SBNation.com: All Posts by Wendy Thurmhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46737/sbn-fave.png2012-09-30T09:30:05-04:00https://www.sbnation.com/authors/wendy-thurm/rss2012-09-30T09:30:05-04:002012-09-30T09:30:05-04:00What we learned about baseball this season
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<figcaption>Thearon W. Henderson - Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>With the end of the regular season upon us, it's time to take stock of what we learned about baseball this year.</p> <p>There are four games remaining in the regular season. And then a month of postseason action. But, sadly, there's much more baseball in our rear-view mirror than lays ahead in 2012. So let's look back and see what we've learned about baseball this year.</p>
<p>My list is not exhaustive, of course. Because one thing we know about baseball is that there are myriad ways to watch it, listen to it, analyze it, write about it, talk about it, tweet about it, and be exhilarated and torn apart by it. So enjoy this, and add your thoughts in the comments section.</p>
<p><b>We learned to measure in Altuves</b>.<span><br>Jose Altuve</span> is a second baseman for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/">Houston Astros</a>. He's listed on <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/altuvjo01.shtml">Baseball-Reference</a> at 5'5" and 170 lbs, which makes him one of shortest players -- and perhaps the absolute shortest player -- in the majors this season. Altuve is a pretty good ballplayer, too, so making note of his height was more of an afterthought than anything else. That is, until <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/HowManyAltuves">@howmanyaltuves</a> came along. This informative Twitter account measures pretty much anything in Altuves, but is probably best known for converting monster home-run distances from feet to Altuves.</p>
<p><b>We learned about the power knuckleball</b><span>.<br>R.A. Dickey</span> has posted some incredible pitching statistics this season. He may very well win the National League Cy Young Award. But Dickey's knuckleball is not your father's or your grandfather's knuckleball. He throws it, sometimes, at speeds greater than 80 miles per hour. And as our own <a href="http://mlb.sbnation.com/2012/6/24/3112079/ra-dickey-knuckleball-fast-power-mets">Rob Neyer found out</a> when he interviewed other knuckleball pitchers: "R.A. Dickey is probably throwing a pitch no professional hitter had ever seen before he started throwing it."</p>
<p><b>We learned that even perfect games can be flukes</b>.<br>Okay, maybe we knew this already (see <span>Dallas Braden</span>, May 9, 2010). We certainly have seen mediocre pitchers throw no-hitters. But perfect games are much, much more rare. There have been 256 no-hitters in major-league history that were not perfect games, but only 23 perfect games. And yet, there was the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.southsidesox.com/">White Sox</a>' <span>Philip Humber</span>, who <a href="http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=20809833&topic_id=29312742&c_id=mlb&tcid=vpp_copy_20809833&v=3">threw a perfect game</a> against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lookoutlanding.com/">Seattle Mariners</a> on April 21 at Safeco Field. His stats after his perfecto? Only 87⅔ innings, 107 hits, 73 runs allowed. Oh, and he lost his spot in the White Sox rotation.</p>
<p><b>We learned that experience isn't everything.</b><br>Another one we probably knew already, but this season really brought it home. We've watched two rookie managers with no previous managing or coaching experience at any level -- the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.vivaelbirdos.com/">Cardinals</a>' Mike Matheny and the White Sox' Robin Ventura -- lead their teams to contention, with postseason berths still within their grasp. And we've watched experienced managers poison their clubhouse (Bobby Valentine), fritter away a winning season (Clint Hurdle), and create complicated pitching rotations that failed to solve his team's pitching woes (Jim Tracy). Of course, some experienced managers performed quite well this season, but "having been there before" simply isn't enough.</p>
<p>We also watched as Proven Closers™ turned out to be relievers with experience who couldn't execute the pitches to close out games. We're looking at you <span>Jose Valverde</span> and <span>John Axford</span>. We marveled at <span>Fernando Rodney</span>, who has a 72-to-15 strikeout-to-walk ratio this season after walking more batters than he struck out last year. And we've tipped our caps to Bruce Bochy's closer-by-committee in San Francisco, where five different relievers have recorded saves for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.mccoveychronicles.com/">Giants</a>.</p>
<p><span>Craig Kimbrel</span>, you're the exception.</p>
<p><b>We learned that moving in the fences doesn't necessarily help the home team.</b><br>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.amazinavenue.com/">Mets</a> reworked the dimensions of CitiField just three years after it opened, to make it more hitter-friendly. New fences were installed, lowering the height by eight feet and the distance from home plate by twelve feet. And, not surprisingly, hitters whacked more home runs this season than last: 155 versus 108. But visiting teams hit 88 of those home runs, while the Mets hit only 67.</p>
<p>Hey! Mariners and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.gaslampball.com/">Padres</a> fans! Be careful what you wish for.</p>
<p><b>We learned that teams sometimes outperform their expected record based on run differential, but it's still rare.</b><br>Heading into Sunday's action, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.camdenchat.com/">Orioles</a> boasted a 91-67 record and were <i>tied with the New York Yankees</i> for first place in the East, with only four games to play. The Orioles' run differential is now +8, giving them an expected record of just 80-78. But that's a vast improvement from where Baltimore found itself this summer, when the team had been outscored by more than 50 runs. In August, <a href="http://mlb.si.com/2012/08/06/baltimore-orioles-postseason-drea/">Jay Jaffe of <i>Sports Illustrated</i></a> explained how rare it is for a team with a negative run differential to make the postseason. The Orioles will probably end up on the plus side, which is a testament to their staying power.</p>
<p><b>We learned that ignoring Jose Canseco is the best course of action.</b></p>
<p>'Nuff said.</p>
<p><b>We learned that <span>Brandon McCarthy</span> is an exceptional human being.</b></p>
<p>'Nuff said.</p>
<p><b>We learned that the second wild card didn't ruin the potential for late-season excitement.</b><br>Entering Sunday's action, four games remain in the regular season, and no American League team has yet clinched a postseason berth. Four teams are legitimately fighting for two American League wild cards (the Orioles, A's, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.halosheaven.com/">Angels</a>, and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.draysbay.com/">Rays</a>) while two of those teams are still fighting for their division title (the Orioles with the Yankees and the A's with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lonestarball.com/">Rangers</a>). Things are a bit more settled in the National League, but the race for the second wild card is alive, with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> chasing the Cardinals. Without a second wild card, there wouldn't be any excitement at all in the National League. We might not end up with another Game 162 scenario, but it won't be because of the second wild card.</p>
<p><b>Finally, we learned that the kids are all right.</b><br>Thank you <span>Mike Trout</span>, <span>Bryce Harper</span>, <span>Manny Machado</span>, <span>Dylan Bundy</span>, and <span>Jurickson Profar</span>.</p>
<p><i>Wendy Thurm writes regularly <a target="_blank" href="http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php?author=20900">over at FanGraphs</a> and <a target="_blank" href="http://blogs.thescore.com/mlb/author/wendythurm/">The Score's Getting Blanked</a>. This is her last piece for Baseball Nation, and she'll be missed here.</i></p>
https://www.sbnation.com/2012/9/30/3424326/mlb-2012-statistics-recap-year-in-reviewWendy Thurm2012-09-23T10:05:55-04:002012-09-23T10:05:55-04:00Why isn't anyone talking about the White Sox?
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<p>The White Sox haven't been a sexy story like the A's or the Orioles. But they've quietly put together a solid season and taken advantage of the Tigers' missteps to lead the American League Central. For now.</p> <p>On Friday afternoon, with the election campaign in full swing, President Obama tweeted the following:</p>
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<p>"I’m looking forward to a <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.federalbaseball.com/">Nationals</a>-<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.southsidesox.com/">White Sox</a> World Series." <a title="http://twitter.com/BarackObama/status/249220860026712064/photo/1" href="http://t.co/Y04XqgZY">twitter.com/BarackObama/st…</a></p>
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) <a data-datetime="2012-09-21T18:57:38+00:00" href="https://twitter.com/BarackObama/status/249220860026712064">September 21, 2012</a>
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<p>You see, the President's home is in Chicago and he's been a White Sox fan for some time. Now, of course, he spends most of his time in Washington, D.C., a city without postseason baseball for the last 79 years, until the Nationals clinched a playoff berth on Thursday. For the most part, the President's tweet elicited chuckles in the baseball world. Not so much at the part about the Nationals, but the White Sox? In the World Series?</p>
<p>On Friday afternoon, when I started thinking about this story, the White Sox had a two-game lead over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/">Tigers</a> in the American League Central. Now that lead is down to half a game, after the White Sox lost to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.halosheaven.com/">Angels</a> on Friday and Saturday, and the Tigers beat the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.twinkietown.com/">Twins</a> on Saturday after a Friday rainout. Still, the White Sox have been in first place, either tied or alone, since July 24.</p>
<p>And yet, the storylines out of the AL Central are all about the Tigers: the big off-season acquisition of <span>Prince Fielder</span>; <span>Miguel Cabrera's</span> race for the Triple Crown; whether Cabrera should be the American League MVP; who can challenge <span>Justin Verlander</span> for pitching supremacy; and how the Tigers' god-awful defense is keeping them from the division title. The Tigers made a big budget splash last winter, bringing in Fielder, and most analysts expected Detroit to run away with the Central. But the Tigers have struggled, and no other team in the Central has taken advantage, other than White Sox. It's not a flashy story; those belong to the A's and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.camdenchat.com/">Orioles</a>. But it's been a story of consistent success -- at least up until now.</p>
<p>Through Saturday's action, the Sox have scored 701 runs, good for fifth-best in the American League, behind the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lonestarball.com/">Rangers</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/">Yankees</a>, Angels and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.overthemonster.com/">Red Sox</a>, and 17 more than the Tigers. For all its offensive prowess, Boston's had a lost season and Anaheim is close to one. Like the Yankees, who lead the American League with 224 home runs, the White Sox offense is power-centered, taking advantage of the hitter-friendly environment at U.S. Cellular Field. Chicago's 197 bombs are second only to New York. The White Sox team ISO is third-best in the league, and their slugging is fourth-best. Chicago's Achilles' heel on offense is a 19.7 percent strikeout rate (above the league average of 19.2 percent) and a 7.4 percent walk rate (below the league average of eight percent).</p>
