WAR what is it good for
An example of how it can be misapplied:
Offensive WAR numbers:
Ozzie Smith 1980
Rod Carew 1983
AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB BB SO AVE OB% SLG OPS oWAR
609 67 140 18 5 0 35 57 71 49 .230 .313 .276 .589 2.7
472 66 160 24 2 2 44 6 57 48 .339 .409 .420 .820 2.9
The fact that their offensive WAR is similar does not suggest that they are equal offensive players. Ozzie is almost 3 wins better than the dismal offensive AAAA
shortstop as he at least gives you some walks and stolen bases. Carew even at age 37 was almost 3 wins offensively better than the dime a dozen replacement first baseman who will hit .240 with 12 homers. But they are not equal offensive players. If it’s the bottom of the ninth and you are down a run, you clearly want Carew to pinch hit, not Ozzie. (you can use Ozzie to pinch run after Carew gets on base).
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