Reaching important conclusions about players and teams through statistical baseball analysis requires some understanding of the game. Whether an amateur or professional analyst, a grounding in basic pitching and batting data is a must.

Batting statistics focus on a player’s talent for hitting the ball and reaching base. Specifically, batting average refers to how often a batter reaches base instead of making an out. Another key mark of talent is home run numbers, which are a good representation of a hitter’s overall power. These two categories, along with many others, are analyzed to determine a player’s pay grade.

While batters secure their paychecks by hitting, pitchers obviously secure theirs by preventing hits and runs. Probably the three most important categories in figuring a pitcher’s worth are runs permitted per nine innings (earned run average), as well as games won and batters struck out. His spot in the pitching rotation, and his value to the team, can be pretty closely found out by analyzing these numbers.

Beyond the very basic statistics most known to lovers of the game is another whole level. On this level, every aspect of every pitch is broken down into complex analysis. This is the level of professional baseball statisticians, who crunch numbers for a living in order to prepare for any comparison between players and teams that might be needed or wanted.

Computers are used heavily in the analyzing process. Numbers are fed into whole networks of computer programs, allowing for any manner of charts and graphs to be created. These visual representations of statistics are then fed to broadcasters and fans for discussion.

Ultimately, baseball analysis takes place on a number of different levels. All numbers have meaning, and can be used to draw comparisons between players and teams from all eras of baseball history, thus allowing a deeper understanding of the game itself and the men who play it.

If you’re searching for top notch free baseball handicapping then pay a visit to The Baseball Handicapper. The site presents reliable game info, money management assistance and other advice for picking the winning team. Their prior picks are readily available online so you can check success rates. It also has weekly, monthly and season-long subscription packages to suit your individual needs.