The players polled determined batting average to be the most overrated stat and on-base percentage to be the most underrated stat. This seems like a bit of a contradiction, as they almost go hand-in-hand. A player with a good batting average would also have a good on-base percentage. Still this poll shows that there is more than just getting singles and a good eye is needed.
I disagree, and believe that saves is the most overrated statistic in baseball. It is true that a good closer can go a long way towards the success of one team, but the specificity of the stat makes it close to useless. Although it may be overrated, the stat itself is responsible for making current closers millions of dollars, as it gave closers a way to be measured by. However, we all know who the better closers are, and it is not measured by the number of saves a closer has. It is all about the ability to come in and finish important games, not April regular season games. Sure Francisco Rodriguez saved 62 games in 2008, but in 8 career postseason series, he has 3 saves. Basically regular season saves are useless, and its in the post season where saves matter. Just ask Armando Benitez, 23rd all time in saves, but a World Series blown save to his credit.
Now on to the most underrated stat. I believe that WHIP, which was voted 2nd most underrated by the players, is truely the most underrated stat. Many fans do not even know that WHIP stands for Walks + Hits/ Innings Pitched. While ERA can take a huge hit following a bad outing or allowing a big homerun, WHIP can more accurately detail a pitcher's success. Especially for relief pitchers, WHIP can show the amount of baserunners allowed by a pitcher, but doesn't get bloated by the pinch-hit homer.
So there is my opinion. What do you think?
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