Stats from Bill James On Line:
Shifts against RHH:
MLB Shifts on Balls in Play vs. RHBs vs. LHBs
{I really can't figure out how to post a table now...I'll try to make this read-able}
RHH LHH
2010 40 2,424
2011 84 2,273
2012 787 3,790
2013 1,718 6,416
2014* 4,032 9,757
*Pro-Rated
In 2015 about 1/3 of hitters are left-handed, which is historically consistent in recent years. 291 RHBs versus 159 LHBs (Yankees & Rangers lead in LHBs while Indians and Nats have fewest)
Therefore, there's a distinct prejudice through 2014 in shifting against lefties, albeit the percentage gap is closing. It certainly pays to be right-handed when it comes to seeing a shift.
Shifts against RHH:
MLB Shifts on Balls in Play vs. RHBs vs. LHBs
{I really can't figure out how to post a table now...I'll try to make this read-able}
RHH LHH
2010 40 2,424
2011 84 2,273
2012 787 3,790
2013 1,718 6,416
2014* 4,032 9,757
*Pro-Rated
In 2015 about 1/3 of hitters are left-handed, which is historically consistent in recent years. 291 RHBs versus 159 LHBs (Yankees & Rangers lead in LHBs while Indians and Nats have fewest)
Therefore, there's a distinct prejudice through 2014 in shifting against lefties, albeit the percentage gap is closing. It certainly pays to be right-handed when it comes to seeing a shift.
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