Still Worried About Plate Discipline?

by timlacy on Apr 10, 2008 7:56 AM EDT

We took six walks in last night's second game against the Yankees: 3 by Teahan, 1 by Grudzielanek, 1 by Butler, and 1 by Gordon. I recall Teahan having a few games like this last year.

We struck out 9 times. Only Grudzielanek and Butler didn't. The former doesn't surprise me, being a contact machine. But the latter does---Butler having been so hot. Gordon struck out twice. I didn't get to see the game, so I don't know how many of the Royals batter strikeouts were called. I can't, therefore, calculate my idea for a plate discipline statistic (called strikeouts plus walks).

But the Royals made Yankees pitchers throw 137 pitches in the game. That 137 divided by 36 plate appearances is 3.81 pitches per plate appearance. That's quite healthy.

Sure, as with game 1, the conditions weren't great. But the Greinke, Yabuta, Gobble triumvirate threw 129 pitches, giving up 3 walks and 3 strikeouts in 34 Yankees plate appearances. That means the Yankees also took about 3.8 pitches per at bat. So, no advantage, but we were at least on par with the vaunted Yanks---and we were more efficient when we swung.

I'd say last night was ~a~ prime example of Hillman's preaching "selective aggression." Let's keep it up! - TL

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Teahen's plate discipline

Has really impressed me thus far. I think he could have a huge walk year. If he turns on the power as well, he could become quite valuable.

I imagine having DJ back in the lineup will also improve our plate discipline.

Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com

by RoyalsRetro on Apr 10, 2008 10:03 AM EDT reply actions

Worth noting, though

For at least his first three ABs, Joey reached a 3-ball count.

Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on Apr 10, 2008 11:25 AM EDT up reply actions

I agree...

...on DJ. He'll help with both OBP and selective aggression. - TL

by timlacy on Apr 10, 2008 1:13 PM EDT up reply actions

Teahen's leading the team

in walks with 6. He's not hit a lot: just 8 hits at this point, but he has 3 doubles and a home run, plus those 6 walks. I've been impressed with Teahen so far.

by powderbluepower on Apr 10, 2008 12:20 PM EDT reply actions

"He's not hit a lot"

I'll take .296 from a guy who's also walking .250 in plate appearances which don't result in a hit.

Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on Apr 10, 2008 12:46 PM EDT up reply actions

Good OBP, good power numbers

Looks like a good approach to me. When they don't throw him strikes, he takes the pitches. If they do throw him strikes, he hits them hard.

I probably disagree with you.

by Scott McKinney on Apr 10, 2008 1:12 PM EDT up reply actions

My Subjective Impression

Is that Teahen is elevating the ball more this year, as though many of last year's grounders are line drives and some of last year's line drives are fly balls. I don't know if stats bear this out.

Let's go, boys, to the toppermost of the poppermost!

by philofthenorth on Apr 10, 2008 2:47 PM EDT up reply actions

I think you're right

The differences this year are:

1. More plate discipline and better pitch selection
2. More balls being hit in the air (and more balls being hit hard)

It is possible that #2 is caused by #1.

I probably disagree with you.

by Scott McKinney on Apr 10, 2008 2:50 PM EDT up reply actions

It still early to say

I hope you're right, but we've seen Teahen have great stretches, followed by complete power outages.

Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com

by RoyalsRetro on Apr 10, 2008 3:22 PM EDT up reply actions

My goal for Gordon is...

...that he have at least a walk every two games. That'd give him 81, which is impressive. But if he does that, it'll mean he's waiting for his pitch. I'd also be happy with a 50/50 walk/so ratio. I think it'll take him a few years to get there. - TL

by timlacy on Apr 10, 2008 1:14 PM EDT reply actions