7 Comments

The more pitchers concentrate on strike outs, the higher their pitch counts. More use of bull pen is the result. Also, strike outs are boring, except in critical situations. I prefer watching defensive plays.

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This isn't a perfect comparison, but just a brief look showed that of the 20 lowest strikeouts per nine in 2019, only three averaged six or more innings per start. Of the 20 highest strikeouts per nine, 11 averaged six or more. Yes, strikeouts often lead to a few more pitches and may get into the bullpen more, but guys striking out too few often give up too much to get deep into the game anyway. As for your personal preference, I get it, but also aesthetics unfortunately don't always coincide with the best way to win a game.

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Okay Crash Davis lol. Strikeouts are boring if it's our Royals striking out.

A great D play is awesome for my eyes. But hearing "he gots to go" is music to my ears.

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Music to my ears! And the logic follows; face less runners and there is not only less chance for fielding errors but also less dying quails, ground balls with eyes, etc.

And let's face it, with a juiced ball (even if they are allegedly taking a few droplets out of it) you got to score, so finding a balance that is more O heavy than the 14', 15' teams makes sense. That is one reason why I'm excited about this team. I see some definite possibilities.

I'm interested in your thoughts - or maybe your next article on the bats - I haven't checked PECOTA or any similar sources - but I think if we stay healthy we could be a 150 HR, 50 Triple, 150 SB team. Of course, if we're blasting that many HRs and Trips then maybe a few less chances in the stolen base department. But I'd settle for 150/50/125. If we do that, I feel we will be seeing the post season.

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I haven't really looked at the individuals to figure it out from the aggregate, but I'd take the under on 50 triples without even thinking too hard about it. They had three guys with 10 in 2019 and still only had 40 as a team. Still, I could see a path to four guys with 20+ homers and another three with 15+ potential. Maybe 115-130 steals is possible.

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Will you be in Spring Training or are you in Spring Training?

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Unfortunately not this year. I'll be back next year, though.

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