<p>As Baseball Nation contributor Marc Normandin <a href="http://mlb.sbnation.com/2012/8/30/3279397/chicago-white-sox-playoffs-alex-rios-adam-dunn">wrote several weeks ago</a>, resurgent seasons from <span>Adam Dunn</span> and <span>Alex Rios</span> have energized the White Sox' offense. Add to that the performance of White Sox fan favorite <span>Paul Konerko</span>, who when healthy has been one of the most productive first basemen in the league, with a season nearly mirroring Albert Pujols'. And then there's 35-year-old catcher <span>A.J. Pierzynski</span>. He's posted career highs in slugging, wOBA and wRC+. Only the Twins' <span>Joe Mauer</span> has been a more productive catcher in the American League this season.</p>
<p>When you think of White Sox pitching, you think of 23-year-old <span>Chris Sale</span>, who was strictly a reliever in 2011 but turned out to be its best starter in 2012. And you think about how the White Sox have managed Sale's innings and kept him fresh to pitch down the stretch -- in contrast to the Nationals' handling of <span>Stephen Strasburg</span>. Through 181⅔ innings, Sale is 17-7 with a 3.19 FIP and a 3.93 strikeout-to-walk ratio. According to FanGraphs, Sale has accumulated 4.8 WAR, the fourth-highest among AL starters, after Justin Verlander, <span>Felix Hernandez</span>, and <span>Yu Darvish</span>. Despite a losing record, <span>Jake Peavy's</span> been almost as good as Sale, posting a 3.71 FIP, a 3.83 strikeout-to-walk ratio, and 4.2 WAR.</p>
<p>Another 23-year-old, <span>Jose Quintana</span>, has been a pleasant surprise for the White Sox. Quintana made his major-league debut in May and pitched his way into the rotation after <span>John Danks</span> was injured and <span>Philip Humber</span> imploded after his April 21 perfect game. <span>Gavin Floyd</span> has battled elbow tightness and recently returned from the disabled list. Overall, Floyd has been moderately successful but far less valuable to the White Sox than in the previous three seasons. <span>Francisco Liriano</span>, acquired from the Twins in late July, has had some very good starts, and some not so good ones, pretty much what you'd expect from a fifth starter.</p>
<p>Two other youngsters have made a big impact from the Sox' bullpen. Manager Robin Ventura installed <span>Addison Reed</span> as the closer in May. After a rough start, Reed settled in nicely, holding batters to a sub-.300 wOBA through June and July. But September has not been kind to Reed; he's struggled with command and watched his walk rate shoot sky-high. Veteran lefty <span>Matt Thornton</span>, who Ventura typically uses in the eighth inning, has stepped in during Reed's struggles. And then there's 28-year-old <span>Donnie Veal</span>, another lefty reliever, who the White Sox called up in mid-July. Veal has faced 41 batters -- 27 lefties and 14 righties -- and allowed only two hits and two walks to the righties, and only one walk to the lefties.</p>
<p>Other than Sale, and maybe Peavy, White Sox pitching has been workman-like if not spectacular. And yet the White Sox sport one of the best run differentials in the American League. Overall, Chicago has allowed 634 runs, for a +67 run differential, or nearly 0.5 runs per game. Only the Yankees, Rangers and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.draysbay.com/">Rays</a> have been better.</p>
<p>The White Sox control their own destiny. Win the AL Central and get into the postseason -- then anything can happen. Even to a team with no superstars.</p>
https://www.sbnation.com/2012/9/23/3373008/chicago-white-sox-american-league-central-postseasonWendy Thurm2012-09-16T09:28:06-04:002012-09-16T09:28:06-04:00Nats Should Use Strasburg In The Postseason ... As A Pinch Hitter
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<img alt="Washington D. C., USA; Washington Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg (37) hits a two run single in the second inning during the game against the Miami Marlins at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-US PRESSWIRE" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/nr7hKO37TPjEiymLw8yg_4fkPoo=/0x94:4000x2761/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/8252476/20120805_pjc_aq3_077.jpg" />
<figcaption>Washington D. C., USA; Washington Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg (37) hits a two run single in the second inning during the game against the Miami Marlins at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p><span>Stephen Strasburg</span> is not going to pitch again this season. Not in any of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.federalbaseball.com/">Nationals</a>' remaining regular-season games. Not in the postseason. The what, when and why of the Nationals' decision to shut Strasburg down have been reported, debated, and analyzed at great length and in great detail. And that reporting, debating and analysis will undoubtedly continue, and will be framed by, the Nationals' performance in the 2012 postseason.</p>
<p>With the shutdown has come boredom. Nationals beat writer Adam Kilgore of the <i>Washington Post</i> <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/nationals-journal/wp/2012/09/12/stephen-strasburg-pinch-hitter/">reported</a> last Wednesday that Strasburg, five days after his last start, was "antsy":</p>
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<p>Strasburg made his final start of the season five days ago, but already he has become antsy with no more starts to look forward to. During the Nationals’ series in <state w:st="on">New York</state>, Strasburg has shagged batting practice in center field, mostly standing by himself.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">"He’s been pestering [pitching coach Steve McCatty] about what he can do," Johnson said. "Can I keep throwing off the mound? No. Can I play catch in the outfield? Yes. It’s pretty bad now, but it’s going to get worse. Because he’s going to be champing."</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Davey Johnson is considering one option to keep Strasburg from climbing the walls: using him as a pinch hitter over the Nationals' final 17 games. From Kilgore's story:</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">"I check on him," Johnson said. "I told him yesterday, to give him something to think about, I said, ‘Keep taking batting practice. I might need your bat. If I can’t use your arm, I’ll use your bat.’ "</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In the past, Johnson said he would not use Strasburg as a pinch-hitter, even if Strasburg’s ability – his slash line currently sits at .277/.333/.426 in 53 plate appearances – made it tempting. But Johnson insisted he was not joking about the possibility of Strasburg batting.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">"I’m serious, yeah," he said.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Good for Johnson. He should use the next 17 games to try Strasburg as a pinch hitter. If it works, Johnson should seriously consider adding Strasburg to the postseason roster as a pinch hitter off the bench.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">You see Strasburg's batting line. That translates to a 104 OPS+, as calculated by Baseball-Reference, and a 107 wRC+ as calculated by FanGraphs, meaning that Strasburg was a more productive offensive player this season than the average National League hitter. Okay. That's all well and good. But the Nationals don't want just slightly-better-than-average hitters on the postseason roster, if there are better options.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Assuming <span class="sbn-auto-link">Michael Morse</span> is healthy (he's been nursing a contusion on his right hand), the Nationals' starting lineup in their National League Division Series is likely to look like this<span style="line-height: 9px;">:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">1 <span>Jayson Werth</span>, RF<br>2 <span>Bryce Harper</span>, CF<br>3 <span>Ryan Zimmerman</span>, 3B<br>4 <span>Adam LaRoche</span>, 1B<br>5 <span>Michael Morse</span>, LF<br>6 <span>Ian Desmond</span>, SS<br>7 <span>Danny Espinosa</span>, 2B<br>8 <span>Kurt Suzuki</span>, C</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I'm assuming the Nationals will carry twelve pitchers for the best-of-five series (four starters and eight relievers; sorry <span>John Lannan</span>). If so, that leaves five players for the bench. <span>Jesus Flores</span> will be the backup catcher, leaving four spots. <span>Steve Lombardozzi</span> will be there as the extra middle infielder. <span>Roger Bernadina</span> will be on the bench. He's the fourth outfielder who can cover center field, moving Bryce Harper to either left or right, if need be. <span>Chad Tracy</span> will be on the bench. He's the backup corner infielder, who's batted .286/.364/.494 in 88 plate appearances, good for a 124 wRC+. That includes ten hits and five walks in 42 pinch-hit plate appearances this season.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The final roster spot likely comes down to <span>Tyler Moore</span> or Strasburg. In his first season in the majors, Moore's batting .279/.340/.529, good for a 137 wRC+. Defensively, he's spent most of his time at first base, but can also play the outfield in a pinch. But with Bernadina and Tracy on the roster, it's unlikely Moore would be needed on defense, barring several in-game injuries. Moore has six hits and one walk in 27 pinch-hit plate appearances. Strasburg hasn't been used at all as a pinch hitter this season.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Purely from a hitting perspective, why take Strasburg over Moore?</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Both players have a strikeout rate around 25 percent. Strasburg swings at only 29 percent of pitches outside the strike zone. For Moore, that number is 34 percent. Strasburg is more selective in the zone as well, swinging 65 percent of the time, compared to 75 percent for Moore. Their overall contact rates are nearly identical: 75 percent for Strasburg and 74 percent for Moore. Strasburg hasn't grounded into a double play all season. Moore's done so twice.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The numbers are pretty close; amazingly so, considering Strasburg is a pitcher. Moore has more power potential, which tips the balance in his favor.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">But Strasburg is Strasburg. And he's sitting on the sidelines while his teammates march toward and into October. With all the hand-wringing over the innings limit and the shutdown, not enough attention has been paid to how the decision is affecting Strasburg personally. <a href="http://mlb.sbnation.com/2012/9/8/3304009/stephen-strasburg-washington-nationals-shutdown">We've heard he's unhappy about the decision and has said he's not sure he'll ever be able to accept it.</a> But there's also a <a href="http://www.nj.com/mets/index.ssf/2012/09/mets_matt_harvey_can_sympathiz.html">sense of isolation</a>, as he watches his teammates prepare for the postseason.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Why not? Why not include Strasburg on the NLDS roster? Well, there's the possibility of injury, which is the factor motivating the shutdown in the first place. There's the possibility he'll be needed in a crucial late-game situation and fail to get the job done. But there is also the possibility that Strasburg could contribute, even in a small way, to the Nationals' postseason run.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">And that would really be something.</p>
https://www.sbnation.com/2012/9/16/3338700/stephen-strasburg-pinch-hitter-postseasonWendy Thurm2012-09-09T11:30:02-04:002012-09-09T11:30:02-04:00Does Marlins Ballpark Suppress Home Runs After All?
