How Pitcher Fantasy Scoring Works: Demystifying the Mound
Pitcher fantasy scoring boils down to assigning point values for positive pitching actions, such as strikeouts and wins, while deducting points for negative outcomes*, such as earned runs and losses, ultimately determining a pitcher’s fantasy performance. The specifics can vary greatly depending on the league, from simple *win-loss records* to highly detailed advanced statistic integration.
Understanding the Basics of Fantasy Pitching
Fantasy baseball, in all its glory, attempts to simulate real-world baseball using statistical performance as its currency. Pitchers, obviously, are a crucial component of any successful fantasy team. Understanding how they are scored is paramount to drafting effectively, making smart trades, and setting your lineups strategically. There are several scoring systems used in fantasy baseball, each with its own nuances.
The Standard Scoring Systems
The core of fantasy baseball scoring often revolves around a few established systems. These are the foundations from which many custom leagues deviate, so mastering them is crucial.
- Rotisserie (Roto): This is the oldest and arguably still the most popular format. Teams accumulate points based on their ranking in various statistical categories, such as wins, saves, strikeouts, ERA, and WHIP. At the end of the season, the team with the highest cumulative score wins. Roto emphasizes overall balance rather than specific game-to-game performance.
- Head-to-Head (H2H): In this format, teams are matched up against each other each week. The team that wins the majority of statistical categories in a given week wins the matchup. The categories used are the same as in roto. The team with the best record at the end of the regular season advances to the playoffs. H2H rewards weekly consistency and matchup exploitation.
- Points: Teams accumulate points based on individual player performance. The specific point values for different statistics vary depending on the league. This is generally considered the simplest format to understand and can be customized with more or less specific statistics.
Common Pitching Statistics Used in Fantasy Scoring
These stats form the building blocks of most scoring systems:
- Wins (W): A pitcher is credited with a win if they are the pitcher of record when their team takes the lead and holds it for the remainder of the game (with certain exceptions).
- Losses (L): A pitcher is charged with a loss if they are the pitcher of record when their team takes the lead, only to lose it and ultimately lose the game.
- Saves (SV): A save is awarded to a pitcher who enters in a save situation (leading by three or fewer runs in the ninth inning or later, or entering with the tying run on base or at the plate) and finishes the game without relinquishing the lead.
- Strikeouts (K): The number of batters a pitcher strikes out.
- Earned Run Average (ERA): A measure of how many earned runs a pitcher allows per nine innings pitched. A lower ERA is better.
- Walks plus Hits per Inning Pitched (WHIP): A measure of a pitcher’s ability to keep runners off base. It is calculated by adding the number of walks and hits allowed and dividing by the number of innings pitched. A lower WHIP is better.
- Innings Pitched (IP): The number of innings a pitcher has pitched. This is crucial for many rate stats and qualifying for leaderboards.
- Holds (HLD): A hold is awarded to a relief pitcher who enters in a save situation, records at least one out, and maintains his team’s lead without recording a save.
- Quality Starts (QS): A quality start is defined as a start in which the pitcher pitches at least six innings and allows three or fewer earned runs.
Point Values and Customization
The real magic (or headache, depending on your perspective) happens when assigning point values to these stats. This is where league commissioners can tailor the scoring to their specific preferences.
Here’s an example of a points-based scoring system:
| Statistic | Point Value |
|---|---|
| Win | 5 |
| Loss | -3 |
| Save | 7 |
| Strikeout | 1 |
| Earned Run | -2 |
| Inning Pitched | 1 |
| Hit Allowed | -0.5 |
| Walk Allowed | -0.5 |
It’s important to note that this is just an example. Some leagues might heavily reward strikeouts and punish earned runs, while others might emphasize wins and saves. Some may use advanced statistics such as FIP (Fielding Independent Pitching), SIERA (Skill-Interactive Earned Run Average), or K/9 (Strikeouts per 9 Innings) to better evaluate a pitcher’s underlying performance.
Strategy Implications: Draft and Lineup Decisions
Understanding your league’s scoring system is vital for crafting a winning strategy. In leagues that heavily value strikeouts, targeting high-strikeout pitchers in the early rounds is a good approach. In leagues that reward wins, focusing on pitchers on strong offensive teams is more advantageous. Pay attention to how your scoring system values relief pitchers and how plentiful good relief pitching is in the player pool.
During the season, streaming pitchers (picking up and starting pitchers based on favorable matchups) can be a valuable strategy, particularly in H2H leagues. Pay attention to the opposing team’s lineup, the pitcher’s recent performance, and the park factors (some parks are more hitter-friendly than others).
