In Major League Baseball: What's the Difference Between a Pickoff and a Pitchout?
In baseball, there are two distinct play types that involve a pitcher throwing the ball to a base without intending to strike out the batter: pickoffs and pitchouts. While they share some similarities, they serve different strategic purposes.
Pickoff
A pickoff is a deceptive maneuver where the pitcher fakes a throw towards home plate, intending to catch a runner stealing off the base. If successful, the runner is tagged out. Pickoffs are typically employed when a runner is on first or second base and the pitcher believes they may be attempting to steal.
Pitchout
A pitchout is a planned play where the pitcher throws the ball directly to a fielder (usually the catcher) with the sole purpose of preventing a runner from advancing. This is done in critical situations, such as when there are runners on base and the batter is attempting a sacrifice bunt. By throwing a pitchout, the pitcher forces the runner to stay put and prevents them from reaching base.
Differences
- Target: A pickoff targets a runner off the base, while a pitchout targets a fielder.
- Intent: A pickoff aims to tag out a runner, while a pitchout aims to prevent a steal or sacrifice.
- Timing: Pickoffs typically occur early in the count, while pitchouts are thrown at any time.
- Surprise: A pickoff relies on deception, while a pitchout is a deliberate throw.
FAQs
- Which is more common? Pickoffs are more frequent than pitchouts.
- Can a batter hit a pickoff? No, the batter cannot swing at a pickoff because it is not intended as a pitch.
- When are pitchouts used? Pitchouts are often used when a batter has a runner on base and is likely to attempt a sacrifice.
- Can a runner be tagged out on a pitchout? No, a runner cannot be tagged out unless the pitchout was a wild pitch or passed ball.
- What's the penalty for an illegal pitchout? An illegal pitchout (e.g., if the throw goes to a different base) results in a balk, allowing the runners to advance one base.
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