Archives for October 2015

An Inauspicious, Yet Auspicious, Beginning … Royals’ Rookie Makes History

October 31, 2015 by

NCA_2921The Kansas City Royals called on rookie Raul Adalberto Mondesi to pinch hit for reliever Danny Duffy in the fifth inning of last night’s 9-3 loss to the Mets. The 20-year-old Mondesi went down swinging and, in the process, became a trivia star.  It was not only Mondesi’s first World Series’ appearance, it was his first major league appearance – making him the first player ever to make his major league debut in the modern version of the World Series.  Mondesi was added to the Royals’ World Series roster on the basis of his versatility (a middle infielder who can also play outfield) and speed (19 stolen bases in 81 games at Double A in 2015) – attributes that could be assets, particularly when playing under NL rules (no-DH) in New York.

For “deep trivia” buffs, Mondesi replaced outfielder Terrance Gore on the post-season roster and pitcher Joba Chamberlain was designated for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster.  

While Mondesi has never played above Double A, he was rated the Royals’ number-one prospect and MLB’s 33rd-best prospect by MLBPipleine.com.  In 2015, he hit .243 with six home runs and 33 RBI at Northwest Arkansas. He also had 11 doubles, five triples and 19 stolen bases. In four minor league seasons (366 games), Mondesi has hit .246, with 24 home runs and 143 RBI. He’s also collected 26 triples and 71 stolen bases (in 93 attempts).  Mondesi was signed by the Royals, at the age of 16 (for $2 million) and made his minor league debut (as a 16-year-old) with Rookie League  Idaho Falls – where he hit .290, with three home runs, 30 RBI and 11 steals (in 13 attempts) in 50 games.

Mondesi comes by his prospect status naturally.  He is the son of former MLB outfielder Raul Roman Mondesi, who played 13 MLB seasons for the Dodgers, Blue Jays, Yankees, Diamondbacks, Pirates, Angels and Braves. The elder Mondesi was the 1994 NL Rookie of the Year, an All Star in 1995 and a Gold Glover in 1995 and 1997. Mondesi’s best year was 1997, when he had a 30-30 season – hitting .310 with 30 home runs, 32 stolen bases and 87 RBI for the Dodgers. He retired in 2005 with a .273 average, 271 home runs, 960 RBI and 229 stolen bases. The elder Mondesi, however, never played in a World Series. Another of Mondesi’s sons – Raul Ramon Mondesi, Jr. –  (Raul Adalberto’s older brother) played minor league ball in the Rays and Brewers systems.

I tweet baseball @DavidBBRT

Member Society for American Baseball research (SABR); The Baseball Reliquary; Baseball Bloggers Alliance.

Filed Under: News

A Look at the World Series’ Longest Games

October 28, 2015 by
Alcides Escobar - Toured the bases for an inside-the-park home run in the first (of 14) inning(s).

Alcides Escobar – Toured the bases for an inside-the-park home run in the first (of 14) inning(s).

Last night, the Mets and Royals gave baseball fans a real treat – a 14-inning Game One of the World Series (won by the Royals 5-4). A lot has been written about that contest:

  • Tied for the most innings in World Series history.
  • Second-longest WS game by time at five hours and nine minutes.
  • Longest Game One in terms of innings and time.
  • Alcides Escobar hitting just the 12th inside-the-park homer in World Series history.
  • The Mets’ Bartolo Colon becoming the oldest pitcher to lose a WS game (42 years and 157 days)
  • Two critical errors (Royals’ 1B Eric Hosmer and Mets’ 3B David Wright), both made by players with multiple Gold Gloves on their MLB resumes.
  • Mets’ OF Mike Conforto becoming just the third player to play in the Little League, College and MLB World Series – and the first to drive in a run in all three.

I could go on, but I will leave that to other observers.  In this post, BBRT would like to focus on the three 14-inning games in World Series history – and how different they were.

Those three contests were:

  • Game Two of the 1916 World Series (Dodgers/Red Sox) on October 9, 1916.
  • Game Three of the 2005 World Series (White Sox/Astros) on October 25, 2005.
  • Game One of the 2015 World Series (Mets/Royals) on October 28, 2015.

Here’s a teaser to entice you to read on:  The number of pitchers used in each game ranged from just two to 17; the time of each game ranged 5:41 to 2:32; two of the games featured first-inning, inside-the-park home runs; and the winning team in each game went on to win the Series. Interested?  If so, read on.

Pitchers Used … 2-17-13

Babe Ruth went the distance in 14-inning, 2-1 Series win. 

In the Red Sox’ 1916 win, the teams used a combined TWO pitchers.  Boston ace Babe Ruth (who had been 23-12 for the Red Sox with a league-low 1.75 ERA in the regular season) went the distance in a 2-1 victory, setting the record for most innings pitched in a single World Series game (14). Ruth gave up just six hits and one run, walking three and fanning four. The Dodgers’ Sherry Smith (14-10, 2.34 in the regular season) also went the distance (13 1/3 innings completed when the winning tally scored), giving up two runs on seven hits and six walks, while fanning two.

In the 2005 White Sox’ win (by a score of 7-5), 17 pitchers were used – nine by the White Sox and eight by the Astros. Last night, the Mets and Royals combined to use 13 hurlers – seven by the Royals, six by the Mets.

Players Used … 43-22-21

In the White Sox/Astros’ contest, a WS single-game record 43 players were used – including five pinch hitters and two pinch runners. In the Mets/Royals’ game, 22 players took the field (just one pinch hitter and one pinch runner).  The Dodgers and Red Sox used only 21 players (the Dodgers the minimum nine), with two pinch hitters and one pinch runner.

Time of Game

The White Sox/Astros’ tilt was the longest game in World Series’ history in terms of time at 5 hours and 41 minutes.  Last night’s Mets/Royals’ game was the second-longest at five hours and nine minutes.  The Dodgers and Red Sox took only two hours and 32 minutes to complete their 14-inning matchup. (My how the game has changed.)

Inside-the-Park Home Runs

The Dodger/Red Sox’ and Mets/Royals’ contests each featured an inside-the-park home run – and both came in the first inning (Dodger’ CF Hi Meyers and Royals’ SS Alcides Escobar). Total long balls: The Mets/Royals and White/Sox Astros each featured three home runs; the Dodger/Red Sox just one.

Walks and Whiffs

The Mets/Royals featured nine walks and 22 strikeouts; with the Royals being most efficient at three free passes and 15 strikeouts.  The White Sox/Astros’ game saw a whopping 21 walks in 14 innings, with 25 strikeouts. The Astros’ staff walked nine and whiffed 11, while the Sox walked 12 and struck out 14. The Dodgers/Red Sox put the ball in play – a total of only nine walks and six strikeouts combined.

Attendance – Pretty Darn Close

Mets/Royals … 40,320

White Sox/Astros … 42,848

Dodgers/Red Sox … 47,373

Total Hits, Runs and Errors

Last night’s Mets/Royals’ contest featured 22 hits, nine runs and two errors. The White Sox/Astros combined for 22 hits, 12 runs and four errors.  The Dodgers/Red Sox were stingier at 13 hits, three runs and three errors.

Who Won the Series?

Omen? Who knows. In the 1916 and 2005 World Series, the teams that won the 14-inning contests went on to win the Series.

How the Games Ended

Mets/Royals … With the Mets’ Bartolo Colon on the mound in the bottom of the 14th, Royals’ SS Alcides Escobar led off by reaching third base on an error by NY third baseman David Wright. 2B Ben Zobrist singled to put runners on first and third.  CF Lorenzo Cain was walked to load the bases and 1B Eric Hosmer hit a “walk-0ff” sacrifice fly to right to end the game – on an unearned run. Colon, the Mets’ sixth pitcher got the loss. Chris Young, the Astros’ seventh pitcher got the win (three innings of hitless, scoreless relief – one walk, four strikeouts).

Dodgers/Red Sox … With starter Sherry Smith still on the mound for the Dodgers, Red Sox’ 1B Dick Hoblitzell led off the bottom of the fourteenth with a walk. LF Duffy Lewis bunted him to second. At this point, the Red Sox brought in Mike McNally to run for Hoblitzell and Del Gainer to pinch hit for 3B Larry Gardner (zero-for-five at that point). The moves worked, Gainer singled to left, bringing home McNally with the winning run – in what we would now term “walk-off” fashion.

White Sox/Astros … Unlike the Dodgers/Red Sox and Mets/Royals, this game did not end in a walk-off.  The White Sox scored the winning run(s) in the TOP of the fourteenth.

The two teams went into the fourteenth tied at 5. The Astros pulled a double switch – bringing Ezequiel Astacio in to pitch (and bat sixth), pulling 2B Craig Biggio and putting Jose Vizcaino (who had pinch hit in the bottom of the 13th) in at 2B.  White Sox RF Jermaine Dye led off with a single to right field, but 1B Paul Konerko hit into a 5-4-3 double play.  So, two outs and no one on base. That’s when things got ugly.  ChiSox 2B Geoff Blum (the sixth player to hold the number-five spot in the batting order), who had come into the game defensively in the 13th, homered to give the Sox the lead.  BBRT note:  It would be Blum’s only at bat in the Series.

Next came a single by CF Aaron Rowand, a single by 3B Joe Crede and a walk to SS Juan Uribe to load the bases. Astacio then walked C Chris Widger to force in an insurance run – and was replaced on the mound by Wandy Rodriguez, who fanned LF Scott Podsednik to end the inning.  In the bottom of the inning, Damasco Marte and Mark Buehrle combined to hold the Astros scoreless – although, thanks to a walk and an error, the tying runs were  on  base when Buehrle got Houston SS Adam Everett to pop out to end the game. Marte, the Sox’ eighth pitcher got the win, Buehrle the save. Astacio, the Astros’ seventh hurler, took the loss.

