Baseball analysis is not difficult if one knows a little bit about the game itself. Terminology is key, and any evaluation of players and teams begins with an understanding of batting and pitching data.
Batting statistics are important in determining the general ability of players at the plate. Home runs are an indicator of a player’s power, and a team’s scoring ability. Batting average, on the other hand, is used to determine a player’s ability to reach base safely. Home runs and batting average are key statistics in determining how much money a player is worth, and has a huge impact on the financial contracts they sign every so many years.
Pitching statistics are examined closely for indications that a pitcher will produce quality starts for many years. Pitchers are most sought after for wins, a good earned run average (the overall amount of runs given up per game), and strikeouts. As with hitters, pitchers who excel in key categories will demand more money during contract negotiations. They will also be highly pursued as the anchors of a team’s pitching rotation.
Beyond the very basic statistics most known to lovers of the game is another whole level. On this level, every aspect of every pitch is broken down into complex analysis. This is the level of professional baseball statisticians, who crunch numbers for a living in order to prepare for any comparison between players and teams that might be needed or wanted.
Broader professional analysis makes use of sophisticated technology. Statistical charts and graphs can often clarify data, and these visual representations can then be presented during games to more casual baseball fans.
Ultimately, baseball analysis takes place on a number of different levels. All numbers have meaning, and can be used to draw comparisons between players and teams from all eras of baseball history, thus allowing a deeper understanding of the game itself and the men who play it.