- Plunk Everyone is a blog dedicated to the humble hit by pitch. It's well worth reading. The author mentioned both on his blog and in a post at Brew Crew Ball on Tuesday that Jason Kendall became only the second player to be hit by all 30 major league teams (can you guess the first without looking? I'm guessing you'll be surprised). The Brewers backstop has now been hit 235 times by 184 pitchers.
- Elias Says..., a column at ESPN.com, notes that nine different Mets have tripled over the teams last nine games coming into today. The Mets are the first team to do that since 1983. Right on cue, Jeremy Reed hit his first triple of the season today to become the tenth player in ten games, but it wasn't enough to stop New York from losing to Florida.
- Yovani Gallardo of the Brewers was the winning pitcher in his team's 1-0 victory. He also hit the game-winning home run in the bottom of the 7th inning. He departed after the 8th inning, having thrown 116 pitches. Had he pitched a scoreless ninth, he would have joined the following pitchers since 1954 who homered in all their team's runs while throwing a shutout:
- Bob Welch (LAD) on June 17, 1983 - won 1-0
- Juan Pizarro (CHC) on September 16, 1971 - won 1-0
- Sonny Siebert (BOS) on September 2, 1971 - won 3-0
- Jim Bunning (PHI) on May 5, 1965 - won 1-0
- Early Wynn (CHW) on May 1, 1959 - won 1-0
There are a couple honorable mentions as well. Juan Pizarro drove in both Cubs runs during his 2-0 shutout on May 10, 1963 but only one came via the long ball. Also, though Roger Freed drove in one run, that shouldn't take away from Rick Wise's 3 RBI on 2 HR for the Phillies on June 23, 1971 -- all while he was no-hitting the Reds.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
A Couple Quick Notes
Just a couple things to pass along:
Friday, April 24, 2009
Two or Fewer Total Bases
After going 1 for 4 in tonight's game, Jason Kendall of the Brewers is hitting .143/.245/.167. He's got six hits (five singles and a double), five walks, and one hit by pitch. His lack of power is well-known around baseball, thanks in large part to his 6 HR in 2453 plate appearances since leaving Pittsburgh. So far this season Kendall has played in thirteen games and has had fewer than two total bases in each.
I'm sure he'll manage to hit three singles, a double and a single, or even a home run at some point, but it might take a while. So that thought made me curious about the longest streak of games with two or fewer total bases to start a season, especially among starters.
Given that he's both punchless and a catcher, Kendall isn't likely to pinch-hit much. I'm not that interested in a list that includes pinch-hitters anyway, because I don't think a guy should be penalized for not hitting pinch-hit triples or home runs very often. Therefore I've looked only at games where the player in question had two or more plate appearances. Obviously, a triple or home run could be overlooked, but that's okay.
As usual, this covers players from 1954 to the present.
I'm sure he'll manage to hit three singles, a double and a single, or even a home run at some point, but it might take a while. So that thought made me curious about the longest streak of games with two or fewer total bases to start a season, especially among starters.
Given that he's both punchless and a catcher, Kendall isn't likely to pinch-hit much. I'm not that interested in a list that includes pinch-hitters anyway, because I don't think a guy should be penalized for not hitting pinch-hit triples or home runs very often. Therefore I've looked only at games where the player in question had two or more plate appearances. Obviously, a triple or home run could be overlooked, but that's okay.
As usual, this covers players from 1954 to the present.
Most Consecutive Games with Two or Fewer Total Bases to Start a Season
(minimum 2 PA in each game)
(minimum 2 PA in each game)
- Ruben Amaro, 1960 PHI - 82 games
- Dal Maxvill, 1970 STL - 69 games
- Bill Russell, 1975 LAD - 64 games
- Fred Stanley, 1982 OAK - 63 games
- Rich Morales, 1973 CHW-SDP - 58 games
- Dave Concepcion, 1988 CIN - 55 games
- Luis Gomez, 1980 ATL - 55 games
- Alvaro Espinoza, 1989 NYY - 49 games
- Fred Kendall, 1976 SDP - 47 games
- Wilbur Wood, 1972 CHW - 46 games
- Al Weis, 1966 CHW - 46 games
- Lance Blankenship, 1990 OAK - 45 games
- Pat Rockett, 1978 ATL - 45 games
So not only does Kendall have months to go to match Amaro, he's got a ways to go before he reaches his dad's mark. Fans who were around in the 1970's no doubt recognize lefthanded knuckleballer Wilbur Wood. He actually started 49 games in 1972 but was pulled before batting twice in three of them.
