Fielding Runs

Fielding Runs (or FR) are a generic term for any statistical treatment of fielding that converts a fielder's performance to runs. The most common approach is that used by Total Baseball. A full description of the technique can be found in the glossary on the Total Baseball web site. Basically, TB's approach involves weighting the number of putouts, assists, and double plays made by each fielder, and comparing the totals to positional norms to come out with a figure above/below average. Each extra out made (or hit allowed) is worth X runs in the LWTS model, which leads to the FR figure. The disadvantages of the TB method are similar to those of Range Factor, and the FR figures are considered particularly unreliable for catchers and first basemen. Career figures are also considered better indicators than individual seasons.