Chicago Cubs: The first-pitch and 2-2 batting struggles

Chicago Cubs: Sitting on the first-pitch

Many folks teach and tout to ‘Never swing at the first-pitch’ like religion.

Why?

These Merlin’s of Mathematical Computation have figured that if you swing the bat on the first pitch, there can only be these results:

1.       You get a base hit or more

2.       You get a strike

3.       You get a foul ball (strike)

Since two out of three of these is a negative against the batter, the computation means it is not in a hitter’s best interest to swing at the first-pitch. If you are still not convinced, you can also take this into consideration.

1.       You get a base hit or more (but the pitcher has only wasted one pitch on his arm)

2.       You get a strike (but the pitcher has just spent one pitch on his arm)

3.       You get a foul ball (strike) (but the pitcher has only wasted one pitch on his arm)

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As you can see, every outcome carries a negative because you’re not running up the count and the pitcher is still brand new (basically) when he faces your second batter. There is a high probability the first-pitch hitter will get stranded on base.

It seems the answer is, not to swing at the first-pitch like the Cubs shortstop Javier Baez does quite often and let the count develop and put some wear and tear on the pitcher’s arm. However, you should always watch for your perfect pitch and if the pitcher delivers it, crush it. If your team is down and it’s the ninth inning, then you might be considering that first-pitch and expanding the zone.

The Chicago Cubs have been hitting on and off.  For the most part, many of the Chicago Cubs will not swing at the first pitch thrown. What they need to be careful of is the other team’s scouting report! These pitchers know Chicago Cubs outfielder Kyle Schwarber is going to sit on the first-pitch and so they do their best to get him behind with a strike right away.

If the Chicago Cubs can take better advantage of the first pitch, they will control the bases more effectively. However, even after the first-pitch, the 2-2 has got the Cubs running.