It's been nearly two decades since someone went 45 games into the season without 3+ total bases in a game, though, so let's look at a list of players since 2000. Unsurprisingly, the list is littered with pitchers, so I'm going to drop them.
It's been nearly two decades since someone went 45 games into the season without 3+ total bases in a game, though, so let's look at a list of players since 2000. Unsurprisingly, the list is littered with pitchers, so I'm going to drop them.
Most Consecutive Games with Two or Fewer Total Bases to Start a Season
(since 2000; minimum 2 PA in each game)
(since 2000; minimum 2 PA in each game)
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Giving Up Home Runs To Pitchers
In the third game of the season, Brewers pitcher Yovani Gallardo hit a home run off Giants starter Randy Johnson. It was quickly noted that this was the first homer hit by a pitcher off the Big Unit. Pitchers had faced Johnson 500 times in his twenty-two year career and not a single one had hit a home run. No opposing pitcher had ever knocked one of Randy Johnson's offerings over the fence. Are you impressed yet?
It turns out other pitchers have faced opposing pitchers 500 times without giving up a home run. Since 1954, thirteen different hurlers have done so. Two of those pitchers were active in 2008.
It turns out other pitchers have faced opposing pitchers 500 times without giving up a home run. Since 1954, thirteen different hurlers have done so. Two of those pitchers were active in 2008.
500+ PA Against Pitchers, Zero Home Runs Allowed
- Don Drysdale, 1016 PA
- Tommy John, 861
- Andy Benes, 757
- Dwight Gooden, 622
- Jon Lieber, 603
- Sonny Siebert, 573
- Jack Billingham, 550
- Shawn Estes, 548
- Bob Welch, 542
- Jim Rooker, 534
- Bob Walk, 520
- Gary Nolan, 514
- Vida Blue, 511
Somehow Randy Johnson facing pitchers 500 times and not giving up a home run seems less impressive when you realize Jon Lieber and Shawn Estes have done the same thing. Actually, I take that back: the real question is how guys like Lieber and Estes made it onto this list of pretty darn good pitchers.
There have been plenty of pitchers who missed that list by only one home run. Thirty-three pitchers allowed only one home run to an opposing pitcher in 500 or more plate appearances since 1954:
There have been plenty of pitchers who missed that list by only one home run. Thirty-three pitchers allowed only one home run to an opposing pitcher in 500 or more plate appearances since 1954:
- Greg Maddux, 1451 PA
- Jerry Reuss, 972
- Juan Marichal, 961
- John Smoltz, 913
- Jerry Koosman, 843
- Whitey Ford, 841
- Burt Hooton, 754
- Darryl Kile, 685
- Rick Rhoden, 671
- Pedro Astacio, 664
- Rick Wise, 660
- Dean Chance, 627
- Terry Mulholland, 616
- Ray Burris, 582
- Ray Herbert, 577
- Joaquin Andujar, 567
- Zane Smith, 566
- Bob Shaw, 559
- Bob Veale, ~557
- Al Leiter, 554
- John Candelaria, 553
- Mike Morgan, 550
- Denny Neagle, 537
- Steve Renko, 532
- John Denny, 528
- Pete Harnisch, 526
- Sid Fernandez, 525
- John Burkett, 523
- Mike LaCoss, 514
- Bob Miller, 512
- Dave Roberts, ~511
- Randy Johnson, 509
Whitey Ford and Ray Herbert both pitched before 1954, so it's possible they don't actually belong on the list. Bob Veale and Dave Roberts both made appearances that lack play-by-play accounts and it's hard to estimate how many times they faced opposing pitchers in those games, so their exact place on the list is a little uncertain.
Finally, there is one more pitcher who averaged 500 PA or more between opposing pitcher home runs: Bob Gibson. The Cardinals ace faced opposing hurlers 1150 times and gave up a home run only twice.
Here are some pitchers who may join one of these lists in the relatively near future:
Finally, there is one more pitcher who averaged 500 PA or more between opposing pitcher home runs: Bob Gibson. The Cardinals ace faced opposing hurlers 1150 times and gave up a home run only twice.
Here are some pitchers who may join one of these lists in the relatively near future:
- Royals RHP Jamey Wright has faced 494 pitchers without giving up a home run.
- Brewers RHP Jeff Suppan has faced 394 pitchers without giving up a home run. It will take the better part of two seasons for him to reach 500.
- Veteran RHP Brett Tomko has allowed one homer to an opposing pitcher in 483 career PA against. He's currently playing for the Yankees' AAA club.
Monday, April 13, 2009
The Junior Squad
My dad and I were talking about this the other day. Baseball players seem oddly drawn to naming their sons after themselves. No data to back this up, but it seems like there are a heck of a lot more First Last, Jr.'s among the baseball population than the general population.
