Last season the Nationals scored 655 runs and allowed 742, for a run differential of -87 and an overall record of 69-93. Respectively, those outcomes ranked 14th, 12th, 13th, and 14th in the NL.
 |
| What's the most efficient way to reduce post-game scenes like this one? |
It is obvious that run differential is highly determinative of a team's record. It is equally obvious that there are two paths to improvement - (1) score more runs; (2) allow fewer runs. A huge amount of virtual ink has been spilled on nationals.com
advocating for improved defense and declaring the team's offense to be adequate. In reality, though:
- Does it matter whether the team's run differential is improved through RA or RS?
- For a given run differential, how much does the overall level of RA and RS matter?
- Generally, what can be said about RA vs. RS improvements?
