What is PCT?
PCT stands for “Pitcher’s Count” and is a statistic used in baseball to measure the success of a pitcher in getting hitters out. It is calculated by taking the pitcher’s total strikeouts, walks, and hits allowed, and dividing this number by the total number of batters faced. The higher the PCT, the better the pitcher’s performance. PCT is a useful metric for evaluating a pitcher’s overall performance and can be compared to other pitchers in the same league or from different eras.
How to Calculate PCT
PCT is calculated by taking the following formula:
PCT = (Strikeouts + Walks + Hits Allowed) / (Total Batters Faced)
For example, if a pitcher has 5 strikeouts, 3 walks, and 4 hits allowed in 15 batters faced, their PCT would be calculated as:
PCT = (5 + 3 + 4) / (15) = 0.8
What Does PCT Tell Us?
PCT is a useful metric for evaluating a pitcher’s performance. A high PCT indicates that the pitcher is successful at getting hitters out and limiting the number of runs allowed. It also measures the pitcher’s ability to control the game, as pitchers with lower PCTs tend to issue more walks and allow more hits.
How Does PCT Compare to Other Statistics?
PCT is often compared to other metrics such as ERA (Earned Run Average) and WHIP (Walks + Hits per Inning Pitched). While these metrics measure a pitcher’s performance in different ways, PCT is a useful metric for comparing pitchers from different eras and leagues. It also allows for a more direct comparison between pitchers, as it removes the influence of team defense and other external factors.
What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of PCT?
Advantages:
- PCT is a useful metric for comparing pitchers from different eras and leagues.
- It removes the influence of team defense and other external factors.
- It is a good measure of a pitcher’s overall performance.
Disadvantages:
- It does not take into account a pitcher’s ability to induce weak contact.
- It does not measure pitchers’ ability to keep the ball in the park.
- It does not account for a pitcher’s ability to work out of jams.
What is a Good PCT?
A good PCT depends on the league and era in which the pitcher is playing. Generally speaking, a PCT of .800 or higher is considered excellent, while a PCT of .700 or lower is considered below average.
Examples of Pitchers with Good PCTs
- Greg Maddux (MLB, 1993-2008): .774
- Randy Johnson (MLB, 1988-2009): .775
- Clayton Kershaw (MLB, 2008-present): .786
Conclusion
PCT is a useful statistic for measuring a pitcher’s success in getting hitters out. It is a good metric for comparing pitchers from different eras and leagues, and it removes the influence of team defense and other external factors. A good PCT depends on the league and era in which the pitcher is playing, but generally speaking, a PCT of .800 or higher is considered excellent, while a PCT of .700 or lower is considered below average.