Pitching is the most important skill in baseball, and understanding the nuances of the pitching statistics is essential for proper evaluation. One of the most important stats to analyze is the number of pitches thrown, which is often denoted by NP (Number of Pitches) for a pitcher. In this article, we’ll examine what NP means when evaluating a pitcher and how it can be used to assess performance.
Understanding NP
NP is the total number of pitches thrown by a pitcher in a game. It is calculated by adding up all of the individual pitches that the pitcher has thrown in the game. This includes both strikes and balls, as well as any intentional or unintentional pitches that may have been thrown. NP can be used to understand a pitcher’s workload, their effectiveness, and how their performance fluctuates throughout the game.
NP and Workload
NP is a key stat when assessing a pitcher’s workload. It can be used to determine how long a pitcher can stay in the game, and how much rest they will need between starts. A pitcher with a higher NP is likely to tire more quickly than one with a lower NP, so it’s important to pay attention to this stat when evaluating a pitcher’s performance.
NP and Effectiveness
NP is also a great tool for evaluating a pitcher’s effectiveness. It can be used to measure how successful a pitcher is at getting batters out in a given game. For example, if a pitcher throws a large number of pitches but is unable to get any batters out, then their NP is likely to be high. On the other hand, if a pitcher throws a low number of pitches but is able to get multiple batters out, then their NP is likely to be lower.
NP and Performance
NP is also a useful stat for understanding how a pitcher’s performance changes throughout the game. By tracking a pitcher’s NP, it’s possible to see how their performance fluctuates as the game progresses. For example, a pitcher may have a low NP early in the game but then begin to tire as the game goes on, resulting in an increase in NP. By studying these trends, it’s possible to get a better understanding of a pitcher’s performance and how it changes over time.
Conclusion
NP is an important stat when evaluating a pitcher’s performance. It can be used to measure workload, effectiveness, and performance trends. By understanding what NP means and how it can be used to assess a pitcher’s performance, it’s possible to get a better understanding of how a pitcher is performing in a given game.