 

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Member:  Society for American Baseball Research (SABR); The Baseball Reliquary; Baseball Bloggers Alliance.

Filed Under: BB Fun Facts, News

World Series’ Futility – Getting There and Playing There

October 27, 2015 by
The New York Yankees have lost more World Series than any other team (13). Of course, they've won more as well (27).

The New York Yankees have lost more World Series than any other team (13). Of course, they’ve won more as well (27).

As the Mets and Royals face off in the 2015 World Series, we can be assured that a World Championship drought of at least 28 years will be broken. The Royals last won MLB’s Fall Classic in 1985, the Mets in 1986.  Still, neither is close to the Cubs’ run of futility – Chicago’s NL entry last won a World Series 107 seasons ago (1908).  And, among non-expansion teams, the Cubs’ have the worst won-lost record – having won the title just twice in ten trips to the Series. Further – again among non-expansion teams – the Cubs have gone the longest since last appearing in the World Series – all the way back to 1945.

Among expansion teams,we have the Nationals/Expos and Mariners, who have never been to the World Series – and the Rays, Rockies, Padres, Brewers, Astros and Rangers, who have never won a Series title.  

In this post, BBRT would like to look at some of the World Series’ records for futility – both in terms of reaching the Fall Classic and performance on the big stage. For the more positive side of the record book, you can get a look at World Series’ single-game records, by clicking here.  For even more on the World Series’ records, click here. 

Long Careers Without Reaching the World Series

 Phil Niekro – A Man for Many Seasons

Phil Niekro - earned a statue and a plaque (Hall of Fame), but never got a chance to earn a win in the Fall Classic.

Phil Niekro – earned a statue and a plaque (Hall of Fame), but never got a chance to earn a win in the Fall Classic.

No player took the field for more seasons without playing in the World Series than hurler Phil Niekro (24 seasons; 1964-87). The Hall of Fame knuckleballer also holds the record for the most wins for any pitcher never appearing in the Fall Classic at 318 (versus 274 losses). During his career, Niekro pitched for the Braves (in Milwaukee and Atlanta); Yankees; and Blue Jays.  He was a five-time All Star, two-time 20–game winner (leading the NL in wins in 1974 and 1979), led the NL in winning percentage (17-4, .810) in 1982 and even won five Gold Gloves. On the other side of the coin, Niekro also led the NL in losses for four consecutive seasons (1977-1980), when he went a cumulative 71-76.  Notably, Phil’s brother Joe nearly matched his World Series’ drought. Joe Niekro pitched 22 years in the big leagues – and didn’t make his first World Series appearance until his 21st season (1987, with the Twins).

The only other pitcher to win 300 games and not appear in the World Series is Gaylord Perry (314-265 over 22 seasons). BBRT note: Phil Niekro and Gaylord Perry are both part of MLB’s winningest brother combinations.  Phil and Joe Niekro rank first (a combined 539 MLB wins) and Gaylord and Jim Perry rank second (529 wins).

Among position players, the most seasons played without appearing in a World Series is 23 (Julio Franco; 1982-94, 1996-97; 1999; 2001-07).

Phil Niekro – 20/20 Vision

Phil Niekro, who went 21-20 for the Atlanta Braves in 1979, is the last MLB pitcher to lead his league in wins and losses in the same season – and the last MLBer to win and lose 20 or more games in the same season. That same season, Phil’s brother Joe went 21-11 for the Houston Astros, marking the only season in which  two brothers have tied for the league lead in victories.

Rafael Palmeiro – Stretching for October

Rafael Palmeiro played the most regular-season games without making it to baseball’s finals – 2,831 from 1986-2005. Palmeiro also has the most at bats without playing in a World Series (10,472) and is one of only two players with at least 3,000 hits not to make it to the Fall Classic .(Palmeiro retired with 3,020 hits; Rod Carew amassed 3,053 hits without ever making it to the Series.) With 569 career homers, Palmeiro has the third-most of any player not to appear in the World Series (Ken Griffey, Jr. is number-one at 630, followed by Sammy Sosa at 609. The only other member of the 500+ HR Club not to play in the World Series is Ernie Banks at 512.)

Rafeal Palmeiro – The No-So-Golden Glove

In 1999, Rafael Palmeiro won his third-consecutive Gold Glove at first base – in a season in which he started only 25 games at the position (and played first base in only 28 games) – while starting 128 games as a Designated Hitter.

______________________________________________________________________

Of course, getting to the World Series is only half the battle.

World Series’ Futility – On the Playing Field

Whitey Ford – Leading in Losses (not to mention starts and wins)

Whitey Ford holds the record for most career World Series losses at eight, but that came in 22 starts and was accompanied by an MLB-best 10 World Series wins.

 

Four by Four: No WS Wins – Four Losses

The most career WS losses without a win is four:

Charlie Liebrandt … 0-4, 4.84 in five WS starts – Royals in 1985, and Braves 1991 and 1992.

Don Newcombe … 0-4, 8.59 in five WS starts – Dodgers in 1949, 1955 and 1956.

Bill Sherdel … 0-4, 3.26 in four WS starts – Cardinals in 1926 and 1928.

Ed Summers … 0-4, 5.73 in four WS starts – Tigers  in 1908 and 1909.

 

Three Losses in a Single Series

The record for the most losses in a single World Series belongs to George Frazier of the Yankees, who went 0-3, with a 17.18 ERA versus the Dodgers in 1981. Frazier appeared in three games, giving up seven runs in 3 2/3 innings.

 

An 0-For World Series Career at the Plate

As you might expect, the record for World Series’ futility at the plate belongs to a player who earned his keep on the mound. Philadelphia Athletics’ pitcher George Earnshaw holds the record for most career World Series at bats without a hit at 22 – accumulated over eight games in three Fall Classics (1929, 1930, 1931).  As a pitcher, Earnshaw went 4-3, 1.58, with five complete games in his eight WS starts. Note: Earnshaw was a 20-game winner in all three of his WS seasons – winning 66 games and losing just 28 from 1929-31.

Among position players, catcher Bill Sullivan (Senior) holds the record for most World Series at bats without a hit.  Sullivan went 0-for-21 for the White Sox in the 1906 Series and never made it back to October baseball.

 

Worst Single Series

In 1968, Cardinals’ shortstop Dal Maxvill, who hit a career-high .253 and won a Gold glove in the regular season, went 0-for-22 as the Cardinals lost the World Series (in seven games) to the Tigers. In the process, Maxvill set the record for the most at bats in a single series without a safety. Dodger Gil Hodges had gone 0-for-21 in the 1952 Series. Maxvill played in four World Series over his career, hitting .115 (7-for-61). The slick fielding infielder hit .217 over a 14-year MLH career.

 

I tweet baseball @DavidBBRT

Member:  Society for American Baseball Research (SABR); The Baseball Reliquary; Baseball Bloggers Alliance.

Filed Under: BB Fun Facts

A Tale of Two Murphys – A Hero and A Goat

October 22, 2015 by

MURPHY – THE HERO

Daniel Murphy - THE HERO.

Daniel Murphy – THE HERO.

Yesterday, the Mets ended the Cubs 2015 post-season run in a four-game sweep, winning the NLCS and punching their ticket to the World series behind some powerful arms and the bat of a hero named Murphy. Mets’ second baseman Daniel Murphy went 4-for-5 (two runs and two RBI) in the New Yorkers’ 8-3 Game Four victory. Murphy went 9-for-17 (.529) with four home runs, six RBI and six runs scored in the NL Championship Series. He homered in all four games, in the process setting a new MLB record by going yard in six consecutive post-season contests.  His performance earned Murphy the NLCS 2015 Most Valuable Player Award.

Through yesterday’s game, Murphy’s 2015 post-season stat line reads, .421-7-11 (with 11 runs scored). He stands just one home run shy of the HR record for a single post season.  For a look at the single and career post-season records, click here.

The 30-year-old Murphy’s power surge is a bit of surprise. In his seven MLB seasons, he has accumulated a regular-season batting average of .288 and hit just 62 home runs (about one HR every 14.5 games) and collected 402 RBI (one every 2.1 games). Still in 2015, he did enjoy perhaps his best season at the plate, going .281-14-73.

That a player named Murphy should doom the Cubs, however, is no surprise. Read on.

MURPHY-THE GOAT

Chicago Cubs on way to reversing the curse - behind the arm of Jake Arrieta.

Chicago Cubs on way to reversing the curse – behind the arm of Jake Arrieta.

On October 6th,1945, with the Cubs up two games to one in the World Series (having beaten the Tigers two out of three at Detroit’s Briggs Stadium), happy Cubbies’ fans were lined up to get into Wrigley Field. One of those fans was Greek William “Billy Goat” Sianis, owner of the Billy Goat Tavern. Sianis purchased two tickets to the game – one for him and one for his “lucky” pet goat – named Murphy. As he moved to enter Wrigley – this well-documented legend has it – Murphy was turned away and Sianis was informed that animals were not allowed in the ball park.

Sianis reportedly appealed the usher’s ruling all the way up to Cubs’ owner P.K. Wrigley, who reportedly told the tavern owner the goat could not be let in because of its less than appealing odor (only in stronger terms). As the popular and oft-told story goes, Sianis put a curse on the Cubs – vowing they would not win another World Series until Murphy was allowed in the ballpark. The Cubs, without Murphy in the stands, lost game four (4-1) and the Series (four games to three). After the Series, Sianis sent Wrigley a telegram reading “Who stinks now?”  Sianis’ curse appears to have worked long and well – as, over the years, the Cubs have become affectionately known as the “Loveable Losers” – and have not captured another World Series title.

