Range Factor - anyone understand this stat? Topic

kkolesar
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I'm struggling to determine if there is any real value in Range Factor.  Do any of you see benefit in the number or is it just fluff with no impact on game??
9/29/2014 2:39 PM
MikeT23
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Yes.  It's the number of outs your player produces defensively via putouts/assists.    Unless your pitchers are striking everyone out, it's very important. 
9/29/2014 2:43 PM
kkolesar
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Miket23 - it appears the more a player is on the field, the greater the number is allowed to become - is that so?  Or is a straight average per game figure representing putouts/assists?  i.e. does an RF of 2.08 mean a player is averaging 2.08 combined PO/Asst per game?
9/29/2014 3:13 PM
MikeT23
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It's based on innings played.   2.08 would be per 9 innings.

It's pretty useless for C/1B but gives you a good idea where you are at other positions.   If you're in the middle of the top 25 per position, you should be OK.
9/29/2014 3:15 PM
seabreeze
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I am not a big fan of relying on RF because it can be heavily influenced by a few other factors:
  •  The ratings of your home ballpark config: just as singles, doubles, and triples are greater in plus ballparks, the number of chances that fielders get are also greater. This is why you'll see Colorado-based CFs lead the league in plus plays defensively, even if they don't have the best range or arm strength.
  • The GB/FB ratio of your pitching staff: depending on the GBFB, your infielders may get more or less chances than normal. To a lesser extent, the L/R handedness of your pitching staff may also play a factor. Four LH SPs are likely to result in more RH switch or platoon hitters, and more ground balls to 3B.
  • The range ratings of the fielders on either side of you: all things other being equal, a CF flanked by a LF and RF with ranges of 50 with have a greater range factor than the CF flanked by a LF and RF with ranges of 80.
10/9/2014 3:30 PM
MikeT23
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I won't argue with either of your first two points but you're entirely incorrect with your third.   The range of surrounding players is not a factor.   A 90 range CF does not "cover" for a 50 range LF.    Support has stated this many times and the data backs it up.

Anyway, if you're 23rd in RF at SS, my bet is your SS has poor range.
10/9/2014 3:42 PM
Range Factor - anyone understand this stat? Topic
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