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I interpreted Rick N.’s mailbag question about excellent/good/acceptable/bad strikeout and walk rates to mean what would be an ideal mix for the watchability of the game. I was very confused by your answer until I figured out that I misinterpreted the question.
Got me thinking though -- what do you think would be an ideal rate of strikeouts and walks for watchability?
-- Matt H.
I don’t think you can realistically get strikeout rates down much lower than 20% without moving the mound back, and I’d take that. I do think the balance in the 2000s — 17% K rate, 7-8% walk rate — is around optimal. I talk about the 1980s a lot, but between the absence of turf and the raw talent of players, you’re never getting back to that kind of sport. If we could have 17% K, 8% BB, .325 BACon, .510 SLGcon, 3% HR rate, we’d be around the most watchable version of the game.
--J.
