Article: Minnesota Making Strikeouts A Priority

[snepp]

 

Let me know what different results you get from studying this question.

 

But that sounds an awful lot like work, and I've come down with a severe case of allergies to that.

[Elliot]

I am still baffled by the concept that a strikeout is not a bad thing from a hitter's perspective (an out is an out) so just swing for the fences no matter the situation or the count; but that from a pitcher's perspective a strikeout is the number one priority.  The goal for the pitcher and defense is to get outs.  Admittedly there are situations in which a strikeout is paramount; runner on third and less than two outs; but those are not measured by SO's/9 innings.  One SO per nine is great if you get it when you need it.

 

The Twins simply need better pitchers,not necessarily harder throwers or strikeout machines.

[ashbury]

The goal for the pitcher and defense is to get outs. 

They almost assuredly will get 24 of them, one by one by one - barring rain or a forfeit or other unusual and premature end to the game.

 

The difference maker is how many balls are put in play while accomplishing that arduous task, because some of those fall in safely or leave the park as home runs. Strikeouts cut down on the chances of the first of those happening, giving no chance for good things to happen for the offense. That, plus walks+HBP, will define their success.

 

With enough success, or with home field advantage, they may even be allowed to try for 27 outs. And that's the goal.

[ashbury]

I am still baffled by the concept that a strikeout is not a bad thing from a hitter's perspective (an out is an out) so just swing for the fences no matter the situation or the count; but that from a pitcher's perspective a strikeout is the number one priority.

Pitching and hitting are not mirror images of each other. Pitching is about achieving location. Hitting is about either punishing the mistakes or going with what is given to them. Batters of both kinds can succeed, and many batters adopt a blend. It's rare for a pitcher without command to get anywhere in the majors, with just his stuff.

 

So it's no paradox for pitchers to try to strike batters out without giving them anything good to hit, while power hitters may swing for the fences when they see something they like.

[The Wise One]

They need to find pitchers who can effectively pitch. Not many starters have K rates greater than 9.5/9  Average is around 8. There are plenty of pitchers out there that strike batters out at a greater than 8 but less than 9.5 but get hammered the rest of the time. Ubaldo is one example. There are plenty of others. Fiers was better than average at strike outs. Houston let him go.  Just something to keep in perspective

[Mike Sixel]

There is no evidence of this front office making strikeouts a priority or not. We literally have no idea, based on their inaction last year or this, so far. People keep posting about the front office like we have any idea what they will do. How do you know?

[caninatl04]

 

Strikeouts are boring,  Besides that, they're fascist. 
I heard that someplace before.

A couple of the World Series games were ludicrous as far as HRs go.  The ball couldn't stay in the park, and that was with some of the best pitchers in the game.  There is something to be said about stringing together hits, manufacturing runs, etc. 

Yup, give me late 70's mid 80's with boxscore lines like 4 runs on 3 hits. (And time of game = 2:00)