Cheap Run
What Does Cheap Run Mean in Baseball?
In baseball, a “cheap run” is a term to describe a run that a team scores due to the opposing team’s mistakes, such as errors or poor play, rather than through the offensive team’s skillful play. This term suggests that the run was not entirely earned through the usual competitive means, such as hits or well-executed plays, but rather was gifted in a sense due to lapses on the fielding side.
The concept of a cheap run reflects the game’s emphasis on skill and strategy, as baseball purists often respect runs scored through adept batting, baserunning, and tactical decisions. While every run impacts the scoreboard regardless of how it is scored, players and fans alike might view cheap runs as less indicative of a team’s true performance level. These runs often result from walks, wild pitches, passed balls, or a series of defensive errors, allowing players to advance bases and score without the need for strong offensive actions.
To the statistical observer, all runs contribute equally to a game’s outcome, but the differentiation between cheap runs and those that are earned becomes a talking point, especially when assessing the quality of both teams’ play. Acknowledging cheap runs is also crucial when analyzing a pitcher’s effectiveness, as it can affect the pitcher’s earned run average (ERA) — a significant metric that determines the average number of earned runs a pitcher allows per nine innings pitched.
Understanding Cheap Runs
In baseball, the term “cheap run” describes a score that occurs due to errors or subpar play. This section outlines how a cheap run is defined and its implications in the context of a baseball game.
Definition of Cheap Run
A cheap run is attributed to occurrences where a player scores due to mistakes or lapses by the opposing team. These can include:
- Defensive errors: Misplays by fielders.
- Poor pitching: Excessive walks or wild pitches.
Scoring Dynamics and Context
The context in which a cheap run is scored can significantly influence the course of a game. Factors that contribute to a cheap run often involve:
- A string of walks or hit-by-pitches leading to bases loaded scenarios.
- A defensive error that extends the inning, allowing for additional opportunities to score.
Moreover, a cheap run contrasts with runs scored through strategic hits and skillful baserunning, reflecting a different dynamic of run production.
Implications of Cheap Runs
Cheap runs in baseball are any runs that a team scores due to the opposing team’s mistakes or poor play. These runs have various implications for the game, affecting statistics, strategy, and the perception of the performance.
Statistical Impact
Cheap runs can distort a pitcher’s Earned Run Average (ERA) since they are not counted towards it. For instance, if a pitcher had a relatively clean inning but poor fielding allowed a run, the ERA would not change, leading to a misleading representation of their performance. Understanding the difference between earned and unearned runs is crucial for accurate statistical evaluations.
Strategic Considerations
Strategically, teams may adjust their play in response to cheap runs. They might shift defensive alignments or change pitchers to mitigate further unearned runs. Managers use these strategies to regain control of the game and prevent cheap runs from influencing the outcome.
Perception and Reactions
Players and fans often perceive cheap runs as a sign of inferior play, and they can harm a team’s morale. Conversely, teams that benefit from cheap runs might be viewed as lucky rather than skilled. The reactions can range from frustration from the conceding team to a boost in confidence for the scoring team, though this is often temporary.
