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MLB • 11 months ago

5 Statistics Behind Washington Nationals’ Offensive Struggles

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5 Stats Behind Washington Nationals' Offensive Struggles

Ian Desmond Nationals — The Washington Nationals have a 7-10 record through 17 games so far this season. There are a bunch of different factors that have contributed to the team's early season scuffles. The bullpen can't protect a lead. The defense is tied for the most errors committed in the league with 17. The No. 1 issue has been the offense. The Nationals are only averaging 3.71 runs per game. There are five stats that play a big role in that low number.

The Washington Nationals have a 7-10 record through 17 games so far this season. There are a bunch of different factors that have contributed to the team's early season scuffles. The bullpen can't protect a lead. The defense is tied for the most errors committed in the league with 17. The No. 1 issue has been the offense. The Nationals are only averaging 3.71 runs per game. There are five stats that play a big role in that low number.

Batting Average on Balls In Play (BABIP)

Batting Average on Balls In Play (BABIP)

BABIP measures how often a ball in play goes for a hit. Basically, any time a batter makes contact, and doesn't clear the fence for home run, is considered a ball in play. The actual BABIP equation is BABIP=(Hits-Home runs)/(At Bats-Strikeouts-Home Runs+Sacrifice Flies). The Nationals possess the ninth worst team BABIP in the majors at .269. Danny Espinosa has the worst BABIP among the starters with a .174.

On-Base Percentage (OBP)

On-Base Percentage (OBP)

On-Base Percentage is defined as a measure of how often a batter reaches base for any reason other than a fielding error, fielder's choice, dropped third strike, fielder's obstruction, or catcher's interference. The Nationals own the eighth lowest team OBP in the league, checking in with a .295. Wilson Ramos has the lowest OBP of the starters with a paltry .241. If you can't get on base, you can't score runs.

Batting Average With Runners In Scoring Position (RISP)

Batting Average With Runners In Scoring Position (RISP)

RISP is defined as hits divided by at-bats in situations where there is a runner on second or third base, or both. The Nationals have struggled in this area for years and will continue to be near the bottom of the league in this category until there is some personnel changes and more contact hitters are brought in. This season the Nationals are batting .232 with runners in scoring position. That includes Jayson Werth, who is batting a lowly .091.

BsR (Base Runs)

Base Runs (BsR)

BsR is an all encompassing base running statistic that turns stolen bases, caught stealings, and other base running plays (taking extra bases, being thrown out on the bases, etc) into runs above and below average. The Nationals have a -2.1 BsR which is good for last in all of baseball. This stat means that the Nationals are the worst team in the league at running bases, which is a key to scoring runs.

Strikeouts

Strikeouts

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Jason Fletcher is a writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter and like him on Facebook.

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