[quote:bc6a143403]Quote:
What is the standard deviation of those averages?
Now I feel stupid. The what now? [/quote:bc6a143403]
It's stat geek thing. Standard deviation gives you an idea of the process spread of the data points. We use it daily in verifying manufacturing processes but I've been using it the past 12 months to monitor my league conditions in the 80's game. :lol:
Basically, if you have Excel, you can copy/paste your league hitting and pitching stats into it. As an example, click the cell at the bottom of the ERA category and then press the function button on the tool bar. You'll be asked what function you want - choose STD DEV and then click and drag the cells that contain all 12 teams' ERA Averages. Press Enter.
That's the standard deviation of the average of the averages in your league. That number represents separation from nominal (league average) for ERA on a Bell Curve.
And now I just realized that it's going to take me at least 2 more pages to explain how I use this information to make decisions in the 80's game. LOL Seriously though, if you are interested in these types of thoughts, send me a PM. I've got some of these explanations written out and I'll be able to copy and paste the info back to you.