Close observers of baseball all recognize that home runs and strikeout are up, and many say that the two are connected.
But sportswriter (and a favorite of mine) Joe Posnaski thinks that the reason Houston is doing so well is they are going beyond just accepting that ‘baseball wisdom.’
See this recent article. I think he and they are on to something:
Houston’s Awesome Hitting Feat Is Defying Trends, Joe Posnanski, MLB columnist.
Chris Boutourline said:
Impressive stats through 110 games but there’s a long way to go. The Astros may be especially relaxed
at the plate because they got got off to such a strong start to the season and have essentially been playing with “House Money” since May. Let’s see how they do in the playoffs when the pressure ramps up. P.S. The Miller’s time contest question of “more, or less, than 4.5 triple plays in 2017” just hit 4 this past week (thanks to Baltimore’s 2nd of the season), that question is going down to the wire.
Richard said:
Not sure the main point is that Houston can win it all but more that they’re on to something that if correct will soon be looked at (copied?) by other teams.
One more triple play in all the 52 games remaining seems doable.
John said:
IMO, what Houston is onto is what I and my LL teammates were taught (in more rudimentary fashion) so long ago. We actually thought it was embarrassing to strike out! What’s embarrassing now is to watch the poor discipline of so many hitters who seem totally incapable of adjusting their swings as the count progresses, and so often fan taking mighty cuts at pitches nowhere near the strike zone. Baseball would be more fun if contact hitting became a “thing” again.
Richard said:
ndeed.
Too much acceptance of striking out.
And tho I like the HR, when my team hits it, I prefer pitching duels, great base running, squeeze plays, moving runners along, stealing/caught stealing, extra inning last at bat wins, etc.