The term “FIP” stands for “Fielding Independent Pitching” and is a statistic used in Major League Baseball (MLB). In this article, we will discuss whether or not a negative FIP is considered “good”. We will discuss the various factors that contribute to a negative FIP and how a pitcher can use a negative FIP to his advantage. We will also discuss the implications of a negative FIP and what it could mean for a pitcher’s future.
What is FIP?
Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) is a statistic that was developed by Voros McCracken in 2001 as a way to measure a pitcher’s performance independent of his defense. It is calculated by taking a pitcher’s walks, strikeouts, home runs allowed, and hit by pitches, and then adjusting them to account for the ballpark in which the pitcher is pitching. The result of the calculation is then divided by the number of innings pitched.
What is a Negative FIP?
A negative FIP is a FIP that is lower than the league average. This means that the pitcher has performed better than the league average for the given season. It is important to note, however, that a negative FIP does not necessarily indicate that the pitcher is an “elite” pitcher. Rather, it simply means that the pitcher has performed better than the league average for the given season.
Factors that Contribute to a Negative FIP
There are a number of factors that contribute to a negative FIP. The most important of these factors are a pitcher’s walks, strikeouts, home runs allowed, and hit by pitches. A pitcher who is able to limit walks, strikeouts, and home runs allowed, while also limiting the number of hit by pitches he allows, is more likely to have a negative FIP.
Additionally, a pitcher’s ability to adjust to the ballpark in which he is pitching can also have an impact on his FIP. A pitcher who is able to adjust to the ballpark and take advantage of the environment can often have a negative FIP.
How a Pitcher Can Use a Negative FIP to His Advantage
A pitcher who is able to maintain a negative FIP has the potential to have a successful career in MLB. A negative FIP indicates that the pitcher is performing better than the league average and this can be a valuable asset for a pitcher. A pitcher with a negative FIP can use it to his advantage in contract negotiations, as it can be a sign that he is a valuable asset for a team. Additionally, a negative FIP can also be used as a selling point for a pitcher to potential teams when he is looking to be traded.
Implications of a Negative FIP
The implications of a negative FIP can be both positive and negative. On the positive side, a negative FIP indicates that the pitcher is performing better than the league average and this can be a valuable asset for a team. On the negative side, a negative FIP can also be a sign of a “lucky” pitcher who is not likely to be able to sustain his performance for a long period of time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a negative FIP can be a valuable asset for a pitcher. A negative FIP indicates that the pitcher is performing better than the league average and this can be a valuable asset for a team. Additionally, a negative FIP can also be used as a selling point for a pitcher to potential teams when he is looking to be traded. However, it is important to note that a negative FIP can also be a sign of a “lucky” pitcher who is not likely to be able to sustain his performance for a long period of time.