WHIP Relative to Baseball Handicapping
by Predictem.com Staff
When handicapping baseball, WHIP is one of the most important statistics one can use to determine the strength of a starting pitcher. WHIP, which stands for walks + hits divided by inning pitched is actually my favorite stat.
WHIP varies greatly among starting pitchers. Check out the chart below to help better understand what good and bad WHIP looks like:
1.10 and under – This is a real nasty (good) w.h.i.p. and will usually only be found associated with the games best pitchers such as Pedro Martinez, Randy Johnson, Jake Peavy, etc. These are pitchers that flat out get it done on a regular basis as whip that low is not easy to attain.
1.20 to 1.29 – These pitchers are good. In today’s age where hitters are bigger and faster, this is a very acceptable whip and these pitchers are likely to have winning records.
1.30 to 1.40 – These are pitchers who give up some hits and walks and are somewhat ordinary. Nothing to write home about, but not bad.
1.50 and above. These are guys that on average are putting 1.5 base-runners on per inning. These pitchers are dangerous to bet on as they are likely guys that lack good control and/or are easy to hit. Base-runners means runs, so the lower the whip the better.
You may be asking “where in the world do I find whip!” Your answer: Yahoo Sports under players profiles. It can also be found on most fantasy baseball sites as well.