Pitchequivalents

A pitchequivalent is a conceptual tool used in baseball to compare the effectiveness of pitches that are thrown at different speeds and with different movement characteristics. It aims to quantify how difficult a particular pitch is to hit, regardless of its specific type. The idea is that a pitch that is harder to hit, even if it's a slower curveball, might be considered "equivalent" to a fastball thrown with more deceptive movement or in a strategic location.

The calculation of a pitchequivalent often involves statistical analysis of pitch tracking data. Factors such as velocity, spin rate, spin axis, and horizontal and vertical movement are taken into account. These metrics are then correlated with outcomes like swing-and-miss rates, contact quality, and hit probabilities. A pitchequivalent attempts to boil down these complex interactions into a single, comparable value.

Different analytical models exist for calculating pitchequivalents, and they may produce slightly different results. However, the core principle remains the same: to provide a standardized measure of a pitch's difficulty for hitters. This allows analysts and coaches to better understand the strengths and weaknesses of a pitcher's arsenal and to identify which pitches are most valuable in different game situations. It moves beyond simply categorizing pitches by type (e.g., fastball, slider, changeup) to understanding their actual impact on the game.