Looking at Astros “x” and “z” stats

Wide angle view of Coors Field during an Astros game. Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images Baseball has just passed the half way mark of the season. And that makes us wonder what is in store for the second half. Players’ performance on the season can improve, decline, or stay about the same. And inquiring minds want some help in guessing at the answer.

Two types of stats can assist with answering the question about the next few months. The first group of stats are “x” (expected) stats calculated at Statcast, which can identify some hitters and pitchers whose actual stats reflect a good deal of good or bad luck. We utilize the Statcast “x” stats frequently. A second group of stats are “z” stats which the…