10-02-2009, 04:19 PM
<!--quoteo(post=65061:date=Oct 2 2009, 03:06 PM:name=bz)-->QUOTE (bz @ Oct 2 2009, 03:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec--><!--quoteo(post=65057:date=Oct 2 2009, 03:00 PM:name=KBwsb)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (KBwsb @ Oct 2 2009, 03:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec-->I think a better way to label the current view of stats is to not call it "stats," as if it's some new invention that Billy Beane came up with. Stats have been a huge part of baseball since long before Ty Cobb.
I think the better word is <b>context</b>. For example, in tom's example, the guys relatively low .750 OPS is balanced out by him being a great fielder, a spectacular base stealer, and a sterling human being. Plus, a .750 OPS put up in the Padres Petco Park translates to something like an .850 OPS if he played in Coors Field.
It's all about context, I think.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Well yea, stats are just arbitrary numbers without context.
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Bingo.
But <i>are</i> they arbitrary? We're brought up to think in terms like "He got 100 RBI's this year," or "he's a 20-game winner," or "he's a .300 hitter."
Out of context, those phrases are almost worthless. Ok, that's an exaggeration...they're not worthless, but they don't give you <i>nearly</i> enough information.
There are guys who have hit .300, but have very little value, like Juan Pierre without the speed.
For "value" to his team, guys like Pierre, IMO, have limited value.
But guys like my dad would say, "What are you talking about? <b>He's a .300 hitter!</b>"
BTW, Juan Pierre's career batting average, in over 5,500 at bats?
Exactly .300.
I think the better word is <b>context</b>. For example, in tom's example, the guys relatively low .750 OPS is balanced out by him being a great fielder, a spectacular base stealer, and a sterling human being. Plus, a .750 OPS put up in the Padres Petco Park translates to something like an .850 OPS if he played in Coors Field.
It's all about context, I think.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Well yea, stats are just arbitrary numbers without context.
<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Bingo.
But <i>are</i> they arbitrary? We're brought up to think in terms like "He got 100 RBI's this year," or "he's a 20-game winner," or "he's a .300 hitter."
Out of context, those phrases are almost worthless. Ok, that's an exaggeration...they're not worthless, but they don't give you <i>nearly</i> enough information.
There are guys who have hit .300, but have very little value, like Juan Pierre without the speed.
For "value" to his team, guys like Pierre, IMO, have limited value.
But guys like my dad would say, "What are you talking about? <b>He's a .300 hitter!</b>"
BTW, Juan Pierre's career batting average, in over 5,500 at bats?
Exactly .300.
There's nothing better than to realize that the good things about youth don't end with youth itself. It's a matter of realizing that life can be renewed every day you get out of bed without baggage. It's tough to get there, but it's better than the dark thoughts. -Lance