A side note:  How seriously is the curse taken in some quarters? On the Fourth of July, 1973 – with the Cubs in first place (six games up on second-place Saint Louis) –  William Sianis’ nephew (and new Billy Goat Tavern owner) Sam Sianis and Chicago Tribune columnist Dave Condon arranged to bring one of Murphy’s descendants (a goat name Socrates)  to Wrigley in an attempt to lift the curse. The goat arrived at Wrigley Field in a limousine accompanied by Sianis and a sign that read “All is forgiven. Let me lead you to the pennant. Your Friend, Billy Goat.”  Well, not all lessons are easily leaned.  Like Murphy before him, Socrates was denied entrance to the Wrigley.  The Cubs?  They faded to fifth place- five games out.  Over the years, Murphy’s descendant has been allowed on the Wrigley Field more than once and even made a pennant race road trip (to Houston) in attempts to break the curse.

Second side note; The Billy Goat Tavern reportedly was the inspiration for the Saturday Night Live’s Olympia Cafe – “Cheezeborger – No fries. Cheeps – No Coke. Pepsi.” 

 

I tweet baseball @DavidBBRT

 

Member: Society for American Baseball Research; The Baseball Reliquary; Baseball Bloggers Alliance.

Filed Under: BB Fun Facts, News

Murphy’s Law – Post-Season Records Are Made To Be Broken (or at least challenged)

October 21, 2015 by
Daniel Murphy - "In the zone" in the post season.

Daniel Murphy – “In the zone” in the post season.

Last night (October 20), as the Met’s topped the Cubs 5-2 to take a 3-0 lead in the NLCS,  Mets’ second baseman Daniel Murphy batted his way into the record books. Murphy homered into the center field bleachers at Wrigley Field – marking the record-tying fifth straight post-season game in which he has gone yard.  Murphy joins Carlos Beltran (Astros, 2004) as the only two players to homer in five straight post-season contests. It was also Murphy’s sixth home run of the 2015 post-season, leaving him just two shy of the MLB single-post-season record – with plenty of games to go.  Murphy has touched up such some pretty good pitching in his run – including Zack Greinke, Clayton Kershaw, Jake Arrieta, Jon Lester and Kyle Hendricks..  Through his first eight games of the 2015 post season, Murphy is hitting .364, with six home runs, nine runs scored and nine RBI. How surprising are those numbers?  In his seven regular seasons at the major league level, Murphy has hit a total of 62 home runs in 903 games, or about one every 14.5 games.  (He did, however, hit a career high 14 in 130 games this past season.)  If Murphy continues to rake, he has a good chance of reaching the all-time record for home runs in a single post-season of eight – held by Carlos Beltran (Astros, 2004). Barry Bonds (Giants, 2002) and Nelson Cruz (Rangers, 2001).

Special note: The pet goat, denied entrance to Wrigley Field in 1945, and alleged to have been the force behind the “Cubs’ Curse” was named “Murphy.”

Beltran’s eight-homer post-season, at least for BBRT, is the most impressive of the three eight-homer post-seasons. Bonds and Cruz both benefited from post-season runs that went all the way to the World Series, with both Cruz’ and Bonds’ eight long balls coming in 17 games (70 plate appearances for Cruz and 74 for Bonds).  Beltran’s Astros made it only as far as the NL Championship Series and he hit his eight homers in 12 games (56 plate appearances, 46 at bats). In those 12 post-season contests, Beltran hit .435, collecting 20 hits, 14 RBI, 21 runs scored (also the record for a single post-season), while tossing in nine walks and six stolen bases.  In the 2004 post season, Beltran homered in seven of the 12 games he played (including the previously noted five in a row). In the Astros’ six wins, Beltran went 14-for-23 (.609) with six home runs, 11 RBI and 14 runs scored. In the team’s six losses, Beltran’s line was .261 (6-for-23), with two homers, three RBI and seven runs scored – including an 0-for-5 with three strikeouts in a 4-2 loss to Atlanta in Game Two of the NLDS.

Schwarber also Shoots for the Record Books

While Daniel Murphy was garnering yesterday’s headlines, Cubs’ rookie C/OF Kyle Schwarber homered his way into the post-season record books as well. Schwarber hit his fifth home run of the 2015 post-season – becoming the youngest player (at 22) to homer five times in a single post-season. Schwarber is just one short of the all-time rookie record of six HRs in a single post season (Evan Longoria, Tampa Bay, 2008), but time is running out on the Cubbies.

With Murphy having already earned a spot in the post-season record bools, it seems like a good time to take a look at some of the single post-season marks this year’s crop of playoff participants will be shooting for. As you might expect, most of the records were set after the play offs were expanded to multiple rounds.  Current 2015 post-season leaders listed are as of the close of play on October 20.

For BBRT’s past look at World Series’ single-game records, click here.  For even more on the World Series’ record book, click here. 

 SINGLE POST SEASON RECORDS

 Batting Average

.727 … Lloyd McClendon (Pirates, 1992); 8-for-11 over five games. The current 2015 post-season leader: the Dodgers’ Justin Turner at .526.

Home Runs

8 … Barry Bonds (Giants, 2002), Carlos Beltran (Astros, 2004), Nelson Cruz (Rangers, 2011) – Bonds and Cruz each hit their eight home runs in 17 games played, while Beltran launched his in 12 games. Current 2015 leader: the Mets’ Daniel Murphy at 6.

RBI

21 … David Freese (Cardinals, 2011) – in 18 games. Current 2015 post-season leaders: Royals’ Kendrys Morales and Eric Hosmer at 10.

Runs Scored

21 … Carlos Beltran (Astros, 2004) – in 12 games. Current 2015 post-season leaders: Royals’ Ben Zobrist, Mets’ Daniel Murphy and Royals’ Alcides Escobar at 9.

Base Hits

26 … Pablo Sandoval (Giants, 2014) – in 17 games. Current 2015 post-season leader: Royals’ Alcides Escobar at 15.

Total Bases

50 … David Freese (Cardinals, 2011) – in 18 games. Current 2015 post-season leader: Mets’ Daniel Murphy at 31.  Note: Freese was the MVP of both the NL Championship Series and the World Series in 2011. In his 18 post season games, he hit .397 (25-for-63) with five home runs, eight doubles and one triple – driving in 21 runs and scoring 12.

Doubles

8 … Albert Pujols and David Freese (both Cardinals, 2011) – in 18 games. Current 2015 post-season leader: Dodgers’ Justin Turner at six.

Triples

4 … Tommy Leach (Pirates, 1903) – in eight  games. Note: In an eight-game World Series, Leach went 9-for-33, hitting two triples in game one, one in game four and one in game five. Current 2015 post-season leader: Royals’ Alicides Escobar at two.

Walks

27 … Barry Bonds (Giants, 2002) – in 17 games. Current 2015 post-season leaders: Blue Jays’ Jose Bautista, Astros’ Colby Rasmus and Mets’ David Wright at 7.  Note: Bonds was walked in 35 percent of his 2002 post-season plate appearances – and 13 of his 27 free passes were intentional. In his 45 at bats, Bonds hit .356 (16-for-45) with eight home runs and 16 RBI.

Stolen Bases

11 … Rickey Henderson (A’s, 1989) and Kenny Lofton (Indians, 1995). Henderson swiped 11 bags in 9 games, Lofton in 15 contests. Current 2015 post-season leader: Mets’ Curtis Granderson at three.

Strikeouts

26 … Alfonso Soriano (Yankees, 2003) – in 17 games. Current 2015 post season leader: Mets’ Lucas Duda at 13.

Slugging Percentage

1.727 … Lou Gehrig (Yankees, 1928) – in 11 at bats over four games. Note: Gehrig went 6-for-11 with a double and four home runs. Current 2015 post-season leader: Astros’ Colby Rasmus at 1.176.

 

Derek Jeter – King of the Post-Season Record Book

Derek Jeter - had to inclede a picture of the captain.

Derek Jeter – king of the post season.

Derek Jeter (Yankees) sits atop the post-season career record book in nine categories.  In fact, with a record 158 post-season games, he has played the equivalent of a regular full season – in the playoffs. Jeter-held career post-season records:

Games Played … 158

At bats … 650

Plate Appearances …. 734

Runs Scored … 111

Hits …. 200

Total Bases … 302

Doubles … 32

                                                                        Triples … 5 (tie with Rafael Furcal & George Brett

                                                                        Strikeouts … 135

More post-season career marks are listed after the single post-season pitching records.

Wins

5 … Randy Johnson (2001, Diamondbacks) and Francisco Rodriguez (Angels, 2002). Note:  Johnson went 5-1 in five starts and one relief appearance; Rodriguez went 5-1 in 11 relief appearances.  Current 2015 post-season leader:  Jacob deGrom (Mets) at three.

A Rookie Makes His Mark in the Record Books

Francisco Rodriguez - five post-season wins (tying the single post-season record) before his first regular season decision.

Francisco Rodriguez – five post-season wins (tying the single post-season record) before his first regular-season decision.

When twenty-year-old right-hander Franscisco Rodriguez made his major league debut on September 18, 2002, little did he know that he would notch five post-season wins before he garnered his first-ever regular-season win (in fact, before his first regular-season decision of any kind  – win, loss or save). Rodriguez pitched in just five regular season games, totaling 5 2/3 innings of work.  In that brief stint, he gave up just three hits and two walks, while fanning 13.  It was enough to earn him spot on the post-season roster – and he responded with five wins (tying the record for a single post season) against one loss in 11 appearances.  He tossed 18 2/3 innings, giving up 10 hits, five walks, and five earned runs, while striking out 28. It was a portent of things to come. Between 2005 and 2008,  Rodriguez  saved 193 games, leading the AL in saves three of those four seasons and notching an MLB–record 62 saves in 2008. He closed out the 2015 season with 386 saves.

