The Fastball - the one pitch all batters fear (at least on paper). Like a speeding ticket for arms or legs that happen to pass through an open base, a heater thrown hard and directly is basically one for the box.
Of your top-20 pitchers each summer based entirely on actual production, most consistently have fastballs as some part of them. What about the league stats for starters? If Fastball velocity remains critical year in and out (despite every other pitching tool's rise) does a season without high Fastball movement really mean nothing at all to its top pitchers?
Introducing the Golf Scoring Method for the MLB Season
Welcome to a unique way to track your favorite MLB team's performance throughout the season. Inspired by the scoring system in golf, this method breaks down the 162-game season into manageable segments, making it easier to follow and understand.
How It Works
18 Holes (Segments): The 162-game MLB season is divided into 18 segments, each consisting of 9 games. Think of each segment as a "hole" in a golf course.
Scoring Each Segment:
Even (Par): A loss is a "stroke". 4 strokes is par. So if a team wins 5 out of the 9, that's 4 strokes for par.
Under Par: If the team wins 6 out of 9 games (6-3 record), they are "1 under par" for that segment.
Over Par: If the team wins only 4 out of 9 games (4-5 record), they are "1 over par" for that segment.
Cumulative Score: At the end of each segment, tally the scores to get an overall picture of the team's performance. For example, if a team finishes 2 segments "under par" and 1 segment "over par," their cumulative score would be 1 under par.
Why Use This Method?
Simplified Tracking: Breaking down the long season into smaller segments makes it easier to follow or analyze.
Comparative Performance: Just like in golf, you can quickly see if a team is performing above or below expectations.
Engaging and Fun: This method adds a new layer of engagement for fans, combining the excitement of baseball with the strategy of golf.
Keep track of your team's progress and enjoy the season with this innovative scoring method!