Stretch or Windup?

With a runner on 3rd base, a decision must be made whether the pitcher throws out of the windup or the stretch. Well, if the pitcher is comfortable pitching out of the stretch, that is if he is just as effective out of the stretch than there is no debate. You throw out of the stretch! This eliminates the possibility of a steal of home.

However, if a pitcher is more comfortable out of the windup then a decision must be made. Do you ask the pitcher to throw out of the windup giving the offense some opportunities they might not otherwise have.

With less than 2outs and a runner on 3rd, the pitcher should almost always throw out of the stretch. This prevents the runner from getting a walking lead and making the contact play a more attractive option for the offense. Furthermore, when the infield plays in- you must have the pitcher out of the stretch. I've seen too many instances where a defense looks to cut the runner down at the plate but the pitcher is throwing from the windup. Huh?

With two outs is when the true decision should take place. Again, only if a pitcher gains an advantage out of the windup should he even consider it. What are the risks with two outs of throwing out of the windup. Well, you're vulnerable to a straight steal(especially if you're lefthanded), you're vulnerable to a balk with a runner bluffing you at 3rd base and you're vulnerable to a bases loaded 3-2 count merry go round play. I call this the merry go round because all three runners can get a sprinting start and a single can score three runs when it should only plate two out of the stretch.

A coach must make a decision if a pitcher's windup is worth the risk of allowing the offense to gain certain advantages. In most cases, I would rather the pitcher be comfortable but at least the coach should now how the windup could be taken advantage of by the opposing offense.