Runners Left On Base

[parkside21]

Hey fellas, I've been wondering this for the last couple days and can't seem to find an answer...

 

Sometimes certain box scores will include the "left on base" category. Excuse my statistical ignorance here, but, does that mean...only with two outs? Or, any time a batter leaves a runner on base? My main question is, if a team leaves 9 runners on base in a game, is that 9 runners on base left when the 3rd out is made? Or...are they actually counting runners twice, or perhaps even three times? If a leadoff hitter hits a triple, and the next three hitters behind him strike out, is that counted as 3 men left on base? Just wondering how valuable the stat actually is...

[1992casey]

You're not the first to bring up this topic, so don't feel alone.

 

Check out these box scores:

 

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/boxscore?gameId=250714108

 

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/mlbBoxes/20051025.htm (hit the 'Details button)

 

In the top section, where the players are listed, you'll see a column labeled "LOB". These would refer to whatever total the batter left on base after any of his at bats. Several batters could leave the same players on base.

 

Generally, along with the team information underneath, there's a "Team LOB" number. That would only refer to players left on when the inning ends. That would be the traditional way to count runners left on.

 

The ESPN box actually uses the designation, "Team LOB". That's relatively new. It's probably because fans have been confused by seeing LOB numbers in two places with the numbers not adding up. In many boxes, all it will say is "LOB".

 

USA Today's box consolidate things a bit. At the bottom of the list of players' batting numbers, you see "Team totals:". Note that the LOBs don't add up.

 

There really has to be a less confusing way to do this.

[parkside21]

Interesting. Thanks for, well, trying to clear that up Casey...I appreciate your well-researched info. You're right, it does still seem sort of confusing, but I guess the TEAM LOB is the most important number. Not to go to much further on this topic, but, it makes me wonder, if a player sacrifices a runner from second to third, but makes their own out at first, does that still count as a LOB against the player? I suppose it would.

 

I sent that as a question on air last year to Bill-the-rock on FSN...obviously it didn't get picked to be answered, in fact, I don't think I even want to listen to Bill trying to answer that one.

[Jimbo]

Remember, R + Outs + Team LOB = PA

 

Either you were out, scored or was left on.