In the age of specialization, over the past several years, does anyone else agree that maybe it's time to re-define the nature of a switch-hitter?
Typically, a switch-hitter will bat on the opposite side of the pitcher on the mound. However, with pitchers who are lefty or righty "specialists", do you think that any switch-hitter who has trouble with a certain pitcher consistently should simply try turning around? It seems to me that a s.-h. should not only be valuable because he can bat from both sides of the plate, but also because he can (or should be able to) bat from which ever side makes him feel more comfortable in any given situation.
Any thoughts welcome! And thanx in advance!
: )
2007-07-09 01:54:54 · 9 answers · asked by rockiebattles411 7 in Sports ➔ Baseball
NO! You guys don't get it. The whole idea of switch hitting is
because its always easier to hit a breaking ball that breaks toward you rather than away. If that was not the case then there would be no advantage to it.
As for Rose, the 3 pitchers all had one thing in common--they
were Knuckle ball pitchers.
2007-07-13 20:53:06 · answer #1 · answered by H.E. G 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This actually happens already. Several times I've seen switch hitters hit right against a certain righty and left against a certain lefty. It is up to the hitter. It depends on which side of the plate he can see the pitch better. Which side he feels the most comfortable against that pitcher. If that isn't happening, then it is the batters fault for not doing it.
I do agree with you, that the batter should be taking fool advantage of being able to bat from either side of the plate.
2007-07-09 10:34:36 · answer #2 · answered by techplayer77 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
there is no rule that says which way a switch hitter must bat, they can change sides at anytime, even within an at-bat as long as the pitcher isn't ready to pitch when they switch.
I have seen many switch hitters bat the same direction of the pitcher for various reasons, it depends which way they are comfortable and what types of pitches the pitcher throws, Although batters who are good-enough to switch hit in the MLB are usually good enough that they are comfortable from either side of the plate at anytime, so they are less likely to switch than a high school player.
2007-07-09 09:45:39 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Think of this...
The bases are loaded, a switch-hitter is up. Given the situation, the defending manager wants the batter to bat (say) right-handed. So the relief pitcher he decides on is a southpaw.
There's no law or rule that says the switch-hitter has to bat right-handed against the lefty, but he can.
Irrespective of which way the batter bats, the pitcher has to face at least one batter before being replaced by another relief pitcher.
2007-07-09 10:05:45 · answer #4 · answered by Jay9ball 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Switch-hitting is the ABILITY to bat from either side. There is no requirement that the batter MUST bat opposite the pitcher's side. That's personal preference, though certainly the dominant batting approach.
I once read, long ago, that there were three pitchers against whom Pete Rose did not take the side advantage, because he had satisfied himself that he gained nothing from trying; their motions were too difficult. I cannot remember who they were, but next time someone runs into Rose in Vegas, maybe ask him.
2007-07-09 09:51:49 · answer #5 · answered by Chipmaker Authentic 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In almost all cases, it's much easier for the switch hitter to bat lefty if facing a righty and vice versa, plus that is what they are accustomed to.
In only a few instances would it be prudent to bat the same way the pitcher is throwing. Tom Glavine, a lefty, is actually a lot tougher on righties than lefties because of his change-up (which he rarely throws to lefties). And Mariano Rivera's (righty) wicked cutter moves in very sharply to left handed hitters, so righties have more success against him.
2007-07-09 09:15:44 · answer #6 · answered by jeterripken 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Many switch hitters already do something like what you are suggesting. For example, Mariano Rivera, a righty, throws a great cutter inside to lefties. To counteract this, some hitters bat righty, allowing them to face Mo's less devastating 2-seam fastball. Also, many hitters bat righty against righty knuckleballers.
In short, many batters do what you are suggesting, but often they just go lefty against a righty because they are more comfortable that way.
2007-07-09 10:27:17 · answer #7 · answered by x 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
you are totally correct now let's get the manager too agree before he puts someone else in to bat for the guy if it does not work out
2007-07-09 09:13:34 · answer #8 · answered by Debbie J 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
i also agree
2007-07-09 09:15:06 · answer #9 · answered by JOSH L 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