FORMIT14

  The single most important number in SOM could well be the Pitcher's Hold.  In super-advanced play, this number indicates the pitcher's ability to assist picking off base stealers.  Ever since SOM had included this number, the obvious drive to perfect a formula could result in a major advantage to any drafted league.  I would always prefer a -5 battery every outing.

  So, in preparing this article, I felt a strong review of my old formula would reap major benefits.  Not to be.  Although there were tendancies noted, the numbers belie the fact that SOM can match every pitcher/catcher combination to the SB frequency/success rate.

  Here is that sturdy old SOM formula, along with two additional parameters that will yield yet a higher degree of accuracy:

FORMULA #22: PITCHER'S HOLD

SOM PHOLD = ((SB / ATT)) - .6666) * 20

SOM PHOLD = ((stolen bases against divided by stolen bases attempted against)) minus 0.6666) times 20

How it works:  The pitchers formula works the same way the batter's formula does, that is, takes the pitchers SB%, subtracts the league average, and ratio to the 20 sided die. 

  This formula works with 70% accuracy.  For those who wish even more accuracy, make the following amendments:

  Replace the formulated number to these individual pitchers if the pitcher's formulated hold is greater than 0:

Pitcher allows attempts less than 5% of their Innings Pitched = -5

Pitcher allows attempts less than 10% of their Innings Pitched = -1

  Replace the formulated number to these individual pitchers if the pitcher's formulated hold is less than 0

Pitcher allows attempts more than 20% of their Innings Pitched = +3

Pitcher allows attempts more than 30% of their Innings Pitched = +9

   The other formula for this issue is the Pitcher's Point of Weakness #.  It is an easy formula:

FORMULA # 23: PITCHER'S POINT OF WEAKNESS

SOM PPOW = IP / APP

SOM Pitcher's POINT OF WEAKNESS = Pitcher's Innings Pitched divided by game appearances.

 how it works:  Simply divide the pitcher's Innings Pitched by the amount of games he appeared in.  Round it off to a whole number.

  Wild pitches, Balks, and an updated version of the March '92 Batters Card Patterns will appear in the upcoming issue...