I don't think you have to automatically take the next pitch after 8 straight balls because yes he might take something off and lay it right in there. It does kill me and makes me feel a kid is not thinking if he swings at anything other than one right down the middle in that situation.
Baseball Dad46,
During his career, the great Ted Williams was often criticized because he would not swing at a pitch even a fraction off the plate even if the winning or tieing run was sitting on third where he could have easily pulled a fly or grounder to get the run in. Instead he took the walk and during the 50's he often had inferior hitters behind him. He always said he wouldn't be a .344 career hitter if he let down his guard even in those situations but I think sometimes you've got to sacrifice your average to win games. He was a stubborn guy and no one was going to convince him otherwise.