STARTERS: Pitch mix changes, 2012 vs. 2013

The pitch mix of starting pitchers can have a direct correlation with their success, or lack thereof.

If a SP has changed his pitch mix significantly, it can help to explain why his skills may have changed from one year to the next.

First, let's set some pitch mix baselines based on PITCHf/x data.

As you might expect, four-seam fastballs are the most common pitch thrown by starting pitchers. Here is the average pitch mix distribution for starting pitchers:

For reference, here are the average velocities in mph associated with each pitch type:

Now let's use those baselines to identify pitch mix changes worth noting this season.

Here are the SPs whose pitch mix has changed the most from 2012 to date in 2013, with BPV variation...

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From Starting Pitchers

Ben Brown's ugly surface stats in May hid some excellent underlying skills.
May 31 2025 3:09am
Jesús Luzardo's early elite surface stats have been fueled by significant gains in his underlying skills.
May 24 2025 3:05am
Ben Brown's mediocre surface stats are hiding some intriguing skills.
May 17 2025 3:05am
The improved velocity and history of pinpoint control shown by Zebby Matthews makes him an ideal early stash in deep leagues.
May 10 2025 3:07am
Joe Ryan's rotation-anchor stats in April were backed by an elite collection of skills.
May 3 2025 3:06am

Tools