We all know those really tough situations in the ball game. Bases loaded, no outs, and the opponents slugger is at bat. Who do you want to get you out of this jam? The guy in your bullpen with the most clutch. Up to now there hasn't been a reliable statistic to measure a pitchers clutch to my knowledge. Well I have developed one. I call this statistic RPC standing for Relief Pitcher's Clutch.
If your in a tough part of a game, you want a strike out, this is what relief pitchers are inevitably known for. In this statistic strikeouts will work at a pitchers advantage. Runs and an elevated whip (walks and hits per innings pitcher) will work at the pitcher's disadvantage. In an important game where the score is close and there are runners on base, you do not want runs to score, nor do you want to add additional runners on base.
To explain why the strikeout is important. If you get a strikeout you are obviously not getting a different kind of out, ground out, fly out, pop out etc. A 'contact out' may result in a run scoring and there is always a chance of the fielder dropping it or committing an error. This is why strikeouts would work at the relief pitcher's advantage in the statistic.
Finally to reveal the statistic: RPC = (Strikeouts / Runs) / (Walks and hits per innings pitched)
RPC = (K/R) / (Whip)
* The higher the number the better the pitcher's clutch
Now you check the math. What if the Runs or Whip is equal to 0. In the case of Runs be 0 the RPC is infinity. In the statistic for earned run average, if a pitcher gives up a run with 0 innings pitched, his ERA would be INF. Getting back to RPC, if a pitcher's RPC is infinity he is currently 100% clutch, because he has not allowed a run to score. If the whip is 0 the player currently doesn't qualify for the statistic, because he could have given up a run without giving up a hit. If Both Whip and Runs are 0 then the RPC is infinity.
To look at some examples. David Robertson is notorious for getting out of big jams. He has 100 strikeouts, 9 runs, and a 1.125 whip. This gives him a 9.88 RPC. among the highest for 2011, earning him the name Houdini.
Dennis Eckersley's 1990 season 73 strikeouts, 9 runs, and a 0.614 whip giving him a 13.21 RPC, one of the best all time.
Now you may say RPC is directly proportional to ERA. Not always. Tyler Clippard of the Washington Nationals, and Mariano Rivera of the New York Yankees have very similar ERA's 1.83 and 1.91, respectively. That is just a 0.08 point difference, barely anything, or noticeable, but Clippard's high amount of strikeouts (104) makes him much more clutch. Clippards RPC is 6.89 and Rivera's is 5.14. Rivera gets more of his outs from contact, making him less clutch in a tough situation.
I believe that the clutch rating may be the end of the closer, because if you have bases loaded jam with none out in the 7th inning, wouldn't you want your best pitcher to be in the game then and not close the door with the bases empty, just cruising by.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Monday, January 9, 2012
Hello Hall of Fame
Barry Larkin was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame today. Remembered as one of the most consistent and best players of his time (1986-2004).
Called up to the MLB in 1986 Barry Larkin was just 22, he played a total of 2180 games all for the Cincinnati Reds. Playing shortstop he received 3 gold glove awards, received the national league MVP in 1995, nine silver slugger awards, and had a .371 OBP over his 19 seasons.
His career stats are as follows, 2340 hits over 7937 at bats, forming a .295 batting average. 198 home runs and 960 RBI's. Also speed was a big part of his game stealing 379 bases and hitting 76 triples. His on base percentage was previously mentioned at .371.
Once again Congratulations to Barry Larkin.
Called up to the MLB in 1986 Barry Larkin was just 22, he played a total of 2180 games all for the Cincinnati Reds. Playing shortstop he received 3 gold glove awards, received the national league MVP in 1995, nine silver slugger awards, and had a .371 OBP over his 19 seasons.
His career stats are as follows, 2340 hits over 7937 at bats, forming a .295 batting average. 198 home runs and 960 RBI's. Also speed was a big part of his game stealing 379 bases and hitting 76 triples. His on base percentage was previously mentioned at .371.
