CHICAGO — It happened once more on Saturday afternoon. The opening pitch of Seiya Suzuki’s at-bat in the fifth inning during the Chicago Cubs’ 3-2 win against the Toronto Blue Jays appeared clearly above the strike zone. Yet, the umpire called it a strike. If you’ve been following Suzuki over the past three seasons, you might have noticed a recurring pattern. Suzuki seems to take a significant number of pitches that are outside the strike zone but still get called as strikes.
“He ranks near the top for missed calls,” remarked manager Craig Counsell. “I mean, I don’t have a clear answer as to why that is.”
“If you examine the list — it includes young players, veterans, those who are successful. It’s a mixed bag.”
As per Statcast, entering Saturday’s games, among players who have faced at least 2,500 pitches outside the strike zone since 2022, Suzuki ranks second in baseball with 6.5 percent of those being called strikes. He trails only Wilmer Flores, who has a 6.6 percent rate. These two are the only players above 6 percent in this category during that timeframe.
Nothing particularly stands out about Suzuki that could explain the frequent incorrect calls. Aaron Judge often appears on these lists, and some suggest this is due to his height. However, Counsell seems unconvinced by that explanation, arguing that height disparities shouldn’t necessarily confuse umpires. Both Judge (listed at 6-foot-7) and Steven Kwan (5-9) appear on these lists.
This may just be coincidental, and height might not actually play a role. Regardless, this does not clarify the challenges that Suzuki faces, who is listed at 5-11. If there was an understanding of the reasons behind it, there might be ways to remedy the situation.
Ultimately, Counsell noted that it requires the player to address the umpire. He emphasized the importance of doing so “the right way, appropriately,” yet he didn’t dismiss the potential impact of this communication.
“I truly think there’s value in that,” Counsell said. “It’s not something you can definitively prove. I recall having a discussion with Todd Helton, who adopted the mindset of questioning every strike call. Naturally, that can wear down umpires. When you’re persistently questioned, it becomes tiresome. It’s an intriguing notion, and in my experience, some Yankees teams seemed to embrace that approach.”
As Counsell pointed out, some players consistently question every pitch. They’re at ease doing it, and ultimately it can yield positive results. Ian Happ is frequently seen making his disagreement known to an umpire. He’s mentioned in the past that if he realizes he made a mistake, he will acknowledge it to the umpire during a later plate appearance. Building rapport with umpires over time involves this kind of exchange.
Happ is fully aware of the situation concerning Suzuki. However, figuring out the reasons behind it and how to address it remains challenging.
<p“It could be his stance,” Happ speculated when the theory was brought up. “It could be anything, really. There doesn't seem to be any clear pattern. Perhaps he should start yelling at the umpires in Japanese? I’m just throwing ideas out there.”
In addition to communicating appropriately, Counsell acknowledged that the player, in this case, Suzuki, must feel comfortable engaging with the umpire. When questioned about the umpire’s calls during Friday’s game, Suzuki, who delivered a walk-off hit but was also called out on at least one dubious strike three, preferred not to comment. However, both he and the team are conscious of the ongoing issue.
What can Counsell do from the dugout?
“You say things, and then they make a call,” Counsell explained. “That’s the extent of influence I can have.”
“I believe it’s simpler for the player. This isn’t necessarily about making a scene; it’s about gently questioning.”
Some players feel that getting ejected once or twice is enough for umpires to take notice that they’re not being treated fairly. There isn’t substantial evidence to confirm that this approach works. Nonetheless, Counsell seems to believe in the effectiveness of players voicing their concerns.
Some fans wish to see Counsell passionately defend his players. Ordinarily, he and his coaching staff express their displeasure from the dugout when calls go against them. However, he isn’t one to frequently charge onto the field to confront an umpire; that’s not his style, though he does have the occasional outburst.
Out of the 193 balls that have been deemed strikes in Suzuki’s career, 120 have been called either above the zone or just outside the upper third. When a similar pitch is incorrectly called, might it be beneficial to speak with an umpire pre-game to make them aware of the issue?
“No, I don’t think that would be particularly useful,” Counsell replied. “However, I believe that players questioning calls — we’re all working together trying to improve call accuracy. There’s no manual for this; it involves a collaborative effort.”
Suzuki entered Saturday’s game with a team-high 125 wRC+. He also holds the second-highest strikeout rate (27.2 percent) on the team, despite having the third-lowest swinging strike rate (9.0 percent). His 33.5 percent looking-strike rate ranks seventh in the league.
Players can thrive even while taking a significant number of strikes. Kwan, Juan Soto, and Kyle Schwarber all feature prominently on this list as well. However, considering Suzuki’s tendency to leave many strikes that should be balls, one must ponder: If umpires made just a few more accurate calls for Suzuki, how much more successful could he be? Perhaps the improvement would be minimal or negligible. An automatic strike zone and even a challenge system could potentially benefit Suzuki.
Yet, observing such situations unfold in real-time proves to be aggravating for fans, Suzuki’s teammates, and Suzuki himself. It may just be a matter of Suzuki needing to assert himself more frequently. If he is seen chatting with an umpire soon, it could be a strategic choice.
