The newly public batted ball data made available through MLB’s Statcast program has been a boon for everyone outside the game. And as everyone tries to figure out what’s been behind the Orioles’ 8-3 start, it’s a good place to start to see if any of it can be sustained.
Some players in the Orioles clubhouse swear by this batted ball data. Forget home run distances, they want to know how hard the ball was hit, and at what angle it was launched.
So what does it all mean? Well, harder-hit balls are more likely to fall in for base hits, and -- if they’re not hit right at someone -- more likely to go for extra bases.