Need Help. Pitch counts vs Taking Pitches!

Its been a while since I was last on here, but I need some help here. Please offer some help.

My problem is that I don't understand why some "schools of thought" will suggest that you should TAKE pitches in "hitters counts." I for one think about hitters/pitchers counts. Not fastball/offspeed counts. IMO if you are in a hitters count you should look to hit the ball as the pitcher needs to find the zone or else he or she will get further behind in the count. What gives here. IMO, as a hitter, if you are in a 2-0 count you should swing out of your shoes as the pitcher is in desperate need to find the zone.

Why would you have a hitter take a pitch in a 2-0, 2-1, 3-1, 2-1, 1-0 etc?

I don't get this. Why would you have a hitter take two straight pitches in a 2-0, then a 2-1 count? You give up two favorable hitters counts and then get back even with the pitcher. That brings the count then, if the pitcher has done his job, to a 2-1 and then a 2-2 count. Why take pitches in these counts if it gives the pitcher, IMO, the advantage, back to even or back to a pitchers count?

I don't get it.

What are the strategical reasons why a hitter should take pitches in these counts? Score? What inning it is? Pitcher duel? Short game or long ball?

What strategical concepts am I missing overall about taking pitches?

I don't understand what benefit a hitter gives his or her team from taking pitches other than a new pitcher or as a lead off hitter.

Thanks in advance. I really want to know about taking pitches.

 

Obviously there are many trains of thought on this, but I've always believed at 2-0 or 3-1, you hit a fastball down the middle. You certainly wouldn't swing at a borderline pitch or offspeed stuff in those 2 counts, but in these 2 situations, the pitcher is trying to come back with a strike, and if he grooves one a hitter has GOT TO BE ABLE to hit that pitch.

If a coach gives a take sign at 2-0 or 3-1, I'll show you a coach who's praying for a walk.

 

Thanks

But what Im getting here is: Why in the world when the count favors the hitter would you ever signal to a hitter to take a pitch?

I just don't don't get it.

If a pitcher is behind the count isn't he or she trying to find the zone? Shouldn't a hitter look for something to hit? IMO the pitcher needs to find the zone else get further behind in the count. The further behind in the count the less options the pitcher has for making strikes look like balls and balls look like strikes. ie expanding the zone.

I don't look at fastball/offspeed counts as compared to hitter/pitcher counts. One favors the other.

Thanks for the comments.

 

I guess what I'm trying to say is that IMO, the only 2 counts that favor the hitter is 2-0 and 3-1.

Any other count 2-1, 1-0, whatever,,, the pitcher is not behind, he can come back with whatever he has because he still has room to wiggle a bit.

2-0, 3-1,,,,,,,,, only 2 true hitter's counts.

Obviously others have opinions also, not saying nobody's wrong. I'd be interested to hear other's thoughts, but that just my 2 cents.

 

Possibilty getting beat by more than 1 run and needing baserunners, also maybe in the bottom of your line-up late in game, hoping to get back to the top.

 

Got what you are saying and thanks

2-0 and 3-1 taking a pitch is crazy. Hitter should kill it. Dead level swing up the middle. or behind if runners are on.

 

Alright I got the need for baserunners. But a favorable count to a hitter means that he or she gets a good ball to hit and thus would make them a baserunner IF the hitter does his or her job.

IMO the favorable hitters counts will be hit best and the hitter will most likely turn in to a baserunner and additionally put pressure on the defense.

 

... and a weak hitter turns into a better hitter if he has a 2-0 or 3-1 count too...

 

One example I would offer is facing a pitcher that has developed control problems, (threw 6 straight balls). I will make the batter take a strike.

But, there are so many different variables to consider that it's tough to give a definitive answer.

I will say this, in most cases, if I have a good hitter or struggling hitter in a hitter's count.....let 'er rip!!!!!

 

The best time to allow a hitter to "swing away" is immediately after the coach takes a trip to the mound. If the pitcher has been struggling, the coach typically tells the kid to throw a fastball. Seldom have I made a visit to tell a a struggling pitcher to throw an off-speed pitch. There are always exceptions but generally, the best pitch a struggling pitcher throws is immediately after that mound visit. I see way too many hitters taking a belt high fastball down the middle of the plate after the coach has left the mound. Unless it's Little League, hitters should know "their spot". When the pitcher is behind, hitters should always "box it up" - in other words - look for a fastball in "their spot". If the pitch is not there, leave it alone! If a high school coach feels the need to give a take sign - the wrong batter is usually in the box.