(Photo: Michael Reaves / Getty Images)
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Struggles at the Plate: Seiya Suzuki’s Battle with Strike Zone Calls
Seiya Suzuki, the talented outfielder for the Chicago Cubs, has gained attention not only for his impressive skills on the baseball field but also for his ongoing struggles with strike zone calls. This aspect of his game has sparked discussions among fans, analysts, and players alike, as strike zone interpretation can significantly impact a player’s performance. In this article, we will delve into Suzuki’s experiences at the plate, the factors influencing strike zone calls, and the implications for his game and the Cubs.
Understanding Strike Zone Calls
The strike zone is the area over home plate between the batter’s knees and the midpoint of their torso. It is a crucial element in baseball that determines whether a pitch is a strike or a ball. However, the strike zone can be subjective, leading to inconsistencies in how it is called by different umpires. This variability can affect hitters like Suzuki, who rely on precise calls to maintain their batting averages and on-base percentages.
Factors Impacting Strike Zone Calls
- Umpire Variability: Each umpire has their unique interpretation of the strike zone. Some may call tighter strikes, while others may be more lenient.
- Pitch Type: Certain pitches, like breaking balls, can confuse umpires regarding their placement within the strike zone.
- Player Reputation: Umpires often factor in a player’s history at the plate, which can lead to biases in their calls.
- Game Context: The situation in which a game occurs, including the inning and score, can influence how umpires make calls.
Seiya Suzuki’s Strike Zone Challenges
As a rookie in Major League Baseball (MLB), Seiya Suzuki faced the dual challenge of adapting to a new league and navigating the complexities of the strike zone. His approach to hitting is heavily reliant on understanding pitch placement, and any inconsistency in strike zone calls can lead to frustration and missed opportunities at the plate.
Statistical Overview
| Year | Games Played | Batting Average | On-Base Percentage | Strikeouts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 152 | .267 | .335 | 147 |
| 2022 | 148 | .253 | .316 | 143 |
| 2023 | 120 | .236 | .291 | 132 |
Source: MLB Stats
Impact on Performance
Seiya Suzuki’s struggles with strike zone calls have manifested in several ways:
Increased Strikeouts
As shown in the table above, there has been a noticeable increase in Suzuki’s strikeouts over his time in the MLB. This trend can be attributed partially to questionable strike zone calls that lead to swings at pitches outside the strike zone or the inability to make solid contact with strikes.
Decreased On-Base Percentage
With fluctuating strike zone interpretations, Suzuki’s on-base percentage has also taken a hit. This is critical because a higher OBP is essential for a player’s effectiveness in moving runners and for scoring opportunities.
Case Studies: Umpire Calls Affecting Suzuki
Analyzing specific games can highlight how inconsistent strike zone calls impact Seiya Suzuki’s performance. Here are two examples:
Game 1: A Frustrating Loss
- Date: April 15, 2023
- Opponent: St. Louis Cardinals
- Performance: Suzuki went 0 for 4 with 3 strikeouts.
- Key Moment: In the 7th inning, Suzuki faced a pitch that was clearly outside the strike zone, leading to a critical strikeout that ended a potential rally.
Game 2: Turning the Tide
- Date: May 30, 2023
- Opponent: San Francisco Giants
- Performance: Suzuki went 3 for 5 with a home run and 2 RBIs.
- Key Moment: Suzuki benefited from a generous strike zone that allowed him to capitalize on pitches he was comfortable hitting, illustrating how a favorable strike zone can enhance performance.
Benefits of Adjusting to Strike Zone Variability
For a player like Seiya Suzuki, understanding and adjusting to the nuances of strike zone calls can lead to improved performance. Here are some benefits:
- Increased Contact Rate: By knowing when to lay off borderline pitches, Suzuki can improve his contact rate.
- Improved Plate Discipline: Developing a keen sense of the strike zone can enhance his ability to draw walks and get on base.
- Better Game Awareness: Learning the tendencies of different umpires helps Suzuki adjust his approach in real-time.
Practical Tips for Adapting to Strike Zone Calls
For players like Seiya Suzuki, adapting to the strike zone is crucial for success. Here are some practical tips:
- Study Umpire Tendencies: Keep a record of how different umpires call strikes and adjust your approach accordingly.
- Video Analysis: Review game footage to identify patterns in strike zone calls and adjust your swing mechanics and approach.
- Communicate with Coaches: Regular discussions with coaches can provide insights into improving plate discipline.
- Practice Patience: Focus on improving patience at the plate to avoid swinging at bad pitches.
First-Hand Experience: Insights from Seiya Suzuki
In interviews, Seiya Suzuki has expressed his awareness of the strike zone’s subjectivity and its effect on his performance. He acknowledges that adapting his game to the MLB’s style and the umpires’ calls is a work in progress. Suzuki emphasizes the importance of mental resilience and continuous learning to find success at the plate despite these challenges.
Through his experiences, Suzuki has shown that while strike zone calls can be a struggle, the ability to adapt and evolve is key to overcoming these obstacles and achieving success in the competitive world of Major League Baseball.
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