MLB stats: Which ones are relevant to handicapping?

[JSpauny]

(05-08-2012 12:23 PM)ChiefZilla Wrote:  Are there any exceptions to the rule in regards to pitchers?

i.e. Do groundball pitchers generally have lower BABIPs?

I'm not entirely sure it works that way with pitchers. If you look at the leaderboard in BABIP last year, Hellickson, Weaver and Tomlin were all under .255 for BABIP with a GB% less than 40. Defense is huge for pitchers BABIP. I think it's one of the biggest determinants. Does that shot to the hole become an out or a hit? Same with the dribbler to 3rd. I'd factor in defense before GB%. It's why you'll notice that the Rays had some of the lowest BABIPs in the MLB last year, it's because their D was top notch.