Abstract

An Analysis of Pitching MLB Statistics to determine whether or not defense determines a teams success

The purpose of this study is conduct something that people don’t typically look at. This study is all about pitching statistics for the MLB. We have famous movies including Moneyball that show how constructing a team surrounding offense and On-base percentage prove to be a full proof plan to win championships.

Many managers attempt to use sabermetrics in order to give their team the best chance at winning. What if we look at the other side of baseball. The defensive/pitching side - can this still yield results that give us championships? We often hear many baseball cliches including the most famouos, “Defense Wins Championships” Lets find out how true this statement may be for the MLB, and if managers are looking at this all wrong.

Research Question(s)

1. Is there a relationship between strong pitching performance, and regular season wins?
   
   
2. Which has a stronger correlation to wins, batting or pitching?
   
   
3. Is ERA play a factor into a teams performance in the regular season
   
   
4. How much of an effect does ERA play in the post season, specifically for World Series Wins?
   

Data Information

ERA

Outside Source

MLB ERA

Final Thoughts

• Pitching is not as great of a predictor of regular season wins compared to batting. There still is slight relationship between pitching and wins
  
• ERA is a factor in regular season play, however, ERA is much better predictor in the post season. Teams that have consistently won the world series have lower ERA’s than the MLB average.
  
• Sabermetrics is much better on the offensive side. There are less hidden variables, and batters seem to be much more consistent than pitchers.
  
• Having a good pitching staff is best in the post season due to the large quantity of games played in the regular season.