Pitch framing stats have become an increasingly important aspect of baseball analysis in recent years. These statistics provide a deeper understanding of a pitcher’s ability to control the strike zone and manipulate the ball’s trajectory. By examining pitch framing stats, analysts can gain valuable insights into a pitcher’s performance and potential impact on the game.
Pitch framing stats measure the effectiveness of a pitcher in controlling the strike zone, specifically the ability to frame pitches for called strikes or balls. This skill is crucial because it can significantly affect a pitcher’s earned run average (ERA) and win-loss record. Traditionally, pitch framing was not given much attention, but with the advent of advanced statistics, it has gained recognition as a vital component of pitching performance.
The foundation of pitch framing stats lies in the concept of “frame rate,” which measures the difference between the actual strike zone and the zone called by the umpire. A positive frame rate indicates that the pitcher is effectively controlling the strike zone, while a negative frame rate suggests the opposite. This metric is calculated by comparing the number of pitches called as strikes or balls by the umpire to the number of pitches that would have been called strikes or balls if the pitch were thrown in the average strike zone.
One of the most widely used pitch framing statistics is the “Strikes Above Average” (SAA) metric, which quantifies the number of additional strikes a pitcher receives compared to the average pitcher. A higher SAA indicates that a pitcher is more adept at framing pitches for strikes. Additionally, the “Pitcher Frame Rate” (PFR) measures the difference between the actual strike zone and the called strike zone, with a positive value indicating that the pitcher is benefiting from the umpire’s strike zone.
Pitch framing stats have shown that certain pitchers possess exceptional framing abilities. For instance, former pitcher Jake Peavy was renowned for his ability to frame pitches, earning him a positive SAA over his career. Conversely, pitchers like Max Scherzer have been criticized for their poor framing skills, as evidenced by their negative SAA. The difference in framing abilities can have a significant impact on a pitcher’s performance, as it directly affects the number of pitches they face and the potential for walks or hits.
Moreover, pitch framing stats have also highlighted the importance of umpires in the game. Umpires’ strike zone calls can vary widely, and pitch framing stats can reveal whether a pitcher is benefiting from favorable calls or not. This information is valuable for teams, coaches, and analysts to assess the effectiveness of their pitchers and adjust their strategies accordingly.
While pitch framing stats have gained prominence in the baseball community, they are not without controversy. Critics argue that these statistics can be influenced by various factors, such as the umpire’s style, the pitcher’s body language, and the technology used to measure pitch locations. However, advancements in technology, such as PITCHf/x and Statcast, have helped to mitigate these concerns and provide more accurate data.
In conclusion, pitch framing stats have revolutionized the way we analyze baseball pitching. By quantifying a pitcher’s ability to control the strike zone and manipulate the ball’s trajectory, these statistics offer valuable insights into a pitcher’s performance and potential impact on the game. As the sport continues to evolve, pitch framing stats will undoubtedly remain a crucial component of baseball analysis.
