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Reply to "Called strikes and missed swings"

Stats - an interesting question.  There might be too many variables to calculate a meaningful number without breaking players down into groups.  IMO players come in 4 types types - 1) Can't hit much - 1/3 to 40% of HS players 2) Can hit a little - can handle low 80's and hanging breaking balls another 40% - 50% of HS players 3)  Good hitters - Can handle mid to upper 80's and stay back on breaking pitches - 10% of HS players and then 4) Next level players - doesn't matter what you have they will get their hits.  +/- 5% of HS players.

Then you have to factor in coaches.  The first ball/fast ball crew.  They take good and next level hitters and coach them down to the other 80%.  This is particularly true if coach is a screamer and gets frustrated on fastball Strike 1's.  The flip side of this guy is the let's play for walks or to get into the bullpen coach.  He has hitters sitting there taking pitches and then getting behind in the count.

Then there are the coaches that have a real idea of what each player is capable of and recognizes the opponent for what they are.  The real hitters are free to hack when they see something they like.  After that it becomes situational.  Take some if the pitcher has bad mechanics and is on the wild side.  Look for guys that can't throw breaking balls for strikes and try to get ahead.  In other words give the weaker players a clue to what is going on.

The one stat that I am sure has relevance is the swing and miss.  High ratios here mean the batter just doesn't make enough contact - especially if it is against pitchers of all types.  If a player shows that once velocity goes above low 80's he's overmatched that is good to know.

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