Once again Congratulations to Barry Larkin.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
If Only I Was the Angles' GM.
The Angles just extended Howie Kendrick's contract. They also signed CJ Wilson and Albert Pujols. They have the best pitching rotation in the MLB with Weaver, Haren, Wilson, and Santana and the best first baseman and hitter of the past 10 years. They have it pretty good. The Angels also have Trumbo and Morales left over, what will they do with them.
If I were the Angels' general manager I would bring up a trade. This trade would involve Morales, Aybar, Chatwood, and the team's choice of $2 million or another prospect. But now the team for these players to be traded to... The Miami Marlins. Can you guess who? Hanley Ramirez.
Hanley Ramirez is an all star and capable of outstanding numbers. With the recent acquisition of Jose Reyes, the Marlins say Hanley will be moving to third base, which Ramirez is not fond of. Perhaps a change of scenery would be nice.
The Marlins were in on Albert Pujols, but of course he went to the Angels. The Marlins aren't in on Fielder because he wont bring what Pujols would have to the Latino community. Morales has been injured for 2011 because of the incident when he hit a walk off home run and hurt his leg when celebrating. But he is healthy now and is capable of outstanding hitting. He is also of Latin origins and will bring a lot to the Latino community.
In this trade Aybar will be traded to the Marlins to replace Ramirez at third. This is a logical choice, because the Angels would no longer need a shortstop, because they have Ramirez. Also Aybar has remarkable speed, which is a big part of Marlins' offense.
Chatwood is young and could round out the rotation for the Marlins. Pitiching in the National League will maybe lower his ERA. Johnson, Burhlie, Zambrano, Chatwood, is a pretty decent pitching rotation. The Angels don't need Chatwood. because they have the previously mentioned pitching rotation all in their prime.
Finally the Angels and Marlins will decide weather the Angels will take 0, 25, 50, 75, or 100 percent of Ramirez's contract. The choice of $2 million or a prospect will remain, but Andrew Romine will not be an option, becuase he is the back up plan if Ramirez is a fluke. Ramirez only played around 90 games in 2011 which would make some skeptical, but I believe the Marlins will take it as yet another reason to trade him.
If I were the Angels' general manager I would bring up a trade. This trade would involve Morales, Aybar, Chatwood, and the team's choice of $2 million or another prospect. But now the team for these players to be traded to... The Miami Marlins. Can you guess who? Hanley Ramirez.
Hanley Ramirez is an all star and capable of outstanding numbers. With the recent acquisition of Jose Reyes, the Marlins say Hanley will be moving to third base, which Ramirez is not fond of. Perhaps a change of scenery would be nice.
The Marlins were in on Albert Pujols, but of course he went to the Angels. The Marlins aren't in on Fielder because he wont bring what Pujols would have to the Latino community. Morales has been injured for 2011 because of the incident when he hit a walk off home run and hurt his leg when celebrating. But he is healthy now and is capable of outstanding hitting. He is also of Latin origins and will bring a lot to the Latino community.
In this trade Aybar will be traded to the Marlins to replace Ramirez at third. This is a logical choice, because the Angels would no longer need a shortstop, because they have Ramirez. Also Aybar has remarkable speed, which is a big part of Marlins' offense.
Chatwood is young and could round out the rotation for the Marlins. Pitiching in the National League will maybe lower his ERA. Johnson, Burhlie, Zambrano, Chatwood, is a pretty decent pitching rotation. The Angels don't need Chatwood. because they have the previously mentioned pitching rotation all in their prime.
Finally the Angels and Marlins will decide weather the Angels will take 0, 25, 50, 75, or 100 percent of Ramirez's contract. The choice of $2 million or a prospect will remain, but Andrew Romine will not be an option, becuase he is the back up plan if Ramirez is a fluke. Ramirez only played around 90 games in 2011 which would make some skeptical, but I believe the Marlins will take it as yet another reason to trade him.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Yu Darvish
Yu Darvish is probably going to be a Texas Ranger for the 2012 season. The Texas Rangers won the right to negotiate with Darvish last night for $51 million. Yu Darvish is a pitching phenom in Japan. Posting a 1.44 era in 2011 and a 1.99 career era from the age of 18-25 Darvish has been dominate in his time in Japan.
