(*) FACTS/FLUKES: Pitcher performance via PITCHf/x data
May 19 2012
(A version of this article appeared in the May 16 edition of Sports Weekly)
One of the newer frontiers in baseball analysis is PITCHf/x, the system installed in every major league ballpark that collects data on every pitched ball. This voluminous resource is a treasure trove for researchers, and analysts inside and outside the game are finding more use for it each year.
Much like more traditional skill measurements such as walk and strikeout rates and home run-to-fly-ball ratio, the data on a pitcher's velocity and movement can help validate or invalidate his ERA and WHIP.
As an introduction to this type of analysis, here are nine pitchers who improved statistically during the 2011 season, via their 1H/2H splits. Using PITCHf/x...
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 Facts & Flukes
What is behind José Soriano's tremendous start to the 2026 season?
Jun 5 2026 3:05am
Jun 5 2026 3:05am
Ezequiel Duran has been a nice free agent find for fantasy managers over the first couple of months—but what kind of ceiling does he have? Also: Steven Kwan, Shane McClanahan, Vinnie Pasquantino, and Cam Smith.
Jun 4 2026 3:06am
Jun 4 2026 3:06am
CJ Abrams has provided five-category production. Also: Max Meyer, Dansby Swanson, Merrill Kelly, Gavin Sheets.
Jun 2 2026 3:06am
Jun 2 2026 3:06am
Emerson Hancock and Davis Martin have made huge impressions early on. Can they keep it up? Plus, Daulton Varsho, Isaac Paredes, and Brooks Lee.
Jun 1 2026 3:05am
Jun 1 2026 3:05am
What's behind Jackson Merrill's rough start? Plus, Michael King, Spencer Steer, Zac Gallen, and Jake Bauers.
May 27 2026 3:06am
May 27 2026 3:06am
