Is it true that Martin Prado never swings at the first pitch? Take a look at the two graphs from Texas Leaguers pitch f/x. The first is the location and type of pitch of the first pitches in the plate attempt when Prado swings. The second is location and type of pitches when Prado does not swing.
Obviously, he doesn’t swing at most of the first pitches in an at-bat. Of the 17 he has swung at, only 7 have been in play. Of those 7, 6 have been outs. That’s not exactly a high percentage, so maybe it is best that Prado not swing at the first pitch. I know, it’s small sample size, but maybe the first pitch is a mental act for him. Maybe it settles him into the pitch sequence by taking the first pitch.
Since Prado, for the majority of his plate appearances, is pretty much satisfied on having a 1-0 or 0-1 count, what happens with the next pitch if he is 0-1? If he does swing, he is highly selective. Evidenced by the graphic below, Prado will rarely swing at anything outside of the st...
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