PPB - Interesting statistic

[Never Caught Up]

While watching the Braves game I heard a stat being discussed that I have never paid any attention to. Pitches Per Batter

Has anyone found any value in that stat? How would it be used in a normal capping routine?

For what it is worth it was noted that Greg Maddux has one of the best in the league of 3.2 pitches per batter faced.

I would be interested in knowing what the PPB is on a few other top pitchers . . . particularly Roger Clemens. I would assume Clemens is much higher since he tends to use at least one pitch per batter per game to simply "create fear".

Again, I don't really see where this stat is meaningful, but I am open minded. Nor do I really know where to find it.

I look forward to hearing opinions from those of you who are much better at technical analysis than I am.

 

[Valuist]

I think this stat is more meaningful from a hitters point of view. The offense always wants to extend the pitcher as much as possible, and force him into an early exit so they can face the porous middle relievers.

 

[Never Caught Up]

That makes sense. I hadn't thought about that aspect of it.

 

[Subagoto]

Does not have much to do with your question, but I seem to remember a few years back where Maddux did not have a full count till late-June or something. Can anyone verify that. Seems impossible, but he is amazing. I am probably "misremembering"... -S

 

[Randercity]

Guys like JOHNSON and CLEMENS have higher PPB averages due to so many strikeouts. Since it takes at LEAST 3 pitches to strike a guy out, not counting balls and foul balls, they strike out 8-10 guys out of say 27 batters they face. MADDUX doesn't walk ANYONE, that's his biggest asset, and since he's always around the plate, guys are swinging from pitch one....

 

[yak merchant]

I use it to predict how far into a game a starter will make it assuming he doesn't get shelled. That's about it. I have the stat, but my database is about a week or so behind (football and all), if you want it you can get my email from Jack.