Issue: Pitch counts
Background: The Red Sox are among baseball’s true believers in the concepts espoused in “Moneyball,” including the value of having hitters who are patient and force high pitch counts, draw a lot of walks and have a high on-base percentage. Through two games, the Red Sox have forced Rockies starters Jeff Francis in Game 1 and Ubaldo Jimenez on Thursday to high pitch counts early and quick exits. Red Sox hitters’ desire is to keep turning their lineup over and force a starter out before the seventh.
Bottom line: There’s little doubt Boston’s hitting approach is unnerving the Rockies’ starters. Force them to throw enough pitches, Boston believes, and they’ll make mistakes, such as the pitch Mike Lowell lined to left to drive in the game-winner.
