02-21-2010, 10:22 PM
I wish there was a catch-all stat that we could use to rank players with, but one doesn't exist.
Even OPS+, which is a great stat, because it incorporates ballpark factors, measures players against their league counterparts, etc., isn't ideal.
For one, it only measures hitting, not fielding, baserunning, clubhouse personality, or anything else. Also, it's a doesn't give credit for counting stats; thus, a player who plays all 162 games and puts up a 135 OPS+ is considered the same as a part-timer who gets a 135 OPS+ in only 60 games. That's bull.
And none of this even mentions the obvious fact that OPS measures OBP and slugging as being equal, when it's well-established that OBP is far more valuable.
WAR at least includes defense. It also gives credit for defensive positions played; in other words, it's obvious that a SS is more valuable (and harder to find) than a left fielder, so a player is given credit for being able to handle MLB SS.
I don't know if it's the best stat out there, but it is the most comprehensive.
Even OPS+, which is a great stat, because it incorporates ballpark factors, measures players against their league counterparts, etc., isn't ideal.
For one, it only measures hitting, not fielding, baserunning, clubhouse personality, or anything else. Also, it's a doesn't give credit for counting stats; thus, a player who plays all 162 games and puts up a 135 OPS+ is considered the same as a part-timer who gets a 135 OPS+ in only 60 games. That's bull.
And none of this even mentions the obvious fact that OPS measures OBP and slugging as being equal, when it's well-established that OBP is far more valuable.
WAR at least includes defense. It also gives credit for defensive positions played; in other words, it's obvious that a SS is more valuable (and harder to find) than a left fielder, so a player is given credit for being able to handle MLB SS.
I don't know if it's the best stat out there, but it is the most comprehensive.
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