earned runs

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Jun 27, 2011
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North Carolina
I like WHIP, but it has two shortcomings.

The first is that it's per-inning. Per-AB would be better. Per-inning is clouded by errors that prolong innings and double plays that shorten innings. And many double plays in TB are just luck (ie, caught line drives or base-running errors). Therefore, I think OBA (on-base average) is more telling than WHIP.

The second shortcoming is that WHIP treats singles and extra-base hits the same. That's probably acceptable at younger ages. But at older/more advanced levels - when everybody can reach the fence, and every outfielder has pretty good range and an extra-base hit usually means the ball was really tagged - then I think opponents' OPS might be the best gauge of a pitcher's effectiveness.

And finally, while I agree with the problems with ERA, let's not completely dismiss it. The pitcher's main objective is to keep the other team from scoring. While I understand that this objective generally starts with keeping people off base, I do think there is a skill in keeping people on base and not letting them reach home. You walk the other team's best hitter with a base open and the dugout says ''nobody hurt.'' It's not just a cliche. Runs are what count most, not base-runners.

In short, don't look for one measure. To get a true feel for a pitcher, look at everything - ERA, WHIP, OBA, OPS, SO, BB.
 

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