Wins Above Replacement is defined as a number that shows the wins a player adds to his team above what a replacement player would contribute. For a single-season 8 or more is MVP quality, 5-8 is All-Star quality, 2-5 is a starter, 0-2 is a bench player, less than 0 is replacement level. This stat was invented by Sean Smith of BaseballProjection.com.
Exhibit A – Albert Pujols 2017. He drove in 101 runs and had a -1.9 WAR according to Baseball Reference! Would you rather have a AAA player or a man who drove in over 100 runs? This shows the number one problem with WAR. Pujols was punished for being a DH in the vast majority of his games. Conclusion #1 – WAR does not accurately show the value of DH players.
Exhibit B – Lou Brock 1974. Was there ANYONE who was more of an offensive force in his prime than this man? This is the year he stole 118 bases, batted .300 and scored 100 runs. He made the All Star team (back when that meant something) and finished second in the MVP voting. His WAR number? 3.5! Conclusion #2 – WAR does not value the stolen base as it should. Conclusion #3 – Players are overly penalized for fielding.
Today’s classic rock song is “Working Man” by Rush.