Why do the Dodgers always take the first pitch and swing at the second pitch?

[Cassandro]

This is getting to be ridiculous. The Dodger batters almost always take the first pitch (which is usually right down the middle), and then swing at the second pitch (which is usually outside the strike zone). This often leaves them in an 0-2 count before they even get serious about hitting the ball. Has anyone else noticed this?

 

[evenflow1969]

This is getting to be ridiculous. The Dodger batters almost always take the first pitch (which is usually right down the middle), and then swing at the second pitch (which is usually outside the strike zone). This often leaves them in an 0-2 count before they even get serious about hitting the ball. Has anyone else noticed this?

Well the MLB is statistically driven in game planning. The game plan is usually different depending on the team being played. This is a common strategy to up pitch count and chase the starter off the mound. Many pitchers become less effective deeper in the game. They track this. One possible reason. Also can be the batters have not faced the pitcher much. They wanna see more pitches to get use to the pitcher.

 

[MarathonMike]

This is getting to be ridiculous. The Dodger batters almost always take the first pitch (which is usually right down the middle), and then swing at the second pitch (which is usually outside the strike zone). This often leaves them in an 0-2 count before they even get serious about hitting the ball. Has anyone else noticed this?

It's a pretty common strategy but with the Dodgers batting .191 as a team they may be more aggressive tonight.

 

[stan ford 4]

No, I did not notice that.