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<img alt="April 4, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Josh Johnson (55) throws out the first pitch in the first inning against the St. Louis Cardinals during opening day at Marlins Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/5tTDF2i5uIxsz4jBKvBTnJaH89s=/29x0:970x627/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/6342269/20120404_mje_su8_881.jpg" />
<figcaption>April 4, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Josh Johnson (55) throws out the first pitch in the first inning against the St. Louis Cardinals during opening day at Marlins Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>Remember back on Opening Day, when the <a href="https://www.fishstripes.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Marlins</a> hosted the <a href="https://www.vivaelbirdos.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">St. Louis Cardinals</a> for the first official game at Marlins Ballpark? Well, technically, it wasn't Opening Day. It was the Night Before Opening Day Just So the Marlins Could Kick Off the Season in Their New Ballpark. Seriously, that was the official name. You can look it up.</p>
<p>You done? Good.</p>
<p>You remember that <span>Giancarlo Stanton</span> and <span>Jose Reyes</span> and <span>Logan Morrison</span> hit loud balls deep into the outfield that seemed to just die? And immediately after the game, the hand-wringing began? "The outfield is too big." "The Marlins will have to bring in the fences." "How could they do this to Giancarlo"? And you remember that I wrote a <a href="http://mlb.sbnation.com/2012/4/8/2930762/new-marlins-ballpark-camden-yards-yankee-stadium-citifield-chase-field-pacbell-park-park-effects">story here at Baseball Nation </a>that said, essentially, "Calm down, everyone. Ballparks don't always play the same way over the season as they play on Opening Day or in the opening series. We have to wait and see"?</p>
<p>Welp.</p>
<p>With the first season of Marlins Ballpark nearly over, it has been the third-toughest ballpark in the National League in which to hit a home run this season. The toughest is AT&T Park. The second toughest is Petco Park. And then there's Marlins Ballpark.</p>
<p>In 69 games at Marlins Park, teams have hit a total of 100 home runs. The Marlins have hit 47 of those. The visiting teams have hit 53. That works out to 1.45 home runs per game and falls just shy of tying Dodger Stadium, which has averaged 1.46 home runs per game this season (104 home runs in 71 games).</p>
<p>Here's how the National League ballparks stack up so far this season in home runs per game:</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1346365/NLParksHRPerGame.png"><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1346365/NLParksHRPerGame_medium.png" class="photo" alt="Nlparkshrpergame_medium"></a> <br id="1347067409048"></p>
<p>How much has Marlins Ballpark hurt the Marlins' offense, at least in terms of home-run production?</p>
<p>While the Marlins have hit only 47 home runs at home, they've hit 73 home runs on the road. That's 1.5 times more home runs on the road than at home. The only teams with bigger home-run differentials between home and road are the <a href="https://www.mccoveychronicles.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Giants</a> and the <a href="https://www.gaslampball.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Padres</a>. San Francisco has hit 21 home runs at home. Yes, that says <i>twenty-one</i> home runs in 69 games at home. And they've hit 61 home runs on the road, nearly three times as many. San Diego's just a tad better than the Giants at home. The Padres have hit 31 home runs at Petco and 67 on the road, or nearly 2.2 more homers on the road than at home. The <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Dodgers</a> have hit only 44 home runs at Dodger Stadium, and done only a bit better on the road, smacking 50 on the road.</p>
<p>Here's how the National League teams compare on home-run hitting at home:</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1346450/NLTeamsHRAtHome.png"><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1346450/NLTeamsHRAtHome_medium.png" class="photo" alt="Nlteamshrathome_medium"></a> <br id="1347071304954"></p>
<p>And here's how they compare on hitting home runs on the road:</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1346454/NationalLeagueHRHittingOnRoad.png"><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1346454/NationalLeagueHRHittingOnRoad_medium.png" class="photo" alt="Nationalleaguehrhittingonroad_medium"></a> <br id="1347071637934"></p>
<p>There are the Marlins, the third best home run-hitting team on the road in the National League this season. Sure, they are considerably off the pace set by the <a href="https://www.bucsdugout.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Pirates</a> and the <a href="https://www.federalbaseball.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Nationals</a>, but a vastly different home run-hitting team on the road than at home.</p>
<p>Bear in the mind that Marlins Ballpark has a retractable roof and the Marlins played the vast majority of their home games in the temperature-controlled environment with the the roof closed. Allan Nathan, Professor Emeritus of Physics at the University of Illinois at Champaign, recently <a href="http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=17249">quantified the effect of higher temperatures on the distanced traveled by fly balls</a>. "Suppose the average MLB game-time temperature were 10F higher. Fly balls on a typical home run trajectory would travel about 2.5 ft farther (about 0.6%), leading to 6% more home runs," Nathan concluded.<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;"></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;"></span>If the Marlins are concerned about the lack of home runs at home -- and given the results in 2012, they probably are -- they may want to consider playing more games with the roof open in the hot and humid air of South Florida.</p>
https://www.sbnation.com/2012/9/9/3301845/marlins-park-home-runs-park-effectsWendy Thurm2012-09-01T09:46:55-04:002012-09-01T09:46:55-04:00Fun With Day-Game Stats
<figure>
<img alt="A general view during the San Francisco Giants' game against the Atlanta Braves at AT&T Park in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/TVFRArn2jMwwY51ZVT8MEFk3sQ0=/0x0:1000x667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/2558574/GYI0064449396.jpg" />
<figcaption>A general view during the San Francisco Giants' game against the Atlanta Braves at AT&T Park in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) | Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The author is asked a question on Twitter about a team's record in day games. And that sends her down a rabbit hole. The result is this post chock full of information about day games dating back to 2008. </p> <p>You know when you get an idea in your head about baseball? You're sure a player has performed a certain way or your favorite team has a certain record in one-run games? And then you go to look at the statistics, and things are not exactly what you thought or how you remembered them? But you have to keep looking because the question is bugging you. You have to dig deeper. More at-bats. More seasons. And down the baseball-research rabbit hole you go.</p>
<p>That happened to me a few weeks ago on the topic of ownage. Like many of you, I had this idea in my head about the players with ownage on my favorite team. There was no easy way to figure it out, so I spent hours and hours down the baseball-research rabbit hole. And then wrote about my results <a href="http://mlb.sbnation.com/2012/8/9/3228594/what-we-talk-about-when-talk-about-ownage">here</a>.</p>
<p>It happened to me again yesterday. Although this time, it was a fellow <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.mccoveychronicles.com/">Giants</a> fan and Twitter friend who put the idea in my head. "The Giants are just terrible in day games," he wrote. "I bet their day-game record is below .400 if you go all the way back to 2000." Down the rabbit hole.</p>
<p>It turns out that ESPN has kept track of team records in day games and night games back to 2004. The Giants' record in day games from the beginning of the 2004 season through today (when they lost a day game to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Cubs</a>)? 237-255 or a .481 winning percentage. So above .400 for the last eight-plus, almost nine seasons. Perhaps that winning percentage would fall below .400 if I went back to 2000, but I doubt it, given that the Giants won the National League wild card in 2000 and 2002 and the National League West in 2003. But that rabbit hole is for another day.</p>
<p>Because once I knew the Giants' record in day games back to 2004, I had to know the other 29 teams' records in day games. Well, time isn't limitless, so I went back as far as 2008. And then I wanted to know how each team's record in day games compared to their overall records. And which team had the best day-game record since 2008. And which had the worst. And which team had the biggest differential between its overall record and its day game record? Because the information was there. So down the baseball-research rabbit hole I went.</p>
<p>The results? Delicious nuggets of day-game statistics dating from the 2008 season through yesterday's action. From my baseball-research rabbit hole, to you.</p>
<ul>
<li>The Giants are the only team in the majors with a winning percentage at exactly .500 in day games since 2008: 138-138.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/">Yankees</a> have the best winning percentage day games since 2008, at .643. Sure, the Yankees have the best overall winning percentage in those four-plus seasons, but it's only at .590. The Yankees kill it in day games. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>So do the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.halosheaven.com/">Angels</a>. Their winning percentage in day games is .608 since 2008, beating their overall .555 winning percentage by a fair amount. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lonestarball.com/">Rangers</a> are the bizarro Angels and Yankees. While the Rangers have a winning percentage of .555 since 2008, they are barely above .500 in day games, coming in at .504. <br>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.letsgotribe.com/">Indians</a> have the dubious distinction of the worst winning percentage in day games back to 2008. The Indians are only 95-161 in day games, for a winning percentage of .371. That's well below their overall .436 winning percentage in the same time.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Only one team has an overall winning record back to 2008, but a losing record in day games in those seasons. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brewcrewball.com/">Brewers</a>: .521 winning percentage overall; .498 winning percentage in day games.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Three teams are the mirror image of the Brewers: overall losing records back to 2008, but winning records in day games. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.amazinavenue.com/">Mets</a> .483 overall; .517 in day games. The A's: .486 overall; .517 in day games. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bluebirdbanter.com/">Blue Jays</a>: .496 overall; .530 in day games.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>The best single-season day-game record belongs to the 2011 Yankees, who were 44-13 in day games, for a .772 winning percentage. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>The worst single-season day-game record belongs, not surprisingly, to this year's <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/">Astros</a>. Houston is 11-28 in day games for a .282 winning percentage. But there is still time to get out from underneath that mantle. The 2010 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.azsnakepit.com/">Diamondbacks</a> were 13-32 in day games, for a .288 winning percentage. No other team in the last four-plus seasons has had a day-game winning percentage below .300.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>The day-game champion in 2008 was the Angels, with a .744 winning percentage. Their overall record of 100-62 game them a winning record of .617.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>The Angels were also the day-game champions in 2009, with a .708 winning percentage. Again, that outpaced their overall record by a fair amount. At 97-65, the 2009 Angels had a .599 winning percentage for the season.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.southsidesox.com/">White Sox</a> took the day-game prize in 2010, going 31-18 that season, for a .633 winning percentage. They narrowly beat out the A's, who won 35 day games in 2010, against 21 losses, for a .625 winning percentage.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>The 2011 Yankees reigned supreme in day games, as noted above. But both the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/">Tigers</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thegoodphight.com/">Phillies</a> also came in over .600 for the season in day games. The Tigers were 39-23 (.629). The Phillies were 34-18 (.654). </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.redreporter.com/">Reds</a> are the leaders in the clubhouse in day games so far this season, with a record of 33-14, for a .702 winning percentage. And who's right behind the Reds? The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.camdenchat.com/">Orioles</a>, of course. The O's are 24-12 in day games, good for a .667 winning percentage. The only other teams above .600 for the year are the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bucsdugout.com/">Pirates</a> and the Rangers. </li>
</ul>
<p>You're probably thinking there's a punch line coming. Or an explanation. Or a breakdown of day games in enclosed ballparks vs. open ballparks vs. ballparks with retractable roofs. Or a theory as to why some teams are better during day games than other teams. Nope. Just some fun statistics to chew on this Labor Day Weekend. Of course, your explanations and theories are most welcome in the comments. Go to it.</p>
https://www.sbnation.com/2012/9/1/3284591/fun-with-day-game-statsWendy Thurm2012-08-26T12:16:47-04:002012-08-26T12:16:47-04:00The Definitive Plan for Breaking A 3-Way Tie For A Wild Card Spot
<figure>
<img alt="St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves second baseman Dan Uggla (26) forces out Tampa Bay Rays right fielder Ben Zobrist (18) as he attemped to steal at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-US PRESSWIRE" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/LuDdOw2BvMdrCN4kR85seCEzjSk=/0x0:1000x667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/7045289/20120520_kdl_sv7_142.jpg" />
<figcaption>St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves second baseman Dan Uggla (26) forces out Tampa Bay Rays right fielder Ben Zobrist (18) as he attemped to steal at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Three weeks ago, <a href="http://mlb.sbnation.com/2012/8/5/3221291/american-league-wild-card-race-athletics-orioles-rays-tigers-angels-pile-up">Al Yellon wrote on this very site</a> about the impending "pile-up" in the American League wild card race. On the morning of August 5, there were five teams within 1.5 games of the two wild-card spots. The standings looked liked this:</p>
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: outset #AAAAAA .75pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;" class="MsoNormalTable" border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td style="padding: 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt;">
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.athleticsnation.com/">Athletics</a></p>
</td>
<td style="padding: 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt;">
<p class="MsoNormal">58-49</p>
</td>
<td style="padding: 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt;">
<p class="MsoNormal">--</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="padding: 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt;">
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.halosheaven.com/">Angels</a></p>
</td>
<td style="padding: 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt;">
<p class="MsoNormal">58-50</p>
</td>
<td style="padding: 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt;">
<p class="MsoNormal">--</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="padding: 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt;">
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/">Tigers</a></p>
</td>
<td style="padding: 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt;">
<p class="MsoNormal">57-50</p>
</td>
<td style="padding: 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt;">
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" id="internal-source-marker_0.269930125465755">½</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="padding: 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt;">
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.draysbay.com/">Rays</a></p>
</td>
<td style="padding: 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt;">
<p class="MsoNormal">56-51</p>
</td>
<td style="padding: 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt;">
<p class="MsoNormal">1<span style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" id="internal-source-marker_0.269930125465755">½</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="padding: 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt;">
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.camdenchat.com/">Orioles</a></p>
</td>
<td style="padding: 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt;">
<p class="MsoNormal">56-51</p>
</td>
<td style="padding: 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt;">
<p class="MsoNormal">1<span style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" id="internal-source-marker_0.269930125465755">½</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p>Three weeks later, those same five teams are still competing for the wild card, although their fortunes have changed. As of this morning, the American League wild-card standings look like this:</p>
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: outset #AAAAAA .75pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;" class="MsoNormalTable" border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 47.85pt; padding: 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt;" width="64">
<p class="MsoNormal">Rays</p>
</td>
<td style="width: 32.5pt; padding: 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt;" width="43">
<p class="MsoNormal">70-57</p>
</td>
<td style="padding: 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt;">
<p class="MsoNormal">--</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 47.85pt; padding: 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt;" width="64">
<p class="MsoNormal">Athletics</p>
</td>
<td style="width: 32.5pt; padding: 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt;" width="43">
<p class="MsoNormal">69-57</p>
</td>
<td style="padding: 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt;">
<p class="MsoNormal">--</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 47.85pt; padding: 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt;" width="64">
