Schmidt: ‘Freelancing’ hitters on upswing

A new season is upon us and for those who enjoy the inner game, there’s a revolution going on. Serious fans are familiar with analytics, the use of statistical information to support baseball theory.

No longer are scouts, eye tests and gut feelings the only way. From removing starters, to shifting infielders to trading players, analytics are used.

Can you imagine the information available to the modern manager as he makes out his lineup? Gone are the days that eight guys knew they were the regulars no matter who was pitching. If a player’s record against a certain pitcher is not good, he doesn’t play.

Success rate of the sacrifice bunt, success rate of the stolen base, swinging in certain counts, everything is now swayed by statistical analysis. Imagine knowing the exact percentage of times a pitcher throws a certain pitch in a given count. It’s available! Baseball, just like society, has entered the Information Age.

Earl Weaver will be turning over in his grave as Alexa will soon be able to run a game.

For hitters, exit velocity and launch angle and distant traveled are available on a screen in the batting cage. In golf, there is the widely used TrackMan. Now baseball has it.

From the standpoint of being useful, this information can help a hitter feel differ-