We are the VORG. Replacement is futile.
A few days ago we started listing the counts of all the various batting lines accumulated by starting players from 1918-2011. We tackled the “zero at-bat” totals there, so its time for the “one at-bat” group. Even more pronounced than the composition of the “zero” group, there are plenty of legendary sluggers here (Ruth, Bonds, … Read moreCanonical Record of Batting Lines – 1918-2011 (Part 2 – The One ABs)
Many of us fondly remember opening up the newspaper each morning to see how our favorite teams and players did the prior day. In those lines of agate type, we were able to discern to some degree if (insert “your guy” here) was a hero or a goat. Usually this was through four simple numbers, … Read moreCanonical Record of Batting Lines - 1918-2011 (Part 1 - The Zero ABs)
Yesterday, Colby Lewis, who has five letters in his first and last names, became only the fifth pitcher in history to give up five homers as the only (5) hits in a start (see table below). He did this on the tenth day (2*5) of the fifth month. For two of the homer-hitters (Nick Markakis … Read moreSo many Fives!
The Twins are certainly struggling. How bad? They are being outscored by 2.10 runs per game so far in 2012. Only two other teams in the past 50 years have ended a season with a -2.00 or worse per game run differential (the 1962 Mets and the 2003 Tigers). If the Twins continue to score … Read moreTwo Runs Too Short to Box with AL
Another baseball semantics issue to settle. The batter hits a long flyball that hits the pole delineating fair and foul territory. Since the pole is considered to be in fair territory, the batter is declared to have hit a homerun. Yet, most people call this … Read moreLet’s Take a Pole
The Padres have many problems. Entering Monday night, they are an NL-worst 9-20, and sit 9.5 games back of the Dodgers. Their closer Huston Street is on the DL. A starting pitcher, Cory Luebke could be headed for Tommy John surgery, They’ve already played 20 home games against only nine on the road. And they … Read moreWhat’s “Left” to say about San Diego?
A Catch With Dad You want to throw a ball around with a friend. How do you phrase the question? Is it like Kevin Costner’s character in “Field of Dreams,” or is something else? “Have a catch” has about 1.7 million hits on Google. “Play catch” has roughly 4.5 million hits. What say you? … Read moreLet’s Have a (or Play) Catch of the Day
With the first month of the season gone (already!), let’s see which hurlers are leading their respective leagues in the race for the annual “Pi Young Award“. First up . . . the American League/no innings requirement. A pair of PaleHose lead the charge as Chris Sale and Gavin Floyd come in just under the … Read more2012 Pi Young Award - April Update