Posted by pfan on 9/30/2014 4:04:00 PM (view original):
Frazz, thanks for the quick reply. So as i understand your explanation, the RRF may in and of itself not mean much, but the sim makes it an important stat. Please correct me if that assumption is wrong. If not, thanks for the answer, that makes a lot of sense.
This is correct. The sim uses it as part of the outcome of an at bat, and thus it is an important stat. That's why better defensive players have higher salaries. Over the course of a season, an A+ range player at the important defensive positions (SS/2B/CF) can have more than 30 "+" plays and those with good range at the other positions can bring in 25 or more "+" plays. Conversely, players with a D- range can hurt you to the tune of 25 or more "-" plays. Thus, just like fielding percentages, the higher the RRF the better.
The RRF also matters because not all A+ or D- are created equal. The letter grade may be the same, but the RRF can be very different for 2 players that are rated A+ or D-. Since the sim uses the RRF as part of the calculation. Just because they have the best/worst letter grade does not mean they are equal.