A control pitcher is a pitcher who succeeds mostly by using accurate pitches, as oppose to a power pitcher who relies on velocity. By issuing a below average number of bases on balls he exhibits good control of his pitches.[1] Pitchers with good control are said to be able to throw all the pitches in their repertoire for strikes in different locations regardless of the batter, count and score. According to Curt Schilling, "Control is the ability to throw strikes, and command is the ability to throw quality strikes."[2] Another definition of control is "The ability to deliver the ball to the plate with accuracy."[3] The best control pitchers will walk as few as one batter per game. Control is also key to getting ahead in the count, and thus gaining the advantage over batters to keep them off base.[3] When a control pitcher is not giving up walks and also in command of his pitches he will succeed. Statistics used to measure control include:[2]
- Walks per nine innings
- Walks per 36 batters faced
- Strikeout-to-walk ratio
A control pitcher who succeeds by avoiding surrendering walks is different from a power pitcher who succeeds by striking out batters and keeping the ball out of play. One of the most famous example of a control pitcher of the last few years is Greg Maddux.[citation needed]
Notes
- ^ "Control Pitcher". Glosiversity.com. 2005. Retrieved 2007-08-10.
- ^ a b Schwarz, Alan (2007). "Radke precision guided". ESPN Internet Ventures. Retrieved 2007-08-10.
- ^ a b "SCOUTING REPORT". Sportsmogul.com. Sports Mogul Inc. 2006. Retrieved 2007-08-11.
 | This baseball-related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |