Parent pitchers question

[Vertigo]

This might help a little:

Back to Basics: What is Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP)?

Sometimes FIP can very different from ERA. So let’s dive in and learn more about what FIP is, how it is calculated, and how you can use it.

scoutgirlreport.com

 

[_MIA_]

I can't really get my head around FIP. My DD gives up a fair share of HRs. Not many, but they happen. I tell her just keep them to solo shots and you're fine. Message really is to keep runners off base, no walks, etc. I don't want a solo shot to destroy her confidence.

The formula is just kind of bonkers (to me):

(13*HR+3*(HBP+BB)-2*K)/IP

The weights used (13,3 and -2) are relative to how those actions play into run prevention and are related to Run expectancy charts.

The actual FIP number you get from that particular formula means very little as the weights are based upon Run Expectancy and League totals from MLB (there is also a constant in the formula which makes it look like ERA so that you won't typically get a negative number). Just use it for comparison purposes.

 

[CoachCeetar]

Yeah, I get that it's isolating just the pitcher parts. But why are HR multiplied by 13 and walks by 3. Maybe if HR was 12 (one run scores) and walks are 3 (4 walks makes one run score). I dunno. Just seems odd.

And then when I see that it's 2.3, well what does that mean? Like you said, need to know what to compare it to.

ERA at least I have a concept. Averaging 5 runs per game is not good. ERA of 1 is good.

it's based on (probably the MLB baseball) value of those respective events. so a HR obviously much more damaging than a walk. I think it was intended to be similar to ERA in scale, so like a 3.5 FIP and a 4.5 ERA means the pitcher was getting slightly unlucky and the defense wasn't making as many plays. ERA-FIP so to speak.

That's just the tip of the iceberg too, the difference between a HR, a double off the wall, and a fly out are often very small (just a few feet to the right and the wall comes in a bunch and it's a HR) few feet to the left and it's a fly out because it's deep center) so you can take it further with xFIP and try to normalize home runs.

It's probably best to eyeball some of this. Hard contact is bad.

 

[LEsoftballdad]

I keep track of ER and runs allowed. I also like to see how many runs are scored after an error is committed. I have two issues with ERA: the pitcher can make an error, and it still goes as an unearned run. The other is that an error committed on the first batter makes every run after that point unearned. That being said, I can still grasp the concept much easier than FIP.

I have discussions with my daughter when she allows four runs after an error. They are unearned runs, but she could have done a better job picking up her teammates. I don't need a stat to see that.

 

[uncdrew]

Yeah, we've all seen a pitcher get lit up. Laser to the gaps. I suppose a pitcher could do that and have a negative FIP. Certainly doesn't mean the pitcher did well. Of course we look at many stats collectively and lots can be hidden in just a single stat.

 

[daywalkerdad]

I would not put much stock in FIP outside of mlb.
For softball I imagine hhb% by pitcher, home runs per at bat, umpiring, and difference in opponents are too great.
Even K/ inning is only good if whip is fairly consistent.

 

[Vertigo]

I would not put much stock in FIP outside of mlb.
For softball I imagine hhb% by pitcher, home runs per at bat, umpiring, and difference in opponents are too great.
Even K/ inning is only good if whip is fairly consistent.

I still think it is helpful if you compare it to ERA.

 

[daywalkerdad]

I still think it is helpful if you compare it to ERA.

You have to recalculate your constant for your league.

FIP

Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) measures what a player’s ERA would look like over a given period of time if the pitcher were to have experienced league average results on balls in play and league…

library.fangraphs.com

 

[Vertigo]

You have to recalculate your constant for your league.

FIP

Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) measures what a player’s ERA would look like over a given period of time if the pitcher were to have experienced league average results on balls in play and league…

library.fangraphs.com

Lol - I just went by the number GC churned out.

 

[Vertigo]

Another Dream Team For USA Softball (College Edition)

USA Softball has invited women to try out for the 2018 team. Here is what it might look like if we considered only college players and used only college statistics in constructing the team.

www.forbes.com

Article from 2017 which shows NCAA FIP numbers for a few well-know pitchers back then. Not sure what constant they used.