Baseball Statistics and Sabermetrics

Sabermetrics have taken baseball statistics tohis total of runs scored we see that this can be
new levels. Originally these hybrid analyses of themeasured by his ability to get on base (On Base
game of baseball were for the true fan(atic), butPercentage) and to advance himself which can me
now major league teams are using them to helpmeasured by extra-base hits (Slugging
build winning teams.Percentage), and by his stolen bases and caught
Bill James, the father of Sabermetrics called themstealing.
the "search for objective knowledge aboutAlthough it does not look at stolen bases a very
baseball" now works for the Boston Red Sox asgood method to judge the offensive contributions
a consultant. Sabermetrics attempt to enhanceof a player is by adding Slugging Percentage and
our ability to see and understand what is reallyOn Base Percentage (OPS).
happening. These hybrid statistics attempt toFor pitcher's win and losses is a poor judge of a
measure what is really happening on the field.player's value. These stats are directly related to
Sabermetrics is an objective study of the gamethe run support the pitcher receives.
based upon the following principals:Fielding average is also filled with flaws as the
Goal No. 1 is to win as many games as possible.most important part of fielding is the ability to
Sabermetrics is interested in measuring eachprevent hits. While it does show which players can
individual player's contribution to his team wins.handle their position it does not take into
Batting average, maybe baseball's most knownconsideration range and the ability to take away
statistic misses a batter's power and his ability tohits..
draw walks.Can Sabermetrics predict a player's future
A player should always be evaluated for what heperformance in the major league? How useful are
produces, not for what the players around hima player's minor-league numbers in this prediction?
contribute. Runs scored and RBIs can be a directOnce you adjust a player's minor-league numbers
correlation to what your teammates do. Thefor the difference between AA or AAA ball and
solution is to find a good statistic measure thatthe majors, you may have something meaningful.
removes outside effects over which the playerThese hybrid stats can bring a whole new
has no control, such as the park. RBIs and runsexperience of the game to fans and may make
scored are very much a measure of things afans watch the game through a new set of
player can not control.glasses.
When we look at a player's own contribution to