2021 Series #22 | Indians @ Pirates | June18-20

[biggie4]

What is FIP again?

 

[Kevalier]

What is FIP again?

https://www.mlb.com/glossary/advanced-stats/fielding-independent-pitching

Definition​

FIP is similar to ERA, but it focuses solely on the events a pitcher has the most control over -- strikeouts, unintentional walks, hit-by-pitches and home runs. It entirely removes results on balls hit into the field of play.

For example: If a pitcher has surrendered a high average on balls in play, his FIP will likely be lower than his ERA. Balls in play are not part of the FIP equation because a pitcher is believed to have limited control over their outcome.

The formula​

Where the "FIP constant" puts FIP onto the same scale as the entire league's ERA: ((HR x 13) + (3 x (BB + HBP)) - (2 x K)) / IP + FIP constant.

 

[Martyinnewyork]

Personally, I just flip over the pitcher’s baseball card and see what his won-loss record was!

 

[Martyinnewyork]

That’s what the Indians did when they picked up Jeriome Robertson in 2004!

 

[CDAV45]

If you look at FIP and FIP+, the three youngsters don't look to bad.

Hentges...4.38...4.28
Mejia........3.68...3.71
Quantrill...3.76...4.25

For reference...

Civale......4.38...4.22
Plesac.....4.54...4.41

Quantrill doesn't look bad when you compare career numbers.

Quantrill....4.09..4.42 (177.2 IP)
Civale........4.01..4.23 (224.2 IP)
Plesac.......4.47..4.52 (229.2 IP)

This is not to say that any of these kids will be as good as Plesac and Civale, but the underlying numbers do point to optimism.

Good point CATS. Thing is, they're just scratching the surface with those 3 as well. The hope is they continue to establish some consistency. They all 3 certainly have good arms.

 

[Wham with the Right Hand]

That was a very nice win using the old formula of pitching, solid defense, and home runs. The Cubs have scored 16 runs in their last 9 games. I was really surprised at their inability to hit the ball hard even on pitches dead center of the zone. We seem to be catching them at a good time. It would be great if we could get five decent innings out of Morgan tonight, but I'm not optimistic.

Great to see Bradley break out of his 0-for-14 slump with an oppo blast. And how about that shot by Naylor? It came on the 9th pitch of the at-bat and after the game he talked about forcing himself to be patient, foul off good pitches, and wait for something in the middle of the zone. Coming from a guy who has been ultra-aggressive and anything but patient, this was great to hear. The more pitches you see the more likely you are to get a mistake that you can punish.

In his first at-bat Naylor swung at the first pitch and flied out to left. His second at-bat he took a strike and then fell behind 0-2 before working his way to 3-2 and fouling off three pitches before the home run.

In his last at-bat, facing a lefty, he was patient and got ahead 2-1, then singled sharply to right on a fastball in the zone.

If Naylor is learning to be more patient and go deeper into his at-bats it can only help him get better pitches to hit. That two-run homer was pretty much the deciding play of the game as it pushed the lead from 1-0 to 3-0. It's great to see a young hitter figuring things out for himself.

Too bad Civale couldn't have got that last out or he would have had his 11th win. He had a 3-2 count, too. But the injury is the bigger issue. It may be time to make a trade for a starter, although it seems Plesac isn't far from returning. He was throwing breaking balls in his bullpen yesterday.