Stuff is an interaction between velocity, pitch usage, pitch movement, and change of velocity. Previous articles on the development of the stuff equation have found that it is significantly correlated with both K/9, WAR, and xFIP/ERA. The benefit of using the Stuff metric, is you could theoretically look at a pitcher’s arsenal in a bullpen session, and with the use of radar guns and spin trackers, could calculate their stuff. This has implications for both scouting, and rehabilitation.

THE BLUE JAYS “STUFF” REPORT – VOLUME 8

by Mike Sonne

Welcome back from the All Star break. Consider this the Bossman Junior of Stuff reports.

Starting Pitchers

STARTER TABLE V8STARTER FIGURE V8

Without a doubt, Aaron Sanchez has established himself as one of the finest pitchers in Major League Baseball; by all metrics, he is elite. Since starting the Stuff report, he has not dropped below the “Elite line” of 1.0, spiking as high as 2.0. He has better stuff than nearly 99% of professional baseball pitchers, and he has remained remarkably consistent. Enjoy him while he is a Starter – who knows if he will end up in the bullpen or not… but we’re seeing something special as Jays fans. Long live the Rightful Heir to the nickname, the “Sanchize.” It’s exciting to see the Stroshow reach his 2015 levels of stuff – but since the All star break, those numbers have dropped a bit. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him back up again next week – things look to have turned around.

Relief Pitchers

RELIEVER TABLE V8 RELIEVER FIGURE V8

 

There is a lot to be said about consistency in this world. While relievers are definitely more volatile with the Stuff Metric than Starters – the bullpen for the Jays looks to be an absolute gong show. The most variable with stuff was Drew Storen – but he has since been banished from the land.

One name of interest in this week’s Stuff report is Brett Cecil. I wrote about how Cecil had a massive drop in Stuff back in May – then he was on the disabled list. When he came back, the Stuff returned to some extent – but now, he appears to be getting stronger each week. This is great for the Jays pen through the rest of the season.

 

That’s it for Blue Jays stuff. There will be more on Benoit and any potential deadline adds in the next issue.

Mike Sonne
Canadian Certified Professional Ergonomist, and Injury Prevention Researcher. I like baseball and science - the order depends on the day.
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