I understand the range factor formula, but I'm having a hard time figuring out why my ss is low on range factor compared with other ss in the league. I would assume the 4 fielding ratings are what determine range factor, as well as the gb/fb ratio of the teams pitching staff. Here's my ss:

http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=2419181

Although he leads the league in fielding %, he's not even in the top 25 in range factor.

Here's the league leader in RF:

http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=2419247

I don't understand how this player can consistently have a better range factor. What am I missing?

You probably answered your own question(sort of).

Your pitching staff will have a great deal to say about how many GB your IF gets. They can give up flyballs or strike batters out.

I have the top pitching staff in the league, so I guess the fielders get fewer chances. That would limit RF I guess.

Doesn't really seem to be a very useful statistic.

It is if you're struggling. If your staff seems to be underperforming, the first thing to check is your fielding. If you have a team full of below average fielders, that's the problem.

In your case, your SS isn't a problem. He's a product of your pitching staff.

Thanks.

Quote: Originally Posted By jgarrity3 on 1/07/2010
I have the top pitching staff in the league, so I guess the fielders get fewer chances. That would limit RF I guess.

Doesn't really seem to be a very useful statistic.

bingo

it is well known that "traditional" fielding stats aren't very good at describing the quality of a fielder

the only "objective" things that are captured from a game PBP are balls that a guy touched, and what happened when he touched them (and thus RF and Fld%)

how many balls he touched is combination of his "range" as a defender and the opportunities he is provided by his teammates/opponents ... as such, RF actually gives "credit" to a fielder for opportunites he didn't create

although the fielding percentage stat does a decent job of describing what a guy does with balls he touches as far as that goes

it is the "subjective" stuff like determining the plays a guy should/could have made that would lend quality to fielding stats ... HBD attempts to do this with the +/- stats