Pitching strategy: What to throw when behind in the count

Just because you fall behind in the count 2-0, 2-1, or 3-1, it doesn't mean that you have to throw a fastball on the next pitch. Keep the hitter guessing.

If first base is open and a weaker hitter is on deck, you don't have to grove a fastball right down the middle. Instead, make a good pitch just off the plate -- inside or outside, something out of the reach of the hitter's swing path.

If you miss and walk the hitter, you can start with a fresh count on the next guy. No big deal. And it might even set you up to get a ground ball double play.