<p class="MsoNormal">Orioles</p>
</td>
<td style="width: 32.5pt; padding: 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt;" width="43">
<p class="MsoNormal">69-57</p>
</td>
<td style="padding: 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt;">
<p class="MsoNormal">--</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 47.85pt; padding: 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt;" width="64">
<p class="MsoNormal">Tigers</p>
</td>
<td style="width: 32.5pt; padding: 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt;" width="43">
<p class="MsoNormal">68-58</p>
</td>
<td style="padding: 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt;">
<p class="MsoNormal">1</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 47.85pt; padding: 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt;" width="64">
<p class="MsoNormal">Angels</p>
</td>
<td style="width: 32.5pt; padding: 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt;" width="43">
<p class="MsoNormal">66-61</p>
</td>
<td style="padding: 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt;">
<p class="MsoNormal">3<span style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" id="internal-source-marker_0.269930125465755">½</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The picture is much the same in the National League with five teams separated by 3½ games. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.mccoveychronicles.com/">Giants</a> currently lead the National League West by two games over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a>, but sit a game-and-a-half ahead of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.vivaelbirdos.com/">Cardinals</a> for the second wild card. As of this morning, the National League wild card standings look like this:</p>
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: outset #AAAAAA .75pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;" class="MsoNormalTable" border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 50.5pt; padding: 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt;" width="67">
<p class="MsoNormal"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.talkingchop.com/">Braves</a></p>
</td>
<td style="width: 32.5pt; padding: 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt;" width="43">
<p class="MsoNormal">72-55</p>
</td>
<td style="width: 19.5pt; padding: 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt;" width="26">
<p class="MsoNormal">--</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="padding: 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt;">
<p class="MsoNormal">Cardinals</p>
</td>
<td style="padding: 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt;">
<p class="MsoNormal">69-57</p>
</td>
<td style="width: 19.5pt; padding: 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt;" width="26">
<p class="MsoNormal">--</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="padding: 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt;">
<p class="MsoNormal">Dodgers</p>
</td>
<td style="padding: 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt;">
<p class="MsoNormal">69-58</p>
</td>
<td style="width: 19.5pt; padding: 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt;" width="26">
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" id="internal-source-marker_0.269930125465755">½</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="padding: 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt;">
<p class="MsoNormal"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bucsdugout.com/">Pirates</a></p>
</td>
<td style="padding: 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt;">
<p class="MsoNormal">68-58</p>
</td>
<td style="width: 19.5pt; padding: 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt;" width="26">
<p class="MsoNormal">1</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As Al Yellon explained on August 5, MLB created a very tight postseason schedule when it added the second wild card after the regular-season schedule had already been drawn up. The regular season ends on Wednesday, October 3. The NL and AL wild card games are scheduled for Friday, October 5, with the Division Series starting on Saturday, October 6. By adding the wild card play-in game to the schedule as an afterthought, MLB left very little time for what now looks like a very real possibility: a two, three, or even four-team tie for one or both wild-card spots.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">MLB has been aware of the scheduling problems created by a tie for the wild-card spots, and has done nothing to address them. <a href="http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/7637317/mlb-new-postseason-plan">ESPN's Jayston Stark</a> wrote this in early March:</p>
<blockquote>
<p class="MsoNormal">There's now too strong a likelihood that there could be at least one tiebreaker on that Thursday to settle a division or wild-card race. Under this system, remember, virtually every tie would have to be settled on the field, because the difference between finishing first and being a wild card is too significant to be left to any sort of mathematical formula.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br> If there is, in fact, a tiebreaker Thursday, it would create a serious mess. Potentially, it could force a team to play its regular-season finale Wednesday in one city, a Thursday tiebreaker in another city and the Friday wild-card showdown in a third city.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>And that's just if there's one tiebreaker to be played. What if there are two or three?</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">MLB hasn't done anything to figure this out, so we've stepped into the breach. Let's face it. There simply isn't enough time in the current schedule for multiple tiebreaker games before the Division Series start on October 6. So, in fairness to none of the potential teams tied for a wild-card spot, we propose the following:</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>American League Tiebreakers</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">If the Rays win the first wild card and the A's, Tigers and and Orioles tie for the second wild card:</p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">The tie between the A's and Tigers goes to the A's, as a result of the Oakland Raiders' victory over the Detroit Lions in a pre-season football game.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">The A's will compete in a best-of-three Rock-Paper-Scissors competition with the Orioles. Each team is represented by its oldest ball-dude. </span></li>
</ul>
<p>If the Rays win the first wild card, and the A's, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.southsidesox.com/">White Sox</a> and Orioles tie for the second wild card:</p>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">The winner will be decided by a Top Chef competition with <a href="http://www.chezpanisse.com/about/alice-waters/">Alice Waters</a> representing Oakland, <a href="http://www.chefartsmith.net/chef_art_homepage/index.htm">Art Smith</a> representing Chicago and <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/duff-goldman-bio/index.html">Duff Goldman</a> representing Baltimore. ESPN's Keith Law and Baseball Prospectus' Keith Goldstein will be the judges. </span></li>
</ul>
If the Orioles win the first wild card, and the A's, Tigers, and Rays tie for the second wild card:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li> <span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">The winner will be decided by a mascot wrestling competition among <a href="http://oakland.athletics.mlb.com/oak/fan_forum/stomper.jsp">Stomper</a>, <a href="http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/det/fan_forum/paws.jsp">Paws</a>, and </span><a href="http://tampabay.rays.mlb.com/tb/fan_forum/raymond_bio.jsp">Raymond</a>. WWE rules will apply.</li>
</ul>
<div><font size="2"><span style="line-height: 9.75px;">If the Orioles win the first wild card, and the A's, White Sox and Rays tie for the second wild card:</span></font></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">The winner will be decided by a carnival-like dunk tank involving each team's general manager. Each team's bullpen catcher will try to dunk the other teams' GMs into the tank. The team whose GM is last to fall into the tank wins the second wild card. </span></li>
</ul>
If the A's win the first wild card, they get a new stadium in San Jose and skip the 2012 postseason, which most likely resolves any tie for the first and second wild cards. <br><div><br></div>
<div>Any two- or three-team tie involving the Angels will be decided by a <a href="http://disneyland.disney.go.com/disneyland/mad-tea-party/">Mad Tea Party</a> marathon at Disneyland. The last team still riding the Mad Tea Party wins the wild card spot.</div>
</div>
<div><br></div>
<div><b>National League Tiebreakers</b></div>
<div><br></div>
<div>If the Braves win the first wild card, and the Cardinals, Dodgers and Pirates tie for the second wild card:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">The winner will be decided by a home-run derby held at Coors Field in Denver.</span></li>
</ul>
<div>If the Braves win the first wild card, and the Cardinals, Giants and Pirates tie for the second wild card:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">The winner will be decided by a round-robin tug-of-war tournament.</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>If the Giants win the first wild card, and the Braves, Cardinals and Pirates tie for the second wild card:</div>
</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>The winner will be decided by a single-elimination H-O-R-S-E tournament of each team's best shooter against Magic Johnson.</li>
</ul>
<div>If the Dodgers win the first wild card, and the Braves, Cardinals and Pirates tie for the second wild card:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">The winner will be decided by a kayak race in McCovey Cove. </span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>If the Cardinals win the first wild card, and the Braves, Pirates and Giants or Dodgers tie for the second wild card:</div>
</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">The winner will decided by double elimination tournament on <i>MLB '12 The Show</i>. Each team will be represented by its oldest batboy. </span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>If the Pirates win the first wild card, there will be so much rejoicing about "competitive balance," MLB will simply elimininate the second wild card, just this once.</div>
</div>
<div><br></div>
<div>We're pretty happy with our wild-card tiebreaking plan. But if you have a better idea, leave it in the comments.</div>
https://www.sbnation.com/2012/8/26/3266473/mlb-playoffs-wild-card-tiebreakersWendy Thurm2012-08-19T13:00:07-04:002012-08-19T13:00:07-04:00Ten Years Later: The A's 20-Game Winning Streak
<figure>
<img alt="Scott Hatteberg is introduced during a ceremony honoring the 2002 Oakland Athletics 20 game win streak before the game against the Cleveland Indians at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, California. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images)" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/eZN9-kEUGV6Z5tpu-gOXx21Qs84=/0x260:2667x2038/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/8508077/150463170.jpg" />
<figcaption>Scott Hatteberg is introduced during a ceremony honoring the 2002 Oakland Athletics 20 game win streak before the game against the Cleveland Indians at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, California. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images) | Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Oakland A's celebrated the tenth anniversary of their 20-game winning streak on Saturday night. We look back at The Streak and how it inspired Moneyball, the book and the movie.</p> <p>It started innocently enough.</p>
<p>A Tuesday night game in mid-August between the A's and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bluebirdbanter.com/">Blue Jays</a>, in front of 17,466 at the Oakland Coliseum. <span>Barry Zito</span> was on the mound for the A's, facing Toronto's Chris Carpenter. The A's entered the game at 68-51 but in third place in the American League West. The Blue Jays were 52-65 and mired in fourth place in the American League East. <span>Jermaine Dye</span> hit a three-run home run in the bottom of the fourth to give the A's the early lead. The Blue Jays rallied, scoring three off Zito in the top of the sixth. <span>Eric Chavez</span> then drove in the winning runs with a two-run single in the bottom of the seventh. Zito got the win to go 16-5. Closer <span>Billy Koch</span> got the save, his 29th of the season.</p>
<p>Nineteen games and 21 nights later, the A's had set a new American League record with a 20-game winning streak. We all remember <span>Scott Hatteberg's</span> walk-off home run to seal the 20th win. We either watched the game as it unfolded, or caught the highlights later. Or we've seen Chris Pratt's version in <i>Moneyball</i>. I saw it all three ways, and again last night while sitting on the outfield grass at the Oakland Coliseum. In honor of the tenth anniversary of The Streak, as it's called, the A's had a special showing of <i>Moneyball</i> after their game against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.letsgotribe.com/">Cleveland Indians</a>. Hatteberg introduced the movie and said something along the lines of: "Art Howe is a good guy. Don't believe everything you see in the movie."</p>
<p>Howe's portrayal in the movie was controversial upon the film's release last fall, and remains so. Howe returned to Oakland to help celebrate The Streak as part of a pre-game ceremony that included players and coaches from the 2002 team. (Read <a href="http://www.athleticsnation.com/2012/8/18/3251129/2002-oakland-where-are-they-now">this post on Athletics Nation</a> for a rundown on what the 2002 team members are doing now.)</p>
<p>The A's donated $10,000 to The Cory Lidle Foundation, and presented a check in that amount to Lidle's children. Lidle died in October 2006 when his plane crashed into an apartment building on the east side of Manhattan. Relievers Jeff Tam, <span>Micah Bowie</span>, <span>Jim Mecir</span>, and <span>Chad Bradford</span> were there for the pre-game festivities. So was outfielder <span>Terrence Long</span>. Zito, David Justice, and Eric Chavez sent video messages shown on the scoreboard. But it was Howe who received the first standing ovation from the Coliseum crowd, outdone only by the one for Hatteberg.</p>
<p>But The Streak was about so much more than Hatteberg's walk-off winner at 10:43 p.m. on Wednesday, September 5. The Streak was fueled by old-fashioned baseball ideas: great starting pitching and lots of home runs. Of the 20 games in The Streak, the A's starter recorded 15 wins, including the first eleven wins in a row. Zito won four times, as did <span>Tim Hudson</span>. <span>Mark Mulder</span> and Cory Lidle each had three wins, and <span>Aaron Harang</span> one. The A's hit at least one home run in 18 of the 20 wins. Ten players combined for 26 home runs during the 20-game winning streak.</p>
<p>Hatteberg's record-breaking home run in win number 20 followed walk-offs in wins 18 and 19. Tension and drama gripped Oakland in those last three games of The Streak. But the first 17 wins were much more matter-of-fact. In the 20 games, the A's trailed by more than two runs only <i>twice</i>. In 14 of the 20 games, the A's never trailed at all.</p>
<p>The Streak, in fact, was a microcosm of the 2002 season, when the A's won 103 games and the American League West. Oakland hit 205 home runs that year, fourth in the league. Shortstop <span>Miguel Tejada</span> hit 34 home runs, in addition to batting .308/.354/.508, and was named the AL's MVP. The A's posted the lowest ERA in the league. Barry Zito, at 23-5 with a 2.75 ERA, won the Cy Young Award.</p>
<p>But <i>Moneyball</i> the movie wasn't about Zito or Tejada or home-run mashers or stellar starting pitching. Like the book, the movie was about an idea, about how to look at baseball in a completely different way, about how to ask tough questions, and demand unconventional answers. Scott Hatteberg epitomized the idea, making him the ideal player to highlight in the film.</p>
<p>It makes you wonder: if Hatteberg hadn't hit that game-winning home run in win number 20 -- if the A's had lost the game, leaving them in a tie with the 1906 White Sox and the 1947 Yankees for the longest winning streak in the American League -- would Michael Lewis have written <i>Moneyball</i>? I think so. Sure, The Streak was the perfect centerpiece for Lewis in exploring the evolution of Billy Beane's thinking. The Streak was the pivot between winning battles on the field and winning the war of ideas off the field.</p>
<p>"How can you not be romantic about baseball?" Beane asks Peter Brand in the movie. On a beautiful summer night in Oakland, with the A's victory over the Indians secured, hundreds of fans sat on the outfield grass and watched <i>Moneyball</i> on a make-shift projection screen. We celebrated The Streak. We celebrated the new ideas. And we were undoubtedly romantic about baseball.</p>
https://www.sbnation.com/2012/8/19/3250200/ten-year-anniversary-athletics-20-game-winning-streak-hatteberg-moneyballWendy Thurm2012-08-09T12:45:11-04:002012-08-09T12:45:11-04:00What We Talk About When We Talk About Ownage
<figure>
<img alt="Flushing, NY, USA; New York Mets left fielder Scott Hairston hits a home run against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citi Field. Credit: William Perlman/THE STAR-LEDGER via US PRESSWIRE" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/G8yg6cp0DQ0UfiduyFssNkQKvNs=/0x27:967x672/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/7755240/20120704_jla_so3_039.jpg" />
<figcaption>Flushing, NY, USA; New York Mets left fielder Scott Hairston hits a home run against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citi Field. Credit: William Perlman/THE STAR-LEDGER via US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Fans of every team have the one or two players they fear. The ones who always seem to come up in big situations and get a big hit to send their team to defeat. We often refer to it as "ownage." We investigate whether it really exists.</p> <p>Last week, the Giants played the Mets in a four-game series at
<place w:st="on"><placename w:st="on">AT&T</placename><placetype w:st="on">Park</placetype></place>. The first game, on Monday night, was a see-saw battle. The Mets took an early 1-0 lead. The Giants came back with two. The Mets tied it. The Giants scored twice to take a 4-2 lead after seven. With one on and one out in the top of 8th inning, Mets right fielder <span>Scott Hairston</span> stepped to the plate against Giants reliever Sergio Romo. Before a single pitch was thrown, Giants fans felt pangs of despair.</p>
<p>How do I know this? For one, I’m a Giants fan and I felt a pang of despair. Also, the many Giants fans I follow on Twitter seemed to feeling pangs of despair. Why all the despair? Because it was Scott "Bleeping" Hairston, who just kills the Giants in the worst possible moments.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Hairston has ownage on the Giants.</p>
<p><iframe src="http://mlb.mlb.com/shared/video/embed/embed.html?content_id=23488489&width=400&height=224&property=mlb" frameborder="0" height="224" width="400">Your browser does not support iframes.</iframe></p>
