New Graphs: RC/G & LOB%
I decided to add two additional graphs today. The first is Bill James’ Runs Created per Game (RC/G) and the next is Dave Studeman’s Left on Base Percentage (LOB%).
LOB% – From the Hardball Times: Is the percentage of baserunners allowed that didn’t score a run. LOB% is used to track pitcher’s luck or effectiveness (depending on your point of view). The exact formula is (H+BB+HBP-R)/(H+BB+HBP-(1.4*HR)). Note: I’m currently excluding HBP in the formula for FanGraphs, but it will eventually be in there. The difference should be minimal.
RC/G – Is how many runs a team would score if its lineup was comprised of entirely the same batter. I’m using the stolen base version of runs created which looks something like this: (((H + BB – CS) * ((1B + (2 * 2B) + (3 * 3B) + (4 * HR)) + (0.55 * SB)) / (AB + BB)) / (AB – SO + CS) * 27). There are many more complicated versions out there, which I may explore using in the future.
I like the LOB% a lot, it really shows if a player comes through in the clutch…
Imagine the pitcher have just received two hits, one of them was a homerun and it was the only carreer. Then with no BB and HBP his LOB% should be 167%? ((2+0+0-1)/(2+0+0-1.4*1))*100=167. What’s going on?
1.4 is an estimate for the number of baserunners cleared by a homer, I believe. Don’t use LOB% for guys who pitch one inning.