Last week, the MLB announced that they would be making their new Statcast statistics available to the general public. The MLB wanted to release the information just in time for their All-Star Weekend in Cincinnati, and already they are beginning to flex Statcast’s muscles.
The Statcast Twitter account revealed a series of videos of the Futures Game, U.S. versus World, being analyzed with their technology over the weekend. Three times they showcased extraordinary plays and the brand new statistics that made those plays spectacular.
One of the more interesting examples came as U.S. third baseman Richie Shaffer brought up a grounder, and then took his time to make the throw to first base. When the first baseman caught his throw, the runner was, surprisingly, safe. Statcast revealed runner Raul Mondesi to be clocking in at a high of 21.4 miles per hour on his way to first base—his startling speed the reason behind the late throw.
Statcast also tracked the distance World shortstop Orlando Arcia covered to make a spinning throw to first base, and the strength of Michael Conforto’s arm as he rocketed his throw from outfield to home plate, getting the runner out in the process.
Apart from the Futures Game, MLB Advanced Media used Statcast for something completely new this year—they tried to predict the winner of the Home Run Derby.
MLB Advanced Media used all of the home run data acquired over the last year by Statcast, and they simulated the Home Run Derby 10,000 times. The results swung in favor of rookie outfielder Joc Pederson of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who won a total of 2,495 simulations. Los Angeles Angels slugger Albert Pujols followed him, with 2,279 simulations won.
The Baltimore Orioles’ Manny Machado came in dead last with 182 simulations to his name. But before you count Machado out, the statistics were based solely on exit velocity of home runs and distance of home runs. So, take a look at the Home Run Derby bracket here, and we will find out the winner as Statcast tracks those huge home runs.
The Home Run Derby begins tonight at 8 p.m. ET. Expect Statcast to be showing some useful insights.
