We all know the Pirates want their pitching prospects to develop fastball command, and that emphasis could lead to reduced strikeout numbers. I would think, however, that other organizations have the same philosophy, so there wouldn't be a wide disparity in strikeout statistics. But it's interesting how the Pirates farm teams all rank at or near the bottom in league strikeouts.

Indy: 11th of 14

Altoona: 12th of 12 (76Ks behind 11th place)

Bradenton 12th of 12 (15 Ks behind 11th place)

West Virginia 11th of 14

State College 14th of 14 (60 Ks behind 13th)

GCL Pirates 13th of 15.

The major league staff also fails to fan many batters. I wonder what's going on? Do you the Pirates simply emphasize fastball command more than the other 29 teams? And if the other teams don't emphasize it as much, are the Pirates overemphasizing it? We'll probably have to wait 5 years before making any judgments, but I find it an interesting question.