In baseball, two statistics, the ERA (Earned Run Average) and the WHIP (Walks and Hits per Inning Pitched), are used to measure the quality of pitchers. For both measures, smaller values indicate higher quality. The following computer output gives the results from predicting ERA by using WHIP in a least-squares regression for the 2017 baseball season.

Variable DF Estimate SE T
Intercept 1 −5.0 0.26 −19.3
WHIP 1 6.8 0.14 47.4
Which of the following statements is the best interpretation of the value 6.8 shown in the output?

a. ERA is predicted to increase by 6.8 units for each 1 unit increase of WHIP.


b. WHIP is predicted to increase by 6.8 units for each 1 unit increase of ERA.


c. For a pitcher with 0 units of WHIP, the ERA is predicted to be approximately 6.8 units.


d. For a pitcher with 0 units of ERA, the WHIP is predicted to be approximately 6.8 units.


e. Approximately 6.8% of the variability in ERA is due to its linear relationship with WHIP.