Quote:
Originally Posted by AtomicDumpling
I respect your opinion. I just disagree.
Regarding the putting the ball in play vs strikeouts issue, I disagree on that one too unfortunately. Strikeouts have been mathematically proven to be only infinitesimally more harmful than contact outs. Yes, you can advance a baserunner with a contact out but you can also hit into double plays (not only groundball DPs, but also line-outs where a runner gets doubled-off and outfield fly balls where a runner tries to tag up and gets thrown out) and fielder's choices that cause an advance runner to be retired. These plays cancel each other out in the end.
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Yes, correct, the EFFECT of the strikeout is no big deal. It's like any other out. It is even better than a DP. Correct. Agree.
The problem with the strikeout is the failure to make contact itself. When a batter fails to make contact, he severely limits his opportunity for a productive at bat.
The problem is not the strikeout itself, it's role in the game is like any other out.
The problem is the failure to make contact. Most good things for hitters come with contact. Fewer good things can happen when a batter fails to make contact.
The problem with Drew Stubbs is not merely that his strikeouts cause outs. The bigger problem is that by failing to make contact he eliminates the CHANCE of a productive at bat.
Strikeouts may not be that important, but contact is.