Starting Pitcher's energy: Do you try to preserve it?

[Effington]

Hey guys,

I was recently introduced to the concept of pitching less-than-full velocity pitches when I mentioned that I felt my pitchers were getting tired a little too quickly (~70 pitches). After a little experimenting with the idea, I found that my strikeout count went down by almost half because of more contact by the batters. I also gave up probably twice as many hits. (Side note: I did not necessarily see an increase in accuracy when I decreased velocity, should I have?) The verdict is still out as to if my pitchers lasted longer; I used Rich Harden as one of my test subjects, who may not necessarily be the benchmark for stamina. When testing with Zambrano, he lasted to about mid 80's in the pitch count before his energy was done.

Hopefully I am understanding the concept correctly: I was told if you stop the meter in the yellowish area, fastballs are slower, more accurate, and use less energy. Changups are faster but use less energy and are more accurate, etc. The idea was that pitchers should be able to last longer. Someone please correct me if I am mistaken here.

That being said, what type of strategy do you use? In my limited testing, I did not see a major change in the computer's run production, but I did see an increase in hits and decrease in strikeouts. I have not experienced a noticable change in stamina by the pitchers, leading me to believe that there's no real advantage to holding back.

How do you guys approach using your starters?

[The Chef]

I too have heard that theory that holding back on the meter allows your pitchers to last longer but Im also having my doubts. I was throwing with Kuroda and he was hitting 92-93 with his fastball when I was filling the meter completely as well as when I was barely letting the meter get to the yellow. The only difference I noticed was it seemed tougher to locate when filling completely but the thought that breaking pitches dont break as much or fastballs arent as fast doesnt seem to be the case.

[swaldo]

I do notice more zing or ++fastball with elite pitchers on max. Also check your confidence for each pitch (the blue bar above each pitch selection.) If your confidence is great on your #1 pitch it will make less difference. If your confidence sucks on your #5 pitch then it's best to pitch for accuracy.