August 13, 2008
Runs and RBI
Alex Rodriguez doubles and scores in the top of the first to put the Yankees up 1-0. It's the 1576th run of his career, and he ranks 47th in Major League history. Alex has scored two more runs than he's driven in, 1574. That ranks 38th. This leads me to ask the question, is it easier to score runs than drive them in? Is that why RBI in general are given more glory than runs scored?
Part of the reason for the higher rank in RBI is that there are more runs to go around. While (obviously) every run is recorded, not every run is an RBI. I believe there's more going on here, however.
The ability to drive in runs depends on power, and power tends to fade with age. The ability to score runs depends on the ability to get on base, which tends to fade more slowly. Hitters with good strike zone judgement can stay in the majors longer as they compensate for fewer hits with more walks. They don't drive in as many runs, but they're still on base to score.
A-Rod is a little over 700 runs from both the run and RBI record. He could very well follow in the footsteps of Ruth and Aaron and set both.
Posted by David Pinto at
01:25 PM
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Bill James said that scoring runs was an undervalued skill, which leads me to think that it's harder than it looks. Relative to driving in runs, though? Not so clear.
RBI's are tougher and more valuable because without someone to drive in the run... you'd need 9 guys who can steal home. Not gonna happen. You can't find 9 Ichiro's. Or you need to face a pitcher everyday who'll throw wild pitches when you have a man on 3rd. That's just not gonna happen either.
I think RBI & RC are similar stats in principle, while Runs are the base of them but not quite telling as much about the player. Often, Runs scored, tell more about the lineup than the player. RBI's tell a little more about a player and a little less about the lineup than Runs Scores do. And Runs Created tell more about a players effect on his lineup than anything. Maybe I'm wrong but that's how I think it works.
As for Alex...I do believe if he stays healthy, he'll own the career records for RBI, HR, R, and maybe even TB & RC.
Forgot to add... I also think Pujols will make A-Rod end up in 2nd on some of those career stats....but after Alex's been retired a few years. But then again, maybe Alex goes on forever like Nolan Ryan
I think power may be overlooked when it comes to scoring runs. A player who hits lots of doubles and HR's will put himself in scoring position more often than a slap hitter who walks a lot.
There are many other factors -- speed, lineup position, and the fear factor. Barry Bonds was walked so often that he barely reached 100 RBI's in several of his biggest seasons.
Also consider that a hitter can tally multiple RBI's per at bat. I think that alone makes it easier to rack up RBI's.