<p>Boom.</p>
<p>Hairston's home run tied the score, but the Mets added two more. The Giants then rallied in the bottom of the 9th but couldn't push the winning run across with the bases loaded and two outs, sending the game to extra innings tied at six.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">And who led off for the Mets in the top of the 10th? Scott Hairston, of course.</p>
<p><iframe src="http://mlb.mlb.com/shared/video/embed/embed.html?content_id=23489727&width=400&height=224&property=mlb" frameborder="0" height="224" width="400">Your browser does not support iframes.</iframe></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Boom.</p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Ownage.</p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Hairston’s two home runs, including the game-winner in extra innings, kicked off a discussion on Twitter. Who else has had ownage on the Giants over the years? <span>David Eckstein</span> and <span>Steve Finley</span> were common answers. There was also a vote for Ron Cey.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The discussion got me thinking about what we mean we talk about "ownage." Is ownage when a player hits consistently well against another team for most of his career? If that’s ownage, then <span>Chipper Jones</span> and the Mets come to mind. Or is ownage when a player always seems to produce against one team with the game on the line? If that’s ownage, then <span>Barry Bonds</span> and the Padres come to mind.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I lean toward the second definition, and here’s why. We remember the games with the crazy Win Expectancy charts. The see-saw games. The scoreless games where each team has lots of opportunities but neither can pull the trigger until the end, and then it’s nuts. As fans, we build memories around on our team’s most crucial moments, whether exhilarating in victory or devastating in defeat.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">These games, and our memories of them, build narratives. "Scott Hairston always kills the Giants at the worst possible moment. Always." But is that true? I was determined to find out, not just for Scott Hairston and the Giants.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This was no easy task. If you had a list of players who you thought had ownage on another team, then you could look up that player’s lifetime batting statistics against that team. I did just that for Scott Hairston, using Baseball-Reference. Here are the results.</p>
<div class="sr_share_wrap">
<table class="sr_share" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size:.83em; border: 1px sold #aaa;">
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<thead><tr>
<th class="tooltip sort_default_asc" tip="<strong>Incomplete Split</strong><br>For 1973 and before, we do not have complete play-by-play<br>accounts of every game. Splits with an ’I’ indicate<br> that matching plate apperances may be missing from the split for this season or career.<br>We are missing about 1-2% of all plate appearances from 1952 to 1973." style="background-color: #ddd; border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 2px;" align="center">I</th> <th class="tooltip sort_default_asc" style="background-color: #ddd; border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 2px;" align="left">Split</th> <th class="tooltip" tip="<strong>Plate Appearances</strong><br>When available, we use actual plate appearances from play-by-play game accounts<br>Otherwise estimated using AB + BB + HBP + SF + SH,<br>which excludes catcher interferences.<br>When <span class=tooltip>this color</span> click for a summary of each PA." style="background-color: #ddd; border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 2px;" align="center">PA</th> <th class="tooltip" tip="At Bats" style="background-color: #ddd; border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 2px;" align="center">AB</th> <th class="tooltip" tip="Runs Scored/Allowed" style="background-color: #ddd; border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 2px;" align="center">R</th> <th class="tooltip" tip="Hits/Hits Allowed" style="background-color: #ddd; border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 2px;" align="center">H</th> <th class="tooltip" tip="Doubles Hit/Allowed" style="background-color: #ddd; border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 2px;" align="center">2B</th> <th class="tooltip" tip="Triples Hit/Allowed" style="background-color: #ddd; border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 2px;" align="center">3B</th> <th class="tooltip" tip="Home Runs Hit/Allowed" style="background-color: #ddd; border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 2px;" align="center">HR</th> <th class="tooltip" tip="Runs Batted In" style="background-color: #ddd; border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 2px;" align="center">RBI</th> <th class="tooltip" tip="Bases on Balls/Walks" style="background-color: #ddd; border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 2px;" align="center">BB</th> <th class="tooltip" tip="Strikeouts" style="background-color: #ddd; border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 2px;" align="center">SO</th> <th class="tooltip hide_non_quals" tip="<strong>Hits/At Bats</strong><br>For recent years, leaders need 3.1 PA<br>per team game played" style="background-color: #ddd; border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 2px;" align="center">BA</th> <th class="tooltip hide_non_quals" tip="<strong>(H + BB + HBP)/(At Bats + BB + HBP + SF)</strong><br>For recent years, leaders need 3.1 PA<br>per team game played" style="background-color: #ddd; border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 2px;" align="center">OBP</th> <th class="tooltip hide_non_quals" tip="<strong>Total Bases/At Bats or <br>(1B + 2*2B + 3*3B + 4*HR)/AB</strong><br>For recent years, leaders need 3.1 PA<br>per team game played" style="background-color: #ddd; border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 2px;" align="center">SLG</th> <th class="tooltip hide_non_quals" tip="<strong>On-Base + Slugging Percentages </strong><br>For recent years, leaders need 3.1 PA<br>per team game played" style="background-color: #ddd; border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 2px;" align="center">OPS</th> <th class="tooltip" tip="<strong>Total Bases</strong><br>Singles + 2 x Doubles + 3 x Triples + 4 x Home Runs." style="background-color: #ddd; border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 2px;" align="center">TB</th> <th class="tooltip" tip="<strong>OPS for split relative to Player’s Total OPS</strong><br>A number greater than 100 indicates this batter(pitcher) did better(worse) than usual in this split.<br>A number less than 100 indicates that the batter(pitcher) did worse(better) than usual in this split." style="background-color: #ddd; border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 2px;" align="center">tOPS+</th>
</tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr data-row="1">
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="left"></td>
<td class=" tooltip" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="left"><span class="tooltip" onclick="sr_display_showPopup(this, '/play-index/split_stats.cgi?full=0&params=' + encodeURIComponent(this.id),[10,10])"><a href="https://www.halosheaven.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Los Angeles Angels</a> of Anaheim</span></td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">28</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">25</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">1</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">4</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">0</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">0</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">1</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">2</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">2</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">3</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.160</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.250</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.280</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.530</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">7</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">45</td>
</tr>
<tr data-row="2">
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="left"></td>
<td class=" tooltip" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="left"><span class="tooltip" onclick="sr_display_showPopup(this, '/play-index/split_stats.cgi?full=0&params=' + encodeURIComponent(this.id),[10,10])"><a href="https://www.azsnakepit.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Arizona Diamondbacks</a></span></td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">130</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">121</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">12</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">29</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">10</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">0</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">5</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">23</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">6</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">33</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.240</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.279</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.446</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.725</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">54</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">92</td>
</tr>
<tr data-row="3">
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="left"></td>
<td class=" tooltip" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="left"><span class="tooltip" onclick="sr_display_showPopup(this, '/play-index/split_stats.cgi?full=0&params=' + encodeURIComponent(this.id),[10,10])"><a href="https://www.talkingchop.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Atlanta Braves</a></span></td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">73</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">70</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">11</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">18</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">4</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">1</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">2</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">8</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">3</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">21</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.257</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.288</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.429</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.716</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">30</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">91</td>
</tr>
<tr data-row="4">
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="left"></td>
<td class=" tooltip" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="left"><span class="tooltip" onclick="sr_display_showPopup(this, '/play-index/split_stats.cgi?full=0&params=' + encodeURIComponent(this.id),[10,10])"><a href="https://www.camdenchat.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Baltimore Orioles</a></span></td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">64</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">59</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">9</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">17</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">5</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">0</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">2</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">6</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">5</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">10</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.288</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.344</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.475</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.818</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">28</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">120</td>
</tr>
<tr data-row="5">
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="left"></td>
<td class=" tooltip" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="left"><span class="tooltip" onclick="sr_display_showPopup(this, '/play-index/split_stats.cgi?full=0&params=' + encodeURIComponent(this.id),[10,10])"><a href="https://www.overthemonster.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Boston Red Sox</a></span></td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">18</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">17</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">3</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">3</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">1</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">1</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">1</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">2</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">0</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">5</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.176</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.167</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.529</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.696</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">9</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">74</td>
</tr>
<tr data-row="6">
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="left"></td>
<td class=" tooltip" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="left"><span class="tooltip" onclick="sr_display_showPopup(this, '/play-index/split_stats.cgi?full=0&params=' + encodeURIComponent(this.id),[10,10])"><a href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chicago Cubs</a></span></td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">80</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">76</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">8</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">15</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">1</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">1</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">2</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">5</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">4</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">14</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.197</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.238</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.316</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.553</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">24</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">49</td>
</tr>
<tr data-row="7">
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="left"></td>
<td class=" tooltip" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="left"><span class="tooltip" onclick="sr_display_showPopup(this, '/play-index/split_stats.cgi?full=0&params=' + encodeURIComponent(this.id),[10,10])"><a href="https://www.southsidesox.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chicago White Sox</a></span></td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">25</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">24</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">3</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">8</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">4</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">0</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">1</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">6</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">1</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">1</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.333</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.360</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.625</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.985</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">15</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">159</td>
</tr>
<tr data-row="8">
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="left"></td>
<td class=" tooltip" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="left"><span class="tooltip" onclick="sr_display_showPopup(this, '/play-index/split_stats.cgi?full=0&params=' + encodeURIComponent(this.id),[10,10])"><a href="https://www.redreporter.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cincinnati Reds</a></span></td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">96</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">84</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">9</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">21</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">7</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">0</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">4</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">8</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">8</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">23</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.250</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.315</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.476</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.791</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">40</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">110</td>
</tr>
<tr data-row="9">
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="left"></td>
<td class=" tooltip" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="left"><span class="tooltip" onclick="sr_display_showPopup(this, '/play-index/split_stats.cgi?full=0&params=' + encodeURIComponent(this.id),[10,10])"><a href="https://www.letsgotribe.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cleveland Indians</a></span></td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">23</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">22</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">3</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">3</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">1</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">0</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">0</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">2</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">0</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">5</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.136</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.130</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.182</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.312</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">4</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">-16</td>
</tr>
<tr data-row="10">
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="left"></td>