 

Saves

7 … Six pitchers have notched seven saves in a single post-season – and, no, Mariano Rivera is not one of them.  Here they are: John Wetteland (Yankees, 1996); Troy Percival (Angels, 2002); Robb Nen (Giants, 2002); Brad Lidge (Phillies, 2008); Koji Uehara (Red Sox, 2013); Greg Holland (Royals, 2014). Current 2015 post-season leader: Jeurys Familia (Mets) at five.

Winning Percentage

1.000 … Many players have notched a 1.000 winning percentage for a single post season – but only ten achieved at least four victories without a loss: Dave Stewart (A’s, 1989); Jack Morris (Twins, 1991); Livan Hernandez (Marlins, 1997); David Wells (Yankees, 1998); Curt Schilling (D-backs, 2001); Josh Beckett (Red Sox, 2007); Cole Hamels (Phillies, 2008); Cliff Lee (Phillies, 2009); Andy Pettitte (Yankees, 2009); Chris Carpenter (Cardinals, 2011). Current 2015 leader: Jacob deGrom at 3-0; at 2-0 are Matt Harvey (Mets) and Dallas Keuchel (Astros). There are six players at 1-0.

Earned Run Average

0.00 … Christy Mathewson (Giants, 2005) and Waite Hoyt (Yankees, 1921).  While there are several pitchers with 20 or more innings pitched and an ERA of zero, Mathewson and Hoyt had the most innings pitched in a single post-season without an earned run at 27. Current 2015 post-season leader (at least ten innings pitched): Jacob deGrom (Mets) at 1.80.  Mets’ reliever Jeurys Familia has pitched the most innings without giving up a run this post-season (8 2/3).

Strikeouts

56 … Curt Schilling (D-backs, 2001) – in six starts, 48 1/3 innings pitched. Current 2015 post-season leader: Jake Arrieta at 28, in 19 2.3 innings pitched.

Games Pitched

14 … Paul Assenmacher (Indians, 1997). Current 2015 post-season leaders: Aaron Sanchez (Blue Jays) and Jeurys Familia (Mets) at seven games.

Innings Pitched

52 2/3 … Madison Bumgarner (Giants, 2014) – in six starts and one relief appearance.  Current 2015 post-season leader: Jacob deGrom (Met) at 20 IP.

Games Started

6  … Curt Schilling (D-backs, 2001); Chris Carpenter (Cardinals, 2011); Madison Bumgarner (Giants, 2014).  Current 2015 post-season leaders, all at three starts: Johnny Cueto (Royals): Jake Arrieta (Cubs); Yordano Ventura (Royals): Marcus Stroman (Blue Jays); and Jacob deGrom (Mets).

Complete Games

5 … Deacon Phillippe (Pirates, 1903) – in five starts (World Series was five-out-of-nine) over eight days. Note: Phillippe went 3-2, 3.07 in the Series.  Current 2015 post-season leader: Jake Arrieta (Cubs) at one.

Complete Game Shutouts

3 … Christy Mathewson (Giants, 1905). Current 2015 post-season leader: Jake Arrieta (Cubs) at one.

Those are your single post-season record holders. Now, lets take a look at a few career post-season marks that aren’t held by Derek Jeter.

CAREER POST-SEASON RECORDS

Batting Average

.439 … Bobby Brown (Yankees) – over 17 games in four post seasons.

Home Runs

29 … Manny Ramirez (Indians, Red Sox, Dodgers) – over 111 games in 11 post seasons.

RBI

80 … Bernie Williams (Yankees) – over 121 games in 12 post seasons.

Walks

72 … Manny Ramirez (Indians, Red Sox, Dodgers) and Chipper Jones (Braves) – Ramirez over 121 games in 12 post seasons; Jones over 93 games in 12 post seasons.

Stolen Bases

34 … Kenny Lofton (Indians, Braves, Giants, Cubs, Yankees, Dodgers) – over 95 games in 11 post seasons.

On the mound, the career post-season record holders are:

Wins

Andy Pettitte - 19 career post-season wins.

Andy Pettitte – a record 19 career post-season wins, a record 44 post-season starts and a record 276 2/3 post-season innings.

19 … Andy Petitte (Yankees, Astros) – over 44 appearances in 14 post seasons.  Note: All but one of those victories came with the Yankees.

Losses

16 … Tom Glavine (Braves, Mets) – over 35 appearances in 12 post seasons (versus 14 wins). Note: All but one of the losses came with the Braves. .

 

 

 

Saves

42 … Mariano Rivera (Yankees) – over 96 appearances in 14 post seasons.

Winning Percentage (minimum six decisions)

1.000 (6-0) – Left Gomez (Yankees) – over seven appearances in five post seasons.

Earned Run Average (minimum 30 IP)

0.70  … Mariano Rivera (Yankees) – over 96 appearances (142 innings) in 16 post seasons. Note: The fourth-lowest post-season ERA (0.87 in 31 IP) belongs to Babe Ruth.

Strikeouts

199 … John Smoltz (Braves, Cardinals) – over 41 appearances and 209 innings pitched in 14 post seasons. Note:  All but one appearance and five strikeouts for the Braves.

Games Pitched

96 … Mariano Rivera (Yankees) – over 16 post seasons.

Games Started

44 … Andy Pettitte (Yankees, Astros) – over 14 post seasons. Note: 40 of those starts were as a Yankee.

Innings pitched

276 2/3 … Andy Pettitte (Yankees, Astros) – over 14 post seasons.

Complete Games

10 … Christy Mathewson (Giants) – over 11 starts in four post seasons. Note: Mathewson also holds the post-season record for CG shutouts at four.

 

I tweet baseball @DavidBBRT

Member: Society for American Baseball Research (SABR); The Baseball Reliquary; Baseball Bloggers Alliance.

Filed Under: BB Fun Facts, News

Post Season Predictions – Blue Jays/Dodgers World Series

October 8, 2015 by
Once again from my empty - often opaque - crystal ball.

Once again from my empty – often opaque – crystal ball.

Okay, the Wild Card Elimination (or Play-In) games are behind us.  Thank goodness.  I may be old school (well, there’s really no doubt about that), but I’m not a big Wild Card fan.  I’d prefer two leagues of two divisions (eight and seven teams), with the four first-place teams making the post-season.  But enough of my ranting, it’s time for BBRT’s second round of post-season predictions.  To look back at my Wild Card game predictions, click here.  By the way, I missed on the Yankees/Astros contest, but was on target on the Cubs/Pirates.  In this post, I’ll provide some detail on the teams within the Division Series predictions, but to avoid being repetitive, will be brief in my League Championship and World Series prognostications.

 

 

 

 

AL DIVISION SERIES

Rangers versus Blue Jays

BBRT Prediction: Blue Jays

Josh Donaldson leads MLB's most potent offense into the post-season.

Josh Donaldson leads MLB’s most potent offense into the post-season.

BBRT usually goes for pitching and defense, but it’s hard to pick against a Toronto offense that led all of MLB with 891 runs (127 runs ahead of the second-best Yankees and 140 runs ahead of the Rangers) and outscored their opponents by 221 runs. The Blue Jays – led by the trio of 3B Josh Donaldson (.297-41-123), RF Jose Bautista (.250-40-114) and DH Edwin Encarnacion (.277-39-111) – topped the AL in runs, homers, doubles, walks, on-base percentage and slugging. Further, even with all this power, they finished second in batting average (just .001 behind the Tigers) and had the league’s fifth-fewest strikeouts.  You just can’t pitch around this attack. Still, the Rangers offense appears to have gotten “hot” at the right time.  Shin-Shoo Choo was the AL Player of the Month for September (.387-6-23 for Sept./Oct.) and 3B Adrian Beltre hit .344, with five home runs and 38 RBI for Sept./Oct.  DH/1B Prince Fielder was also a vital piece of the Rangers’ attack, with a steady .305-23-98 comeback season. All that said, Toronto still has a major offensive edge.

Both teams boast deep starting pitching staffs.  The Jays likely have the advantage with 1-3 starters David Price (9-1, 2.30 in 11 starts after joining the Blue Jays); Marcus Stroman (4-0, 1.67 since returning from a torn ACL in mid-September); and Marco Estrada (13-8. 3.13). The Rangers can counter with Cole Hamels (7-1, 4.66 with Texas),  Yovani Gallardo (13-11, 3.42) and either Derek Holland (4-3, 4.91) or Colby Lewis (17-9, 4.66). On paper, the Jays also look to have a stronger bull pen, but their rookie closer Roberto Osuna had some problems late in the season.

Ultimately, the Blue Jays just have too much for the Rangers – particularly on offense.

Side note: The Blue Jays are looking to mid-season acquisition David Price (1-5, .4.50 in ten post-season appearances) to step up his post-season game. The Rangers’ mid-season pick-up, Cole Hamels, on the other hand, has a more positive  7-4, 3.09 record in 13 post-season appearances.  It will be interesting to see which team gets the biggest post-season dividend on their mid-season investment.

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Royals versus Astros

BBRT Prediction:  Royals 

Mke Moustakas - a big part of a Royals offense that puts the ball in play.

Mke Moustakas – a big part of a Royals offense that puts the ball in play.

