Command and control

you won.

Think of it like accuracy versus precision. Accuracy is when you have results which hit a general target area, but can be scattered around that particular area. Precision is where you’re able to have results packed together in a small area without much scattering, but that small area may not be the zone you’re aiming for.

For example, let’s say we have a pitcher on the mound who throws a slider. If he has good control, he can consistently throw that pitch for strikes, albeit he may throw them all over the zone with varying results. You’d probably see the catcher moving his glove a lot, changing his position, etc. You’d also see a fair number of meatballs down the heart of the plate.

However, if he has good command, he will be able to use that slider to hit a particular spot when called upon. Think the Steve Stone Special (slider in the dirt!). This includes throwing outside of the zone in order to get a hitter to chase. The catcher knows the pitch is coming and does not have to adjust to the pitch. So, when you see a pitcher throw a slider in the dirt in order to get a hitter to swing at a terrible pitch, and the catcher has little trouble blocking it, he’s showing good command, but technically not good control.

I know that’s fairly hyper-technical, but that’s generally how scouts grade pitchers.

…these two terms are interchangable.

If you have good control, chances are you have good command etc. etc.. Years ago, it was called control and in recent years, the term “command” has creeped into play.

A real good example of “good command” was Ted Lilly on Sunday. I love to watch him pitch because he is just that – " a pitcher" vs a “thrower”. He was hitting both sides of the plate and varied his speeds beautifully. Lilly is real good at varying his fastball speeds and he catches the hitters off-guard. He will throw 87-88 and then all of a sudden bust one in tight at 91-92 (and that seems like 95 to a hitter).

The dude can pitch, and he also has the balls to throw certain pitches that other guys would shy away from. I have said this before, but he really reminds me a lot of Kenny Holtzman.

…and all I’m saying is 30 years ago, when you said a pitcher had excellent control, they could put the ball where they wanted it. Back then, they didn’t use the term command.

By today’s terms, if a pitcher is good enouph to throw a lot of strikes, it means they have good control. IMO, if a pitcher is good enouph to throw a lot of strikes, they are probably good enouph to put a lot of those pitches where they want.

To me, this is all part of the over-analysis that has evolved in baseball over the years.