I was thinking “this is retarded”. However,

OPS measures hitting and the better the hitting the higher the number.
ERA measures pitching and the better the pitching the lower the number.

So if your team has good hitting (a high OPS) and good pitching (a low ERA) you will only subtract a small number (ERA).

I like this stat as a team stat. Obviously, it does not always pan out and does not include errors, stolen bases, and matchup (things that do determine the outcome of some games) but I still like this stat.

And this is coming from a guy who hates most stats. I like ERA, BA, OBP and thats about it. I hate win/loss records (i.e. JJ and Vazquez) and I hate the fielding stats – just stick with errors!

There are basically three ways of determining which teams were the best. The first, and perhaps the worst, is using their record. The second is run differential. I don’t see how the OPSERA metric is more useful than run differential. When you’re using something that correlates with runs scored, why not just use runs scored? When you’re using something that correlates with runs allowed, why not just use runs allowed. 1st order Pythagorean winning percentage is also just as useful.

The third way is to determine actually how skilled the team was. Using offensive components to come up with expected runs scored and offensive components against to come up with expected runs allowed. 3rd order Pythagorean winning percentage accomplishes this. Additionally, it adjusts for leagues, park effects, strength of schedule, etc.. It’s a much better predictor than this OPSERA metric.

And in case you’re wondering, the Braves are tied for the 2nd highest 3rd order winning percentage (with the Red Sox) of .604. Only the Yankees (.605) have a better Pct3.

That’s why stats don’t mean a thing. The only stats that counts is wins and loses, everything else means nothing