The Rangers will absolutely be able to combat the angels now. The Angels signed Wilson and Pujols and now the Rangers will probably sign Darvish. Without a doubt the rangers have a blistering offense that will frighten any pitcher.
Neftali Feliz is said to move to the rotation since Joe Nathan was signed by the Rangers. With Darvish, Feliz, Ogando, and who ever else may fill in the positions the Rangers will be a definite force in the A.L. The only other thing I have to say is that the Angels-Rangers series' will be very entertaining.
The Rangers will absolutely be able to combat the angels now. The Angels signed Wilson and Pujols and now the Rangers will probably sign Darvish. Without a doubt the rangers have a blistering offense that will frighten any pitcher.
Neftali Feliz is said to move to the rotation since Joe Nathan was signed by the Rangers. With Darvish, Feliz, Ogando, and who ever else may fill in the positions the Rangers will be a definite force in the A.L. The only other thing I have to say is that the Angels-Rangers series' will be very entertaining.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Performance enhancing drugs
If you haven't already heard the 2011 national league MVP Ryan Braun tested positive for performance enhancing drugs. Ryan Braun claims he has never taken any performance enhancers, but the tests say he has. Not a lot of specifics have been released about the controversy yet, but i assume they will soon.
I was extremely disappointed to hear about this, because athletes who take performance enhancing drugs don't deserve the money, fame, or opportunities that they have abused. There are 25 athletes in Triple A that would love to have that position that you are taking away with your fake artificially produced talent.
Ryan Braun will have to serve a 50 game suspension, just like Manny Ramirez. I am a huge fan of the New York Yankees and I was astonished by the season Alex Rodriguez was having in 2007. When I found out he had taken steroids i was devastated. This is very similar to what Ryan Braun did to all those kids who look up to him in Milwaukee.
To discuss strategy now, the Brewers are pretty much screwed. If they don't sign Prince Fielder, which seems very unlikely, they will have lost their number three and four guys for 50 games. the N.L. central will be deprived of action without Fielder, Braun, and Pujols assuming Fielder signs with a team not in the central. I guess what the fans in the central have to look forward to is Joey Votto.
I was extremely disappointed to hear about this, because athletes who take performance enhancing drugs don't deserve the money, fame, or opportunities that they have abused. There are 25 athletes in Triple A that would love to have that position that you are taking away with your fake artificially produced talent.
Ryan Braun will have to serve a 50 game suspension, just like Manny Ramirez. I am a huge fan of the New York Yankees and I was astonished by the season Alex Rodriguez was having in 2007. When I found out he had taken steroids i was devastated. This is very similar to what Ryan Braun did to all those kids who look up to him in Milwaukee.
To discuss strategy now, the Brewers are pretty much screwed. If they don't sign Prince Fielder, which seems very unlikely, they will have lost their number three and four guys for 50 games. the N.L. central will be deprived of action without Fielder, Braun, and Pujols assuming Fielder signs with a team not in the central. I guess what the fans in the central have to look forward to is Joey Votto.
Thursday, December 8, 2011
MONEY! MONEY! MONEY!
Money, money, money is what the teams are spending on free agents. Today Albert Pujols signed with the Angels for $250-260 million over 10 years. Also the Angels signed CJ Wilson for about $77.5 million over 5 years. Where did the Angles come from all of a sudden. What does this mean?
The Angels have become even a bigger thorn in every team's side. The Angels are pesky and aggressive on the base pads They don't hit many home runs, but now with Big Albert they will be a huge force in the American League. The combination of speed, power, and high on base percentages could lead them to a division title.
