VIDEO: How Difficult Is It To Frame A 100-Miles-Per-Hour Pitch?

Very funny.  I can't believe anybody can catch or hit it at 100.  Here is what I don't understand about pitch framing: umpires are supposed to judge the location of the pitch where it crosses the plate.  If they, in fact, are doing that, then framing has nothing to do with stirke calls.  If they are influenced by the position of the glove, that's a problem considering the not unsubstantial distance from the plate to the glove.

I am surprised there is not more focus on base running stats myself.  There is the stolen base and caught stealing and being picked off, but what about the 1rst to third % rate on a single? I'm sure there's others but good base running affects the game more than good pitch framing IMO.

I am surprised there is not more focus on base running stats myself.  There is the stolen base and caught stealing and being picked off, but what about the 1rst to third % rate on a single? I'm sure there's others but good base running affects the game more than good pitch framing IMO.

A single where a baserunner goes from 1st to 3rd happens a few times a game.... maybe. And, how often is a certain player even in that type of position? The statistic would be worthless based on lack of data alone. On the other hand, you can assume that a catcher might receive something like 150 pitches per game. There is hardly any defensive statistic that will impact a game more than pitch framing. 

Right now, Suzuki is costing the Twins pitchers 1.5 strikes per game. Now, that might not be much of a difference. But if you're costing that strike on a 2-1 count with runners on 2nd and 3rd.... yeah, thats going to be a big deal. And the fact he is having a negative effect every game compiles the significance. 

One of the best "framing catchers" I have ever seen in the minor leagues was Jhonatan Arias.  His ability to "frame" gave the pitchers 2-3 inches.  Unfortunately,  he didn't have enough offensive punch to keep him playing professionally.