The latest feature that we have decided to add to the site is a segment assigning default player rankings by position. The following is a brief explanation of the steps we have used in creating the system.
The System:
In order to calculate player rankings, we have factored in each player's statistics in the basic 5X5 categories over a two and a half year period, starting with the 2000 season. The formula assigns certain values for each statistic and multiplies the statistic by the assigned value. We have also factored in injury probability and trends based on career patterns for each player. For those unfamiliar with the basic 5X5 setup, the categories that were used are as follows:
Pitchers:
Wins
Saves
Earned Run Average
Walks/Hits per Inning Pitched
Strikeouts
Batters:
Runs
Runs Batted In
Home Runs
Stolen Bases
Batting Average
For comparison's sake, we have also altered the numerical values assigned to each statistic equally so that the #1 overall player will end up with a total point value of 1,000 over a 3 year span. The feeling is that this will show not only that one player is ranked above the other, but how much more or less valuable players are compared to others. For example, the difference between Jason Giambi and Carlos Delgado (ranked #3 and #4 at 1b) is 50 points on a 1000 point scale. However, the difference between Delgado (#4) and Rafael Palmeiro (#8) is less than 50 points on a 1000 point scale.
In order to allow for a little more interaction, we will be opening a section for the correspondents and all of our readers to report on their thoughts as to how certain players have over/underachieved so far this season, how they think the rankings system looks, etc. We hope this will be a useful tool for all.
Jim Meyerriecks (Cardinals and Royals Correspondent)
Chris Wang (Dodgers Correspondent)
Carlos Parodi (FantasyInfoCentral General Manager)
Average Player Ratings (Based on stats through June 4th)
| Position | Current Year Rank | 3Yr Statistical Rank |
| C | 73.5 | 481 |
| 1B | 105.8 | 725 |
| 2B | 93.8 | 604 |
| 3B | 102.5 | 650 |
| SS | 100.9 | 637 |
| OF | 110.5 | 723 |
New Features:
The pitcher rankings are now up, and should be visible to all. Some people have mentioned that a couple of the rankings are blurred together with the larger rankings scales (pitchers and outfielders). The first thing to do is to try refreshing your browser. If the problem persists, please contact Carlos, Chris, or Jim, and we will try and fix it.
The positional rankings will be updated periodically. We have yet to set an actual time scale for how often they will be updated, as the individual player rankings are still new to the site, and we are still fine tuning our system a bit. However, it will be posted on the front page each time that the player rankings are updated. All old player rankings will be archived, so that our readers are welcome to look at how certain players have played since the rankings were last updated.
Commentary has been added to the rankings. For now, Chris and I will each be posting a report on each position, which should give you two separate views on how some of the players fit into our formula. It should also give a little insight on some of the players to keep an eye on from a couple of different viewpoints. As the rankings are updated every so often, we will each be doing commentary for a position or two, but we are looking for some of our staff writers to help out.
So, if you're a member of our staff and would like to chime in with some of your views on the rankings, please e-mail Chris or Jim, and we'll let you know how we're planning on running our commentary section.
James Meyerriecks
Chris Wang
Carlos Parodi
As we've started to grow a bit more used to this feature, I'd like to share the full scope of what we plan to do the rest of the year with the rankings system.
Rankings will be updated weekly, with a new Who's Hot/Who's Not section at each position, as well as a Spotlight Player at every position. The rankings should be up each Wednesday, with the spotlights being put up by Thursday or Friday (as we continue to get organized, they may start being released each Wednesday) at each position. The Quick Picks segment that we used at the beginning will only be put up once a month at each position, as there will probably be a lot of repeated information otherwise.
As with the Team Report system, we are fully capable of sending notifications when any specific update is posted. If you'd like to subscribe to the player rankings so that you know when they're updated, either at a particular position or at all positions, please contact Jim, Chris, or Carlos and we'll add you to our mailing list. You can also feel free to click here if you'd like to join our mailing list.
Jim Meyerriecks
Cardinals and Royals Lead Correspondent
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Player Rankings Team
Jeff Brown
Richie Madden
Zach McCann
James Meyerriecks
Mike Timberlake
Jason Wachs
Chris Wang
