Composite ranking of conference competitiveness. Weighs inter-conference record, RPI, collective offense (OPS, wOBA), and pitching (ERA). Recomputed daily at 6 AM CT.
The Conference Strength Index is a 0-100 composite. Inter-conference win percentage contributes 40%, RPI 30%, collective wOBA 15%, and collective ERA 15%. RPI is placeholder (0.500) until sufficient opponent data accumulates — rankings are currently driven by inter-conference record and team offensive/pitching stats. Early-season values should be treated as provisional, particularly for conferences with thin ESPN coverage.