These teams look evenly matched.  The Astros scored the fifth-most runs in the AL at 729, the Royals were one spot and just five runs behind. The Astros led the AL in stolen bases with 121; the Royals were second at 104. The Astros had the AL’s lowest ERA at 3.57; the Royals were third at 3.73. Both teams showed sure-handed athleticism on defense – with the Astros fielding at a .986 clip and the Royals at .985.

Dig just a little deeper, however, and the differences are significant.  The Astros are a free-swinging, power-hitting ball club. They finished second in the AL to Toronto in home runs with 230 and first in batters’ strikeouts at 1,392.  The Astros, in fact, boast five 20+ HR hitters in their lineup: SS Carlos Correa, C/DH Evan Gattis, LF Colby Rasmus, 3B Luis Valbuena and 1B Chris Carter – along with hit machine 2B Jose Altuve (200 hits, .313 average) to set the table.  Just how much the Houston club counts on the long ball is reflected in the fact that Chris Carter got into 129 games – 24 HRs and 64 RBI – despite a .199 average and 151 strikeouts in 391 at bats.  The Royals are more of a “put-the-ball-in play” team – tying for second in batting average at .269 (the Astros hit .250 as a team), finishing second to last in home runs (139) and striking out the fewest times in all of MLB (with 973 strikeouts, the Royals were the only team to whiff less than 1,100 times). DH Kendrys Morales provides the offensive power (.290-22-106), but there is plenty of balance (five players with 70 or more RBI and five with 70 or more runs scored).  The averages may help tell the Royals’ story: DH Morales – .290; CF Lorenzo Cain – .307; 1B Eric Hosmer – .297; 3B Mike Moustakas – .284.  You get the idea.

The pitching match up seems to favor Houston slightly. The Royals lack a true “Ace” – relying on Yordano Ventura (13-8, 4.08), Johnny Cueto (whom the Royals hope can return to his past Cincinnati form) and Edinson Volquez (13-9. 3.55) to carry the load.  Fortunately for Kansas City, the Astros had to use 20-game winner Dallas Keuchel on short rest in the Wild Card game, which means the Royals should only have to face the Houston ace once in the series. Houston still has Collin McHugh (19-7. 3.89) for Game One. In the bull pen, Wade Davis’ hot hand and some late-season struggles for the Astros’ pen give the Royals the edge.

BBRT has to go with the Royals in a closely contested series for several reasons  1) The Royals have home field advantage and Kauffman Stadium will negate some of that Houston power (the Astros were 53-28 at home … 33-48 on the road); 2) the Royals’ 2014 post-season experience should leave them better prepared for the pressure of this series; 3) The Royals put-the-ball-in-play offense will create more opportunities, and more pressure, than the Astros’ free-swinging style.

Side Notes: For the Royals, DH Kendrys Morales has to hit in the clutch and SP Johnny Cueto needs to step up his game.  For the Astros, despite all their power, Jose Altuve must be a thorn in KC’s side at the plate and on the base paths if they are going to win this Series.

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NL DIVISION SERIES

Mets versus Dodgers

BBRT Prediction: Dodgers in a series of close, low-scoring games.

Dodgers' Clayton Kershaw logged 301 strikeouts, with a 2.13 ERA. Kershaw and MLB ERA leader Zack Greinke (1.66) make up the post-season's most potent 1-2 mound punch.

Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw logged 301 strikeouts, with a 2.13 ERA. Kershaw and MLB ERA leader Zack Greinke (1.66) make up the post-season’s most potent 1-2 mound punch.

If I could pick one Division Series match up to attend, this is it.  Clayton Kershaw,  Zack Greinke and Brett Anderson versus Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard and Matt Harvey.  With Kershaw and Greinke the new Koufax and Drysdale, the smart money appears to be on the Dodgers. Still, there is Kershaw’s troublesome 1-5, 5.12 post-season record. On the other side of the coin, there is Harvey’s post-injury workload to consider.  Still, you have to give the Dodgers the edge in starting pitching.  The LA squad also has a slight edge in the bullpen.  Both teams have strong closers. The Mets, in fact, may have the better of it with Jeurys Familia (43 saves, 1.84 ERA) over the Dodgers’ Kenley Jansen (36 saves and a 2.41 ERA).  The Mets, however, lack a reliable left-hander out of the pen, and that works to LA’s advantage. Still, when you look at the staffs as a whole, you can expect a low-scoring series.  The Mets’ staff finished with a 3.43 ERA and 1,337 strikeouts – the Dodgers with a nearly identical 3.44 ERA and 1,396 strikeouts. Ultimately, BBRT thinks the pitchers will dominate this series – and the offense that finds a way to scratch out that extra run will carry the day.

Overall, the offenses match up evenly.  The Mets finished seventh in the NL in runs scored at 683, the Dodgers just one spot and 16 runs behind. The Dodgers may be  more able to generate instant offense – they led the NL in home runs at 187, but only ten more than the Mets. LA will rely heavily on 1B Adrian Gonzalez, who led the team in average (.275), home runs (28) and RBI (90). However, a key may be whether rookie SS Corey Seager (.337-4-17 in just 27 games) is ready for post-season pressure. The Mets have a more balanced attack, but their success may depend on mid-season acquisition Yoenis Cespedes, who hit .287 with 17 home runs in just 57 games for the Mets.

BBRT believes the Dodgers 1-2 punch of Kershaw and Greinke will prevail in a tight series of low-scoring games.

Side Note: This battle could come down to how the Dodgers handle Yeonis Cespedes and David Wright versus how the Mets handle Adrian Gonzalez and Corey Seager.

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Cardinals versus Cubs

BBRT Prediction: Cubs

Dodgers' Clayton Kershaw logged 301 strikeouts, with a 2.13 ERA. Kershaw and MLB ERA leader Zack Greinke (1.66) make up the post-season's most potent 1-2 mound punch.

Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw logged 301 strikeouts, with a 2.13 ERA. Kershaw and MLB ERA leader Zack Greinke (1.66) make up the post-season’s most potent 1-2 mound punch.

The Cardinals had the best record in baseball (100-62) and the Cubs had to use their “Ace” Jake Arrieta in the Wild Card game – however, I am still going to go with the Cubs in this series.   The fact is, when you look a little deeper, the gap between the Cardinals and Cubs is pretty narrow.  The Cardinals did give up the fewest runs in MLB, but they also scored the fewest runs of any playoff team.  And, yes, the Cardinals were the only MLB team with 100 wins – but the Cubbies were third with 97.  The Cubs hold the edge over the Cardinals in runs scored 689-647, while the Cardinal have the advantage in runs allowed, giving up just 525 to the Cubbies’ 608.

Looking at the starting rotations (although the managers are being pretty tight on this so far), we know Game One will feature John Lackey (13-10, .277) on the mound for the Cardinals.  In addition to solid numbers for the 2015 regular season, Lackey brings a 7-5, 3.08 record in 21 post-season appearances – experience that should serve him well. The Redbirds can draw from some strong arms to fill out their NLDS rotation: Lance Lynn (12-11, 1.75), Jaime Garcia (10-6, 2.43), Michael Wacha (17-7, 3.38).  They also have a strong bull pen, led by closer Trevor Rosenthal (48 saves, 2.10).  Overall, in fact, the Redbirds were the only team with an ERA under 3.00 for the season, at 2.94.  The Cubs, however, were no slouches – third-best at 3.36.  And, the Cubs led all of MLB in pitcher strikeouts (1,431) and batting average against (.233). The Cards finished 11th and 8th in those two categories.  Still, the Cub’s rotation – particularly after Arrieta’s 113-pitch outing against the Pirates – is not as deep as the Cardinals. Game One will go to veteran  Jon Lester (11-12, 3.34) and Kyle Hendricks (8-7, 3.95) is likely to get a start. In addition to Arrieta (22-6, 1.77), the Cubs can look to veterans Jason Hammel and Dan Haren if needed.  Like the Cards, the Cubs have a strong bull pen, and both tams have lights out, experienced closers (the Cardinals’ already noted Trevor Rosenthal with 48 saves and a 2.10 ERA and the Cubs’ Hector Rondon with 30 saves and a 1.67 ERA.).

In the lineup, youth needs to be served if the Cubs are going to win. Consider the leaders of the 25-and-under cadre  in their lineup:  1B Anthony Rizzo (.278-31-101, 17 steals); 3B Kris Bryant (.275-26-99, 13 steals); C/OF Kyle Schwarber (.246-16-43 in 69 games). The Cardinals’ attack will be led by a more experienced group of hitters including: 3B Matt Carpenter (.272-28-84); SS Jhonny Peralta (.275-17-71); and CF Jayson Heyward (.293-13-60).

A good indicator of how this veterans versus youth match up is going might be to watch the performance of Cardinals’ veteran Matt Carpenter (.272-28-84 on the season)  versus Cubs’ rookie Kris Bryant (.275-26-99).

BBRT is picking the Cubs for a number of reasons: 1) The Cubs appear hungrier and healthier; 2) I like Lester over Lackey in Game One; 3) The Cubs appear to have the momentum, finishing the regular season 22-10 (Sept./Oct.) to the Cardinals 15-17.

Side note: A big question for the Cardinal is how much Yadier Molina (arguably the heart of this team) will play – and how well will he play while nursing a torn ligament in his left thumb. 

_________________________________________________________

AL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

Blue Jays versus Royals

Prediction: Blue Jays

The Blue Jays offense – led by Josh Donaldson, Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion and boosted by the return of Troy Tulowitski – coupled with David Price and Marcus Stroman at the top of the rotation – will just be too much for the Royals.

