Paul Sullivan on the Cubs

[Ding Dong Johnson]

Sullivan's Q&A

 

This is now my all-time favorite reader question...

 

The Cubs failed last year due to Chip Caray and Steve Stone, so appropriately, Chip and Steve were run out of town. This year Dusty thinks the fans booing is the problem. The fans are causing players to swing at the first pitch with the bases loaded, not take pitches, leave runners on third with less than two out, etc. Can't we get rid of the fans before this season is lost? -- Rog Palmer, Phoenix

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Nitpick: Am I the only one that was taught that the first pitch is a great pitch to look for with the bases loaded? Most pitchers are trying to get ahead because they have no place to put the guy, so you're likely to get a fastball to hit.

 

 

Of course, taking the first pitch isn't a bad thing at all. Carry on.

[Electron Blue]

Nitpick: Am I the only one that was taught that the first pitch is a great pitch to look for with the bases loaded? Most pitchers are trying to get ahead because they have no place to put the guy, so you're likely to get a fastball to hit.

 

 

Of course, taking the first pitch isn't a bad thing at all. Carry on.

 

That's certainly a good point, but it's very frustrating when the hitter swings at the first pitch . . . and doesn't do anything with it.

[Ding Dong Johnson]

It depends on why the bases are loaded. If 2 or 3 are on via a walk, you should be kicked in the jimmy for going up there and swinging away. If the pitcher has been throwing BP fastballs and all 3 are on via base hits, go up there hacking if it's in your zone.

[dalgreen]

Nitpick: Am I the only one that was taught that the first pitch is a great pitch to look for with the bases loaded? Most pitchers are trying to get ahead because they have no place to put the guy, so you're likely to get a fastball to hit.

 

 

Of course, taking the first pitch isn't a bad thing at all. Carry on.

 

I always thought when the pitcher is in a jam, he's likely to throw the first pitch that is a pitcher's pitch and not a hitter's pitch. You might get a fastball first pitch, but it's designed for you to get yourself out versus a hitter's fastball. He's likely to give in to you on a 1-0 count than a 0-0 count.

[CuseCubFan69]

Nitpick: Am I the only one that was taught that the first pitch is a great pitch to look for with the bases loaded? Most pitchers are trying to get ahead because they have no place to put the guy, so you're likely to get a fastball to hit.

 

 

Of course, taking the first pitch isn't a bad thing at all. Carry on.

 

It really depends on the circumstances and how the game has developed and how the bases got loaded in the first place. Having a plan is a good thing but being able to adjust it according to how the game flows is even more important IMO.