Sabrmetrics are not such a new phenomenon (warning link contains heavy math)

[SPTO]

I've always thought that Sabrmetrics were a relatively recent phenomenon that was started with Bill James in the 1980s. Well it looks like i'm mistaken. As I found an article written by a guy who I thought would be more of a "intangibles" type.

None other then the great Branch Rickey. I'm linking to an article that he wrote. I'm sure the stat geeks would like this:

http://www.baseballthinkfactory.org/btf/pages/essays/rickey/goodby_to_old_idea.htm

[Thrasha]

Re: Sabrmetrics are not such a new phenomenon (warning link contains heavy math)

very long read, I'm about a quarter through.

I found this one quote to be really interesting, and something should be done about calculating walks into a players average.

There are people who pride themselves on their ability to quote what Johnny Whosit hit the year of the big flood. Among fans it is the accepted standard of excellence at bat. Why? Principally because it is easy to figure. Even the professionals lean upon it. But batting average is only a partial means of determining a man's effectiveness on offense. It neglects a major factor, the base on balls, which is reflected only negatively in the batting average (by not counting it as a time at bat). Actually walks are extremely important. Ted Williams, a student of batting values, bragged more about the 162 gases on balls he got five years ago than about his .343 batting average or his 43 home runs.

[mjb2124]

Re: Sabrmetrics are not such a new phenomenon (warning link contains heavy math)

I'm definately going to read this. Probably try to get through it at work today. Slow morning so might as well read some good Sabermetrics info!

[mgoblue]

Re: Sabrmetrics are not such a new phenomenon (warning link contains heavy math)

I'm definately going to read this. Probably try to get through it at work today. Slow morning so might as well read some good Sabermetrics info!

my morning's slow, but I don't think it'll ever get that slow

definitely cool for baseball stat fans, just not me....

[mjb2124]

Re: Sabrmetrics are not such a new phenomenon (warning link contains heavy math)

my morning's slow, but I don't think it'll ever get that slow

definitely cool for baseball stat fans, just not me....

LOL. Yep, I guess that's the stat geek in me coming out.

[CWood2]

Re: Sabrmetrics are not such a new phenomenon (warning link contains heavy math)

LOL. Yep, I guess that's the stat geek in me coming out.

No shame in geeking out over baseball joeboo. I'll be reading this as soon as I put NCAA down for more than 5 minutes. Branch Rickey is known today for Jackie, but I don't think anybody could quantify what he's done for the game.

From Scout's Honor: "Ricky is also credited for inventing batting cages, pitching machines, and batting helmets. There are not many people more instrumental in making baseball what it is today than Branch Rickey." I remember reading Jackie Robinson's biography as a kid and was amazed at how Rickey was so ahead of his times, culturally and mentally in how he saw the game. Pretty cool guy.

[VanCitySportsGuy]

Re: Sabrmetrics are not such a new phenomenon (warning link contains heavy math)

It's true that baseball people are slow to change and accept new ideas.

One idea that I think makes perfect sense but have yet to see somebody try out is starting a reliever in a NL game.

By doing this you eliminate one PA from a pitcher. By the time the pitcher's spot is due to hit, you bring in a pinch hitter and just put in the "starter" after.