Discussion Topic: Everyday Player Versus Pitcher

[Archive]

Posted By: davidcycleback

It has often been said that a starting pitcher shouldn't be MVP as he plays one out of every five games, while an outfielder or second baseman plays all five games. However, it is arguable that a pitcher has a substantially larger enough impact in each start so as to equal the lesser batter impact in all five games.

For example, in a complete game, a pitcher will directly participate in at least 27 at bats (obviously usually more). A batter, who will get say 6 turns at bat, will participate in 30 at bats over the same 5 games. From these limited numbers at least, it isn't clear who has a larger impact over a 5 game period.

Feel free to offer opinions: