Don't listen to your catcher.

Extreme Content · 03-11-2008, 12:46 AM

I've been playing almost exclusively with catchers who have A and B+ "call game" ratings and the pitches they call for are ridiculous. Breaking pitches up in the zone, fastballs out over the plate, changeups right down the middle of the plate... even the payoff pitches are crazy. Last year if you landed a successful payoff pitch inside the strike zone it was almost always a swing and a miss (or, less likely, a fly out or ground out). This year you can throw a perfect payoff pitch in the zone and it'll get crushed. This year a lot of full count payoff pitches are also outside the zone, which means even if you land the payoff pitch perfectly, you're likely to walk the batter.

So, to make a long story short, don't listen to your catcher.

Extreme Content · 03-11-2008, 01:08 AM

The catcher also has a habit of calling inside pitches with men on base. The total control pitching with guys on base though sets you up for failure (very small release point) so when you miss you tend to hit batters and make your situation even worse.

I'd recommend pitching outside as much as possible with guys on base.

Dat_Dude · 03-11-2008, 09:48 PM

The only time I listen to my catcher is on the Payoff Pitch. I would say over 50% of the time I get the K while another 30-35 I get an out. Other than that, I go by what I feel and who the hitter is. For example, I threw Ryan Howard nothing but low and away breaking balls and backdoor sliders and when I had him 2-2 my catcher called for an up and in 2 seamer. I threw it and Howard was late by a mile. Granted, he strikes out at an alarming rate, but I knew I wasn't going to let him beat me.

Lethal_NFS · 03-11-2008, 10:13 PM

I dont listen to my catcher in 08 The SHow either. Sometimes its best to go with what you think is the right pitch.

Extreme Content · 03-12-2008, 12:15 AM

I made the mistake of listening to my catcher earlier today. He called for a high and tight curveball vs. Gary Sheffield with runners on base. Going against my own advice on two counts (throwing breaking pitches up in the zone and pitching inside with runners on base) I obliged the catcher and Sheffield jacked my pitch for a 3 run shot. That's what I get for believing my catcher knows what he's doing.

domosnacks5 · 03-12-2008, 04:28 AM

yeah, never go high with an offspeed. Basic rule of thumb- up and in with heat, low and away with junk, and throw a little backdoor slider every now and again for god measure. That's how you win games.

Lethal_NFS · 03-12-2008, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Extreme Content

I made the mistake of listening to my catcher earlier today. He called for a high and tight curveball vs. Gary Sheffield with runners on base. Going against my own advice on two counts (throwing breaking pitches up in the zone and pitching inside with runners on base) I obliged the catcher and Sheffield jacked my pitch for a 3 run shot. That's what I get for believing my catcher knows what he's doing.

Dont throw inside fastballs to Sheffield either lol. That guy has been killing me in The Show. Apparently Sheffield loves them insiders lol

martinbawden · 03-13-2008, 11:09 AM

yea sheffield has the fastest bat in the mlb. but yea I only listen to the catcher on payoff pitches.

Dat_Dude · 03-13-2008, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by martinbawden

yea sheffield has the fastest bat in the mlb.

Actually he is second to Barry Bonds. Just FYI.

domosnacks5 · 03-17-2008, 12:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dat_Dude

Actually he is second to Barry Bonds. Just FYI.

Actually Bonds is not in the MLB. Just an FYI.

I still think Sheff's bat is faster, when you see the line drives he hits during games you really appreciate it. When he's up everyone along the 3rd base side needs to pay attention, I saw him scream one down the line at Yankee Stadium and clock a guy right in the head. From that point on I realized I would be alot more careful when a guy like Sheff was at bat.