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"Relax, all right? Don't try to strike everybody out. Strikeouts are boring!" -- Crash Davis in Bull Durham. We looked to Davis for wisdom on Monday, but pardon me if I disagree with this Crash-ism. Strikeouts are fantastic. It gets no better than watching a power pitcher blow an 98-mph fastball by a power hitter, or watching a technician like James Shields dissect a lineup with his ability to think ahead of the competition. No-hit and perfect games bids are must-see TV but I'd rather watch the pitcher who has given up a hit or a walk, but still has a chance at striking out 21 batters. With so many power pitchers blended with the cerebral craftsman like Shields, it is a golden era for the punch out. That also means everyone is in a rush to get pitchers who can miss bats. After all, is the best way to not allow runs? Not allowing hits. Or even better? Not allowing contact.
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