Here are my thoughts on what I consider the most important counts for a pitcher:
0-0: Throwing first pitch strikes is critical for a pitcher and his pursuit of success. After a game, take a look at a pitcher's 1st pitch strike percentage and you can make a pretty good guess as to what kind of day he had. According to MLB stats, hitters hit .317 when they are in a 0-1 count. However, they hit .339 in 1-0 counts. As a pitcher, this is huge because it allows you to have many more options for the remainder of the count. Once you fall behind 2-0, the statistics say that hitters average a heavy .351. Worst case scenario after a pitcher gets to 0-1, he falls to 1-1 and hitters only improve from .317 to .325. Not much of a difference, and you are still in the count.
1-1: In my opinion, this is the most important count for a pitcher. Throwing a strike here is enormously important and here is why: As I mentioned, in this count, hitters average .325. If a pitcher is able to get ahead with another strike, the hitter's batting average drops considerably to .177! As a result, a pitcher puts himself in a great position to win the at-bat. However, if a pitcher is unable to throw a strike on 1-1 and falls t0 2-1, batters hit .337. I was a Communications major while in school at UNC, and steered clear of the Math department, but that is a difference of .160 between 1-2 and 2-1 counts; suggesting that you're twice as likely to succeed if you work the count to 1-2. From a pitcher's perspective, it can really wear on you when you fall behind 2-1, requiring that you follow it with a great pitch. Instead of putting the hitter away, you have to come back and do it again on 2-2.
2-1: A hitter's count. Hitters hit .337 in this count and, on top of that, it is a great time to hit and run for the batter's team. This is important. If you're a pitcher, think about how many times you gave up a double play ball right at the 2B or SS in that situation, only to have him covering second base. Once that happens, you're left with runners on first and third with less than 2 outs, versus 2 outs and nobody on. As a result, at a 2-1 count it becomes vital to have the ability to throw a 2nd or 3rd pitch for a strike. The better your ability as a pitcher to do this, the better your fastball will look to a hitter. If you're going to get to a 2-1 count, you need your fastball to be as good as possible. Otherwise, drop in a slider or change and get back to 2-2. If you get to 2-2, you are back in the count. Hitters hit .194 in this count; giving you plenty of options. However, if you fall behind 3-1, you are looking at a .355 average for hitters. A difference of .161! Now I know what you are thinking, there is a greater variance between 2-2/3-1 than 2-1/1-2. Thus making 2-1 arguably the most important count. However, I believe if a pitcher consistently gets to 2-1, he is more likely to struggle and be pulled from a game sooner than the pitcher who consistently gets to 1-1. That pitcher gives himself the ability to go deep into a game.
0-2- If you consistently get here, you will consistently succeed. In my experience, you get here (a) with fastball command (down and to both sides of the plate), (b) command of a 2nd and 3rd pitch, and c) changing speeds. It is plain and simple. MLB hitters hit .162 in this count. It starts with 0-1, and virtually finishes with 0-2. It's easier said than done; but, get here and you will have total control of the count. It's like when Shoeless Joe said to Moonlight Graham in this count, "a hitter has to watch out for low and away, but be careful of his ear."
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