C.J. Wilson Prepares for Patient Yankees

The First Pitch Strike:
In 2010 C.J. Wilson had a first pitch called strike rate of 45.6%. That puts him in the 67th percentile amongst all MLB pitchers. The league average is 42.3%.

Against the Yankees in 2010 C.J. Wilson had a 51.5% called strike rate. That puts him in the 75th percentile for MLB pitchers facing the Yankees. To be successful against a patient team like the Yankees look to see Wilson focus on getting ahead in the count during Game 1 of the ALCS.  

Second Time Around:
The 2010 Yankees hit Wilson very well the second time through the order. Here is an inning by inning snapshot of the Yankees performance against C.J. Wilson during the 2010 season:

Inning: Plate Appearances / AVG. / SLG%

1st: 8 / .143 / .143
2nd: 9 / .143 / .143
3rd: 12 / .455 / .545
4th: 5 / .200 / .200
5th: 5 / .500 / .750
6th: 3 / .500 / 1.000
7th: no plate appearances
8th: no plate appearances
9th: no plate appearances

Yankeess vs. C.J. Wilson Following the 2nd Inning:
PA: 25
AVG: .409
SLG: .545
WOBA: .470

Update on Saturday, October 16, 2010 at 6:37AM by MLB Heat

Despite a Rangers loss, C.J. Wilson was impressive. As discussed, his ability to get ahead in the count was critical. Last night Wilson's first pitch strike rate was 64.3% (2 swinging, 14 looking, 2 foul balls). For the most part he threw fastballs on the first  pitch (15 fastballs, 1 cutter, 2 sliders).

Here is a heat map showing most frequent pitch locations for all 28 first pitches:

ALCS Game 1 - C.J. Wilson First Pitch Heat Map Locations