Introduction
The world of baseball statistics has changed greatly over the years. One of the most significant changes has been the introduction of Wins Above Replacement (WAR) as a way to measure a player’s value. WAR has become the go-to statistic for evaluating players, but there is still some debate as to which version of WAR is the most accurate when it comes to assessing pitchers. The two primary types of WAR are ERA-based and FIP-based. In this article, we will explore the differences between the two types of WAR and which one is better for pitchers.
ERA-Based WAR
ERA-based WAR is the more commonly used type of WAR, as it is based on a pitcher’s earned run average (ERA). ERA is calculated by taking a pitcher’s earned runs allowed, dividing it by the number of innings pitched, and multiplying it by nine. This number is then compared to the league average ERA to calculate a pitcher’s WAR. The higher the ERA, the lower the WAR.
Advantages of ERA-Based WAR
One of the advantages of ERA-based WAR is that it is a simple, straightforward statistic. It is based on the traditional measure of a pitcher’s performance, and is easy to understand and calculate. It also provides a useful point of comparison for pitchers, as it allows for a direct comparison between ERA’s across different leagues and different eras.
Disadvantages of ERA-Based WAR
One of the main drawbacks of ERA-based WAR is that it is not a particularly accurate measure of a pitcher’s performance. It does not take into account a pitcher’s ability to limit walks and strikeouts, or the quality of defense behind them. As a result, ERA-based WAR can be skewed by factors outside of a pitcher’s control.
FIP-Based WAR
FIP-based WAR is a relatively newer type of WAR that was introduced in the early 2000s. It stands for Fielding Independent Pitching, and is based on a pitcher’s ability to limit walks, strikeouts, and home runs. FIP is calculated by taking the number of walks, strikeouts, and home runs allowed and dividing it by the number of innings pitched. This number is then compared to the league average FIP to calculate a pitcher’s WAR. The higher the FIP, the lower the WAR.
Advantages of FIP-Based WAR
One of the main advantages of FIP-based WAR is that it is a more accurate measure of a pitcher’s performance. It takes into account a pitcher’s ability to limit walks, strikeouts, and home runs, which are all important components of pitching. It also eliminates some of the factors outside of a pitcher’s control that can skew ERA-based WAR.
Disadvantages of FIP-Based WAR
One of the main drawbacks of FIP-based WAR is that it is more complicated and difficult to understand than ERA-based WAR. It is also not as widely used, so it can be difficult to find comparison stats for FIP-based WAR.
Conclusion
When it comes to assessing pitchers, both ERA-based and FIP-based WAR have their strengths and weaknesses. ERA-based WAR is simpler and easier to understand, but it does not take into account a pitcher’s ability to limit walks, strikeouts, and home runs. FIP-based WAR is more complex and is not as widely used, but it is a more accurate measure of a pitcher’s performance. Ultimately, the choice of which WAR to use depends on the individual’s preference.