What does RD mean in BASEBALL

Run Differential (RD) is a statistic that measures the difference between a team's runs scored and runs allowed over a given period of time, typically a season or a series of games. It is calculated by subtracting the total runs allowed from the total runs scored. A positive RD indicates that a team has scored more runs than it has allowed, while a negative RD indicates that a team has allowed more runs than it has scored.

Run Differential is used to evaluate a team's overall offensive and defensive performance. Teams with a high RD are typically considered to be strong contenders, while teams with a low RD are typically considered to be struggling. RD can also be used to predict future team performance, as teams with a high RD are more likely to win games than teams with a low RD.

A good Run Differential varies depending on the league and the team's schedule. However, a generally accepted benchmark for a good RD is between +100 and +200. Teams with a RD above +200 are typically considered to be dominant, while teams with a RD below -100 are typically considered to be struggling.

Several factors can affect a team's Run Differential, including the team's offensive and defensive efficiency, the quality of its opponents, and the length of the season. Teams with strong offenses and weak defenses tend to have high RDs, while teams with weak offenses and strong defenses tend to have low RDs.

No, Run Differential is not a perfect measure of team performance. It does not take into account other important factors such as the team's strength of schedule, the team's injuries, and the team's luck. However, RD is a useful statistic that can provide valuable insights into a team's overall performance.