NL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

Dodgers Versus Cubs

Prediction: Dodgers

Veterans Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke end the Cubs’ 2015 run – but the youthful Cubbies will be back for another post-season shot in 2016.

___________________________________________________________

WORLD SERIES

Dodgers versus Blue Jays

Prediction: Jays

Home field advantage may decide this seven-game series, as the Jays vaunted offense comes up against the the best 1-2 pitching punch in baseball.  This could be a classic battle.  BBRT feels that the challenge the Dodger Duo will face up and down the Blue Jays lineup (after a season’s worth of wear and tear) will take its toll.  Casey Stengel once said, “Good pitching will always stop good hitting and vice-versa.” That quote is likely to come to life over the 2015 World Series.

I tweet baseball @DavidBBRT

Member: Society for American Baseball Research (SABR); The Baseball Reliquary; Baseball Bloggers Alliance.

Filed Under: News

Wild Card Elimination Game Predictions

October 6, 2015 by
BBRT Crystal Ball for 2015 season appeared either empty or opaque.

BBRT Crystal Ball for 2015 season appeared either empty or opaque.

With the post-season about to start, it’s time for BBRT to get in my predictions.  These are not “take it to the bank” prognostications – as indicated by my lack of success in pre-season pennant race projections.

In March, I did accurately project the Saint Louis Cardinals and LA Dodgers as Division winners, and even got the Pirates’ Wild Card slot correct.  I wasn’t too far off in the AL East – I had the Nationals finishing first and (what some people have called “The Surprising”) Mets, second.  The two finished 1-2 in the Division, but in reverse order.  I really missed the boat on the Padres, predicting that their off-season moves would earn them A Wild Card spot.  Ooops – Padres finished fourth! Still, three-for-five in predicting post-season berths – and two of three for Division titles (with my only miss finishing second) was not too bad.

Aah, but then came the AL, home to my Minnesota Twins. Apparently, familiarity is not a good thing.  I got only one AL one post-season team correct in my March projections.  I had the Blue Jays finishing second and capturing a Wild Card slot – and, of course, they won the AL East.  The second-place and Wild Card Yankees?  I had them fourth, with the Red Sox (last in the East) taking the Division. Again, I was fooled by aggressive off-season activity. In the AL Central, I don’t know what I was thinking, picking the White Sox for the top spot and the Division-winning Royals in third.  I was even worse when it came to pegging the AL West – predicting the third-place Angels to lead the Division and the fourth-place Mariners to grab a Wild Card spot. Congrats to the Division Champion Rangers and the Wild Card Astros for proving me oh, so wrong.

So, with that less-than-sterling record, I am fully prepared to make my predictions for the upcoming post-season.  I’ll start with the two Wild Card elimination games in this post – and, once the field is reduced to eight teams, make my predictions for the rest of the playoffs.

AL Wild Card – Astros at Yankees

Carlos Beltran - BBRT "pick to click" in AL Wild Card Elimination game.

Carlos Beltran – BBRT “pick to click” in AL Wild Card Elimination game.

The youthful Astros take on the veteran Yankees – with the Astros’ Dallas Keuchel (20-8, 2.48 on the season, but 5-8, 3.77 on the road) starting opposite Masahiro Tanaka (12-7, 3.51).  If this were a three- five, or seven-game series, I’d have to go with the Astros. They just seem to have the better overall squad.  But for this one game – with Keuchel going on short rest (and on the road) and the Yankees able to look to Dellin Betances and Andrew Miller for the last two innings – I expect Tanaka to go a strong six (or, ideally, seven) innings and the Yankees to win a close one. Out-of-left field prediction: The Yankees’ Carlos Beltran will provide key offensive fire power as the Bronx Bombers prevail 5-3.

 

NL Wild Card – Chicago Cubs at Pirates

Jake Arrieta should lead Cubs to victory.

Wow! Here we have a match up of two exciting teams, with well-rested “Aces” on the mound.  For the Pirates, it’s Gerrit Cole (19-8, 2.45), while the Cubs send Jake Arrieta (22-6, 1.77) to the mound.  BBRT is going to go with the hot hand (and attached arm) in this one – and that  is Arrieta, who has gone 11-0, with a 0.41 ERA in 12 starts since August 1.  The fact is, with Cole and Arrieta on the mound, a lot of pretty good hitters could be made to look pretty bad.  BBRT looks for the Cubs and Arrieta to emerge with a 3-1 victory. Out-of-left-field predictions: Arrieta gives up just three hits during his time on the hill, and Kyle Schwarber strikes the key offensive blow for the Cubbies.

 

I tweet baseball @DavidBBRT

Member: Society for American Baseball Research (SABR); The Baseball Reliquary; Baseball Bloggers Alliance.

Filed Under: News

Welcome to Whiff City – 35 Punch Outs in Scherzer No-Hitter

October 4, 2015 by
Max Scherzer - Fans 17 in second no-hitter, 18 Nationals also go down on strikes.

Max Scherzer – Fans 17 in second no-hitter, 18 Nationals also go down on strikes.

Yesterday (October 3, 2015), Nationals’ right-hander Max Scherzer (the 2013 Cy Young Award winner – while with the Tigers) threw his second no-hitter of the 2015 season – beating the Mets 2-0 (second game of a double header) in New York. Which game it was doesn’t matter, but I seldom get a chance to use the phrase “double header” these days.  Scherzer is on one of just five pitchers to throw two no-hitters in the same regular season, joining Johnny Vander Meer (Reds-1938), Allie Reynolds (Yankees-1951), Virgil Trucks (Tigers-1952), and Nolan Ryan (Angels-1973), In addition, Roy Halladay threw a regular-season and post-season (NL Division Series) no-hitter for the Phillies in 2010. BBRT Note: Vander Meer’s no-hitters came in consecutive starts, the only consecutive no-hitters by a pitcher in MLB history.

In both of his 2015 no-hitters, Scherzer was just one mistake away from a perfect game. On June 20, Scherzer had a 6-0 lead and a perfect game with two outs in the ninth against the Pirates. He got within one strike of perfection, running up a 2-2 count on pinch hitter Jose Tabata. Tabata then fouled off three pitches before Scherzer hit him on the elbow with a breaking ball. Mad Max retired the next hitter (2B Josh Harrison) to preserve the no-hitter, but that perfect game was oh, so close. There wasn’t as much tension in yesterday’s missed “perfecto.”  The only base runner came on a throwing error by National’s 3B Yunel Escobar in the sixth inning. For more from BBRT on near perfect games, click here. 

Here are a few other stats from Scherzer’s no-hitter against the Mets.

  • Scherzer fanned 17 batters in the game, tying Nolan Ryan for the most strikeouts in a no-no. Ryan walked four in his 17-strikeout no-hitter on July 15, 1973; which also happened to be Ryan’s second no-hitter of the season.
  • Scherzer’s 17 strikeouts were the most ever in a no-hitter without a walk. The record had been held by the Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw, who fanned 15 in a June 18, 2014, no-hitter. The only opposition base runner to reach in Kershaw’s game came on an error by Dodgers’ SS Hanley Ramirez.
  • Strikeouts were the name of the game in Scherzer’s no-no. In addition to Scherzer’s 17 punch outs, four Mets’ hurlers combined to whiff 18 Nationals’ batters – setting a new combined MLB record of 35 strikeouts in a nine-inning game.
  • Scherzer went one-for-three at the plate (just more on why I hate the DH).
  • Scherzer struck out every member of the Mets’ starting nine at least once – except for pitcher Matt Harvey (who only batted once).
  • Scherzer struck out at least one hitter every inning, and appeared to get stronger as the game went on. He fanned nine over the first six innings – and eight over the final three. (Scherzer threw 109 pitches, 80 for strikes.)

Scherzer’s masterpiece was the seventh no-hitter of 2015, one short of the MLB record of eight, set in in 1884 (four in the American Association, two in the Union Association, two in the National League). This season’s seven no-hitters ties the modern era (post-1900) record – reached in 1990, 1991 and 2012.

No Hitters in Both Leagues

Five pitchers have thrown no-hitters in both the NL and AL – and five catchers have caught no-hitters in both leagues.

The Pitchers:

Nolan Ryan: Seven total no-hitters: AL … California Angels (4) and Texas Rangers (2); NL …  Houston Astros (1)

Cy Young: Three total no-hitters; AL …  Boston Americans/Red Sox (2); NL … Cleveland Spiders (NL).

Jim Bunning: NL … Philadelphia Phillies; AL … Detroit Tigers.

Hideo Nomo: NL … Los Angeles Dodgers; AL … Boston Red Sox.

Randy Johnson:  AL … Seattle Mariners; NL … Arizona Diamondbacks.

The Catchers

Gus Triandos:  AL … Baltimore Orioles (Hoyt Wilhelm, 1958); NL … Philadelphia Phillies (Jim Bunning, 1964).

Jeff Torborg: NL … Los Angeles Dodgers (Sandy Koufax, 1965); AL … California Angels (Nolan Ryan, 1973).

Darrell Porter: AL … Kansas City Royals (Jim Colborn, 1977); NL … St. Louis Cardinals (Bob Forsch, 1983).

Ron Hassey: AL … Cleveland Indians (Len Barker, 1981); NL … Montreal Expos (Dennis Martinez, 1991). BBRT Note: Both of these were perfect games, making Hassey the only player to catch two MLB perfect games.

Drew Butera: AL  …Minnesota Twins (Francisco Liriano, 2011); NL … Los Angeles Dodgers (Josh Beckett 2014).

 

I tweet baseball @DavidBBRT

Member: Society for American Baseball Research (SABR); The Baseball Rliquary; Baseball Bloggers Allliance.

