How to get a batter to whiff

[kruser]

Whiffs are not the product of a single pitch. Much more can be learned by looking at the whiffed pitches in the context of the entire at-bat, specifically the surrounding pitches.

For this feature, we should present the patterns that offer the best chance to make the batter whiff.

The patterns should take into account:

• count
• previous pitch position, type and speed

[albertlyu]

Base-out state would also be a good pattern to take into account. Batters will make the decisions differently (i.e. whether to swing) depending on who is on base and how many outs there are.

[kruser]

Yes, good call @albertlyu

[albertlyu]

FYI, there are many articles out there on The Hardball Times, Baseball Prospectus, The Baseball Analysts etc. on pitch sequencing from a PITCHf/x perspective. Josh Kalk, Mike Fast, and Joe P. Sheehan are some former baseball writers who have researched and written articles about pitch sequencing.