Why does the Triple Crown seem underhyped?

Don't get all condescending with me, but why the hell does RBI not count, especially when a guy gets 100? I've made this argument before: Runner is on base. Batter gets up. Batter gets a hit to drive runner home. Team gets a run.
What the hell's not important about that?

 

Because it doesn't tell us anything that other stats, namely batting average and slugging percentage, don't tell us more effectively and more accurately.

It's also too dependent on other players.

Here, while batting average and home runs measure distinctive, separable skills, RBI does not. It's the red-headed step-child of the Triple Crown, and was well before sabermetrics.

 

Pretty simple Hondo, it is dependent on others to get on base so it is dependent on teammates which ops is not.

 

I think there is something RBI tells us that BA and slugging don't -- what the guy does with runners on base and especially with RISP. Now, you can just look at the splits, but if you're watching a game and don't want to do all that it is still nice shorthand. But hitting with the bases empty is quite a bit different.

 

Not that it should matter in a discussion about this year (sorry Manky) but it can be argued that Cabrera was a better hitter in 2010 and 2011. He certainly had a higher OPS those two seasons.

 

That seems pretty random. There are a lot of guys who could steal a lot more bases than they do for several different reasons (big hitter behind them, good hitter in front of them, big lead or deficit etc...).

It is impressive when a guy can hit for power and has the speed to run a lot, but a lot of those guys don't steal nearly as often as they could. I don't think too many players can say that about any of the three triple crown stats.

 

Which is why I used the term "relative to other stats" and, further, you don't need to be a stats guy to understand why.

 

I just heard Mike Tirico say "WAR, what is it good for? Third place in the AL West." He also brought out the most-feared canard, and mentioned computers and stat sheets competing on the field.

Fucking idiot.

 

One thing should be said here -- thanks to Dick for giving us a thread that has produced many interesting and thought-provoking comments. Just my opinion, for what it's worth.

 

Your opinion is worth a lot Casty. I welcome it.

 

I agree. Good discussions are always welcome.

 

Tirico should stick to golf.