Greg Maddux on 0-2 “Waste Pitches”

[dmasterson]

I think we are missing one of the key points here. What is worse: A ball on an 0-2 pitch or a hit on an 0-2 pitch? Pitching a ball several inches outside has a very low probability of giving up a hit still with a chance of a strikeout. Pitching the ball over the plate (or even on a corner) has a much higher chance of giving up a hit. With runners in scoring position I think it is prudent to "waste" a pitch. Make it at least a little bit tempting though and not in the opposite batters box of course.

 

[southalabamajaguar20]

I agree.

Waste pitches are exactly that "waste". My grandson's baseball coach (on 0-2 counts) will call 3 straight waste pitches, doesn't understand how much pressure he just put on the pitcher to throw a strike after telling him not to throw a strike. I estimate 75-80% of the time he walks the batter, which adds to the pressure, just a vicious cycle.

Edit- maybe we should define what a "waste" pitch is.