<td class=" tooltip" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="left"><span class="tooltip" onclick="sr_display_showPopup(this, '/play-index/split_stats.cgi?full=0&params=' + encodeURIComponent(this.id),[10,10])"><a href="https://www.purplerow.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Colorado Rockies</a></span></td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">193</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">174</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">26</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">51</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">12</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">2</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">11</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">34</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">16</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">50</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.293</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.363</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.575</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.937</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">100</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">148</td>
</tr>
<tr data-row="11">
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="left"></td>
<td class=" tooltip" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="left"><span class="tooltip" onclick="sr_display_showPopup(this, '/play-index/split_stats.cgi?full=0&params=' + encodeURIComponent(this.id),[10,10])"><a href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Detroit Tigers</a></span></td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">45</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">39</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">5</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">8</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">1</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">1</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">0</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">5</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">4</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">7</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.205</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.311</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.282</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.593</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">11</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">66</td>
</tr>
<tr data-row="12">
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="left"></td>
<td class=" tooltip" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="left"><span class="tooltip" onclick="sr_display_showPopup(this, '/play-index/split_stats.cgi?full=0&params=' + encodeURIComponent(this.id),[10,10])"><a href="https://www.fishstripes.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Miami Marlins</a></span></td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">89</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">77</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">6</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">18</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">5</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">0</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">4</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">12</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">8</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">21</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.234</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.318</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.455</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.773</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">35</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">107</td>
</tr>
<tr data-row="13">
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="left"></td>
<td class=" tooltip" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="left"><span class="tooltip" onclick="sr_display_showPopup(this, '/play-index/split_stats.cgi?full=0&params=' + encodeURIComponent(this.id),[10,10])"><a href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Houston Astros</a></span></td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">135</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">121</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">16</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">31</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">8</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">1</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">6</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">13</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">12</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">33</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.256</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.328</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.488</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.816</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">59</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">117</td>
</tr>
<tr data-row="14">
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="left"></td>
<td class=" tooltip" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="left"><span class="tooltip" onclick="sr_display_showPopup(this, '/play-index/split_stats.cgi?full=0&params=' + encodeURIComponent(this.id),[10,10])"><a href="https://www.royalsreview.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Kansas City Royals</a></span></td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">24</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">24</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">1</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">5</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">1</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">0</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">0</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">3</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">0</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">5</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.208</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.208</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.250</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.458</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">6</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">25</td>
</tr>
<tr data-row="15">
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="left"></td>
<td class=" tooltip" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="left"><span class="tooltip" onclick="sr_display_showPopup(this, '/play-index/split_stats.cgi?full=0&params=' + encodeURIComponent(this.id),[10,10])"><a href="https://www.truebluela.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Los Angeles Dodgers</a></span></td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">169</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">151</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">14</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">31</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">5</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">3</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">2</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">7</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">15</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">35</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.205</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.284</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.318</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.602</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">48</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">65</td>
</tr>
<tr data-row="16">
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="left"></td>
<td class=" tooltip" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="left"><span class="tooltip" onclick="sr_display_showPopup(this, '/play-index/split_stats.cgi?full=0&params=' + encodeURIComponent(this.id),[10,10])"><a href="https://www.brewcrewball.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Milwaukee Brewers</a></span></td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">55</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">51</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">8</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">11</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">1</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">0</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">2</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">8</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">3</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">10</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.216</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.273</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.353</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.626</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">18</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">69</td>
</tr>
<tr data-row="17">
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="left"></td>
<td class=" tooltip" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="left"><span class="tooltip" onclick="sr_display_showPopup(this, '/play-index/split_stats.cgi?full=0&params=' + encodeURIComponent(this.id),[10,10])"><a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Minnesota Twins</a></span></td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">33</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">30</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">5</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">10</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">1</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">1</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">1</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">6</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">3</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">2</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.333</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.394</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.533</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.927</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">16</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">149</td>
</tr>
<tr data-row="18">
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="left"></td>
<td class=" tooltip" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="left"><span class="tooltip" onclick="sr_display_showPopup(this, '/play-index/split_stats.cgi?full=0&params=' + encodeURIComponent(this.id),[10,10])"><a href="https://www.amazinavenue.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New York Mets</a></span></td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">63</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">57</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">8</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">17</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">3</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">0</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">3</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">6</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">5</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">14</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.298</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.365</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.509</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.874</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">29</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">134</td>
</tr>
<tr data-row="19">
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="left"></td>
<td class=" tooltip" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="left"><span class="tooltip" onclick="sr_display_showPopup(this, '/play-index/split_stats.cgi?full=0&params=' + encodeURIComponent(this.id),[10,10])"><a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New York Yankees</a></span></td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">65</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">59</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">10</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">12</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">4</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">0</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">0</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">3</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">4</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">17</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.203</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.262</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.271</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.533</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">16</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">47</td>
</tr>
<tr data-row="20">
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="left"></td>
<td class=" tooltip" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="left"><span class="tooltip" onclick="sr_display_showPopup(this, '/play-index/split_stats.cgi?full=0&params=' + encodeURIComponent(this.id),[10,10])"><a href="https://www.athleticsnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Oakland Athletics</a></span></td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">5</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">5</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">1</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">1</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">1</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">0</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">0</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">0</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">0</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">1</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.200</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.200</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.400</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.600</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">2</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">56</td>
</tr>
<tr data-row="21">
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="left"></td>
<td class=" tooltip" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="left"><span class="tooltip" onclick="sr_display_showPopup(this, '/play-index/split_stats.cgi?full=0&params=' + encodeURIComponent(this.id),[10,10])"><a href="https://www.thegoodphight.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Philadelphia Phillies</a></span></td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">116</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">111</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">19</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">34</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">9</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">0</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">11</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">24</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">5</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">27</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.306</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.336</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.685</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">1.021</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">76</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">164</td>
</tr>
<tr data-row="22">
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="left"></td>
<td class=" tooltip" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="left"><span class="tooltip" onclick="sr_display_showPopup(this, '/play-index/split_stats.cgi?full=0&params=' + encodeURIComponent(this.id),[10,10])"><a href="https://www.bucsdugout.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Pittsburgh Pirates</a></span></td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">84</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">74</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">13</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">22</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">3</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">1</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">5</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">9</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">9</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">14</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.297</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.373</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.568</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.941</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">42</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">150</td>
</tr>
<tr data-row="23">
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="left"></td>
<td class=" tooltip" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="left"><span class="tooltip" onclick="sr_display_showPopup(this, '/play-index/split_stats.cgi?full=0&params=' + encodeURIComponent(this.id),[10,10])"><a href="https://www.gaslampball.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">San Diego Padres</a></span></td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">80</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">77</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">6</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">14</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">4</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">0</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">1</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">10</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">3</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">15</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.182</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.213</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.273</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.485</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">21</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">31</td>
</tr>
<tr data-row="24">
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="left"></td>
<td class=" tooltip" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="left"><span class="tooltip" onclick="sr_display_showPopup(this, '/play-index/split_stats.cgi?full=0&params=' + encodeURIComponent(this.id),[10,10])"><a href="https://www.lookoutlanding.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Seattle Mariners</a></span></td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">62</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">58</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">5</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">11</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">1</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">0</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">1</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">7</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">4</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">9</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.190</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.242</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.259</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.501</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">15</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">38</td>
