May 5, 2015

Protection Racket

David Laurila talks to hitters, pitchers, and managers about the protection the on-deck hitter gives the batter. I was impressed with the number of pitchers who said something like this:

Madison Bumgarner, Giants pitcher: “I should look over at the on-deck circle a lot of time, but my pride gets the better of me. I can’t remember a time that I looked over there and was actually smart about the situation. It should be that way. It’s a hard thing to do. You don’t want to give in, I don’t want to give in.”

Pitchers seem to concentrate on getting the hitter at the plate.

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