To evaluate each hitting performance, I am going to use a slightly modified version of the "ESPN Rating" which is essentially a Game Score for hitters that ESPN came up with. It is traditionally scored in the following manner:
This doesn't account for defense whatsoever, and in my humble opinion having a great game in the field on top of a great day at the plate is what really identifies the best of the best. At the same time, having a great day at the plate can be somewhat dampened by a miscue or two in the field. To that end, I've decided to add a defensive portion to the ESPN rating, which will consist of the following categories and point values:
If you have any questions about how/why I chose the point values that I did, I'm happy to explain and/or debate them with you via Trade Chat or Sitemail. For now, let's get down to the business of using this method to identify the best individual effort we've seen so far:
Charlie Rivers drives in 8 Runs (Season 3)
Here's a look at what Rivers did at the plate: 2-for-2, 3 R, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 3 BB = 80.75 batting total
In the field he had: 1 plus play & 4 assists = +2.0 fielding points = 82.75 overall total
Eugenio Moreno Hits For The Cycle (Season 3)
At the plate: 4-for-5, 3 R, 2B, 3B, HR, 2 RBI, SB = 77.25 batting total
In the field he had: 2 putouts & 4 assists = +1.50 fielding points = 78.75 overall total
Glen Swihart Hits For The Cycle (Season 3)
At the plate: 4-for-5, 2 R, 2B, 3B, HR, 5 RBI = 79.00 batting total
In the field: 2 putouts, 3 assists, 1 error, 1 plus play = +1.25 fielding points = 80.25 overall total
Branch Dobbs drives in 8 Runs (Season 3)
At the plate: 3-for-5, 2 R, 2 HR, 8 RBI = 79 batting total
In the field: 6 putouts & 2 passed balls = +1 fielding point = 80 overall total
Alberto Iglesias drives in 7 Runs (Season 3)
At the plate: 2-for-4, 2 R, 2 HR, 7 RBI = 75 batting total
In the field: 3 putouts & 1 assist = +2 field points = 77 overall total
Gustavo Cabrera drives in 7 Runs (Season 3)
At the plate: 4-for-5, 3 R, 2B, 2 HR, 7 RBI = 83 batting total
In the field: 6 putouts & 1 assist = +1.75 field points = 84.75 overall total
Torii Hamilton Hits For The Cycle (Season 3)
At the plate: 4-for-5, 3 R, 2B, 3B, HR, 6 RBI, K = 80.75 batting total
In the field: 2 putouts = +0.5 fielding points = 81.25 overall total
Al Roach drives in 7 Runs (Season 3)
At the plate: 3-for-6, R, 2 2B, 7 RBI, K = 71.75 batting total
In the field: no contributions = 71.75 overall total
Jarred Russell drives in 8 Runs (Season 3)
At the plate: 4-for-5, 2 R, 2B, HR, 8 RBI, K, HBP = 80 batting total
In the field: 13 putouts, 1 error = +2.25 fielding points = 82.25 overall total
Leonardo Shaw drives in 7 runs (Season 3)
At the plate: 3-for-5, 2 R, HR, 7 RBI, BB = 75.25 batting total
In the field: 3 putouts = +0.75 fielding points = 76 overall total
Ildemaro Delgado drives in 8 runs (Season 3)
At the plate: 2-for-4, 2 R, 2 HR, 7 RBI, Sac Fly = 78.25 batting total
In the field: 2 putouts = +0.5 fielding points = 78.75 overall total
Alberto Iglesias drives in 7 runs (Season 3)
At the plate: 3-for-6, 2 R, 2 2B, 7 RBI = 73 batting total
In the field: no contributions = 73 overall total
Yonder Palmiero Hits For The Cycle (Season 3)
At the plate: 4-for-5, R, 2B, 3B, HR, 2 RBI = 75 batting total
In the field: no contributions = 75 overall total
Chris English drives in 7 runs (Season 3)
At the plate: 3-for-5, 2 R, 2B, HR, 7 RBI, BB, K = 76 batting total
In the field: 2 putouts, 2 assists = +1 fielding point = 77 overall total
Lance Fitzgerald Hits For The Cycle (Season 3)
At the plate: 4-for-5, 3 R, 2B, 3B, HR, 2 RBI = 77 batting total
In the field: 1 putout = +0.25 fielding points = 77.25 overall total
Jacob Cornelius drives in 7 runs (Season 3)
At the plate: 4-for-4, 4 R, 2 HR, 7 RBI, 2 BB, SB = 84.75 batting total
In the field: 2 putouts, 5 assists = +1.75 fielding points = 86.5 overall total
Rudy Cecchini drives in 7 runs (Season 3)
At the plate: 3-for-4, 3 R, 2 HR, 7 RBI, BB = 80.25 batting total
In the field: 7 putouts = +1.75 fielding points = 82 overall total