</tr>
<tr data-row="25">
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="left"></td>
<td class=" tooltip" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="left"><span class="tooltip" onclick="sr_display_showPopup(this, '/play-index/split_stats.cgi?full=0&params=' + encodeURIComponent(this.id),[10,10])"><a href="https://www.mccoveychronicles.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">San Francisco Giants</a></span></td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">245</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">214</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">32</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">53</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">9</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">2</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">14</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">31</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">26</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">50</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.248</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.324</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.505</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.828</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">108</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">120</td>
</tr>
<tr data-row="26">
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="left"></td>
<td class=" tooltip" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="left"><span class="tooltip" onclick="sr_display_showPopup(this, '/play-index/split_stats.cgi?full=0&params=' + encodeURIComponent(this.id),[10,10])"><a href="https://www.vivaelbirdos.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">St. Louis Cardinals</a></span></td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">41</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">40</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">5</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">14</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">5</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">1</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">2</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">7</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">1</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">7</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.350</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.366</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.675</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">1.041</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">27</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">172</td>
</tr>
<tr data-row="27">
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="left"></td>
<td class=" tooltip" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="left"><span class="tooltip" onclick="sr_display_showPopup(this, '/play-index/split_stats.cgi?full=0&params=' + encodeURIComponent(this.id),[10,10])"><a href="https://www.draysbay.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Tampa Bay Rays</a></span></td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">47</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">46</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">3</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">12</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">1</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">0</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">0</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">0</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">1</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">11</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.261</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.277</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.283</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.559</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">13</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">55</td>
</tr>
<tr data-row="28">
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="left"></td>
<td class=" tooltip" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="left"><span class="tooltip" onclick="sr_display_showPopup(this, '/play-index/split_stats.cgi?full=0&params=' + encodeURIComponent(this.id),[10,10])"><a href="https://www.lonestarball.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Texas Rangers</a></span></td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">49</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">46</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">2</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">9</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">4</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">0</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">2</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">9</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">1</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">11</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.196</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.204</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.413</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.617</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">19</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">60</td>
</tr>
<tr data-row="29">
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="left"></td>
<td class=" tooltip" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="left"><span class="tooltip" onclick="sr_display_showPopup(this, '/play-index/split_stats.cgi?full=0&params=' + encodeURIComponent(this.id),[10,10])"><a href="https://www.bluebirdbanter.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Toronto Blue Jays</a></span></td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">41</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">37</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">7</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">10</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">2</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">0</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">2</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">4</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">4</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">6</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.270</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.341</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.486</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.828</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">18</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">121</td>
</tr>
<tr data-row="30">
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="left"></td>
<td class=" tooltip" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="left"><span class="tooltip" onclick="sr_display_showPopup(this, '/play-index/split_stats.cgi?full=0&params=' + encodeURIComponent(this.id),[10,10])"><a href="https://www.federalbaseball.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Washington Nationals</a></span></td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">85</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">78</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">12</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">17</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">3</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">1</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">4</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">6</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">5</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">24</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.218</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.271</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.436</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">.706</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">34</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 2px 3px 2px 2px; white-space: nowrap; " align="right">87</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
<tfoot></tfoot>
</table>
<div style="font-size: 0.83em; " class="sr_share">Provided by <a href="http://www.sports-reference.com/sharing.shtml?utm_source=direct&utm_medium=Share&utm_campaign=ShareTool">Baseball-Reference.com</a>: <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.cgi?id=hairssc01&year=Career&t=b&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=Share&utm_campaign=ShareTool#oppon">View Original Table</a><br>Generated 8/8/2012.</div>
</div>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Scott Hairston has a lifetime 120 OPS+ against the Giants. That’s good but it’s not spectacular. He’s been more productive over his career against eight other teams, and he’s done his most consistent damage against the Cardinals, Phillies and White Sox.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">But lifetime stats don’t tell you whether Scott Hairston always "kills the Giants at the worst possible moment." For that, we have to look elsewhere. I decided to focus on Win Probability Added (WPA). WPA measures how a player affects his team's Win Expectancy on a play-by-play basis. Win Expectancy is the percent chance a team will win based on score, inning, outs, runners on base and the run environment. The later it is in the game, and the closer the score, big hits will yield a higher WPA.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Scott Hairston’s game-tying home run against the Giants in the 8th inning last Monday night raised the Mets’ chances of winning the game by 32 percent, according to Baseball Reference. His home run to lead off the top of the 10th inning, giving the Mets a 7-6 lead, raised the Mets’ chances of winning the game by 36 percent. Hairston posted a cumulative .601 WPA for the game. That’s the 49th highest WPA this season.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">But how many times has Hairston done that to the Giants before last Monday night’s game? Do the numbers support the feeling that Hairston has ownage on the Giants when the game is on the line?</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Not really.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I found only one other game in which Hairston posted a cumulative WPA higher than .500 in a game against the Giants. It was August 3, 2007. Hairston was on the Padres at the time, and the Giants were playing <city w:st="on">San Diego</city> at
<place w:st="on"><placename w:st="on">Petco</placename><placetype w:st="on">Park</placetype></place>. Hairston came to the plate in the bottom of the 8th with two on two on and two out and the Giants leading 3-0. Boom. Game-tying home run. Hairston then followed that up with the game-winning home run in the bottom of the 10th. He posted a cumulative .828 WPA for the game.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Why use .500 WPA as the cutoff?</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">From 1992 through 2011, there were approximately 110 games each season where a player posted a .500 WPA or higher and his team won the game. In the overwhelming majority of those games, the player had a big hit in the 7th inning or later to change the course of the game. The method isn't foolproof, however. There are games where a player gets a big hit in the 7th inning or later in a close game and doesn't accumulate .500 more more in WPA for the game. Moreover, I looked only at regular-season games. Many of our gut feelings about ownage derive from postseason games, when wins and losses leave a more indelible mark.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Even with all these caveats, I wanted to look back 20 years and see if I could identify which players had real ownage on certain teams, and using games with .500 WPA or greater seemed like a good, if crude, measure. I identified those players who had posted a .500 WPA or greater against the same team in <i>at least three games</i> over the course of their career. There were only 14 such players.</p>
<table class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 480; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-border-insideh: .5pt solid windowtext; mso-border-insidev: .5pt solid windowtext;" border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 113.4pt; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="151">
<p class="MsoNormal">Player</p>
</td>
<td style="width: 135.0pt; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="180">
<p class="MsoNormal">Team Against Whom Player Posted .500 WPA or Greater At Least Three Times In His Career</p>
</td>
<td style="width: 117.0pt; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="156">
<p class="MsoNormal">Total Number of Games Posting .500 WPA or Greater In Player’s Career</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 113.4pt; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="151">
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>Edgardo Alfonzo</span></p>
</td>
<td style="width: 135.0pt; border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="180">
<p class="MsoNormal"><city w:st="on">Atlanta</city> Braves (3)</p>
</td>
<td style="width: 117.0pt; border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="156">
<p class="MsoNormal">4</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 113.4pt; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="151">
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>Jeff Bagwell</span></p>
</td>
<td style="width: 135.0pt; border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="180">
<p class="MsoNormal"><city w:st="on">Pittsburgh</city> Pirates (3)</p>
</td>
<td style="width: 117.0pt; border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="156">
<p class="MsoNormal">12</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 113.4pt; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="151">
<p class="MsoNormal">Barry Bonds</p>
</td>
<td style="width: 135.0pt; border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="180">
<p class="MsoNormal"><city w:st="on">Montreal</city> Expos (3)</p>
</td>
<td style="width: 117.0pt; border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="156">
<p class="MsoNormal">8</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 113.4pt; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="151">
<p class="MsoNormal">Charlie Hayes</p>
</td>
<td style="width: 135.0pt; border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="180">
<p class="MsoNormal"><city w:st="on">Houston</city> Astros (3)</p>
</td>
<td style="width: 117.0pt; border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="156">
<p class="MsoNormal">4</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 113.4pt; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="151">
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>Andruw Jones</span></p>
</td>
<td style="width: 135.0pt; border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="180">
<p class="MsoNormal"><city w:st="on">San Diego</city> Padres (4)</p>
</td>
<td style="width: 117.0pt; border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="156">
<p class="MsoNormal">14</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 113.4pt; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="151">
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>Brian Jordan</span></p>
</td>
<td style="width: 135.0pt; border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="180">
<p class="MsoNormal"><state w:st="on">New York</state> Mets (3)</p>
</td>
<td style="width: 117.0pt; border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="156">
<p class="MsoNormal">6</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 113.4pt; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="151">
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>Jason Kendall</span></p>
</td>
<td style="width: 135.0pt; border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="180">
<p class="MsoNormal"><city w:st="on">Chicago</city> Cubs (3)</p>
</td>
<td style="width: 117.0pt; border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="156">
<p class="MsoNormal">9</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 113.4pt; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="151">
<p class="MsoNormal">Hal Morris</p>
</td>
<td style="width: 135.0pt; border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="180">
<p class="MsoNormal"><city w:st="on">Pittsburgh</city> Pirates (3)</p>
</td>
<td style="width: 117.0pt; border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="156">
<p class="MsoNormal">4</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 113.4pt; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="151">
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>Rafael Palmeiro</span></p>
</td>
<td style="width: 135.0pt; border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="180">
<p class="MsoNormal"><city w:st="on">Seattle</city> Mariners (3)</p>
</td>
<td style="width: 117.0pt; border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="156">
<p class="MsoNormal">7</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 113.4pt; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="151">
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>Mike Piazza</span></p>
</td>
<td style="width: 135.0pt; border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="180">
<p class="MsoNormal"><state w:st="on">Colorado</state><place w:st="on"> Rockies</place> (3)</p>
</td>
<td style="width: 117.0pt; border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="156">
<p class="MsoNormal">12</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 113.4pt; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="151">
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>Gary Sheffield</span></p>
</td>
<td style="width: 135.0pt; border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="180">
<p class="MsoNormal"><city w:st="on">Los Angeles</city> Dodgers (3)</p>
</td>
<td style="width: 117.0pt; border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="156">
<p class="MsoNormal">11</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 113.4pt; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="151">
<p class="MsoNormal">
<place w:st="on">Coco</place> Crisp</p>
</td>
<td style="width: 135.0pt; border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="180">
<p class="MsoNormal"><state w:st="on">New York</state> Yankees (3)</p>
</td>
<td style="width: 117.0pt; border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="156">
<p class="MsoNormal">3</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 113.4pt; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="151">
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>Brian Giles</span></p>
</td>
<td style="width: 135.0pt; border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="180">
