Article: Mailbag: Available Pitchers, Buxton Hype, Baseball Time Machine

[Otto von Ballpark]

 

I think some people use WAR as a conversation stopper. WAR says, so it must be right.

If you encounter that here, please point it out.

 

But note that this particular tangent started not with someone using WAR as a "conversation stopper", but rather someone taking a generic swipe at "defensive metrics fans".

 

Let's challenge misuse of any stat -- be it WAR, or defensive metrics, or batting average or ERA -- but challenge it *when we see it*, and not simply make broad characterizations about stats and the people that may use them.

[Jim Hahn]

If you encounter that here, please point it out.

 

But note that this particular tangent started not with someone using WAR as a "conversation stopper", but rather someone taking a generic swipe at "defensive metrics fans".

 

Let's challenge misuse of any stat -- be it WAR, or defensive metrics, or batting average or ERA -- but challenge it *when we see it*, and not simply make broad characterizations about stats and the people that may use them.

 

Ok. Fair. But people do use WAR as a semi-definitive way of comparing players. I see it on certain MLB Network shows where WAR is used as a cutoff for Hall of Fame consideration. I don't mind that if you dig deeper into the stats. That is the point. I believe if you only use WAR as your comparative stat, you are probably missing things.