Comments for FanGraphs Sabermetrics Library

Comment on Sample Size by Jake

Jake — Thu, 17 May 2012 18:39:04 +0000

I’m confused about split-half methodology and how the results can be interpreted.

When you say that measure X stabilizes at 200 PAs, for example, how is that reflected in your methodology?

If I understand correctly, you took 400 PAs and compared the 200 odd PAs to the 200 even PAs and looked for correlation.

But that doesn’t tell you that an individuals’ first 200 PAs correlate to his next 200 PAs, yet it’s being advertised as such. Instead, it means that it takes 200 PAs consisting of every other PA over 400 PAs for measure X to stabilize. That’s not exactly useful information.

Am I wrong in making this criticism?

Comment on wOBA by Robb

Robb — Thu, 17 May 2012 15:28:36 +0000

I am surprised that HBP are weighted higher than walks in the formula, since getting beaned is more a function of luck than drawing a walk. True, some guys get beaned more, but it’s not a repeatable skill like walking is.

Comment on wOBA by Jacob Knapp

Jacob Knapp — Wed, 16 May 2012 02:01:20 +0000

But then HBP and reaching on an error shouldn’t count either. (which they probably shouldn’t.)

Comment on What is WAR? by Ron

Ron — Sun, 13 May 2012 23:22:47 +0000

What I don’t like about WAR is that it’s still a ‘counting stat’ in that if you play more games in a season, your WAR is likely to be higher than someone who played fewer games unless that player was much better. For example… if a player plays first base for 160 games and averages .05 WAR/game (season WAR of 8), he’ll appear to have the same value as a player who played 107 games and averages .075 WAR/game. Particularly for teams that have a lot of depth and cash flow, even a backup level player is usually capable of providing a WAR above 0.

I understand that there’s obviously some value in simply playing additional games, just being a body on the field and showing up to work, but I still think WAR should be presented additionally as a “per game” stat, rather than counting stats.

Furthermore, any stat that deems Mark Teixeira a reasonably good hitter must be fundamentally flawed (jk).

Comment on FIP by john

john — Sun, 13 May 2012 20:04:56 +0000

So why are homeruns multiplied by 13?? That is why these formulae are jokes! They are extremely subjective

Comment on Pitching by sportsfreak0217

sportsfreak0217 — Sat, 12 May 2012 15:15:29 +0000

what does E F stand for

Comment on ISO by Drew

Drew — Fri, 11 May 2012 15:50:12 +0000

Yeah and the players that hit triples still don’t hit many and rarely hit HR’s so it balances those guys out generally. I always say, “A triples hitter is a singles hitter who got lucky.”

Comment on FIP by Paul

Paul — Fri, 11 May 2012 14:13:43 +0000

I know it’s supposed to be fielding independent, but this definitely does not add value to groundball pitchers who induce a high amount of double plays. An old time pitcher like Tommy John I imagine would have a horrible FIP as he did not strike out many and was great at inducing double play groundballs to make up for hits or walks. It also doesn’t add value to clutch pitchers who seem to pitch better when runners are on base. Nor would it give value to the Mitch Williams or Don Stanhouse pitchers who were famous for getting a save after loading up the bases but not allowing a run.

Comment on GB%, LD%, FB% by EnricoPalatzzo

EnricoPalatzzo — Mon, 07 May 2012 20:57:29 +0000

While all line drives could be called “well-hit”, the ground balls and fly balls cannot be distinguished as such. Some ground balls dribble to the pitcher while others burn down the 3rd base line. Fly balls are similar. Is there a stat available here where you can see the amount of balls hit from say, -5 degrees to +40 degrees with the horizontal, and with a minimum velocity? Call it the GW%, for Good Wood %.

Comment on GB%, LD%, FB% by Brian

Brian — Fri, 04 May 2012 17:44:39 +0000

Does this data count all batted balls, or only those that fall in play?