Runs Scored - The Ugly Duckling of Fantasy Baseball Part II

Runs Scored Percentage (RS %) = (((R-HR)/(H+HBP+BB-HR)-.1)/.04) RS% takes the percentage of times the player scores a run or of the number of times the player is on base.

As a reference point, the RS% average for players with over 400 ABs was 5.5 in 2006. You will notice that there are no speedsters on the list below. So although many of the hitters on this list did not receive support from their teammates (they were not driven in as much as expected) they also contributed to their own situation (or should I say they contributed to the teams' inability to score runs).

Almost all of the players on this list are likely to increase their RS% in 2007; although not much improvement can be expected coming from those positioned behind the plate. Additionally we're discounting the value of those players without a full time gig.

Bolded are the players we see with a significant rise to their RS% in 2007 and ultimately their total Runs Scored:

Although Brad Hawpe hits at the lower end of the Rockies order he does get into scoring position quite often (39 Doubles/Triples last year) and with Troy Tulowitzki instead of Clint Barmes behind him this year, he should see a 15% increase in Runs Scored.

Lance Berkman was recovering from a knee ailment in 2006, which has improved. Additionally he's hitting in front of RBI machine Carlos Lee this year...which is a significant upgrade from last year.

After posting a huge sophomore season, Jorge Cantu was utterly a mess in 2006. Cantu hasn't shown much power this spring, but he's hitting a respectable .321. Expect to see a pop in his RS% this year as his rate last year was artificially low.

Richie Sexson did his part last year (40 XBHx), unfortunately the teammates behind him did not. If Jose Guillen stays healthy, expect to see at least 10 more Runs scored by Sexson in as many ABs.

Discounting the injuries to Manny Ramirez in 2006, Ramirez' RS% was a big disappointment.He's got protection this year with off season acquisition JD Drew behind him. A healthy season should easily bring Manny back over the 100 Run plateau.

Josh Willingham's fantasy value this year will be largely dependant on the rise of once uber prospect Jeremy Hermida (who is batting behind Willingham this year). If Jeremy finds his stroke, Willingham should get closer to 80 Runs scored this year verses 62 from a year ago.

Rich Aurilla is not going to hit in front of Barry this season as originally expected, but he should still be in front of a proven Pedro Feliz.

Geoff Jenkins is out to prove he still belongs, a few mechanical issues have apparently been worked out in his swing this Spring (.433 average thus far). As we profiled in our Consistency Factor article last month, Jenkins is a streaky hitter who should especially be avoided in Head to Head leagues.

The 1st Edition of 2007 is now available in the member area!