| The Formula
There are two ideas at the heart of our formula. Together, they led us to create two factors; variables that are used to calculate the R.R.A.® relief quotient. These factors create a numeric value to measure the difficulty of a specific relief appearance with inherited base runners. Because a lower R.R.A.® is better, the numbers are lower for more difficult relief pitching situations.
The first idea is that "all relief appearances are not created equally." The number of outs there are when the reliever steps on the mound directly affects his chances of preventing any inherited base runners from scoring. As such we have created an out factor based on how many outs there are when the reliever enters the game.
If the reliever enters with…
- 0 outs, the out factor is 2
- 1 outs, the out factor is 3
- 2 outs, the out factor is 6
This reflects the idea that preventing runners from scoring with one out remaining is twice as easy than it is with 2 outs remaining, and three times easier than it is with 3 outs remaining. A pitcher should not be penalize as harshly for allowing runners to score in more difficult pitching situations.
The second idea is that "all inherited runners are not created equally." The base of an inherited runner when the reliever enters the game determines how difficult it will be for the relief pitcher to prevent him from scoring. As such we have created a base factor, which varies according to which base an inherited runner scores from.
If an inherited base runner scores from…
- 1st base, his factor is 3
- 2nd base, his factor is 2
- 3rd base, his factor is 1
- The total base factor is the sum of the factors of the scoring base runners.
- If no inherited runners score, the total base factor is 0.
This reflects the idea the scoring from 3rd base is three times easier than scoring from 1st base and twice as easy as scoring from 2nd base. To score a run, the 3rd base runner only has to advance 1 base, the 2nd base runner has to advance 2 bases, and the 1st base runner has to advance 3 bases. Allowing an inherited runner to score from a higher base shouldn’t penalize the pitcher as much as letting a runner score from a lower base.
The out factor is multiplied by the total base factor to get the R.R.A.® for that game. If no runners score, the R.R.A.® will equal 0: A perfect appearance. However if 1 or more runners do score, the number will be higher. That number will not reflect how many runners scored, but rather how well the pitcher performed and the unique difficulty of his pitching situation.
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