"If we started with a blank slate knowing what we know now, we wouldn't use 1, 2, 3, and 4 for the weights. There's a better, more accurate way to measure power."

Except they're not weights. You can use that term all you want, but once again, saying something doesn't make it so.

There are 4 bases in a home run. That's a fact. It's not a weight, it's not an approximation, it's not an arbitrary number, it's a FACT. A player doesn't get 1.27 bases on a double. I understand counting is hard for you, but counting bases works in whole numbers.

You calculate total bases by...wait for it...counting up the total number of bases a player accumulates on their hits. Shocking, I know.

Yes, but the point of SLG is to give us a way to measure a player's power.

The weights used in SLG are pretty good. It's a good stat. But that doesn't mean there isn't a better way to measure power.

Similarly, Fangraphs' WAR calculation is pretty good at its goal. But Baseball Reference thinks there's a better way to calculate a stat that measures a player's offensive, defensive, and base running value.

I can imagine the amount of wine consumed after school by BL's first grade teacher, after 5 year old BL would spend hours in the classroom arguing with her why 1 + 1 should not equal 2, because the numbers should be weighted differently.

Posted by Jtpsops on 9/7/2016 9:39:00 AM (view original):

Posted by d_rock97 on 9/6/2016 10:18:00 PM (view original):
I know no one asked, but imma put my two cents in here.

WAR is a stat. But a useless one like Wins.

Incorrect. Stats can be accurately measured and agreed upon. Batting average, home runs, errors, assists, ERA, etc., etc., etc. - all calculated the same by everyone and able to be measured.

"There is no clearly established formula for WAR. Sources that provide the statistic calculate it differently."

WAR is a metric. A man-made formula, created using real stats in an attempt to capture a player's value in one number. You can't accurately measure it and it's not agreed upon by everyone. If you can get different values for it depending on where you look, it's not a stat.

Wow, great point.
I was over here thinking "WAR is a stat, but a useless one because no one uses WAR to build a team, set a lineup or rotation. Nobody goes 'this guy has a 3.3 WAR so far so let's put him in the lead off spot'. Same with the rotation and bullpen."

But yeah, great point, sorry BL, WAR isn't a stat.

Stats measure OUTPUT. Clear, unambiguous output. When someone has a SLG of .500, everyone KNOWS what that means (except BL). When Mike Trout hits 35 home runs, we know what happened. Even BABIP is a stat.

WAR attempt to quantify VALUE relative to wins and other players. Not the same thing. When someone has a WAR of 2.1, some people THINK they know what it means (especially BL). It's not a stat; it's a value approximation.

Posted by toddcommish on 9/7/2016 12:47:00 PM (view original):
Stats measure OUTPUT. Clear, unambiguous output. When someone has a SLG of .500, everyone KNOWS what that means (except BL). When Mike Trout hits 35 home runs, we know what happened. Even BABIP is a stat.

WAR attempt to quantify VALUE relative to wins and other players. Not the same thing. When someone has a WAR of 2.1, some people THINK they know what it means (especially BL). It's not a stat; it's a value approximation.

What's the output measured by pitcher W/L?

W/L is a counting stat. Like hits, runs scored, strikeouts, etc. It just counts two different things together.

Duh.

Posted by tecwrg on 9/7/2016 12:54:00 PM (view original):
W/L is a counting stat. Like hits, runs scored, strikeouts, etc. It just counts two different things together.

Duh.

What is it counting?

Posted by bad_luck on 9/7/2016 12:14:00 PM (view original):
Yes, but the point of SLG is to give us a way to measure a player's power.

The weights used in SLG are pretty good. It's a good stat. But that doesn't mean there isn't a better way to measure power.

Similarly, Fangraphs' WAR calculation is pretty good at its goal. But Baseball Reference thinks there's a better way to calculate a stat that measures a player's offensive, defensive, and base running value.

I'm sorry Argue Monkey, who says it's a way to measure a player's power?

"Power" could be "measured" by exit velocity. A bloop single is not "powerful" but it counts for 1 base. Or, in your WobA or whatever the **** you mentioned, .89 bases. But it damn sure ain't powerful. Neither is a 23 ft dribbler that gets beaten out. Hitting a ******* baseball hard is "powerful".

I think SLG measures total bases/AB not power.

BTW, after taking the afternoon off pondering "Should I keep making demands?", the Argue Monkey came out strong today.

Posted by bad_luck on 9/7/2016 1:04:00 PM (view original):

Posted by tecwrg on 9/7/2016 12:54:00 PM (view original):
W/L is a counting stat. Like hits, runs scored, strikeouts, etc. It just counts two different things together.

Duh.

What is it counting?

You don't know what W/L is counting?

Do you understand baseball?

The Argue Monkey had a flurry of activity. He ate a banana and is now taking a nap. AM will get back to you later today.

Posted by bad_luck on 9/7/2016 12:48:00 PM (view original):

Posted by toddcommish on 9/7/2016 12:47:00 PM (view original):
Stats measure OUTPUT. Clear, unambiguous output. When someone has a SLG of .500, everyone KNOWS what that means (except BL). When Mike Trout hits 35 home runs, we know what happened. Even BABIP is a stat.

WAR attempt to quantify VALUE relative to wins and other players. Not the same thing. When someone has a WAR of 2.1, some people THINK they know what it means (especially BL). It's not a stat; it's a value approximation.

What's the output measured by pitcher W/L?

Queue up one of BL's classic redirect strategies. Don't address the item in front of him. Nooo. Because he know's he'll get swatted. Instead ignore the item being discussed and perform a redirect.

Posted by MikeT23 on 9/7/2016 1:12:00 PM (view original):

Posted by bad_luck on 9/7/2016 12:14:00 PM (view original):
Yes, but the point of SLG is to give us a way to measure a player's power.

The weights used in SLG are pretty good. It's a good stat. But that doesn't mean there isn't a better way to measure power.

Similarly, Fangraphs' WAR calculation is pretty good at its goal. But Baseball Reference thinks there's a better way to calculate a stat that measures a player's offensive, defensive, and base running value.

I'm sorry Argue Monkey, who says it's a way to measure a player's power?

"Power" could be "measured" by exit velocity. A bloop single is not "powerful" but it counts for 1 base. Or, in your WobA or whatever the **** you mentioned, .89 bases. But it damn sure ain't powerful. Neither is a 23 ft dribbler that gets beaten out. Hitting a ******* baseball hard is "powerful".

I think SLG measures total bases/AB not power.

So you don't think SLG is a measurement of a hitter's power?

Posted by tecwrg on 9/7/2016 1:18:00 PM (view original):

Posted by bad_luck on 9/7/2016 1:04:00 PM (view original):

Posted by tecwrg on 9/7/2016 12:54:00 PM (view original):
W/L is a counting stat. Like hits, runs scored, strikeouts, etc. It just counts two different things together.

Duh.

What is it counting?

You don't know what W/L is counting?

Do you understand baseball?

I need someone to explain what output is measured by pitcher W/L.

A pitcher pitches 6 innings. He gives up 7 hits, 2 walks, 3 runs, and strikes out 4. What is his W/L output?