David Ortiz

[bravos4evr]

Originally Posted by steve B

I was just reading a bit about WAR, and as I'm understanding it they count six different categories including fielding, which leaves any DH a bit short since they basically get 0 for fielding. (Maybe a bit of a toss up, some would probably lose points some would gain. )

Checking offensive WAR, he's currently 9th, at 3.7 tied with Bradley and Betts, and behind Bogaerts who is at 4.2 (Not sure just how that works, since Ortiz is ahead in most of the categories)He's ahead of anyone on the team in most of the traditional stats, usually by a lot. So realistically not in the running for MVP, but hardly a "bad" season. For someone at age 40.

All in all, it's just a really great season to enjoy watching. He's doing very well for a 40 year old guy, and is leading in a few categories for that age.
http://www.baseball-reference.com/le...s_40_bat.shtml



I get the "player with the best season" view. I don't think that can be done considering the players as isolated from the team. So much of the things a player can do are affected by the players around him. Especially in the lineup, where the presence or absence of a solid hitter in the spot following can change the approach a pitcher takes. A power hitter without at least a solid hitter behind him won't see as many good pitches, since the risk of a walk leading to a run is lower if the following hitters are weak. (Either for power or average or worse, both. ) Not that I entirely agree, the chances of a double or better aren't really all that good, even for the best hitters.

Steve B

bolding above mine: The difference is because base running counts as part of offensive WAR. So fast guys like Betts, JBJ or Bogaerts have an edge there.

Yes WAR counts against DH's because they don't play any defense. Which makes sense as it wouldn't be fair to credit them with anything for not playing defense. Not to mention they don't have the wear and tear of playing defense either.

But yeah,Ortiz is having a good year. If I were him I'd sign another 1 year deal and stick around a bit. But there is something to be said for leaving on a good year instead of waiting to have the eventual collapse.

[Joshchisox08]

[steve B]

Originally Posted by bravos4evr

bolding above mine: The difference is because base running counts as part of offensive WAR. So fast guys like Betts, JBJ or Bogaerts have an edge there.

Yes WAR counts against DH's because they don't play any defense. Which makes sense as it wouldn't be fair to credit them with anything for not playing defense. Not to mention they don't have the wear and tear of playing defense either.

But yeah,Ortiz is having a good year. If I were him I'd sign another 1 year deal and stick around a bit. But there is something to be said for leaving on a good year instead of waiting to have the eventual collapse.

I'd love to have him around another year. But since he's still saying that he won't I'd be disappointed in him if he came back.

I liked Mike Schmidt, and only respected him more when he declined to play in the AS game in 89 when he'd been voted into the starting spot even though he retired earlier in the season.

Steve B