Conventional wisdom holds that spring training data holds little predictive value with respect to the upcoming season. Teams with terrific spring records regularly flop once the games count, and vice-versa. Players who were tearing up the Cactus and Citrus Leagues, often struggle when opponents start utilizing scouting reports against them.
Yet, there are a few things that can signal what’s to come in the upcoming season. One of those significant factors is a change in velocity from pitchers.
Gain five mph on your fastball like Kansas City Royals reliever Chien-Ming Wang has this spring, and analysts expect sharply improved performance during the season.