Statistical Updates

So a few weeks ago we did a brief introduction to some new stats, focusing on Win Probability Added and the new Shutdowns/Meltdowns. Focusing on how individual Nats are faring in those specific categories, we also went over some additional numbers from the still-young 2011 season. Today we've got a new stat for you as well as some updates on some of those key numbers and trends so far this season.

wOBA - Weighted On-Base Average

Thanks to Biff McGregor over at Biffball for the plain-English explanation of how and why we use wOBA. What you need to know is basically that wOBA places a weighted run value on each type of on-base situation (including reach-on-error and hit-by-pitches). The thing that separates wOBA from something like OPS (which we know is On-Base plus Slugging), is that not all hits are equal. With Slugging Percentage, a single is worth 1, a double 2, a triple 3, and a home run 4 - showing exactly the flaws in the system; is a double really worth twice as much as a single? In one of their latest Blog Posts, Fangraphs explains that each of the "run values" (value to the team) are based on historical data.

In a nutshell, "As you can see from the visual [in said article], wOBA puts more stress on walks, hit by pitches, and singles, while OPS attaches a huge value to homeruns and triples."

wOBA is read at essentially the same range as OBP (On-Base Percentage) or as Biffball places it, "average is somewhere in the .320-.330 range, .380-.390 is superstar, and under .300 is replacement level."

With that in mind, how are the Nats faring with wOBA this year?
- As a team they are tied with the Pirates and Orioles for 21st in MLB, with a .301 wOBA.
- Of the team's regulars (not including Zimmerman), Danny Espinosa leads the team with a .379 wOBA (bordering on Superstar level). Following Espi is Ramos with a .368 and Nix with a .351. After that is gets pretty brutal, dropping down to Werth at .318.
- The worst of everyday starter is Michael Morse, coming in at a paltry .226.

Look for additional usage of wOBA here on Capitol Baseball.

Stat Updates -
- Nats are taking the extra base 50% of the time, much higher than they ever have in the past. Thanks Bo Porter.
- The Nats have only GIDP in 12% of potential chances.
- With RISP, the Nats' average has risen from .175, at the last writing, all the way up to .235. Still not great, but to have such a change in just a week, shows that the offense might finally be coming alive.
- The Nats now have stolen 15 bases, 7 by Desmond (who has yet to be caught).
- With 2 outs and RISP, the Nats are only hitting .123. Gross.
- Starters and Relievers ERA's have balanced out to an almost equal 3.56 and 3.46 respectively.
- Ramos is still catching the pitchers at a much higher level than Pudge. The Nats staff has a 3.01 ERA with Ramos, and a 4.07 ERA with Pudge.
- Nats are 27th in OPS with a .658 - bolstered by "scratching out runs" via Sacrifice hits and stolen bases.
- They are tied for 21st in OBP - tied with Seattle who has had Adam Kennedy and Ryan Langerhans hitting 3 and 4 in their lineup. Gross.
- The Nats 3.53 ERA places them 10th in all of baseball.
- WHIP is 14th with a 1.30.
- The Bullpen's K rate is 7.9/9. Very solid.
- The Nats have 12 errors on the year, placing them 13th worst in MLB - Desmond once again leads the way with 4 errors.

Do any of these stats scare/excite you about the Nats season? Share with us in the comments!