The PSR Rankings are derived from our proprietary formula that accurately rates and ranks all players in Major League Baseball according to the standard 5×5 categories (R, AVG, HR, RBI, SB – W, SV, K, ERA, WHIP).
PSR stands for Position Scarcity Rating. Essentially, it quantifies a player’s value in each category and then analyzes depth at that player’s position to yield a value rating. This combines both the player’s performance and his relative value due to the strength or depth of his position.
It sounds complicated, but don’t fret. We’ve done all the work for you.
For example, statistically speaking, Hanley Ramirez was the fifth best fantasy player in 2009 (behind Pujols, Greinke, Lincecum, and Braun), however because he plays a position with less depth than those other four players, he gets a boost in value. By factoring in this position scarcity, Ramirez was actually the second most valuable player in fantasy last year (behind Pujols).
The PSR Rating system, while simple, is incredibly powerful. When analyzed properly it will allow us to accurately project draft order by combining both a player’s individual performance and his value relative to others at his position. Unlike the “experts,” our rankings and mock drafts are completely based in statistical analysis and not the subjective opinions of analysts. In fantasy, players are only as good as their stats. DO NOT prepare for your draft without consulting these rankings.
Please check out our Glossary page for an easy-to-understand explanation of other metrics we frequently use on Baseball Professor. For both the novice and seasoned fantasy manager, these resources are invaluable. Oh and best of all, they’re free.