Is slapping a dying thing?

[mmeece]

I feel like some years ago you would see multiple slappers in lineups and now I don't see as many. Has it died off some or am I just watching the wrong games? What would cause such a popular thing to fall to the wayside?

There are fewer one-dimensional slappers than there once were. Defenses and pitchers are better at defending those who can only soft slap or bunt. Slappers who can challenge a defense on more than one level are just as dangerous as ever. I'd also say that slappers may be less common in the P5 schools than there were in years past, since many are prioritizing recruiting power hitters.

 

[Bullseye]

Also analytics. It's hard to slap for a double.

Your argument about analytics loses because batters are slapping for homeruns.

 

[Bullseye]

There are fewer one-dimensional slappers than there once were. Defenses and pitchers are better at defending those who can only soft slap or bunt. Slappers who can challenge a defense on more than one level are just as dangerous as ever. I'd also say that slappers may be less common in the P5 schools than there were in years past, since many are prioritizing recruiting power hitters.

Prioritizing power hitters creates a new category beyond the triple threat it's a quadruple threat now because they can hit home runs.

 

[Bullseye]

Concur teams want big power hitters. However noticeably big husky not being able to run for themselves create a negative issue.
A power hitter who is also fast is a double threat and more valuable asset.
Everyone may want the stick of Jocelyn Alo on their roster. But if all players couldn't run for themselves it would be a different game.

 

[_MIA_]

A power hitter who is also fast is a double threat and more valuable asset.

Of course, everyone would love to have 9 Mike Trouts/Bo Jacksons/Mickey Mantles on their team..even I could manage/coach that team

 

[Bullseye]

Of course, everyone would love to have 9 Mike Trouts/Bo Jacksons/Mickey Mantles on their team..even I could manage/coach that team

Exactly, there isn't that team to coach.

 

[_MIA_]

Exactly, there isn't that team to coach.

That brings up an interesting question. Who would be the closest thing to Mickey Mantle/Mike Trout in softball in the last 10 years? I cannot really think of anybody who has/had elite speed and elite power, e.g. somebody who is plus-plus (using MLB tool ratings) on both speed and power tool ratings. I cannot think of any.

 

[JayW]

That brings up an interesting question. Who would be the closest thing to Mickey Mantle/Mike Trout in softball in the last 10 years? I cannot really think of anybody who has/had elite speed and elite power, e.g. somebody who is plus-plus (using MLB tool ratings) on both speed and power tool ratings. I cannot think of any.

Maya Brady is very good in both areas, but maybe not elite. Only a redshirt sophomore though.

 

[_MIA_]

Maya Brady is very good in both areas, but maybe not elite. Only a redshirt sophomore though.

She is a pretty good example, sure.

 

[uncdrew]

My world of softball is pretty exclusively 12U.

Every team we play has a slapper, and they come in two flavors:

1. Those who have no idea how to slap
2. Those who are starting to get an idea of how to slap

It leads to some easy outs in many cases.