Lies, Damn Lies, and Statistics- Thought's on Awards and Biases
WARNING: SARCASM AND HYPERBOLE ALERT!!!
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/si_blogs/baseball/fungoes_blog/2007/09/nl-west-rockies-rockies-rock ies.html
Start there. The most damning quote- pulled from today's discussion:
"Joe Sheehan, Baseball Prospectus: San Diego by just a little bit, mainly for the edge Jake Peavy has on Brandon Webb, and their having the best offense of the three teams."- Regarding the Rockies, Pads, and D-Backs chances in the playoffs.
I'm trying not to get emotional here, but this type of stuff is ridiculous. It's well known the struggles of the Pads to score runs. As David and Rox Girl pointed out in the discussion, there's not even stats that can back that up. So to make that claim is absolute donkey ballocks.
But of course, there are other examples of national stupidity concerning our Rockies:
MVP: David Wright- Um... can anyone legitimately make this claim any longer? Mr. Holliday has him beat in almost every statistical category, but he plays at Coors. But Wright plays a premium defensive position in a big market, so obviously he's MVP. If we apply any consistency to this argument, that logically means:
ROY: Ryan Braun- He hits homeruns! Homeruns are everything! Nevermind that his defense is historically bad. Defense isn't important, especially at 3rd base. He hits homeruns! That's all that matters!!! That Troy kid, he plays at altitude. That's why his defense is so good. He hasn't completely changed the mindset of a team or anything.
Cy Young: Jake Peavy- Altitude doesn't affect pitching. C'mon, we all know that since they put in the humidor, it's not harder to pitch there. Not an argument against Peavy or Webb mind you. But Francis needs to be in the discussion. If he finishes out of the top 5, it'd be utter stupidity.
MOY: Well nevermind, but I think you get the point.
I'm really trying to understand how this works. It all goes back to the modern sportswriter, stat-head, or whatever not needing to be consistent. I remember Steve Phillips, which I understand is a shaky example, saying the Rockies are a lock for the division. Two bleeding days later, the Rockies are out, the Phillies will take the WC.
Will we make the playoffs? Maybe. We've put ourselves in a great position with this incredible surge. But one thing is for sure. Our guys will not be recognized nationally for their stellar play unless we do. Holliday is a no-brainer. Troy should be ROY. Francis should end up in the top 5 in the Cy Young. Do I have the slightest amount of faith in the voters to make the right selection? No.
If we make it in the playoffs, we are the only team that can legitimately say no one believed in us. Hell, half of us have fallen off the wagon, clammored back on, jumped off screaming, and tenatively came back for a beating that hasn't arrived yet. So here we go, one week that decides the year. Hopefully we shove these brainless arguments right back in their faces.
Eat. Drink. Be Merry. But the above FanPost does not necessarily reflect the attitudes, opinions, or views of Purple Row's staff (unless, of course, it's written by the staff [and even then, it still might not]).
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4 comments
Comments
Agreed!
For Tulo, it's that his offense isn't like Braun's even though his defense is far and away better, and oh yeah, the Rox have a better record. If you take the Brewers from May 25, when Braun joined the team, the Brewers have a losing record; the Rox have the best record in baseball. He should also get the Gold Glove, but it will go to Omar Vizquel... again.
And I think Francis gets zero recognition because he doesn't have over-powering heat, a nasty slider or a big hook. But he does 17 maybe 18 wins and a 4.17 ERA on the season and he GASP pitches at Coors 18 times a year. But I have no problem with Peavy winning, he is the best pitcher in the NL and since the Pads have no offense, is the MVP of his team.
National media arguments are often dumbfounded and contrdict each other, nobody cares about the Rox (ZERO national TV apperances). Obviously we are biased, but if you really look at the stats, the Rox have some great players. Making the playoffs should bring some of this to light. I know I'll be there in Sec. 153 Row 11 Seats 13&14 with my wife or dad cheering for Matt and the Boys, so...
LET'S GO ROCKIES!!!!!!!!!
by Volorado on Sep 25, 2007 2:21 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
I just saw the stupidest
"Braun is a 3B, Tulowitzki is a SS. You can't compare different positions when it comes to defense."
I... beg... your... pardon?
Brain melting.
by Silverblood on Sep 25, 2007 2:29 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Okay?
by Rox Girl on Sep 25, 2007 4:14 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Chipper
Ryan Braun is sporting a .892 F%. He's made twice as many errors as the aforementioned Third Basemen, and after a May Callup as well.
Tulowitzki has a .987 FP% as a SHORTSTOP. He leads the majors in most defensive categories at SS.
Basically, Troy Tulowitzki is a better SS than Ryan Braun is a 3B.
You don't need to compare the defenses directly, you compare them against the rest of the league.
Braun Sucks. See my Diary Post.
by Andrew Martin on Sep 28, 2007 11:51 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

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