The return of small ball can result in big benefits. Just look at the Diamondbacks

Ron Washington, the new manager of the Angels, was recently introduced with much fanfare. The event was attended by former and current players, as well as the team’s organizational staff. Amidst the usual clichés and bravado, Washington revealed his vision for how the Angels will play baseball in 2024. The 71-year-old spelled out, quite literally, his approach, emphasizing that he wants his team to play “b-a-s-e-b-a-l-l”.

What exactly does that mean? It means moving away from the trend of relying solely on hitting home runs, and moving towards a modern version of small ball. Washington’s small-ball vision is in line with the subtle philosophical change in Major League Baseball that emerged in 2023, including the implementation of the pitch clock and several other changes to encourage more action on the field.

These changes had an immediate impact, increasing stolen bases and the average batting average, as well as the average number of runs scored per game. The 2023 World Series saw the Arizona Diamondbacks successfully adopt a small-ball strategy and use athleticism and speed to apply pressure on their opponents, leading to an improbable World Series run.

This indicates that the future of baseball might be moving toward a more balanced approach, combining a focus on home runs with a strong running game. This trend is not limited to smaller market teams; even the prestigious New York Yankees are reportedly considering a focus on incorporating small-ball strategies into their game plan.

As for the Angels, Washington intends to apply an old-school philosophy of baseball, aiming to scratch runs when needed and relying on the fundamentals of the game, regardless of the presence or absence of star players like Shohei Ohtani. Once again, as Washington states, his vision is “not copying nobody’s style. We’re just going to play baseball and whatever comes under baseball, that’s what you’re going to see.”

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David Rodriguez

David Rodriguez brings the excitement of Major League Baseball to readers. With a deep appreciation for America’s pastime, he covers the latest MLB news, scores, and player achievements, keeping fans up to date with their favorite teams and players.