Pitchers throw the ball and utilize their skills to add velocity and make the ball move. But we also know that they are partly responsible for suppressing the opposition’s running game and they need to field their position well. Those non-pitching skills can be the difference between winning or losing ball games.
Spring training provides pitchers the time to practice these skills. Let’s look at how well the Astros’ pitchers performed skills that complement their main job of throwing the ball. With the MLB designing the rules to make it easier to steal bases, it’s probably more important now than ever.