STARTERS: Fastball velocity and Dominance rate
May 12 2013
It seems intuitive that an increase in fastball velocity would lead to more strikeouts when it comes to starting pitchers.
In fact, we cite fastball velocity increases as a good thing without thinking twice about it.
Conversely, a decline in fastball velocity commonly is used as a reason for concern.
Before accepting these conclusions as truths, let's analyze the historical link between fastball velocity and Dominance (K/9) rate.
Here is a scatter plot showing the relationship between those two variables over the past four seasons among starting pitchers (min 40 IP).
- There is a positive correlation between fastball velocity and Dom, but it's not as strong as you might think. Its correlation coefficient of r = 0.41 suggests a...
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