Quote:
Originally Posted by calculoso
Verlander participated in 969 Plate Appearances during the season. Take the top batter in the AL (Pedroia) who participated in 731, or Bautista who participated in 655. There is a significant difference.
Taking fielding into account, Verlander had 50 chances to make a fielding play (Putouts + Assists + Errors), whereas Bautista had 333 chances, between outfield and 3b.
Taking Verlander's impact (969 + 50 = 1019) and Bautista's impact (655 + 333 = 988), we see that Verlander had more of an opportunity to make an impact. |
I completely understand your argument Calculoso. I just feel that this was not the foundation of which the BBWAA used to formulate their decision making.
If we look at any starting infielder, most notably SS, 2B and 1B, their PA's combined with fielding chances all eclipse that of a starting pitcher or outfielder. For example Dustin Pedroia as you mentioned had 731 PA and had 722 fielding chances, giving him 1453 "opportunities to impact the game". However the BBWAA gave 2nd place, 3rd place and 4th place vote to outfielders.
I don't disagree with your argument calculoso I think that these voters are all live on antiquated ideas of BA or "triple crown stats" and win count rather than taking into account things like strength of opposition or ball parks playing in etc.