Which skill is harder to attain?
by huckleberry on Mar 2, 2026 9:58 AM EST
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PrintIt seems like, for all the skills that hitters and pitchers are able to develop, the hardest are plate discipline and control, respectively. I'm curious as to who has a harder go if it, in general. Is it easier to learn the strike zone and pitch recognition or to harness multiple pitches and throw them for strikes? I'm interested in what John thinks, but also all the MiLB community's opinion (or fact, if it exists).
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Control
The reason is two fold.
First, control is usually a mechanical issue. Mechanical issues can be corrected most times. We see guys make these corrections often enough.
Secondly, plate discipline usually isn’t a function of approach or mechanics. It is usually a function of an inability to recognize certain pitches. That usually isn’t something you can fix. That is why guys with poor plate discipline tend to always have it. There are some outliers here, but study after study after study shows that plate discipline doesn’t usually improve by a whole lot in players.
by dougdirt on Mar 2, 2026 10:15 AM EST reply actions
Control is easier than plate discipline, however control isn't important for pitchers
Command is what is critical for pitchers. And that is quite difficult.
by pedrophile on Mar 2, 2026 4:14 PM EST up reply actions
explain the difference
i guess in my mind they’re one and the same command/control. what am i missing?
http://www.simdynasty.com/index.jsp?refer=mychiefs58
by huckleberry on Mar 3, 2026 12:40 AM EST up reply actions
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