Beyond the Boxscore Creates a Fun New Stat for Relievers

Called ARJS, or Another Reliever Junk Stat.

The BtB crew explains it as such:

The method to calculate ARJS is:

1. Determine all relief appearances.
2. For each relief appearance, calculate the leverage index at the time of entry by inning.  That means if a reliever comes in with the bases loaded and two outs in the eighth, and stays in for the ninth, we’ll have two data points; the bases loaded, two outs in the eighth and the nobody on, nobody out in the ninth.
3. Account for bullpen chaining using the formula (1 + LI) / 2 = chained LI
4. Calculate WPA / Actual LI (WPA/LI) for each of the plate appearances against the pitcher.
5. Multiply the WPA/LI value by the chained LI value.
6. Sum those values across the entire season.

The debate over the value of closers vs. other relief pitchers is ongoing, and this certainly won’t solve it, but it is a nice start.

David Aardsma finished 2nd overall in 2009 with a 4.57 rating.