Filed Under: BB Fun Facts, News

September – Inside the Park Grand Slams … Inside the Park Births … and More

October 2, 2015 by

The September stretch run is complete – but there is still meaningful baseball to be played in the first few days of October – particularly in the AL, where Houston is within striking distance of the Rangers (2 ½ games behind) for the West Division title and the Angels and Twins are hot on the heels of the Astros for the final Wild Card spot.

Cubs won more than any other team in September.

Cubs won more than any other team in September.

Baseball’s hottest team in September was the surging Cubs, who went an MLB-best 19-9 (.657). The Cubs did it with pitching – sporting MLB’s lowest ERA (2.73 for the month), led by Jake Arrieta, who went 4-0, with a minuscule 0.45 September ERA.  The Cubs gave up the fewest runs in baseball in September (92), while scoring the fifth-most (141). Other teams with strong Septembers were the Angels and Blue Jays (each at 18-9), and the Rangers (18-10). The worst September won-lost marks went to the Oakland A’s in the AL (8-19) and the San Diego Padres in the NL (9-18). The Padres did, however, record the highest number of in-stadium births (more to come on that).  BBRT will look a bit deeper into September team performance later in this monthly update, but first let’s consider where things stood as of “the end of business” on September 30 – and touch on a few September events that caught BBRT’s eye.

If the Season Ended September 30 …

There are still a few post season spots to be determined, but if the end of September marked the end of the regular season, here’s how the playoffs would look:

  • AL … Division Champions: Blue Jays; Royals; Rangers. Wild Cards: Yankees, Astros. Note: The Angels are just ½ game behind the Astros in the race for the final Wild Card spot – with the Twins 1 ½ games back of Houston.
  • NL … Division Champions: Mets; Cardinals; Dodgers. Wild Cards: Pirates, Cubs.

You will find full end-of-September standings at the end of this post.

 A Few September “Events” That Caught BBRT’s Attention

 The Three R’s – Reds’ Rookie Rotation

On September 11, when Reds’ rookie pitcher Michel Lorenzen took the mound against the Cardinals in Cincinnati, it marked the 42nd consecutive game in which the Reds started a rookie hurler (an MLB record). The previous high of 41 was set by the 1902 Cardinals.  Lorenzen, by the way, went just five innings, giving up two runs on ten hits – but got the win.

The Reds have boasted (if that’s the right word) an all-rookie rotation since trading veteran starters Johnny Cueto and Mike Leake before the July 31 trading deadline.  The last non-rookie to start for the Reds was Leake on July 28.  At the close of September, the Reds had expanded their record to 60 consecutive rookie starts (19 wins, 41 losses over that time), and should reach 64 by season’s end.

David Ortiz Joins 500 Club

Newest member of the 500 Home Run Club.

Newest member of the 500 Home Run Club.

On September 12, as the Red Sox pasted the Tampa Bay Rays 10-4, David Ortiz bashed a pair of round trippers – the 499th and 500th of his career (33rd and 34th of 2015).

Ortiz is 27th player to reach the 500-home run mark and the fourth player to collect number 500 in a multi-homer game – joining Harmon Killebrew, Mark McGwire and Albert Pujols.  For more on Ortiz and the other 500 Club members click here.

 Send the Lefty to Right

We’ve read a lot about position players taking the mound this season. In the September 15th Rockies/Dodgers contest (won by the Rockies 5-4 in 16-innings), we learned that “turnabout is fair play,” as Rockies’ southpaw hurler Jason Gurka was called on to finish the game in right field after a Carlos Gonzalez injury. The real story here, however, is the “everyone gets to play” records that were tied or broken.

  • The Rockies’ used 30 players in the game (only in September), tying the MLB single-game record.
  • The Rockies’ set an MLB single-game record using 13 pitchers;
  • The teams used a combined 58 players and 24 pitchers – both MLB single-game records.

The five-hour and 23-minute game also featured 11 pinch-hitters and three pinch-runners, 24 hits, nine walks and four errors.

I’m just thankful I wasn’t keeping score.

Making an Entrance

Young Levi Stiles knows how to make a grand entrance. Levi was born on Thursday, September 24, during the Padres/Giants game at Petco Park.  Key words here AT PETCO PARK. For those of you who track such things (and we do track everything in baseball), Levi came into the world:

  • At 6-pounds-14-ounces, 20.5 inches;
  • In the bottom of the third inning, with the Padres leading 3-2;
  • On a gurney near the team store in Petco’s Palm Court Plaza.

San Diego eventually won the game 5-4 on a pinch-hit RBI single by Alexi Amarista in the bottom of the ninth (Levi had left early.).  The announced attendance of 31,137 was reported to be off by one – paid attendance could be on the money.  Levi Stiles is now the youngest fan ever to attend a MLB game, a record that could be tied, but will never be broken.

A-Rod Continues His “Comeback” Season

A-Rod ... another step up the stat ladder.

A-Rod … another step up the stat ladder.

On the same night (September 24) that Levi Stiles was born at Petco Park, Yankee DH Alex Rodriguez walked in the third inning and came around to score on a Carlos Beltran home run. The run – part of a 3-2 Yankee home win over the White Sox – made A-Rod  just the eighth MLB player to reach 2,000 runs, as well as just the second player (Hank Aaron was the first) to reach 3,000 hits, 2,000 RBIs and 2,000 runs scored in their career.

Notably, Rodriguez reached all three landmarks … 2,000-runs, 2,000-RBI and 3,000-hits … this season – his 21st MLB campaign.

KC Grabs First Division Title Since 1985

When the Royals topped the Mariners 10-4 on September 24th, they clinched their first division title since 1985.  Why does BBRT put that here?  So I can add the fact that the Royals were the first expansion team to capture a Division Title (1976); League Pennant (1980); and World Series Championship (1985) – all in different seasons.

The “In’s” and “Out’s” of the Power Game

On September 25, Phillies’ rookie LF Aaron Altherr had quite a game – going 4-for-5, with two runs scored and five driven in. He added to the excitement with a pair of home runs – one of the traditional “it’s outta here” mode and one (a Grand Slam) of the “run-like the wind” inside-the-park variety.  The Phillies rode Altherr’s big game to an 8-2 win over the Nationals in Washington.  Altherr’s 11 total bases in the game, incidentally, matched the Nationals’ team total. 

Home Cookin’

Dallas Keuchel - unbeatable at home this year.

Dallas Keuchel – unbeatable at home this year.

Here’s a couple of examples of sweet home cooking. Astros’ ace southpaw Dallas Keuchel topped the Rangers (in Houston) 4-2 on September 27, going seven innings and giving  up just two hits and one run, while fanning ten Texas hitters. In the process, Keuchel set a record for the most home victories without a loss in an MLB season.  Keuchel, 19-8 on the season, is 15-0 at home this year.  Through September, the Cy Young Award candidate’s home record is 15-0, with a 1.46 ERA and 139 strikeouts in 129 1/3 innings pitched. Away from Minute Maid Park, Keuchel is 4-8, 3.82, with 74 strikeouts in 92 2/3 innings. If Houston makes the post-season, look for Keuchel to start at home.

Jose Fernandez - The King of Marlins Park

Jose Fernandez – The King of Marlins Park

On September 25, the Marlins topped the Braves (at Marlins Park) by a score of 12-11. Miami starting pitcher Jose Fernandez gave up six runs on nine hits in just five innings – but still made a bit of pitching history. Fernandez got the victory (running his record to 6-0 on the season). On a more historic note, the 22-year-old right-hander earned his 17th  career home victory – without a home loss – becoming the first MLB pitcher to win his first 17 home decisions.  Fernandez has made 26 career starts at Marlins Park, where he has a 1.40 ERA.  In 21 road starts, Fernandez is 5-9, 3.78.

STATS TIME (or time to stop reading if stats don’t grab you)  

A Few Team Observations

As of the end of play on September 30, the Cardinals (.629) and Pirates (.604) were the only teams playing .600 or better ball – and only the Cardinals had 100 victories (100-59). The best record in the AL belonged to the Blue Jays (92-66, .582). Only two teams played under .400 ball through September: The Phillies (61-97, .386) and the Reds (63-95, .399). The worst winning percentage in the AL belonged to the A’s (66-93, .415).

A sampling of team stats through- and in-September:

  • The Blue Jays continued to lead all of MLB in runs scored with 873 – 122 ahead of the closest challenger (the Yankees at 751). The Jays were also September’s top scoring team with 153 runs in the month, two ahead of the Red Sox and Rangers. The top scoring team in the NL through September was the Cubs (713 runs), while the Mets led the NL in September tallies with 148. The Braves were MLB’s lowest-scoring team through September (561 runs), as well as in September (just 85 runs, the only team under 100). In the AL, The White Sox scored the fewest runs through September at 612, while Detroit scored the fewest in September at 112.
  • The Cardinals gave up the fewest runs through September (513), and had MLB’s lowest ERA (2.91, the only team under 3.00). In the AL, the Astros had the lowest total runs allowed and best ERA at 606 and 3.57, respectively. The leaders for the month of September were a bit surprising. The Cubs at 2.73 and the Mariners at 3.47 had the NL’s and AL’s lowest September ERAs.
  • Through September, only the Rockies carried an ERA above 5.00 (5.05). The Tigers had the AL’s worst ERA at 4.69.
  • Toronto led all of MLB in home runs through September at 227.  Notably (thanks DH), all four teams with 200+ homers through September were in the AL (Blue Jays, Astros, Orioles, Yankees). The Dodgers led the NL with 183 round trippers. Least power?  The Braves were the only team with less than 100 long balls, 96. The White Sox trailed in the AL with 136 homers.  The Astros topped all teams in September HRs with 44, while the Mets led the NL with 42. The Braves (13) and the Tigers (18) were the only teams with less than 20 September dingers.

