comments 0 recs |

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Although I take issue with DiMag's quote

The phrase ‘off with the crack of the bat,’ while romantic, is really meaningless, since the outfielder should be in motion long before he hears the sound of the ball meeting the bat

Sure, but how long before? If you move based on the catcher’s framing you’re going to tip off the batter. Even average batters know and understand this. I’m sure Joltin’ Joe knew it too.

Blogger and Editor, Rational Pastime Blog. Twitter: @RationalPastime.

by J-Doug on Feb 17, 2011 3:16 PM EST reply actions

The batter starts his swing

a quarter second or so before the pitch arrives at home plate, and it’s another quarter second or so before the sound of the crack of the bat would reach the center fielder. So I’d venture that he can move almost a half second before he hears the crack of the bat without tipping the batter.

Winner, Beyond the Box Score 32 Predictions Contest, 2009

by Mike Fast on Feb 17, 2011 5:23 PM EST reply actions