Do They Still Pitch Intentional Walks?

The intentional walk is a baseball technique used to intentionally put a base runner on a base. It is a strategy used to set up a better offensive opportunity and can be used to avoid a potential big hit or to simply move a runner into scoring position. But do teams still use this technique in modern times or has it become obsolete? Let’s take a look.

What is an Intentional Walk?

An intentional walk is when a pitcher intentionally throws four balls outside the strike zone in order to allow the batter to advance to first base. This is usually done when the pitcher believes the batter is a threat to hit the ball far and get on base. It is also sometimes used to set up a double play situation or to get a runner in scoring position.

When is an Intentional Walk Used?

An intentional walk is usually used when the pitcher is facing a strong batter, such as a power hitter who is known for hitting home runs. It is also used when a team is leading by a few runs and wants to avoid a potential big hit from a batter. The intentional walk can also be used to move a runner into scoring position, such as when there are two outs and a runner on second base.

Advantages of an Intentional Walk

There are several advantages to using an intentional walk. It can be used to avoid a potential big hit and can be used to set up a double play situation. It can also be used to move a runner into scoring position, which can be a huge advantage late in the game when a team is looking to score a run.

Disadvantages of an Intentional Walk

One disadvantage of an intentional walk is that it can give the offense a free base, which can be costly if the next batter then hits the ball and gets on base. It can also be a sign of weakness for a pitcher, as it shows that he is afraid of the batter and is not confident in his ability to get him out.

How Often Are Intentional Walks Used?

Intentional walks are not used as often as they once were. In 2017, only 0.68% of all plate appearances resulted in an intentional walk. This is down from 1.5% in 2008 and 2.4% in 1998.

Are Intentional Walks Becoming Obsolete?

It appears that intentional walks are becoming less and less popular, as teams seem to be relying more on their pitchers to get out batters. This could be due to the increasing popularity of analytics and data-driven decision making, as teams are now able to get an accurate read on a batter’s tendencies and are more likely to trust their pitchers to get the job done.

Are Intentional Walks Still Effective?

Despite the decline in intentional walks, they are still an effective strategy when used correctly. Intentional walks are still used in certain situations where the pitcher is facing a strong batter or when a team is looking to set up a double play situation.

Reasons for the Decline in Intentional Walks

There are several reasons for the decline in intentional walks. One reason is the increasing reliance on analytics and data-driven decision making, which allows teams to get an accurate read on a batter’s tendencies and trust their pitchers to get the job done. Additionally, the increased use of relief pitchers has made it more difficult for teams to set up double play situations, as relief pitchers are often brought in to face only one batter.

What are the Alternatives to Intentional Walks?

Although intentional walks are still used in certain situations, teams are increasingly relying on other strategies to get out batters. These include pitching inside the strike zone, using off-speed pitches, and using a pitch-out.

Conclusion

The intentional walk is still an effective strategy when used correctly, but it appears that teams are increasingly relying on other strategies to get out batters. This is likely due to the increasing reliance on analytics and data-driven decision making, as teams are now able to get an accurate read on a batter’s tendencies and are more likely to trust their pitchers to get the job done.