High & Hard, Slow & Low

This is another post in the area of “Pitching is not rocket science” category.  In a recent MLB playoff game, announcer Jim Kaat used the title of this post numerous times to explain how to pitch Miguel Cabrera.  He advocated hard stuff up and on the inner half of the plate and slow stuff low and over the outer part of the plate.  I’m sure Jim Kaat would tell you that pitching strategy has not changed since the start of baseball over 100 years ago.

• How do you pitch to Miguel Cabrera? … Hard stuff up/in, slow stuff down/away.
• How do you pitch to Barry Bonds? … Hard stuff up/in, slow stuff down/away.
• How do you pitch to Babe Ruth? … Hard stuff up/in, slow stuff down/away.
• How do you pitch to God? … Hard stuff up/in, slow stuff down/away.

The concept is rather simple and always will be.  The tough part is being able to do it.