Pitching Ratings

Pitching Ratings determine a pitcher's skills, abilities, and outcomes on the mound when facing batters. Here's a breakdown of each rating:

Pitchers with high PO ratings excel at throwing effective fastballs, hard sliders, and splitters.
They generate more strikeouts and make it challenging for batters to get hits.
Power pitchers may give up more home runs and fly ball outs.

Notable power pitchers include Nolan Ryan, Randy Johnson, and Sandy Koufax.

Pitchers with high FI ratings rely on changeups, curveballs, and generally deceptive pitches.
While they may not achieve high strikeout numbers like power pitchers, they effectively get batters out.
Finesse pitchers keep batters off-balance, leading to fewer extra-base hits. They induce more ground balls than fly balls.

Prominent finesse pitchers include Greg Maddux and Tommy John.

Pitchers with high CO ratings have precise aim, enabling them to throw the ball where they intend.
This affects walks, strikeouts to some extent, and even the opponent's batting average.
A high CO allows pitchers to confidently hit the corners and stay ahead in the count.
Pitchers with high CO excel at minimizing walks.

Notable pitchers with high control include Mike Mussina and Christy Mathewson.

Pitchers with high SY ratings possess unique skills and techniques that set them apart.
They utilize strategies and pitches that other pitchers don't, maximizing their effectiveness. *Specialty can elevate an average pitcher's performance or enhance a good pitcher's abilities.
SY is the only rating not affected by fatigue and can complement other high ratings.

Phil Niekro and Charlie Hough are examples of pitchers with high Specialty ratings.

The HR rating measures a pitcher's ability to deter base stealing and pick off runners.
Pitchers with high HR ratings excel at holding runners on base.
This reduces stolen base attempts, decreases success rates, and improves the chances of picking off runners.
It also hinders runners from taking extra bases or breaking up double plays.

Pitchers like Andy Pettitte and Terry Mulholland are known for their ability to hold runners.

Pitchers rely on up to four different pitches, listed on their player card.
These four pitches that can vary based on their skills.
These pitches may change over time as their skills evolve.
The primary pitch, considered their best pitch, is listed first.
For example, finesse pitchers may throw changeups, sinkers, and curveballs, while power pitchers may rely on splitters and fastballs.
Some pitchers effectively throw unconventional pitches, often referred to as "garbage."