We'retheBoss
Sophomore
- Joined
- Dec 24, 2012
- Messages
- 2,453
Big picture - we're debating how we could have pushed across a single run in a midweek game against FGCU. More inspiring work from our hitting coach and manager-to-be.
Again, you're trying to apply aggregate data to every possible scenario. 1st and 2nd, no outs, 3rd inning, Pat Burrell at the plate? He's swinging. Hunter Freaking Tackett in the 9th? You'd better find a way to get that bunt down so that we don't have to watch you swing.
Here's what's funny about people trying to apply stats: you pick out one little tidbit in your favor while ignoring the big picture. In 2017, Tackett batted .212 (22-for-104). In 2018 he is hitting .259 (15-for-58). But you guys want to look at the extremely small ACC sample size and proclaim that we have the right guy at the plate to swing the bat. He hits against better ACC arms? Awesome. Then why is he 1-for-20 (literally) in non-ACC games?
FYI - the runs expected in each situation goes from 1.50 runs (1st/2nd no outs) to 1.40 runs (2nd/3rd 1 out). So pump the brakes on the MUCH better chance to win stuff. The scenarios are practically identical. And when you have a team that can't hit, you try to put runners in scoring position and hope for a blooper, error, or sac fly as opposed to letting jags swing away and hit into double plays.
I love this line: "the kid loses confidence in himself since his coach doesn't trust him to hit". No, it's his .228 career average that has taken away his confidence. Better learn to bunt, kid. You're heading into your last two months as an athlete, and we would like for you to contribute in some way before you put that degree to work.
Tackett this year is 6th on the team in Batting Average and 5th in On Base Percentage (OBP). Last, year even though Tackett's BA was a poor .212, he still finished the year 6th on the team in OBP. OBP is a far more important number for evaluating a batter. He's an average to slightly below average hitter overall.
You conceded that the stats show that bunting is better for scoring 1 run in the situation described (ninth inning no outs, runner on 1st and 2nd), but worse for scoring multiple runs (which you need to actually win the game). You are also assuming that Tackett actually knows how to bunt. You know what's a lot dumber than not bunting in that situation? Asking a player who may not know how to bunt to lay down a bunt. You are not only giving away an out (which is a given even if the bunt is successful) but also taking a huge chance that the batter fails to advance the runners.
So to sum up your posts: you far prefer a coach who plays by archaic 19th century baseball rules, gives away outs, and ignores empirical data that improves winning percentage. Yup, that sounds like a great way to get back to Omaha.
So to sum up your posts: you far prefer a coach who plays by archaic 19th century baseball rules, gives away outs, and ignores empirical data that improves winning percentage. Yup, that sounds like a great way to get back to Omaha.
They are worse. FAU, FIU, and FGCU will be playing in the postseason. ND will not.More on Hunter Tackett's domination of ACC pitching:
He batted .545 against Notre Dame. Six of his 14 ACC hits were in that one series. Not exactly lighting up the "better arms in the ACC" like some want us to believe. Notre Dame is worse than FAU, FGCU, UCF, etc.
You conceded that the stats show that bunting is better for scoring 1 run in the situation described (ninth inning no outs, runner on 1st and 2nd), but worse for scoring multiple runs (which you need to actually win the game).