Pitch to Contact?

[twinssporto]

Can someone point out who came up with the concept "pitch to contact" within the Twins organization (Anderson)?  I'm flummoxed that the term still survives whoever made it up.  I'm assuming whoever decided that was the way we wanted to build a pitching staff is long gone...If they are still here I think I'll be sick to my stomach.  Does the new FO embrace this concept too?

 

Seriously.  Who coined that ridiculous term? I know it can allow the starting pitcher to go a little longer but maybe we need to find strikeout pitchers. 

[jorgenswest]

The Twins have tried to change their approach since the acquisition of Jim Hoey. They acquired Meyer and May. They have drafted with more emphasis on velocity since 2012. It takes a long time to turn around an organization by drafting and the cost of acquisition is very high.

 

Thus far there is little evidence they know how to develop high velocity pitchers into successful major league pitchers. Maybe Falvey and Levine can make a difference here.

[Thrylos]

Some historical reference:

 

This Hardball Times article is a good explanation of the term and its history in the Twins' organization.

This Strib article from about 5 years ago, is trying to explain (or imagine) the science behind it, while

This fangraphs article really is talking science regarding it

 

About all you need to know without evoking DickNBert

[twinssporto]

 

Some historical reference:

 

This Hardball Times article is a good explanation of the term and its history in the Twins' organization.

This Strib article from about 5 years ago, is trying to explain (or imagine) the science behind it, while

This fangraphs article really is talking science regarding it

 

About all you need to know without evoking DickNBert

Great!  Thank you!

[Richie the Rally Goat]

Can someone point out who came up with the concept "pitch to contact" within the Twins organization (Anderson)? I'm flummoxed that the term still survives whoever made it up. I'm assuming whoever decided that was the way we wanted to build a pitching staff is long gone...If they are still here I think I'll be sick to my stomach. Does the new FO embrace this concept too?

 

Seriously. Who coined that ridiculous term? I know it can allow the starting pitcher to go a little longer but maybe we need to find strikeout pitchers.

Dave Duncan who was pitching coach for Tony LaRussa's St. Louis Cardinals who retired in 2011 after coaching a World Series winner for the 4th time coined it.

 

I don't think the issue is necessarily the concept, but the Twins implementation of it and reluctance to change from it.

[Shaitan]

Referencing Hoey and Meyer are actually great examples of why I don't hate the philosophy. The problem is that somewhere along the way it became a mantra or a parody instead.

[HitInAPinch]

Well, if you maintained a pitching staff of more than mediocre pitchers, you'd probably never heard of "pitch to contact".  The Twins move towards more "dominant fastball" pitchers had an uninspiring start. Terry seemed to go overboard on that.  There are a group of younger pitchers that seem to have the right stuff, if lacking control.

 

Anyway, there are instances in games where "pitch to contact" is still a good strategy.  Just not every single AB. 

[Platoon]

Pitch to contact works better at lower levels of baseball. As you get farther up the ladder you need very good control and "stuff" to make it effective. And an above average defense all over the field. If you do not have these things, the contact part still works, and the term becomes a euphemism for crappy pitching! I also would bet this mornings box of donuts that contact type pitchers are cheaper to draft and sign. Lastly, some guys just cannot abide by walks, I think TR (and TK) was one. And the time spent and the pain endured watching "stuff" pitchers learn their trade was too much to bear!

[goulik]

I believe the philosophy of throwing strikes to get ahead in the count and then winning the at bat whether by strike out or bad contact is and should be every pitchers goal. I think the problem is more that the fans perception of "pitch to contact" has been sullied by pitchers that did not have enough talent to be top end MLB pitchers, bad defense, and losing records.

The best players and the best teams in any sport examine the opponent and use the best strategy for that guy. Danny Santana up to bat? Make him hit into a ground ball double play. Big Papi? Maybe we will pitch around him...