Interpretation of sabermetric patterns to define each tactic of the contemporary baseball pitcher
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Abstract
Introduction: Predictive models in baseball present methodological and contextual limitations that hinder the transition towards anticipatory tactical prescription in pitching. Deficiencies persist in data interpretability, exclusion of contextual information, and lack of unified frameworks that integrate prediction, performance, and tactical assessment.
Objective: To evaluate the implementation of a methodology for interpreting sabermetric patterns in the tactical decisions of pitchers from the Santiago de Cuba team.
Methodology: A pre-experimental study with a quantitative approach and explanatory cross-sectional scope. The non-probabilistic sample included 11 pitchers from the senior category of the Santiago de Cuba team, participants in the 64th National Series. Systematic scientific observation was used with a recording sheet, standardized questionnaire, and documentary analysis. Data were processed using descriptive, correlational, and inter-observer reliability techniques.
Results: Decisions based on objective criteria increased from 27.3% to 82.0% (+54.7 points). Tactical accuracy improved from 60.0% to 85.0%. Consistency in individual patterns increased from 45.5% to 90.9%, and inter-observer reliability reached a Cohen's Kappa of 0.91. Four pitcher profiles were identified according to tactical effectiveness and situational consistency.
Conclusions: The methodology enabled the transition from empirical criteria to objective foundations in tactical decisions, evidencing improvement in the correspondence between the executed action and the competitive situation
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References
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