Quote:
Originally Posted by JayP
That is the one thing manager's do right. Focusing on a 20 at-bat sample is the kind of thing managers should be avoiding at all costs. There's not nearly enough data there for the numbers to mean anything.
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I'd have to disagree with you there. While it is probably true that 10-20 ABs is not a large enough sample size to truly determine how well you match up with a pitcher, I think the mental game greatly outweighs that.
With all the data that's available, I'd say most batters know how they match up against pitchers (especially when a new reliever comes in) before they go to the plate. If you know you are 1 for 14 with 5 Ks against the guy that just came into the game, you don't think that would be a large factor in your approach at the plate? Likewise if your lifetime stats are 6 for 10 with a couple of HRs, wouldn't you feel pretty good about the match-up?
I guess I think the mental game is huge, especially when a reliever is brought in for your specific at bat.