Now, here are your month-of-September and through-September batting and pitching leaders:

Month-of-September Batting Leaders

In September, only the Rangers’ Shin-Soo Choo topped .400 (.404 for the month), and he turned those hits into tallies, tying for the MLB lead in September runs scored.  If I had to pick my hitters of the month. I’d go for a two-way tie in each league.  In the NL, the Nationals’ Bryce Harper (.341-10-19) and Rockies’ Nolan Arenado (.339-11-32). In the AL, the Rangers’ Adrian Beltre (.327-4-29) and the surprising Chris Davis (for his average) of the Orioles (.295-10-20). Harper, Arenado and Davis were the only players with double-digit home runs in September; Arenado and Beltre were 1&2 in RBI for the month; and Harper led the NL in runs scored.

There were some unexpected names on the September leader board: Martin Prado (.395 average); Greg Bird (8 HR); Justin Bour (25 RBI).

Here’s the list of in-September batting leaders.

AVERAGE (minimum 75 plate appearances)

AL                                         

Shin-Soo Choo, RF ,  Rangers – .404

Mookie Betts, CF, Red Sox – .389

Adam Eaton, CF, White Sox – .373

NL

Martin Prado, 3B, Marlins – .395

Yunel Escobar, 3B, Nationals – .365

Dee Gordon, 2B, Marlins – .343

HRs

NL

Nolan Arenado, 3B, Rockies – 11

Bryce Harper, RF, Nationals – 10

Four with nine

AL

Chris Davis, 1B, Orioles – 10

Joe Bautista, RF, Blue Jays – 9

Mike Trout, CF, Angels – 8

Greg Bird, 1B, Yankees – 8

RBI

AL

Adrian Beltre, 3B, Rangers – 29

David Ortiz, DH, Red Sox – 25

Jose Bautista, RF, Blue Jays – 25

Prince Fielder, DH, Rangers – 25

NL

Nolan Arenado, 3B, Rockies – 32

Justin Bour, 1B, Marlins – 25

Carlos Gonzalez, RF, Rockies – 24

RUNS SCORED

AL

Sin-Soo Choo, RF, Rangers – 26

Mookie Betts, CF, Red Sox – 26

Xander Bogaerts,SS, Red Sox – 23

NL

Bryce Harper, RF, Nationals – 25

Matt Carpenter, 3B, Cardinals – 22

Christian Yelich, LF, Marlins – 22

STOLEN BASES

NL

Dee Gordon, 2B, Marlins – 11

Ender Inciarte, RF, D-backs – 8

Angel Pagan, CF, Giants – 6

Charlie Blackmon, CF, Rockies – 6

AL

Kevin Pillar, CF, Blue Jays – 8

Elvis Andrus, SS, Rangers – 7

Ben Revere, LF, Blue Jays – 6

Month-of-September Pitching Leaders

We saw three five-game winners in September: David Price (Blue Jays) and Cody Anderson (Indians) in the AL and, of course, Clayton Kershaw (Dodgers) in the senior circuit.  Still the mound star of the month had to be the Cubs’ Jake Arrieta, who became the first pitcher to 20 wins this season and went 4-0 for September with a 0.45 ERA, giving up just 2 earned runs in 40 innings and notching 39 strikeouts versus just four walks.  Arrieta is just continuing on from his sterling August, when he went 6-0 with a 0.43 ERA.  He has, in fact, given up just four runs in 82 1/3 innings over his last 11 starts.

WINS

AL

Cody Anderson, Indians – 5-0, 1.38 ERA

David Price, Blue Jays – 5-0, 2.32

Five with four victories

NL

Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers – 5-1, 1.84 ERA

Jake Arrieta, Cubs – 4-0, 0.45

Zack Grienke, Dodgers – 4-0, 2.04

Gerrit Cole, Pirates – 4-1, 3.29

ERA (minimum 20 innings pitched in the month)

AL

Rich Hill, Red Sox – 1.17

Cody Anderson, Indians – 1.38

Jose Quintana, White Sox – 1.50

NL

Jake Arrieta, Cubs – 0.45

Stephen Strasburg, Nationals – 1.48

John Lackey, Cardinals – 1.78

STRIKEOUTS

AL

Rick Porcello, Red Sox – 45 (43 1/3 IP)

Drew Smyly, Rays – 45 (36 IP)

Carlos Carrasco, Indian – 43 (25 2/3)

NL

Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers – 58 (44 IP)

Max Scherzer, Nationals – 50 (41 2/3)

Stephen Strasburg, Nationals – 50 (30 1/3)

SAVES

AL

Houston Street, Angels – 9

Andrew Miller, Yankees – 8

Brad Boxberger, Rays – 7

NL

Mark Melancon, Pirates – 8

Francisco Rodriguez, Brewers – 7

Kenley Jansen, Dodgers – 7

John Axford, Rockies – 7

A.J. Ramos, Marlins – 7

___________________________________________________________________

And now the MLB Leaders Through September

BATTING AVERAGE

NL

Bryce Harper, RF, Nationals – .331

Dee Gordon, 2B, Marlins – .331

Buster Posey, C, Giants – .321

AL

Miguel Cabrera, 1B, Tigers – .334

Xander Bogaerts, SS. Red Sox – .323

Jose Altuve, 2B, Astros – .310

HR

AL

Chris Davis, 1B, Orioles – 45

Nelson Cruz  RF, Mariners – 44

Josh Donaldson, 3B, Blue Jays – 41

Mike Trout, CF, Angels – 41

NL

Nolan Arenado, 3B, Rockies – 41

Bryce Harper, RF, Nationals – 41

Carlos Gonzalez RF, Rockies – 40

RBI

NL

Nolan Arenado, 3B, Rockies – 127

Paul Goldschmidt, 1B, D-backs – 106

Matt Kemp, RF, Padres – 100

AL

Josh Donaldson, 3B, Blue Jays – 123

Jose Bautista, RF. Blue Jays – 113

Chris Davis, 1B. Orioles – 112 

RUNS

AL

Josh Donaldson, 3B. Blue Jays – 122

Jose Bautista, RF, Blue Jays – 107

Brian Dozier, 2B, Twins – 101

Mike Trout, CF, Angels – 101

NL

Bryce Harper, CF, Nationals – 117

A.J. Pollock, CF, D-backs – 107

Matt Carpenter, 3B, Cardinals – 101

STOLEN BASES

NL

Billy Hamilton, CF, Reds  – 57

Dee Gordon, 2B, Marlins – 56

Charlie Blackmon, CF, Rockies – 42

AL

Jose Altuve, 2B, Astros – 38

Lorenzo Cain, CF, Royals – 28

Billy Burns, CF, A’s – 26

Jarrod Dyson, RF, Royals – 26

Through September Pitching Leaders

WINS

NL

Jake Arrieta, Cubs – 21-6 (1.83 ERA)

Gerrit Cole, Pirates – 19-8 (2.60)

Zack Greinke, Dodgers – 18-3 (1.68)

Madison Bumgarner, Giants – 18-9 (2.93)

AL

Dallas Keuchel, Astros – 19-8 (2.47)

Felix Hernandez, Mariners – 18-9 (3.53)

David Price, Tigers/Blue Jays – 18-5 (2.45)

Collin McHugh, Astros – 18-7 (3.98)

ERA

NL

Zack Greinke, Dodgers – 1.68

Jake Arrieta, Cubs – 1.82

Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers – 2.16

AL

David Price, Tigers/Blue Jays – 2.45

Dallas Keuchel, Astros – 2.47

Sonny Gray, A’s – 2.73

STRIKEOUTS

AL

Chris Sale, White Sox – 267 (201 2/3 IP)

Chris Archer, Rays – 248 (207 IP)

Corey Kluber, Indians – 236 (214 IP)

NL

Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers – 294 (229 IP)

Max Scherzer, Nationals – 259 (219 2/3 IP)

Madison Bumgarner, Giants – 234 (218 1/3 IP)

SAVES

AL

Brad Boxberger, Rays – 40

Huston Street, Angels – 40

Andrew Miller, Yankees – 36

NL

Mark Melancon, Pirates – 51

Trevor Rosenthal, Cardinals – 48

Jeurys Familia, Mets – 42

 

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To close, here are the MLB standing as of September 30

 

AL EAST

Blue Jays         92-66   .582

Yankees           86-72   .544     6.0

Red Sox           78-80   .494     14.0

Orioles             77-81   .487     15.0

Rays                77-81   .487     15.0

AL CENTRAL

Royals             91-67   .576

Twins              82-76   .519     9.0

Indians            78-79   .497     12.5

White Sox       74-84   .468     17.0

Tigers               73-85   .471     18.0

AL WEST

Rangers           86-72   .544

Astros              84-75   .528     2.5

Angels             83-75   .525     3.0

Mariners          75-84   .472     11.5

A’s                  66-93   .415     20.5

NL EAST

Mets                89-69   .563

Nationals         80-78   .506    9.0

Marlins            69-89   .437    20.0

Braves             64-94   .405     25.0

Phillies            61-97   .386     28.0

NL CENTRAL

Cardinals         100-59 .629

Pirates             93-63   .604     4.0

Cubs                93-65   .589     6.5

Brewers            68-90   .430     31.5

Reds                63-95   .399     36.5

NL WEST

Dodgers            88-70   .557

Giants              83-75   .525     5.0

D-backs           77-81   .487     11.0

Padres             73-85   .462     15.0

Rockies             66-92   .418     22.0

 

I tweet baseball @DavidBBRT

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