How Kaelen Culpepper Can Keep Forcing the Issue in 2026

[old nurse]

4 minutes ago, ashbury said:

An extra hit a week would have turned Eric Wagaman into a .300 hitter in 2025.  Things add up in a long season.

Only if he came up with a player on base and his HB to first speed was elite on that once a week occasion 

[RpR]

31 minutes ago, old nurse said:

I’d that your way of saying you can’t figure out how to get AI to tell you if your data is statistically significant?  Do you even understand what statistical significance is?

It says , you gave your opinion, and that is all it is.

[ashbury]

26 minutes ago, old nurse said:

Only if he came up with a player on base and his HB to first speed was elite on that once a week occasion 

Batting average doesn't depend on who's on base.  If you think I was equating Wagaman with the DP-pivot situation, you're missing the point - I'm saying once-a-week matters on balls put in play.

[RpR]

24 minutes ago, old nurse said:

Only if -- etc., etc., etc. , Straw Man debate

The typical straw man argument creates the illusion of having refuted or defeated an opponent's proposition through the covert replacement of it with a different proposition

[old nurse]

1 hour ago, RpR said:

The typical straw man argument creates the illusion of having refuted or defeated an opponent's proposition through the covert replacement of it with a different proposition

Straw man is you saying you claiming it matters without proof that throwing speed is the true difference maker over every other skill in turning a double play., and 0.06 seconds faster matters

[old nurse]

1 hour ago, RpR said:

It says , you gave your opinion, and that is all it is.

So you don’t understand statistical significance, got it 

[old nurse]

1 hour ago, ashbury said:

Batting average doesn't depend on who's on base.  If you think I was equating Wagaman with the DP-pivot situation, you're missing the point - I'm saying once-a-week matters on balls put in play.

In light that the argument is does .06 seconds faster really matters bring in totally unrelated arguments should be beneath you. 

[DJL44]

Thumbs down for using AI to make your argument. I have no interest in discussing baseball with software.

[RpR]

1 hour ago, old nurse said:

Straw man is you saying you claiming it matters without proof that throwing speed is the true difference maker over every other skill in turning a double play., and 0.06 seconds faster matters

The article said it, I just copied the article.  If you have a beef take it to them.

[RpR]

16 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

Thumbs down for using AI to make your argument. I have no interest in discussing baseball with software. -- LOL -- your bias is showing.

In modern baseball, data from Statcast confirms that infield throwing velocity is a critical metric for defensive success, particularly on "bang-bang" plays at first base. 

Data supporting the importance of throw speed from second to first includes:

 

1. Positional Averages and Impact

• Second Basemen (2B): Average throw speeds range from 75 to 85 mph. While lower than shortstops (85–95 mph), 2B velocity is prioritized for quick releases and accuracy during double plays.
• Arm Strength Leaderboard: Statcast tracks the average of a player’s top 5% of throws for 2B/SS/3B positions. This specialized tracking highlights how maximum effort throws are a distinct, measurable skill. 

 

 

 

2. Defensive Urgency Data

The speed of a throw "counts" because it directly competes with a runner's time to first base:

• Runner Speed: The average MLB batter reaches first base in 4.31 to 4.35 seconds. Elite runners like Trea Turner reach it in approximately 4.13 to 4.22 seconds (2025 data).
• The "Bang-Bang" Window: Infielders often have only fractions of a second to complete a play. A difference of 0.2 seconds can be the deciding factor between a runner being safe or out. 

 

 

 

3. Notable Statcast Records (Infield Assists)

• Masyn Winn: Set a record for the fastest throw by an MLB infielder at 101.2 mph in May 2024.
• Elly De La Cruz: Recorded a 99.8 mph infield assist in 2023.
• Oneil Cruz: Previously held records with infield throws reaching 97.8 mph. 

 

 

 

4. Statistical Significance

• Range and Versatility: Higher velocity allows an infielder to field balls deeper "in the hole" or further up the middle and still beat a runner to first.
• Runner Intimidation: High throwing velocities can influence base runner behavior, discouraging them from taking extra bases or attempting to advance. 

For detailed player rankings, you can view the official Statcast Arm Strength Leaderboard on Baseball Savant.