[lex24]

The Giants are proving that starting pitching still matters.  Especially having a couple guys that can get deep in games. The Giants don’t. Their bullpen is beat. And they have a constant merry go round with Sacto.   I know it’s chic to say that starting pitching doesn’t mean what it used to.  Get through the lineup twice and go to the pen.  But that puts an incredible strain on the bullpen.  And this is only a 60 game season.  Over 162 it’s even more important.

None of this is a criticism of either Kapler or Farhan, btw.  It’s the new trend - and the Giants don’t have inning eaters.

If I’m in a front office, one of the things I’m thinking about is an organizational commitment to getting starters deeper in games. Part of that, I think, starts with attacking hitters.  Even on 0-2 counts. Pitchers have to find ways to have abs decided quicker.  So much emphasis is on strikeouts.  “Missing bats”.  And that means a ton of nibbling.  With the emphasis from a hitting perspective being selectivity.  And with the “value” of walks rising considerably, players just spit on close two strike pitches.  Cause they don’t care if they get rung up.  


Walks and deep counts kill starting pitchers.  So, attack.  Constantly.  Don’t nibble.  And you don’t have to throw every pitch like it’s the ninth inning of a one run game. Sometimes pitching to contact is a good thing.  So you give up a solo homer or two.  Bid deal.  It’s the 3 run jack after a couple walks that beats you.

[lex24]

The Giants are proving that starting pitching still matters.  Especially having a couple guys that can get deep in games. The Giants don’t. Their bullpen is beat. And they have a constant merry go round with Sacto.   I know it’s chic to say that starting pitching doesn’t mean what it used to.  Get through the lineup twice and go to the pen.  But that puts an incredible strain on the bullpen.  And this is only a 60 game season.  Over 162 it’s even more important.

None of this is a criticism of either Kapler or Farhan, btw.  It’s the new trend - and the Giants don’t have inning eaters.

If I’m in a front office, one of the things I’m thinking about is an organizational commitment to getting starters deeper in games. Part of that, I think, starts with attacking hitters.  Even on 0-2 counts. Pitchers have to find ways to have abs decided quicker.  So much emphasis is on strikeouts.  “Missing bats”.  And that means a ton of nibbling.  With the emphasis from a hitting perspective being selectivity.  And with the “value” of walks rising considerably, players just spit on close two strike pitches.  Cause they don’t care if they get rung up.  


Walks and deep counts kill starting pitchers.  So, attack.  Constantly.  Don’t nibble.  And you don’t have to throw every pitch like it’s the ninth inning of a one run game. Sometimes pitching to contact is a good thing.  So you give up a solo homer or two.  Bid deal.  It’s the 3 run jack after a couple walks that beats you.