Value Approximation Method
From SABR Encyclopedia
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Revision as of 01:49, 16 November 2009
Value Approximation Method (VAM) is a baseball statistic invented by Bill James to compare players' seasons. VAM rewards both quality and quantity. VAM emphasizes its imprecise nature in both its name and by being an integer. A poor player who hardly played would have a VAM of 0, 1, or 2 while a league MVP usually is a little below 20. VAM was privately published by James in 1980[1] and first publicly published in 1982 [2].
Method
For pitchers: A) Each pitcher VAM is initially based on his season's games pitched:
0 for less than 30 G 1 for 30-54 2 for 55-79 3 for 80 or more
B) Add value for Innings Pitched:
0 for less than 40 IP 1 for 40-89 2 for 90-139 3 for 140-189 4 for 190-239 5 for 240-289 6 for 290-339
etc.