Baseball philosophy rant

[EagleNYC]

I know we've done with before, and I don't mean to start a , but I've been reading far too many baseball columnists who bitch about "bad luck" in baseball in the context of hitting. I believe that BABIP is, generally, a valuable tool, but that it has its limitations. Statistically speaking, a certain about of balls will find gloves, and a certain amount will find holes. But there is a difference between ropes in the gap and bleeders: less ropes get caught because fielders have less time to cover the same space in which they could field a bleeder. I humbly request that the concept of bad luck hitting be seriously considered before it is used. McCovey's line drive that nearly decapitated Bobby Richardson to end the '62 World Series was probably bad luck.

In summary: hit 'em where they ain't or STFU.

[flyingelvii]

BABIP's nice when you look at it in conjunction with other stats such as LD%, GB%, FB%, IFFB%, and I think that's it. Basically go to FranGraphs and it's a one stop shop for everything. A guy like Jack Wilson will have a shitty BABIP but that's because most of the balls he hit are of the meek variety, whereas Pedroia will have a higher one because he makes better and more solid contact with the ball.

[twballgame9]

If baseball players could direct the ball, I would agree with you. But with .4 seconds to make up your mind, they generally are just trying to make contact. "Hit em where they ain't" is, in fact, largely luck.

It all balances out in the end, though, because of sample size and some such shit. I have no stat, however. Although I would note that adding 5 hits to a player's stats can increase the average a significant amount, even late in the season. Five hits instead of outs for a .333 hitter with 600 ABs makes him a .342 hitter. Over 600 ABs, there has to be five luck balls one way or the other.

[BCEagle74]

Never slide head first.

I forget whose shoulder was never the same and he was an All Star until he slide into first and jammed his shoulder.

So many guys just get hurt and careers lost.

[cvilleagle]

Never slide head first.

I forget whose shoulder was never the same and he was an All Star until he slide into first and jammed his shoulder.

So many guys just get hurt and careers lost.

A guy in my neighborhood was paralyzed from the neck down playing high school baseball sliding head first into home. Just went head-first into a guy's shin and his neck snapped.

[claver2010]

I know we've done with before, and I don't mean to start a , but I've been reading far too many baseball columnists who bitch about "bad luck" in baseball in the context of hitting. I believe that BABIP is, generally, a valuable tool, but that it has its limitations. Statistically speaking, a certain about of balls will find gloves, and a certain amount will find holes. But there is a difference between ropes in the gap and bleeders: less ropes get caught because fielders have less time to cover the same space in which they could field a bleeder. I humbly request that the concept of bad luck hitting be seriously considered before it is used. McCovey's line drive that nearly decapitated Bobby Richardson to end the '62 World Series was probably bad luck.

In summary: hit 'em where they ain't or STFU.

I think the bolded is true for the majority of new age stats, especially those that revolve around fielding. They have benefit but watching is the best barometer.

[Hawkaroo]

Never slide head first.

I forget whose shoulder was never the same and he was an All Star until he slide into first and jammed his shoulder.

So many guys just get hurt and careers lost.

Might you be thinking about Ray Fosse when Pete Rose tackled him at home plate in the '72 or '73 All-Star game? Ahhh, Charlie Hustle.

[BCEagle74]

Never slide head first.

I forget whose shoulder was never the same and he was an All Star until he slide into first and jammed his shoulder.

So many guys just get hurt and careers lost.

Might you be thinking about Ray Fosse when Pete Rose tackled him at home plate in the '72 or '73 All-Star game? Ahhh, Charlie Hustle.

That too and Fosse was staying/hanging? with Rose and had dinner with him night before.

It was a speedburner who did it often and was warned? Ruined him.

Kenny Lofton? Was it him? Driving me crazy while I am doing Leasehold improvement analysis.

I mean what is more important?

[b0mberMan]

a certain amout of balls will find... holes.

heh