Everett Cicciarelli

Throughout the summer of 2022 with the Florence Y'alls, I developed multiple sheets on Microsoft Excel using the data collected from games. The purpose of these sheets was to assist the manager and coaches in all aspects of baseball strategy.

Raw Yakkertech Data: This sheet comprised of all of the raw data collected from the games. In addition to the columns that were given, a column was added to track glove location to allow for an ability to track a pitcher's command. Another column was created to enable pitch grouping by at-bats, which allowed for pitch sequencing analysis. These columns became automated to allow for minimal manual work.

Pitcher Metric Comparison: The purpose of this sheet was to compare metrics from any start or relief appearance to the respective pitcher's season averages. Using the data validation tool in excel, the date in the first column of metrics can be manually changed to flip between starts. For example, if a pitcher was dominant in one start but had recently been struggling, the date in the first column of metrics can be changed to the date of his start to see his metrics from that certain start. This sheet could also be seen to spot potential injuries or track rehab. If there is a harsh decrease in spin, movement, and velocity, this can be used to spot a potential injury before it gets worse.

Matchup History: In order to prepare for games against pitchers or hitters which we have faced before, this sheet is used to see how these pitchers attacked our hitters in terms of sequencing and usage, and how we previously attacked opposing hitters. The sheet was also used to assist in lineup creation, pinch-hit situations, and relief pitcher matchups. The drop down ability for the pitchers and hitters allows for every possible matchup that had previously occurred to be seen.

Zones: From the raw Yakkertech data, pitch location and result data allowed for the creation of the Swing%, Whiff%, and 90+ev% zone charts based off of pitch type. These were used for advanced scouting purposes to plan for upcoming games. It was also used to self-scout and find the holes in our player's game so they could adjust and attack differently.

FIP: Fielding Independent Pitching is an essential statistic to have for any baseball team. I modified the statistic to evFIP, in which the HR component of the formula was replaced with 100+ ev within a specified launch angle. This was done to eliminate other external factors such as a great play in the outfield.

Runs Created per 27 Outs (RC/27): Runs created per 27 outs was the main offensive metric that was used this summer in Florence. It allows for hitters who tend to have less power to have as much of an impact as those who tend to hit many home runs. The metric holds a high value for getting on base. Like FIP, an adjustment was made to create evRC/27. In evRC/27 exit velocity replaces total bases. The average exit velocity is adjusted automatically throughout the season. The reasoning behind this is that a batter could be hitting the ball hard and seeing it well; however he is hitting it straight at a fielder. For example, a hard hit ball is a higher indicator of future success than a weakly hit ground ball single.

Command: Instead of just looking at balls and strikes to determine a pitcher's command, the command chart with 25 letters was designed. After the game, the catcher's glove location for every pitch was designated a letter through watching game video. Each pitch then was given a letter to correspond to where it landed. After a simple code and using the Yakkertech pitch location data, the pitch-miss distance was calculated automatically. The purpose of this sheet was to allow the pitching coach to see what pitches his pitchers are commanding the best, and what needs to be worked on during bullpens.

90+ Exit Velocity vs. Pitches: Using the Yakkertech data, each player's 90+ exit velocity % was calculated as a total and by each pitch type. This was used to show who was seeing and hitting the ball well. This gives credit to hitters for "unlucky" hits where as avg. and obp. do not. This was also used for lineup creation purposes. If the pitcher that Florence was facing was changeup heavy, then those with higher exit velocities should be higher in the lineup than those that tend to struggle.

Barrel Rate: This statistic is highly transferrable to the higher levels of professional baseball. It takes into account exit velocity above 98 mph at a certain launch angle interval.

Plate Discipline: Z-Swing % (percentage of swings at pitches inside the zone) and O-Swing% (percentage of swings at pitches outside the zone) show the plate discipline of a player using Yakkertech data.

Groundball to Flyball Ratio: Florence is what is defined as a "hitter's ballpark". Therefore, the chart shows who can get the most groundballs per 1 flyball. It also allows for situational decisions. If a groundball is needed, most likely one of the players at the top of the list would come in from the bullpen.