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.