Chuckie's Problem

Every major league pitcher is going to struggle. Not every major league pitcher will have a clear problem staring at you in the face when they struggle. However, as is usually the case, Chuck James is not your normal pitcher. On the other hand, there is a clear specific problem to Chuck James this year that was not present last year.

Or was it?

Last year, Chuck James was forgotten in the Rookie of the Year voting because he was not a Marlin, but he was a productive rookie nonetheless. He pitched with confidence and effectiveness. This year has been a different story. He may still be pitching with confidence, but his effectiveness has gone down tremendously. Simply put, he is not getting ahead of batters.

How bad is it? Last year, 60% of his first pitches to batters went for strikes. The average since 2005 is 58% so he was a bit better than league average. Common sense tells you that first pitch strikes lead to shorter at-bats and hitters on their heels.

This year, 47% of his first pitches are strikes. Longer at-bats are the product and the more pitches you throw, the higher the chance you will make a mistake and put a pitch you do not want it to be. Even Kyle Davies is throwing exactly half of his first pitches for strikes and that sucks for him.

Nonetheless, I am not sure this is a new problem. James has always struck me as a nibbler. He does not give in, but he does not the stuff to not give in. To me, he is a lefthanded version of Trey Hodges.

The Braves starting rotation needs more at the top of the staff.