Quote:
Originally Posted by Ktulu
Well, as mentioned, you're going to need some actual data to back this up. Just because you don't see a change to ratings doesn't mean there isn't an effect in the game. The boost to stuff IS going to have an effect on HR rate, and there's other stuff going on behind the scenes. There is also no pitcher rating for BABIP, so are you getting this from statistics?
The pitching engine is complicated and involves far more than just the stuff movement and control you see on the player profile. Real life stats also are not simply explained by pitchers being better (ie higher ratings) in relief.
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I could maybe do some tests on the HR rate myself, as I guess you do make a good point on the increase in strikeouts would result in slightly less homeruns.
From whatever I have read on fangraphs and sites like that, pitching in relief will make it easier to have a lower BABIP, because you can pitch harder and better while in relief. Tom Tango has also said that relievers have a BABIP 17 points lower then average compared to starters, and that is an amount that can have some significance. I am not sure on how this would work for a pitcher who switches between the bullpen and the rotation, but 17 points is a significant improvement for relievers.