CJ Wilson will strengthen that rotation to the status of the 2011 Phillies. With Jared Weaver, Dan Haren, Ervin Santana and now CJ Wilson, this is an explosive rotation. Playing in the huge Angels Stadium in Anaheim or what ever they call it this week that ERA could be microscopic. Not to mention the Angels' not perfect, but above average bullpen, their pitching will be close to lights out.
What if the Angels sign Yu Darvish. If he performs well in the MLB, that rotation will have no holes. The only other thing I can say is that those Angels-Rangers match ups will be fun to watch it.
The Angels have become even a bigger thorn in every team's side. The Angels are pesky and aggressive on the base pads They don't hit many home runs, but now with Big Albert they will be a huge force in the American League. The combination of speed, power, and high on base percentages could lead them to a division title.
CJ Wilson will strengthen that rotation to the status of the 2011 Phillies. With Jared Weaver, Dan Haren, Ervin Santana and now CJ Wilson, this is an explosive rotation. Playing in the huge Angels Stadium in Anaheim or what ever they call it this week that ERA could be microscopic. Not to mention the Angels' not perfect, but above average bullpen, their pitching will be close to lights out.
What if the Angels sign Yu Darvish. If he performs well in the MLB, that rotation will have no holes. The only other thing I can say is that those Angels-Rangers match ups will be fun to watch it.
Monday, December 5, 2011
The Winter Meetings Off With a Bang
With the winter meetings starting last night at 10 pm EST, we all knew that free agents would sign and trades would happen. Last night Jose Reyes signed with the Marlins for $106 Million over 6 years. I could only imagine having that much money. We all knew Jose Reyes wouldn't resign with the Mets, and the Marlins were the logical decision.
Now with Jose Reyes on the team, the Miami Marlins will have to make some changes. Hanley Ramirez agreed to moving to third base, but there has been rumors of him going to center field. For some reason i don't think he will be playing center field. The Marlins have now added a legitimate speed threat at the top of their line up and a high average hitter.
Their new line up will look a little bit like this: Reyes, Morrison, Ramirez, Stanton, Sanchez, Infante, Buck, Bonifacio, Pitcher.
I think this is a line up with one minor deficiency, a lefty power bat. instead of perusing a 31 year Albert Pujols, i think the Marlins should peruse a young and powerful Prince Fielder.
Fielder, who will be 28 next year will just be entering his prime, and is much cheaper than Albert Pujols. You would have to sacrifice some defense, but the power Fielder and Stanton would supply from the 3 and 4 spots in the line up would be immense. That line up would look something like this: Reyes, Ramirez, Fielder, Stanton, and that is all that matters.
The Marlins are making a definite bid for player this year, and i think they may be able to put up with the seemingly unstoppable Phillies. The Phillies are an aging team with a lot of pitching, but the Marlins may be able to out due them with their young power and speed.
Now with Jose Reyes on the team, the Miami Marlins will have to make some changes. Hanley Ramirez agreed to moving to third base, but there has been rumors of him going to center field. For some reason i don't think he will be playing center field. The Marlins have now added a legitimate speed threat at the top of their line up and a high average hitter.
Their new line up will look a little bit like this: Reyes, Morrison, Ramirez, Stanton, Sanchez, Infante, Buck, Bonifacio, Pitcher.
I think this is a line up with one minor deficiency, a lefty power bat. instead of perusing a 31 year Albert Pujols, i think the Marlins should peruse a young and powerful Prince Fielder.
Fielder, who will be 28 next year will just be entering his prime, and is much cheaper than Albert Pujols. You would have to sacrifice some defense, but the power Fielder and Stanton would supply from the 3 and 4 spots in the line up would be immense. That line up would look something like this: Reyes, Ramirez, Fielder, Stanton, and that is all that matters.
The Marlins are making a definite bid for player this year, and i think they may be able to put up with the seemingly unstoppable Phillies. The Phillies are an aging team with a lot of pitching, but the Marlins may be able to out due them with their young power and speed.
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