Opposite Andy

Andy Pettitte allows more home runs at home than on the road since the new Yankee Stadium opened in 2009. The biggest reason is that right-handed batters can take him deep the opposite way in The Bronx.

Andy Pettitte Home Runs allowed on the road to RHB, 2009-2010.

As you can see, it's rare for right-handed batters to go deep the other way against Andy on the road. At home it's a different matter.

Andy Pettitte home runs at home to RHB, 2009-2010.

If a Rangers hitter goes deep the other way against Pettitte Monday night, you can blame the stadium.

Ryan Howard's Playoff Eye

Ryan Howard is having a strong postseason at the plate. During the regular season Ryan Howard's swing rate for balls outside the strike zone was 31.5%. So far in the 2010 post season Ryan Howard's swing rate for balls outside the strike zone has dropped to 22.2%. As a result he is seeing an average of 4.14 pitches per plate appearance.

All that said, he is still striking out - 9 Ks in 21 plate appearances.

Ryan Howard Post Season Stats (through Sunday October, 17):

PA: 21
Pitches: 87
Avg: .333
OBP: .429
WOBA: .392
Hits: 6
Ks: 9

Buster Posey vs. Lowe's Sinker

Entering last night's game Buster Posey was one of MLB's top performers when facing the sinker ball. Of course it's no surprise Lowe relies on his sinker to get outs.

Derek Lowe's Pitch Log for Game 1 of the 2010 NLDS

Below you will find a heat map representation of Posey's SLG% against the sinker compared to the rest of Major League Baseball in 2010. When facing the sinker he is second in the league with a .775 SLG%. Only Paul Konerko has a higher SLG% when facing the sinker (.962). We should also note that Posey's AVG when facing the slider is .400 (6th in all MLB). 

2010 In Play SLG% vs. sinker: Buster Posey vs MLB

Meanwhile Posey struggles against the slider. Versus the slider in 2010 Posey has a SLG% of .397 (63rd percentile across MLB) and a AVG of .219. 

2010 In Play SLG% vs. slider: Buster Posey vs. MLB

All that said Derek Lowe still threw approximately the same number of sliders and sinkers to Posey (5 sinkers, 6 Sliders). Posey rarely swings at the first pitch resulting in  two first pitch sinkers for called strikes. 

Here is a pitch by pitch breakdown of Posey's plate appearances versus Derek Lowe last night:

• Buster Posey grounds into a force out, third baseman Omar Infante to second baseman Brooks Conrad. Aubrey Huff out at 2nd.
  Vs Buster Posey (R), Bottom 1, 2 out, Man on First, tied 0-0
  • 0-0 - Strike Looking on a 89 MPH Sinker - Over the Plate
  • 0-1 - Ball on a 82 MPH Slider - Outside
  • 1-1 - Ball on a 81 MPH Slider - Outside
  • 2-1 - Ground Ball Fielders Choice on a 90 MPH Sinker - Over the Plate
• Buster Posey singles on a ground ball to left fielder Matt Diaz.
  Vs Buster Posey (R), Bottom 4, 0 out, Bases Empty, tied 0-0
  • 0-0 - Ball on a 82 MPH Slider - Outside
  • 1-0 - Strike Swinging on a 81 MPH Slider - Over the Plate
  • 1-1 - Ball on a 79 MPH Slider - Low
  • 2-1 - Ground Ball Single on a 89 MPH Sinker - Over the Plate
• Buster Posey doubles (1) on a fly ball to center fielder Rick Ankiel. Buster Posey advances to 3rd, on fielding error by center fielder Rick Ankiel.
  Vs Buster Posey (R), Bottom 6, 0 out, Bases Empty, trailing 0-1
  • 0-0 - Strike Looking on a 90 MPH Sinker - Low
  • 0-1 - Ball on a 83 MPH Changeup - Low
  • 1-1 - Ball on a 84 MPH Sinker - Low
  • 2-1 - Fly Ball Double on a 81 MPH Slider - Over the Plate