OPS (On Base Plus Slugging):
Purpose: To determine a players overall effectiveness at the plate, by adding his OBP and SLG.
Introduced: 1984
Explained: The best hitters in the majors will typically have an OPS of over .900, and the league leader will often have one of over 1.000 (Josh Hamilton's was 1.044 in 2010). OPS is considered to be perhaps the best indication of a players overall production, and in 2009 and 2010 all MVP award winners led their respective leagues in OPS (Joe Mauer and Albert Pujols in 2009, and Josh Hamilton and Joey Votto in 2010).
OPS=OBP+SLG
