Analytics Glossary

Your comprehensive reference guide to baseball analytics terminology. From traditional sabermetrics to cutting-edge Statcast measurements, understand the language of modern baseball.

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8 terms found
Catch Probability
Fielding

Statcast metric estimating the likelihood of a fielder making a catch based on distance needed to travel, time available, and direction.

Confidence Interval
Fielding

Range of values within which the true parameter likely falls, typically 95%.

Exchange Time
Fielding

Statcast metric measuring the time between when a fielder catches the ball and releases it on a throw, measured in seconds.

Hang Time
Fielding

The time a fly ball spends in the air from contact to landing or catch, measured in seconds.

Outfield Arm Runs
Fielding

Runs saved by an outfielder's arm preventing runners from advancing.

Range Runs
Fielding

Runs saved or cost by a fielder's range, measuring ability to get to balls.

Route Efficiency
Fielding

Percentage comparing the actual distance traveled by an outfielder to the optimal straight-line route to catch location.

Sinker (SI)
Fielding

A fastball variant with arm-side movement and downward break, designed to induce ground balls.

Understanding Baseball Metrics

A quick guide to interpreting modern baseball statistics

Rate Statistics

Rate stats (like AVG, OBP, wOBA) measure performance per opportunity. They're expressed as decimals and are best for comparing players with different playing time.

AVG OBP wOBA ERA
Counting Statistics

Counting stats accumulate over time (HR, RBI, K). They measure total production but can be influenced by playing time and team context.

HR RBI Wins K
Scaled Statistics

Scaled stats (like wRC+, ERA+) are adjusted to a baseline of 100, representing league average. Values above 100 are better for hitters, below 100 for pitchers.

wRC+ ERA+ OPS+ FIP-
Quick Reference: What Makes a Good Stat?
Metric Poor Below Avg Average Above Avg Excellent
wRC+ (Hitting) < 80 80-95 95-105 105-130 130+
WAR (Value) < 0 0-1 1-2 2-5 5+
FIP (Pitching) > 5.00 4.20-5.00 3.70-4.20 3.20-3.70 < 3.20
wOBA (Hitting) < .290 .290-.310 .310-.340 .340-.370 .370+

Ready to Apply These Concepts?

Now that you understand the terminology, dive into our chapters to learn how to calculate and analyze these metrics.