BTF's Baseball Scholars One of the key questions facing baseball modelers revolves around determining of Bill James in his 1983 baseball Abstract introduces the log5 method for http://www.baseballthinkfactory.org/btf/scholars/levitt/articles/batter_pitcher_
Extractions: Webmaster's Note: The following article in the By the Numbers newsletter of Statistical Analysis Committee of SABR and appears here courtesy of the author. ] One of the key questions facing baseball modelers revolves around determining of the outcome of the batter/pitcher match-up. When a .310 hitter faces a pitcher with a batting average against (OAV) of .290 what should the resulting batting average be? At first glance it may appear that the result should be the average of the two, i.e. .300. Upon reflection, however, this solution is flawed. Assuming a .260 league average, the .290 pitcher is worse than average. Therefore, the batter should hit for a higher average against this pitcher than his overall average. Bill James in his 1983 Baseball Abstract introduces the log5 method for addressing this calculation. He credits the formula below for evaluating the batter/pitcher match-up to Dallas Adams.
Extractions: The Guru's top ten single season records by category for Batting and Pitching (SCROLL DOWN FOR TOP 10 LISTS!!) Batting Notes: Rankings were based on seasons from 1893 to 1998 and more than 400 plate appearances (ab+bb+hpb) were required. Percents for AVG and SLG were based on at bats. Percents for 2B, 3B, HR, SO and BB were based on plate appearances. SB% was based on SB attempts and more than 25 SB's were required to qualify. OPS was based on AVG+SLG. Runs Created was based on Bill James' formula as follows: =(([h]+[bb]+[hpb]-[cs])*([h]+[2b]+2*[3b]+3*[hr]) +.26*([bb]-[ibb]+[hpb])+.52*([sh]+[sf]+sb])) /([ab]+[bb]+[hpb]+[sh]+[sf]) The purpose of his formula was to create the ultimate statistic characterizing the total offense production of a player. However, it favors players with more games played, so for example, George Brett's .390 batting avg season ranks as his 2nd most productive even though it was easily his most productive per plate appearance. So, I calculated OPS too for comparative purposes.
