Alex Rodriguez could “hit” some statistical milestones in 2015.
In this post, BBRT would like to take a look at some statistical milestones that may be reached during the 2015 season. As we do that, it’s no surprise that the player most likely to make a “mark” or two in 2015 is the Yankees’ Alex Rodriguez – who has a shot at some significant milestones in base hits, total bases, RBI, runs scored and home runs. You’ll also find names on the potential milestone markers list like C.C. Sabathia, Joe Nathan, Albert Pujols, David Ortiz, Carl Crawford, Ichiro Suzuki, LaTroy Hawkins and Mark Buehrle.
Base hits
The Yankees’ Alex Rodriguez is just 61 hits shy of becoming the 29th player in MLB history to collect 3,000 safeties. He should reach that mark by mid-season and has a chance (if he can collect 140 hits in 2015) to move into 20th place all-time. (Cap Anson is now at number 20 with 3,081 hits.)
Runs Batted In
Alex Rodriguez needs just 31 RBI to become only the third player in MLB history to reach 2,000 runs batted in. The others are Hank Aaron (2,297) and Babe Ruth (2,218). This is another milestone that A-Rod, if he stays healthy (he does turn 40 in July), should reach before the All Star break.
The Angels’ Albert Pujols – beginning the season with 1,603 RBI – has a chance to become just the 24th player to reach 1,700 runs driven in. (Reggie Jackson is currently number 24, with 1,702, two behind Frank Thomas for number 23.)
Runs Scored
Alex Rodriguez needs 81 runs to become the eighth major leaguer to cross the plate 2,000 times. That may be a stretch for Rodriguez, but there are some milestones in between his current 1,919 runs scored (10th all time) and 2,000. A-Rod needs just four runs to tie Derek Jeter for ninth on the list, and 30 runs will pull him into a tie for eighth with Stan Musial.
Home Runs
Albert Pujols should move up the HR and RBI lists in 2015.
Alex Rodriguez is also on the home run milestone list – not for a new round number, but for his place on the list. Rodriguez is currently fifth among all-time home run hitters at 654 roundtrippers. He needs just seven homers to pass Willie Mays for the number-four spot. Beyond Mays, there are the out-of-reach Babe Ruth (714), Hank Aaron (755) and Barry Bonds (762).
The Red Sox’ David Ortiz is 34 home runs shy of becoming the 27th member of the 500 home run club. While Ortiz did hit 35 dingers last season, it was the first time he reached at least 34 home runs since 2007. If he makes 500 this season, it will be late in the year. He’ll probably need to suit up for at least one more season to reach the half-century mark.
Albert Pujols starts 2015 with 520 home runs, good for 21st all-time. He should vault up several spots this season (Willie McCovey, Frank Thomas and Ted Williams, for example, all sit at 521). If Pujols matches his 29 home runs of 2014, he will move into a tie for 15th place with Mike Schmidt. (Pujols needs only 16 HRs to tie Mickey Mantle for 16th place all time.)
Total Bases
Alex Rodriguez is just 20 total bases shy of becoming the ninth player to reach 5,500 total bases – and 59 shy of tying Carl Yastrzemski for number-eight all-time. (Number seven is a ways off – Pete Rose at 5,752). Only three players have reached 6,000 total bases in their careers: Hank Aaron (6,856), Stan Musial (6,134) and Willie Mays (6,066).
Stolen Bases
Another Yankee, Ichiro Suzuki, needs just 13 stolen bases to become the 24th player to reach the 500 mark. He is, however, 41-years-old, so 14 steals is not a given. Still, he’s never stolen less than 14 in a season (15 steals in 2014), so he has a chance to reach the 500 mark late in 2015.
The Dodgers’ Carl Crawford is also closing in on 500 steals – with 470 going into the season. Crawford, however, hasn’t reached the 30-steal mark since 2010 (23 last season). With the Dodgers still facing log jam in the outfield, Crawford (like Suzuki) is a long-shot to hit this milestone in 2014 . (If I had to pick either Ichiro or Crawford to reach 500 this year, I’d go with Suzuki.)
Strikeouts
The Yankees’ C.C. Sabathia needs just 63 strikeouts to become the 31st hurler to reach the 2,500 mark for his career. If he comes back from last season’s knee surgery, the 34-year-old southpaw should easily reach that mark. Sabathia currently stands at number 38 on the all-time K list (2,437) – between him and number 31 are Jamie Moyer (2,441), Andy Pettitte (2,448), San McDowell (2,453), Jim Kaat (2,461), Mark Langston (2,464), Jack Morris (2,478) and Don Drysdale (2,486). If Sabathia can notch 65 whiffs in 2015, he can move into a tie with Christy Mathewson for 30th all time (2,502).
Victories
Mark Buehrle’s first win for the Blue Jays in 2015 will be his 200th career win,
Games Pitched
The Rockies’ LaTroy Hawkins (who appeared in his 1,000th game last season), now stands at number 16 for pitching appearances all-time. The 42-year-old Hawkins, who made 57 appearances last season, needs to take the mound in 35 games to tie Trevor Hoffman for tenth all-time. BBRT is betting that Hawkins – who has announced he will retire after the 2015 season (his 21st MLB season) – will make that top ten mark.
Saves
Joe Nathan could take a high five for his 400th saves this coming season.
The Tigers’ Joe Nathan – coming off a disappointing 2014 – needs just 24 saves to become just the sixth pitcher to reach the 400 mark. Even with his 4.81 ERA of 2014, Nathan notched 35 saves. If the 39-year-old has enough left in the tank to hold onto the closer’s position, he should make it. The chances, from here, look to be 50-50
