The Pirates’ Way in the Era of Launch
BRADENTON, Fla. — The first pitch of the 2018 season was a home run. More and more hitters seem to have the intent to get the ball in the air. We’ve heard about more and more swing-change stories this spring. What can pitchers do to counteract the movement? I know many pitchers and coaches are thinking about that question.
I traveled to Pirates camp late this spring because in part because I am still familiar with a number of people within the club from my time on the beat in Pittsburgh, but also because so much has changed in the game — and in their clubhouse — since the last time I covered a Pirates’ game in September of 2016.
Pittsburgh, of course, made three consecutive playoff appearances from 2013 to -15. While those clubs featured a collection of talented players, the teams was also notable for its run-prevention plan. In each of those three seasons, the team led the majors in ground-ball rate, compiling a three-year mark of 51.5%. They allowed the fewest home runs (339) over that three-year period, as well.
The Pirates made a point either of acquiring pitchers with quality sinking fastballs or developing those sinkers internally. The club led baseball in sinker usage during that three-year span, targeting the lower part of the zone. The Pirates had built a philosophy around the pitch: to pound batters inside to create discomfort and weaker swings. The Pirates executed their philosophy well: they led baseball in hit batters (233), collateral damage from pitching inside.
Season | GB% | HR | ERA- | HR/FB |
---|---|---|---|---|
2013 | 52.5% | 101 | 91 | 8.9% |
2014 | 50.5% | 128 | 99 | 10.3% |
2015 | 50.4% | 110 | 84 | 9.4% |
2016 | 46.9% | 180 | 103 | 13.0% |
2017 | 45.2% | 182 | 99 | 12.9% |
Of course, much has changed — and changed quickly — since that three-year window.