I have been playing this game for a long time, since 2001. For most of that time I have played in progressive leagues. I have branched out to theme leagues for the past year or so and I have found that the metrics I have been using are not really working.

This thread is about pitching stats (metrics) and there will be a separate thread about hitting stats.

For years I have relied mainly on ERC+ and WHIP# for pitching stats, with some emphasis on HR/9 and BB/9. Unfortunately, as many of you have undoubtedly found out, some really great pitchers have underperformed for me. I'm thinking of Warren Spahn, Dean Chance (1964) and others.

So, what pitching stats have you found to be effective and which have not been effective in selecting pitchers for your teams?

Anybody? What are your favorite stats?

Posted by verynice on 2/26/2025 5:32:00 PM (view original):
Hold rate is good for those middle relievers

What stat do you use for hold rate, Rob.

Actually its called strand. which is in the bottom dropdowns

Use drop downs where you can select amount of innings piched and look for strand. Good setting for when pitchers come into a game with runners on base

Strand Pct. is certainly an interesting stat within these considerations. While it IS straightforward and easy to understand, I'm of the opinion that that stat has absolutely NOTHING to do with affecting the algorithm used to determine AB outcomes.

Thus, using stand pct. would be using a stat. that has NO impact at all on the SIM outcome.
Somebody feel free to clarify if i am incorrect.

I don’t think it does.

I only use ERC, Hr/9, bb/9 and whip and there + and # numbers. In theme leagues I mostly use the #’s.

I also am mindful of ip/g.

If I can control my teams defense, I mostly just look for low walk, how hr guys. I use whip and erc to make sure the guys aren’t really bad.

Posted by Trentonjoe on 3/1/2025 11:26:00 AM (view original):
I don’t think it does.

I only use ERC, Hr/9, bb/9 and whip and there + and # numbers. In theme leagues I mostly use the #’s.

I also am mindful of ip/g.

If I can control my teams defense, I mostly just look for low walk, how hr guys. I use whip and erc to make sure the guys aren’t really bad.

Mostly this with an eye on $/IP to look for value while making sure I try to account for the extra errors you get with the dead ball guys. Finally, if 2 guys have a similar ERC# I will often tilt to the one who I think will be most effective in or helped by my home park. (i.e playing in a + park for 1Bs take the guy with the lower oav# - playing in a park that is a minus for 1Bs take the guy who walks less guys.) Then again, I don't win all that much so take it for what it is worth

A starting point for me are the HR/9# and BB/9#. Then, depending on the cap, I set the ERC+ number (minimum at 140+ at lower caps). Then I look at my park selection and gauge various AVG# figures. this is a brief synopsis of a fairly complicated matrix and manipulations of numbers.

I have stopped using under 1 inning pitchers no matter the stats in high budget leagues. They deprive you of guys that can go a whole inning. And that means burning the bullpen.

As regarding 140 ERC+ does this mean that no matter what league you are in they will act or perform as if they were in the era or Years played ... I have heard this before but seems nebulous to me someone please explain

I have as the 8 Stat Criteria in Order 1-8

IP/162 -- $/IP -- HR/9# -- OAV# -- WHIP# -- ERC# -- BB/9# -- IP/G (Prefer 1.67)

I use Hit Rate, K/9#, WHIP#, OAV+, ERA+, HR/9+, BB/P, IP/162, and HR/9. The interplay between K/9# and Hit Rate is important.

Interesting, Mark and Dan. Some people rank OAV# higher than you did.

Posted by Trentonjoe on 3/1/2025 11:26:00 AM (view original):
I don’t think it does.

I only use ERC, Hr/9, bb/9 and whip and there + and # numbers. In theme leagues I mostly use the #’s.

I also am mindful of ip/g.

If I can control my teams defense, I mostly just look for low walk, how hr guys. I use whip and erc to make sure the guys aren’t really bad.

This is pretty close to what I do.

1. ERC+ means little if you are in a theme or multi year progressive. It only refers to that guy, that year, those players. ERC# is good for themes.
2. I look at HR/9 also, there are many different eras and even Ruth will hit a HR off a guy who never gave one up so a guy below average in his normal year...he'll get bombed. I think this is why guys like Marichal, Spahn, Jenkins, do not do well.
3. You have to look at either WHIP or OAV or BBs because of #2. More runners will be more runs in higher leagues. Some Bob Feller years are ridiculous values for Innings and such but the BB/9 can get you.
4. Park matters.
5. IP/G matters but less so if you keep your PCs low. Once they are fatigued and nearing their PC, that last pitch can result in a HR. Pull them and get the fresh guy in there.
6. Many 60/70s guys seem to underperform.