thanks, eli.
i think most of us keep it rather simple, and i'll honestly admit that i don't go into very much detail, usually just looking at things like avg/obp/slg/ops. i think counting stats have some value because as i watch a game, i can see a double or a homer or a ground out, but i can't see a WAR or a BABIP, etc. i also understand that baseball is a game of layers, and that the SABR stats help reveal greater information in each layer.
when i first met Inside Pitch, he used to use things like obp and slg, and i had no idea what he was talking about. he taught me a lot about looking deeper than avg/hr/rbi, and i've been very grateful for that. it's helped me understand the game within the game better.
i've seen some stats in this thread that i've never heard of before, and i wouldn't begin to know how to use them or what a good number is in that category. i'm content to let those who like that kind of info share what it means.
i was originally curious because of the comments in the starlin castro thread as different posters were citing different info in looking at his performance, and i got to wondering what a GM must look at in the whole process. i appreciate that it must not be very easy to make a decision about a lot of players, and i appreciate how a guy like boras can really overwhelm an ill-prepared GM who hasn't done his homework.
thanks for your input, everyone.