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Reply to "Walks"

Your question is without context and therefore vague and general.  So, generally...

A walk is equivalent to a single.  It is one base gained for the offense, one lost for the defense.  It is not equivalent, exactly, in that it is often less "earned" by the hitter. 

Defensively, we preach "no free bases" with our pitchers and defense.  Four balls results in a free base 100% of the time.  Throwing strikes and making the hitter put the ball in play only results in gaining a base (or bases) about 25-30% of the time.  A walk is almost always a cardinal sin for the defense.  Our few league losses this year can be traced back to allowance of a couple of free bases, usually walks.

Offensively, going to the plate with the intent of drawing a walk is a long term losing approach.  Going to the plate with the intent of hammering pitches that you can drive but adjusting your approach when you get behind because the pitcher made a few pitchers' pitches or taking a walk when that is the opportunity given is a long term winning approach.

Also, a walk is equal to a hit that is a single in bases gained but obviously not equivalent to an XBH.  A walk can have value in regards to making a pitcher throw more pitches, show more arsenal/patterns, etc.  But if a pitcher is pounding the zone, a hitter's approach should take advantage of that.

You can add specific game situations and hitters and this discussion can go on for a very long time.

Last edited by cabbagedad
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