New York Yankees second baseman Jose Caballero found an advantage by gaming the pitch clock to confuse opposing pitchers, but the tactic caught up with him on Tuesday.
Caballero gained a reputation for using the on-field timer to press pitchers to the last second, earning a big RBI with the tactic late last season. But Caballero is now facing some criticism after it ended up hurting him — and the team — in this week’s game against the rival Boston Red Sox.
Jose Caballero’s Controversial Tactic
In Tuesday’s game, Caballero was called for an automatic strike and a strikeout when he took too much time to get ready in the batter’s box. Caballero had often waited until the last second, which in the past led to automatic balls called when the pitcher and catcher couldn’t get ready in time.
This week’s strikeout led to some criticism, with Jomboy Media breaking down his antics and highlighting the strikeout.
“Pitcher and hitter are required to be alert to one another with eight seconds remaining on the clock,” the site noted. “Jose Caballero catches pitcher’s sleeping by taking his time and looking up at the last second Tonight he eventually burned himself by trying to take advantage of the rule”
Caballero had used the tactic to his benefit against the Red Sox last September, when he drew a bases-loaded walk that extended New York’s lead to 4-1.
Yankees Manage Win Over Red Sox
Caballero’s strikeout didn’t hurt the Yankees much in Tuesday’s game against the Red Sox. They managed a 4-1 win, extending a four-game winning streak and improving to 14-9.
Giancarlo Stanton had a big night, going 2-for-4 with a solo home run and saying afterward that he always enjoys the pressure of playing their division rival.
“It’s always a fun rivalry game, no matter where each team is in the standings,” Stanton said, via the New York Post. “It’s just a good experience, a good pure baseball place to play. You’ve got to raise your game in those types of situations.”
Yankees Hitter Under Fire for Controversial Actions Against Red Sox