Rick McBride Jr

I think context matters. everyone loves talking about "seeing pitches" and long at-bats, but the only stat that actually matters is **runs scored**. A 10- or 11-pitch strikeout where the hitter took (or missed) good pitches to hit is still just an out. It doesn't become "quality" because they worked the count. Same with any other non-productive plate appearance. Run expectancy math backs this up: a strikeout typically costs a team ~0.25–0.30 runs on average (often more in key situations because it can't advance runners). A loud 100+ mph out might not score a run that inning either, but over time, **quality of contact** scales. Hitters who consistently barrel balls and produce hard contact see positive results and actual run creation more so than guys who just “grind out long at-bats” That said, a competitive ab that leads to getting on base is positive. "Seeing more pitches" as a team strategy has some marginal value (tiring starters, slightly higher walk rates), but studies show almost zero correlation between high pitches-per-plate-appearance and actual team runs scored or winning. High P/PA hitters often just end up walking more *or* striking out more — it doesn't magically turn them into better producers, most of the time they are missing good pitches to hit. the goal should be **selective aggression**: hunt pitches you can drive, stay ready to swing, and make the pitcher pay when he misses his spot. Teach barreling the ball and moving the offense — whether that's a hard single, a productive grounder, a sac fly, or even a well-timed walk. The kid who smokes the first-pitch mistake to the gap is developing the skill that actually translates and scores runs long-term. The 11-pitch "disciplined" K where he let meatballs go by? That's often just missing opportunities. So context definitely matters