Nate Schwartz (@_nateschwartz) and Kyle Bland (@blandalytics) break down swing rates and contact rates for hitters.
The discussion starts with how ABS has changed parts of how we value plate discipline, and how good discipline can play into challenges. They dive into swing rates: they start with how overall swing rate doesn’t necessarily mean anything on its own, but can show outlier trends. Breaking it out into zone swing and out-of-zone swing (chase rate), they mention chase rate’s importance because no good outcome can come from a chase swing. They move into contact rates, focusing on the importance of zone contact. Overall, they note how important it is that swings in the zone still struggle to create run value, emphasizing decision-making relative to contact ability. Finally, they close by talking about Pitcher List’s decision value and contact ability, and what goes into those stats.
Articles discussed: Quantifying the Corey Seager Approach, Robert Orr; The Westburg Paradox, Tanner McGrath; Chasers Gonna Chase, but Where?, Davy Andrews; Heart of the Zone Value Tweet, Kyle Bland; STIO Tweet, Kyle Bland
