OOTP Developments Forums - View Single Post - What is the relative importance of each defensive position?

Brad K · 03-07-2018, 06:05 PM

Nobody knows the relative value of defensive positions. Note the positional adjustments in WAR are estimates based on how managers use the players.

Reading the first sabermetrics book, on issue after issue it was determined baseball people didn't understand the game. But when it came to WAR, they based defensive value on the lowered level of offense... and this word was used... "tolerated" by managers to get an acceptable fielder at the position. I was stunned.

So the basis of positional adjustment in WAR is the aggregate judgement of individual managers based on their anecdotal observations, who sabermetricians already proved often don't understand their game.

It seems your question is something like this: If your SS is 5 points better at SS and 10 points better and 2B than your 2B, should your SS play 2B and your 2B play SS? I think that question cannot be answered with confidence due to lack of reliable data.

03-07-2018, 06:05 PM	#2
Brad K Banned Join Date: May 2016 Location: St Petersburg Florida USA Posts: 6,693 Infractions: 0/2 (4)	Nobody knows the relative value of defensive positions. Note the positional adjustments in WAR are estimates based on how managers use the players. Reading the first sabermetrics book, on issue after issue it was determined baseball people didn't understand the game. But when it came to WAR, they based defensive value on the lowered level of offense... and this word was used... "tolerated" by managers to get an acceptable fielder at the position. I was stunned. So the basis of positional adjustment in WAR is the aggregate judgement of individual managers based on their anecdotal observations, who sabermetricians already proved often don't understand their game. It seems your question is something like this: If your SS is 5 points better at SS and 10 points better and 2B than your 2B, should your SS play 2B and your 2B play SS? I think that question cannot be answered with confidence due to lack of reliable data.