Common Mistakes in Pitcher Fantasy Scoring
One of the most common mistakes is overvaluing wins. Wins are heavily dependent on run support, making them less indicative of a pitcher’s true skill. Focus on stats that are more within a pitcher’s control, such as strikeouts, ERA, and WHIP. Another mistake is ignoring the impact of relief pitchers, especially in leagues that reward holds. Many fantasy players ignore relievers until late in the draft, which is usually a mistake. Also, avoid knee-jerk reactions based on short-term fluctuations in performance. A pitcher can have a bad outing or two without necessarily being a bad pitcher.
FAQs: Your Pitcher Fantasy Scoring Questions Answered
How do holds work in fantasy baseball?
Holds are awarded to relief pitchers who enter the game in a save situation (typically with a lead of three runs or less in the late innings), record at least one out, and maintain their team’s lead without recording a save or giving up the lead to allow a tie. In fantasy baseball, holds are valuable because they provide an alternative to saves, allowing you to score points even if your closer doesn’t have a save opportunity.
What’s the difference between ERA and WHIP, and why are they important in fantasy scoring?
ERA (Earned Run Average) measures the number of earned runs a pitcher allows per nine innings pitched. A lower ERA is better, indicating a more effective pitcher. WHIP (Walks plus Hits per Inning Pitched) measures a pitcher’s ability to prevent baserunners. It’s calculated by adding walks and hits allowed and dividing by innings pitched. A lower WHIP is better, as it suggests the pitcher is more difficult to hit against. Both are important in fantasy because they reflect a pitcher’s ability to limit runs and baserunners, key components of preventing the other team from scoring.
How do quality starts affect fantasy scoring?
A quality start (QS) is when a starting pitcher pitches at least six innings and allows no more than three earned runs. In fantasy leagues that use quality starts, they’re awarded points. A QS rewards consistency and efficiency.
What are “streaming pitchers” and how do I do it effectively?
Streaming pitchers involves picking up and starting pitchers based on favorable matchups for a short period. Effectively streaming pitchers requires careful analysis of opponent batting stats, ball park factors, and the pitcher’s recent performance. The goal is to maximize points from favorable matchups without committing to a long-term roster spot.
Should I focus on starting pitchers or relief pitchers more in my fantasy draft?
The balance between starting and relief pitchers depends on your league’s scoring system. In leagues that heavily reward saves and holds, you’ll need to invest more heavily in relief pitchers. However, elite starting pitchers who contribute significant strikeouts, wins, and low ERAs and WHIPs are still valuable assets. In general, it is better to wait on starting pitching and focus on high-upside bats early in the draft.
What are some advanced pitching stats I should consider beyond ERA and WHIP?
Beyond ERA and WHIP, consider stats like FIP (Fielding Independent Pitching), which attempts to isolate a pitcher’s true performance by focusing on strikeouts, walks, and home runs, removing the influence of defense. SIERA (Skill-Interactive ERA) attempts to go one step further in attempting to determine the “true” ERA of a pitcher. K/9 (Strikeouts per 9 Innings) indicates a pitcher’s strikeout rate, while BB/9 (Walks per 9 Innings) shows their control.
How important are wins in modern fantasy baseball scoring?
Wins can be a misleading statistic in fantasy baseball, because a pitcher’s win total depends heavily on the offense of their team. Do not overvalue wins when drafting or making trades, as they are largely out of a pitcher’s control. Focus on stats like strikeouts, ERA, and WHIP, which are more indicative of a pitcher’s underlying skill.
How do I determine the value of a closer in my fantasy league?
Closers are highly valuable because of their save totals, but their value depends on their predictability and consistency. A reliable closer on a good team will accumulate many saves, while an unstable closer could lose their job quickly. Track the closer situation on each team to take advantage of changes. Also consider saves+holds leagues.
How can I best manage my pitching staff during the season?
Actively monitor the waiver wire for emerging pitchers and potential streaming options. Pay attention to injuries and performance trends. Don’t be afraid to cut ties with underperforming pitchers, and be willing to trade for upgrades at key positions.
What impact do injuries have on pitcher fantasy scoring?
Injuries can significantly impact pitcher fantasy scoring. Injured pitchers contribute zero stats while on the injured list, and even when they return, their performance may be affected. Stay up-to-date on injury reports and be prepared to replace injured players.
Are there any park factors that I should be aware of when evaluating pitchers?
Yes, some ballparks are more hitter-friendly than others. Parks like Coors Field in Denver are known to inflate offensive numbers, while parks like Petco Park in San Diego are more pitcher-friendly. Consider park factors when evaluating a pitcher’s ERA and WHIP.
How does Daily Fantasy Scoring differ from traditional Fantasy Scoring?
Daily Fantasy Sports scoring is very different than traditional fantasy. You are drafting for one day only and do not have a team for the season. A large number of daily fantasy sites base their scoring on wins (or, in some cases, quality starts), strikeouts, innings pitched, hits allowed, earned runs allowed, and walks allowed.