Longoria appreciates pitchers who work fast

BOSTON — Evan Longoria believes pitchers who work fast have a better chance to succeed than those who don’t because their fielders are more tuned in.

“I know from a personal standpoint it’s tough when a guy is working fast — particularly when he’s around the zone,” Longoria said.

“You look at it. The guys who work fast. … I would venture to bet that the defensive numbers are better behind them because their fielders are more engaged. There’s not as much time in between pitches. The ball is consistently in the zone. In the hitting zone more, which leads to more contact.”

Longoria painted a portrait of what it feels like to play in the field behind a pitcher who takes his time.

“When you’re standing around and the guy goes 3-1, 3-2 and then the next batter he’s 2-0 then 3-1, you want early contact as a defender,” Longoria said. “You want to be able to think the guy is going to be able to put it into play in the first three pitches. So you’re ready. The deeper the count goes, the longer you’re standing around. For lack of a better word, you lose focus. It’s tough to stay engaged …

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