Explanation of Ratings
The offensive value rating is a projection of offensive
production over 550 plate appearances based on the actual overall ratings
of each player involved. In essence it is a slightly modified runs created
formula, not based on actual stats, but instead on projections of those stats.
The ratings for pitchers are computed the same way, only there is an
inversion factor to keep the results in line with those of the position players.
Without such a factor, outstanding pitcher ratings would be very low
numbers and outstanding batter ratings would be very high. With the
inversion factor, the ratings are more comparable. Be warned that I
have not done enough studies to conclude that the ratings for pitchers and
hitters are equivalent. I know they are close, but they may not be
used for exact comparisions. Projected ratings for prospects are done
by projections based upon talent ratings (poor = 1, fair = 3, avg = 5, good
= 7, and brilliant =9). This assumes that a player will reach the median
level. Some may excede this others may fall short. My experience
is that most players will max out slightly below their projection, but I
haven't run a lot of tests to confirm that.
What the ratings do not do:
1. They do not take into account the age of a player.
2. They do not take into account the fielding abilities
of a player. Equally rated players may be more or less valuable to a
team depending on defensive capabilities.
3. They do not factor in speed and stolen bases.
There is no direct way to project this data with the current game engine.
4. They do not take into account right/left differences
in abilities. They use the overall rating only. Some players are
much more valuable when properly used.
5. They do not take into account that ratings and
talents can change weekly. The ratings are a snapshot in time.
6. They do not completely accurately allow comparisions
of pitchers to position players.
7. They do not take into account the value of a
pitcher based on a projection of how many innings he will pitch. Every
pitcher is rated based upon 550 projected batters faced.
8. They do not take into account that a team may
be utilizing a player at a position which is not his primary listed position.
If you want your shortstop evaluated as a shortstop, that must be his
primary listed position.
What the ratings are good for:
1. They are a uniform numerical rating of a players
contribution to you teams ability to score runs. Comparisions from one position
to another are extremely valid in the context of the ratings.
2. They are good for identifing areas of potential
improvement.
3. They are good for identifing potential targets
for trades.
4. They are numbers and numbers are always fun
to look at.
5. Some may say they are really good for nothing
(they may be right).