LH/RH situational matchups; exceptional cases

[FergieJ31]

I got into a discussion of lefty-righty matchups and LOOGY strategy with a Padres fan, who passed on this article to me:

 

http://padres.scout.com/2/627917.html

 

My question to the brain trust here: Who are some of the notable exceptions to the "RH batters tend to fare better against LH pitching and vice versa" rule? I'm also looking for pitcher exceptions, e.g. Mike Remlinger. Opinions welcome too.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

While I can't be sure, my guess is that it'd be much more common in pitchers than hitters. The reason for reverse splits mostly comes down to repertoire, and that stays constant for the pitcher no matter what hitter he's facing. The opposite isn't true for hitters, so it's more difficult for a hitter to have a consistent reverse split considering the variation in stuff/pitches among different RH or LHP.

[USSoccer]

Dave Veres had a reverse split, IIRC.

[rocket]

barry zito vs. right handed batters: .662 OPSA

barry zito vs left handed batters: .733 OPSA

[FergieJ31]

Thanks gents. I agree with TT, that reverse splits tend to be pitchers not hitters (the statistically significant ones that is). I agree with TT's rationale here too.

 

I also think LH pitchers are in the unfavorable matchup more often -- more RH than LH hitters -- so they must learn to adjust more. Remlinger's early career splits showed he was much better against LH batters; it's more of a traditional LH pitcher split. Kudos to him for evolving to the point where he was actually slightly more effective against RH batters, and anti-kudos to Dusty for not recognizing this and force-fitting him into a LOOGY role.

 

Dave Veres .. just seeing that name and all I can think about is him strolling out to the mound in Game 7 :cry: