What Is Grading a Pitcher?
Grading a pitcher is the process of evaluating a pitcher’s performance. It’s a way to measure a pitcher’s effectiveness and how well they’re performing in a game. The grading process looks at a pitcher’s stats and performance in various categories to get an overall picture of their performance.
Why Is Grading a Pitcher Important?
Grading a pitcher is important because it helps coaches and scouts understand how a pitcher is performing and make decisions about their future. It can be used to determine if a pitcher needs to make adjustments to their mechanics or approach, or if they need to refine their skills. It can also help to identify potential areas of improvement and give feedback to the pitcher on how to become a better pitcher.
What Are the Categories Used to Grade a Pitcher?
The categories used to grade a pitcher vary depending on the level of play, but typically include:
- Pitching Mechanics: This looks at a pitcher’s form, their delivery, and their ability to control the ball.
- Strikeouts: This looks at the number of strikeouts a pitcher has in a game or over the course of the season.
- Walks: This looks at the number of walks a pitcher has in a game or over the course of the season.
- Hits/Innings Pitched: This looks at the number of hits a pitcher allows in a game or over the course of the season.
- ERA: This looks at a pitcher’s earned run average, which is a measure of their effectiveness over the course of the season.
- Command: This looks at a pitcher’s ability to throw strikes consistently and keep the ball in the strike zone.
How Are Pitchers Graded?
Pitchers are typically graded on a scale of 1-10 in each of the categories listed above. Each category is evaluated and a score is assigned to determine the overall grade of the pitcher. The higher the score, the better the pitcher is performing.
Grading On a Curve
It’s important to note that these scores are often given on a curve. That means that a pitcher’s score in one category might not be the same as another’s, even if they’re both performing at the same level. This is because different pitchers have different strengths and weaknesses, and the grading system takes this into account.
Grading Over Time
It’s also important to note that the scores given to a pitcher are not fixed. As a pitcher’s performance changes over time, their scores in each category can also change. This is why it’s important to grade a pitcher over the course of a season or multiple seasons to get an accurate picture of their performance.
What Are the Benefits of Grading a Pitcher?
Grading a pitcher is a valuable tool for coaches and scouts. It can help them understand a pitcher’s strengths and weaknesses, and identify areas of improvement. It can also be used to compare pitchers and make decisions about which pitcher to use in a particular game or situation.
How Can Pitchers Improve Their Grades?
Pitchers can improve their grades by working on their mechanics, refining their skills, and developing their command of the strike zone. Additionally, pitchers can use video analysis to break down their performance and identify areas of improvement. Finally, pitchers should work with their coaches to develop a plan to address any areas that need improvement.
Conclusion
Grading a pitcher is a valuable tool for coaches and scouts to evaluate a pitcher’s performance. It looks at a variety of categories to give an overall picture of a pitcher’s performance, and can be used to identify areas of improvement and make decisions about which pitcher to use in a game. Pitchers can improve their grades by working on their mechanics, refining their skills, and developing their command of the strike zone.