As a general rule, right-handed batters have an easier time facing left-handed pitchers and lefty batters are better against righties. Since the vast majority of pitchers are right-handed, lefties have a built in advantage. When a right-handed pitcher throws to a right-handed batter, the ball is often released behind the batter’s head and breaks across his body towards the plate. This creates an indirect line of sight, making it difficult to recognize the pitch. However, when right-handed pitchers face lefties, they lose the element of deception. The same holds true for lefty on lefty matchups, only the pitcher’s advantage is exaggerated because of unfamiliarity. Some left-handed batters never get used to the effect and find themselves on the bench every time there is a southpaw on the mound.

Tim Wheeler, a Rockies 2009 first-round draft pick, serves as an example of a left-handed player that is having trouble adjusting to good left-handed pitching. In two minor league seasons with Colorado, Wheeler has hit under .200 against lefties. Tim is a highly touted prospect — many consider him one of the Rockies’ ten best — but his inability to produce against minor league southpaws is disconcerting. Fortunately, the Rockies are stacked with outfielders, allowing the luxury of patience with Wheeler as he works to improve.
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