RADIO
Strikeout to Walk Ratio (K:BB)
Definition: Strikeout to walk ratio (K:BB) is one of my favorite tools for determining whether a pitcher’s performance can be maintained or not. At a basic level, it is a measure of control. Good pitchers tend to strike batters out and good pitchers have a tendency to not walk a lot of batters. Combining the two in a ratio tells you how many strikeouts a pitcher gets for every walk they allow. A very good K:BB is 4.00 or higher, something that just 14 of 96 pitchers with a minimum of 150 IP met in 2013, including both Cy Young winners.
Generally a ratio around 2.75 is what I consider good while anything under 2.00 would be a sign of concern. It isn’t the automatic answer to all questions about how good a pitcher is - Dan Haren finished 6th in 2013 K:BB but due to a high HR rate his ERA was 4.67. You don’t need to be an overpowering pitcher to post a great ratio either. Phil Hughes is among the leaders in 2014 despite being well down the list in strikeout rate, but as a result Hughes is putting up the best season of his career to date.
I hope this brief explanation has helped you and if you need any additional clarification on K:BB feel free to ask in the comments.