<p class="MsoNormal"><city w:st="on">San Francisco</city> Giants (3)</p>
</td>
<td style="width: 117.0pt; border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="156">
<p class="MsoNormal">6</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 113.4pt; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="151">
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>Bill Hall</span></p>
</td>
<td style="width: 135.0pt; border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="180">
<p class="MsoNormal"><city w:st="on">Cincinnati</city> Reds (3)</p>
</td>
<td style="width: 117.0pt; border-top: none; border-left: none; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="156">
<p class="MsoNormal">4</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It turns out that David Eckstein only had one regular-season game against the Giants in which he posted a .500 WPA or higher. Barry Bonds had two against the Padres. And Chipper Jones had none against the Mets. <i>None</i>.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Is this the definitive answer on ownage? No, of course not. My goal was to get the conversation started. And hopefully that's what I've done.</p>
https://www.sbnation.com/2012/8/9/3228594/what-we-talk-about-when-talk-about-ownageWendy Thurm2012-07-29T08:57:53-04:002012-07-29T08:57:53-04:00On Pittsburgh And The Pirates' Resurgence
<figure>
<img alt="Pittsburgh Pirates fans celebrate after the game against the Miami Marlins at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Pirates won 3-0. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ozvJe1irGCkUWa6XB52fxTHF18Y=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/7997781/149085048.jpg" />
<figcaption>Pittsburgh Pirates fans celebrate after the game against the Miami Marlins at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Pirates won 3-0. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) | Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Pittsburgh was a city down on its luck but has transformed itself for the 21st Century. Now it's time to let the Pirates have their day in the sun.</p> <p>The Clint Eastwood <a href="http://youtu.be/tFAiqxm1FDA">Chrysler commercial</a> is running on an infinite loop in my mind. You know the one. It premiered during halftime of the Super Bowl. Eastwood is walking in a dank tunnel, talking about the challenges facing our country, about how Detroit -- as a city and as the home of the American auto industry -- was almost destroyed. But then the country rallied together to save the industry and the city. And how we need to do that for the rest of the country. It's a two-minute <i>tour de force</i> on the decay of urban America and the politics of hope. One of the best campaign ads you'll ever see.</p>
<p>The Clint Eastwood Chrysler commercial is running on an infinite loop in my mind. I'm imagining a variation of it, a Fox Sports or ESPN-created video as a lead-in to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bucsdugout.com/">Pittsburgh Pirates</a> games down the stretch. There's grainy footage of steel mills, humming with workers and activity, followed by grainy footage of dormant steel mills surrounded by chain link fences with big KEEP OUT signs. An ominous-sounding voice talks about a city down on its luck, rallying around a plucky Pirates team on an unexpected run toward its first winning season in 21 years.</p>
<p>Detroit. Pittsburgh. Cities at the heart of America's Industrial Era, where manufacturing jobs flourished, and middle-class families made comfortable lives. Cities with their hearts ripped out when the Industrial Era died, and manufacturing jobs moved overseas, and middle-class families saw their pensions disappear along with corporate profits. Cities that need a new rallying cry.</p>
<p>I've never been to Detroit or Pittsburgh. Or Cleveland or Buffalo for that matter. But I've studied American history and I read the newspaper and stuff. And I follow politics and popular culture. All of which makes me as qualified as any of you to say:</p>
<p>Let the Pirates enjoy their resurgence without turning it into a metaphor for the re-birth of Pittsburgh.</p>
<p>The city of Pittsburgh, in fact, has had a rebirth. The steel industry is no longer king. Carnegie-Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh anchor a new economy based on clean tech, medical research, and light manufacturing. And while the Pirates and their fans have suffered through 20 losing seasons, the city has not been without its sports championships in those years. The Pittsburgh Steelers won the Super Bowl in 2006 and 2009. The Pittsburgh Penguins won the Stanley Cup in 2009, just a few years after the team declared bankruptcy and nearly moved to Kansas City.</p>
<p>But even if none of those had happened, even if the Pirates were the only good story in Pittsburgh right now, let it be a baseball story. Because as a baseball story, it's a darn good one.</p>
<p>The Pirates' last winning season was 1992. The Bucs won their third consecutive National League East division title that year, and lost their third consecutive National League Championship Series. That three-year winning streak followed a decade of on-again-off-again play in the 1980s which, in turn, followed a decade of winning in the 1970s, including a World Series Championship in 1971.</p>
<p>Four teams weren't in existence the last time the Pirates had a winning season. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fishstripes.com/">Marlins</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.purplerow.com/">Rockies</a> joined the National League in 1993. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.azsnakepit.com/">Diamondbacks</a> were added to the NL in 1998, as were the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.draysbay.com/">Rays</a> to the American League. The Diamondbacks and Marlins have won the World Series -- the Marlins twice -- and the Rockies and Rays have played in the Fall Classic, all since the last time the Pirates had a winning season.</p>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Cubs</a>, of course, have the longest World Series Championship drought, dating to 1908, and the longest drought of World Series appearances, dating to 1945. But the Cubs have played in the postseason four times since the last time the Pirates had a winning season. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.letsgotribe.com/">Indians</a> have the second-longest World Series Championship drought, dating to 1948. But the Indians have played in the postseason seven times since the last Pirates' winning season.</p>
<p>Not only is the Pirates' streak of 20 consecutive losing seasons the longest current streak in the majors, it's the longest in the history of major-league baseball, going all the way back to 1876. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thegoodphight.com/">Phillies</a> owned the previous record, with a 16-year streak of losing seasons from 1933-1948. That followed a 14-year losing streak from 1918-1931. Only a 78-76 season in 1932 kept the Phillies from 31 consecutive losing seasons. But 1932 happened, saving the Phillies from that fate.</p>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.athleticsnation.com/">Athletics</a>, from their birth in Philadelphia through their second incarnation in Kansas City, had ten consecutive losing seasons from 1915-1924, 12 consecutive losing seasons from 1935-1946, and 15 consecutive losing seasons from 1953-1967. Similarly, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.camdenchat.com/">Orioles</a>, from their birth as the St. Louis Browns throught their current perch in Baltimore, had 12 consecutive losing seasons, from 1930-1941, followed by 14 consecutive losing seasons, from 1946-1959. The Orioles haven't had a winning season since 1997, trailing only the Pirates for the longest active streak of losing seasons.</p>
<p>The only other franchises to have streaks of more than ten consecutive losing seasons are the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.talkingchop.com/">Braves</a> (then the Boston Beaneaters/Doves/Braves, from 1903-1913); <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.overthemonster.com/">Red Sox</a> (1919-1933); <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/">Tigers</a> (1994-2005); <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> (as the Brooklyn Superbas/Robins, from 1904-1914); <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brewcrewball.com/">Brewers</a> (1993-2004); <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.twinkietown.com/">Twins</a> (as the Washington Senators, from 1901-1911); <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lookoutlanding.com/">Mariners</a> (1977-1990); and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lonestarball.com/">Texas Rangers</a> (as the Washington Senators, 1961-1973).</p>
<p>The Pirates have reached the 100-game mark at 58-42. Their record is a bit better than you'd expect with 409 runs scored and 368 runs allowed (that would translate to about 55-45). The starters have combined for only the 10th best FIP in the National League. But <span>Wandy Rodriguez</span>, obtained in a trade this week with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/">Astros</a>, will replace <span>Kevin Correia</span> and bolster the rotation. The bullpen is solid, with the 7th-best FIP in the National League.</p>
<p>The offense revolves around MVP candidate <span>Andrew McCutchen</span>, but since the beginning of July, the whole team has kicked it into high gear. In July, the Pirates have a .334 wOBA (weighted on-base average) and a 110 wRC+ (weighted runs created-plus), good for 4th and 3rd-best in the National League, respectively.</p>
<p>The Pirates need go 24-38 to cement the team's first winning season since 1992. But that's not the holy grail it once was. The Pirates are contending. They sit in second place in the National League Central, two games behind the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.redreporter.com/">Reds</a>, but lead the race for the first wild card spot.</p>
<p>It's a great baseball story. Of loss and waiting and desperation and hope and promise. Of drawing strength from adversity. Of re-birth.</p>
<p>It's a great baseball story.</p>
<p>And let it remain so.</p>
https://www.sbnation.com/2012/7/29/3196384/on-pittsburgh-and-the-pirates-resurrgenceWendy Thurm2012-07-22T11:30:04-04:002012-07-22T11:30:04-04:00Mobile, Alabama: Birthplace of Hall of Famers
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<img alt="Hall-of-Famer Hank Aaron waves to the crowd during the State Farm Home Run Derby at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ZNC2sSBapYNUob9hS6XCK7qXvKE=/0x0:1000x667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/7834173/148096689.jpg" />
<figcaption>Hall-of-Famer Hank Aaron waves to the crowd during the State Farm Home Run Derby at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) | Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Gulf Coast city of Mobile, Alabama has a rich baseball history dating to the 1880s. Perhaps it's not a surprise, then, that five ballplayers in the National Baseball Hall of Fame were born in Mobile, more than any city other than New York and Los Angeles.</p> <p>Alabama has slightly less than five million residents, making it the 23rd-most-populous state. Mobile is the third largest city in Alabama. The Mobile metropolitan area is home to a bit more than 400,000 people. Mobile sits at the southwest corner of the state, hugging the Gulf of Mexico, and is closer to Pensacola in the Florida panhandle than it is to Birmingham and Montgomery, Alabama's two largest cities. <i>Mardi Gras</i> in the United States was born in Mobile during the City's French Colonial period. The films <i>Driving Miss Daisy</i> and <i>Forrest Gump</i> had scenes set in Mobile.</p>
<p>And Mobile is the birthplace of more players in the National Baseball Hall of Fame than any city in the world other than Los Angeles and New York. More than Chicago. More than Philadelphia. More than San Francisco. Thirteen <i>states</i> have no native sons in the Hall of Fame. And yet Mobile, Alabama is the boyhood home of five Hall of Fame players.</p>
<p>Hall of Famers Hank Aaron, Willie McCovey, Satchel Paige, Ozzie Smith and Billy Williams all grew up playing baseball on the fields of Mobile. So did outfielders <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/j/jonescl01.shtml">Cleon Jones</a> and <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/ageeto01.shtml">Tommie Agee</a>, who played baseball and football together at Mobile's County High; and pitcher/catcher Ted "Double Duty" Radcliffe, who was born a year before Paige and played with him in the Negro Leagues for decades.</p>
<p>All these great baseball men. All from one small southern city. It's a story worth exploring.</p>
<p>According to <i>Baseball in Mobile</i>, a book written by Joe Cuhaj and Tamra Carraway-Hinckle, professional baseball debuted in Mobile in the 1880s with the creation of the Gulf Baseball League, which featured two teams from Mobile and two from New Orleans. That league was short-lived but replaced in the early 1900s by the Southern Interstate League. The Mobile Sea Gulls -- later re-named the Mobile Bears -- played in the Southern Interstate League, and then the Southern Association.</p>
<p>By the 1920s, several major-league teams, including the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.camdenchat.com/">Orioles</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.letsgotribe.com/">Indians</a>, and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.southsidesox.com/">White Sox</a>, held their spring training in Mobile. Games were played at Monroe Park, which was called "the Coney Island of the South." Mobile was such a population destination for baseball that when the Alabama legislature outlawed the playing of baseball on Sundays (gasp!), the mayor of Mobile successfully lobbied for an exemption for his city. Some historians have suggested that Mobile produced such high quality ballplayers because it was the one city in South where baseball was played every day of the week.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/paigesa01.shtml">Leroy Paige</a> was born in Mobile in 1906. He gained the nickname "Satchel" when he worked part-time at the local train depot. Paige wasn't much of a ballplayer in his early years. Those skills came later, when Paige spent five years at a reform school after he was arrested for shoplifting. In his autobiography <i>Maybe I'll Pitch Forever</i>, Paige credits coaches at the Industrial School for Negro Children with teaching him how to pitch. After his release, he returned to Mobile and played in several semi-pro leagues. His brother Wilson, also a pitcher, played with Satchel on the Mobile <span class="sbn-auto-link">Tigers</span>. In 1926, Satchel was "discovered" by an old friend from Mobile, Alex Herman, who'd become the player/manager for the Chattanooga White Sox of a minor-league Negro league. Satchel played with the White Sox for a season and a half, when his contract was sold to the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro National League. Satchel Paige's professional baseball career was launched.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/aaronha01.shtml">Henry Aaron</a> was born in Mobile in 1934. He loved baseball from an early age, so much so that he often skipped school to play around and listen to games on the radio at a local pool hall. While playing in Mobile's recreational baseball leagues, Aaron was "discovered" by Ed Scott, the manager of a semi-pro team called the Mobile Black Bears. Most of the Black Bears players were grown men with regular week-day jobs who played ball on the weekends. It took a long time for Aaron's mother to warm to the idea of him playing in a semi-pro league. And despite Mobile's openness to baseball on Sundays, his mother didn't approve his playing on the holy day. But eventually she relented, and allowed Aaron, at all of 17 years old, to play with the Black Bears. He was an immediate hit, smacking balls all around the yard. It turned out that Ed Scott was also working as a scout for the Indianapolis Clowns of the Negro American League. Scott signed Aaron for the Clowns, and at the age of 18, his professional baseball career began.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mccovwi01.shtml">Willie McCovey</a> was born in Mobile in 1938. Like Aaron, he was drawn to baseball at an early age and played well beyond his years. Although McCovey was only four years younger than Aaron, he had many more opportunities to play organized baseball than Aaron did. When Aaron attended high school, there was no baseball team, only one for softball. McCovey was a star on the Mobile Central High School baseball team. After graduation, he signed with the New York <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.mccoveychronicles.com/">Giants</a>. He debuted in the major leagues in July, 1959, going 4-for-4 off eventual Hall-of-Famer Robin Roberts.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/willibi01.shtml">Billy Williams</a> was born in Whistler, Alabama, a suburb of Mobile, in 1938. Whistler was integrated, so unlike Paige, Aaron, and McCovey, Williams grew up playing baseball with and against white kids. He also played football, and was offered a scholarship to play at Grambling State University, the historically black college in Grambling, Louisiana. But Williams wanted to play baseball, like his older brother Franklin, who was already in the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bucsdugout.com/">Pirates</a>' minor league system. Williams signed with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Cubs</a> in 1956. When assigned to a minor-league club in San Antonio, Williams experienced overt racism for the first time. He left the team and returned to Mobile. Buck O'Neil, then a scout with the Cubs, traveled to Alabama and persuaded Williams to return. He did, and made his major-league debut in 1959.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/smithoz01.shtml">Ozzie Smith</a> was born in Mobile in 1954. But Smith didn't grow up on Mobile's baseball fields, as Paige, Aaron, McCovey, and Williams had before him. That's because Smith's family moved from Mobile to the Watts section of Los Angeles when he was six years old. But Smith is part of Mobile's rich baseball history, and counts as the fifth Mobile-born ballplayer in the Hall of Fame.</p>
<p>After baseball fully integrated, and the Negro Leagues petered out, so, too, did professional baseball in Mobile. The Southern Association disbanded in 1961, as did the Mobile Bears. But the team and its traditions were revived in 1997, when Henry Aaron Stadium built as the home ballpark of the <a href="http://www.milb.com/team4/page.jsp?ymd=20090310&content_id=522102&vkey=team4_t417&fext=.jsp&sid=t417">Mobile BayBears</a>, a Double-A team in the Southern League, a successor to the Southern Association. After ten years in the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.gaslampball.com/">San Diego Padres</a> minor-league family, the BayBears are now the Double-A affiliate of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.azsnakepit.com/">Arizona Diamondbacks</a>.</p>
<p>Mobile, Alabama: a baseball town since the 1880s, and the birthplace of five ballplayers in the National Baseball Hall of Fame.</p>
https://www.sbnation.com/2012/7/22/3174857/mobile-alabama-birthplace-of-hall-of-famersWendy Thurm