Dewan: The Ray Searage effect
From SABR member John Dewan at ACTA Sports on January 26, 2016:
Since taking over as the Pirates pitching coach in August 2010, Ray Searage has demonstrated a unique ability to maximize pitcher effectiveness. Collectively, over the last five seasons, the Pirates have led the majors in soft hit percentage, groundball rate, and Batting Average on Grounders and Short Liners, and are second in two-seam fastball and sinker usage—all ingredients for sustainable success on the pitcher’s mound.
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Playing to these strengths, Searage and the rest of their coaching staff have given the Pirates a reputation as being one of the league’s most desired destinations for reclamation-project pitchers. Marrying Searage’s proven pitching philosophy with the team’s willingness to apply defensive shifts has allowed previously ineffective pitchers to flourish in the Steel City.
Read the full article here: http://www.statoftheweek.com
Originally published: January 26, 2016. Last Updated: January 26, 2016.