North Shore Nine

The Pirates have clearly taken the “Patience at the Plate” approach to a whole new level this season. Through 17 games, they are second only to the New York Yankees in walks taken. They are also 5th in strikeouts, with the top team having played two more games than them. This might lead folks to think that horrible strike percentage, however, the Pirates are only 2.1% over the league average for strikes taken. They are also 1% over the league average for swinging strikes. Furthermore, they are 2.7% under the league average at pitches swung at, and 2.2% under on contact made. The number that is the dagger for the Pirates is 30.8%, this is strikeout looking percentage, 6.3% over the league average.

Now, the umpires across the league this year have been laughable at times. Additionally, the Pirates have a winning record and are quite good most nights. But that can all turn on a button, and with some of these stats staring at the Pirates, it could be quick. Now, the answer is not to swing at bad pitches—something Oneil Cruz has been doing of late—but rather to be more willing to swing at pitches in the zone. It is understood that a lot of these pitches have the ability to appear in or out of the strike zone and then detour the other way, but the Pirates are all professional ball players, most with years of experience. For them to continue to strike out looking at such a rate is an alarming trend. While it is early in the season, the numbers are still too high to not be concerned. A few of the Pirates are notoriously slow starters, and a few a very streaking at all times of the season. So with a few slow starters and a few on clear cold streaks, it can be a recipe for disaster, though these issues also do not excuse the Pirates from watching pitches go by them in the middle of the strike zone.

The Pirates need to get more comfortable swinging at pitches in the zone. Once they do, they can put together even better at-bats and potentially start to win even more games. Patience is the Pirate way, but it is time to act more like real Pirates and take what they want when at the plate.