Game Theory: Stacking Your Lineup Against Lefty Starters Can Be Bad

[Brock Beauchamp]

I found this really interesting. Obviously, this is only talking about Montgomery but I'd like to see a more comprehensive look at lefty starters in general to see if this is wider-ranging than just one pitcher.

http://tangotiger.com/index.php/site/article/plesac-says-to-not-stack-your-lineup-with-rhh-against-lhp 

[duewizard]

Interesting read. Also would be interesting to see how starters would compare against relievers, particularly LOOGY-type guys.

[Brock Beauchamp]

6 minutes ago, duewizard said:

Interesting read. Also would be interesting to see how starters would compare against relievers, particularly LOOGY-type guys.

I think it would be minimized and likely not exist at all. LOOGY guys usually have fewer pitches and get into less of a rhythm due to how few batters they face overall.

But it'd still be interesting to see the numbers.

[jerichoholicninja]

I've always hated making decisions based solely on the handedness of the batter and the pitcher. There are so many more important variables. What's the pitcher's arm angle, his velocity, what pitches does he throw, what pitches does the batter struggle against. Those seem like a lot more important things to consider to me.

I also agree with what Plesac said. I've always struggled pitching to left handed batters because my visual frame of reference for location changes. Switching back and forth between RHB and LHB really messes with me. But put a few LHB in a row and it's not as bad.