JFLNYC wrote:Maybe Rube is right and walks don't mean shit.
Guys who take a lot of pitches aren't necessarily good hitters. Guys who take pitches until they get one they can sock are what you want. Walks are often a byproduct of that approach. But if you can't hurt the pitcher too much when he throws strikes, it doesn't do a ton of good. See Ben Revere.
It looks like Rollins showed a guy can make progress in increasing walks. It ain't easy though.
It's not exceptionally simple. Some guys are better off swinging more. It's possible to be too passive. However, the guys the Phils should be trying to get should have a good eye at the plate. Dugan has some potential in this regard if he can stay healthy. Franco not so much at this point. He's really young so maybe he can get a bit better. He certainly changed his swing quite a bit this season.
I think the ability to foul off tough pitches is an under rated skill. Phils have not been loaded with these types.