Enough to field a full squad, in fact:
C - Sandy Alomar
1B - Billy Sullivan
2B - Jerry Hairston
3B - Ed Sprague
SS - Tony Pena
LF - Jose Cruz
CF - Gary Matthews
RF - Ken Griffey
SP - Jim Bagby
RP - Pedro Borbon
You could have Ruben Amaro, Tony Gwynn and Ozzie Virgil on the bench with Mel Queen, Lew Krausse, and Fred Rath (of course) supporting Borbon out of the 'pen.
First base was the toughest position to fill. There just aren't many good options. I was going to move Sprague there, but there aren't many options at third either. That left a choice between 1930's backup catcher/first baseman Billy Sullivan and the forgettable Pete Rose. You can see which way I went.
Enough to field a full squad, in fact:
C - Sandy Alomar
1B - Billy Sullivan
2B - Jerry Hairston
3B - Ed Sprague
SS - Tony Pena
LF - Jose Cruz
CF - Gary Matthews
RF - Ken Griffey
SP - Jim Bagby
RP - Pedro Borbon
You could have Ruben Amaro, Tony Gwynn and Ozzie Virgil on the bench with Mel Queen, Lew Krausse, and Fred Rath (of course) supporting Borbon out of the 'pen.
First base was the toughest position to fill. There just aren't many good options. I was going to move Sprague there, but there aren't many options at third either. That left a choice between 1930's backup catcher/first baseman Billy Sullivan and the forgettable Pete Rose. You can see which way I went.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Opening Day Oddity
You may have heard about Felipe Lopez and Tony Clark's performance in today's Rockies-Diamondbacks game. The two switch-hitters each had two home runs and they both hit one from each side of the plate. As the AP recap noted,
Lopez and Clark became the first switch-hitting teammates to homer from both sides of the plate in a game since Jorge Posada and Bernie Williams did it for the New York Yankees on April 23, 2000. It had never been done on opening day.In fact, today and that Yankees game are the only two times that's happened since 1954. More generally, two switch-hitters have each homered twice in the same game only five times in that span:
- Today, obviously - Lopez homered off RHP Aaron Cook in the 1st inning and LHP Glendon Rusch in the 4th inning. Clark homered off Cook in the 3rd and Rusch in the 5th.
- September 25, 2008 - The Rays' Ben Zobrist hit two home runs off RHP Armando Galarraga, one in the first inning and one in the eighth. Meanwhile, the Tigers' Ramon Santiago homered off LHP Scott Kazmir in the 1st inning and the 3rd inning. Obviously each guy's home runs were from the same side of the plate.
- July 4, 2003 - Bill Mueller and Jason Varitek both homered twice for the Red Sox against the Yankees. Mueller homered off LHP David Wells in the 6th inning and RHP Dan Miceli in the 9th inning. Varitek homered off Wells in the 3rd and 6th.
- The aforementioned April 23, 2000 game - Bernie Williams homered off Blue Jays RHP Frank Castillo in the first inning and LHP Clayton Andrews in the fourth inning. Jorge Posada hit round-trippers off the same pitchers but in the second and fourth innings.
- August 14, 1996 - In the second-last season of his career, Eddie Murray hit a home run off RHP Jeff D'Amico in the third inning of a game against Milwaukee. He followed it up with a home run off RHP Ricky Bones in the 8th inning. His teammate Roberto Alomar drove one out off D'Amico in the 2nd inning and hit a homer off LHP Ron Villone in the 8th.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Most Games Started, Zero Plate Appearances
With interleague play firmly a part of the MLB schedule, it's nearly impossible for a starting pitcher to go more than a season or two without batting at least once. For the first twenty-five years after the DH rule was introduced, however, it was entirely possible for a starter to spend his entire career in the American League and never bat. Let's look at the pitchers who started the most games without ever stepping to the plate.
Most Career Games Started, Zero Plate Appearances
- Mike Flanagan, 401
- Mark Gubicza, 329
- Ron Guidry, 323*
- Scott McGregor, 309
- Mike Boddicker, 309*
- Dennis Leonard, 302
- Mike Witt, 299
- Richard Dotson, 295*
- Jack McDowell, 275
- Moose Haas, 252
- Chris Bosio, 246
- Kirk McCaskill, 242
- Bill Wegman, 216*
- Glenn Abbott, 206
- Teddy Higuera, 205
- Mike Smithson, 204
- Melido Perez, 201
- Jim Beattie, 182
- Ed Figueroa, 179
- Steve McCatty, 161
- Britt Burns, 161
- Luis Leal, 151
- Ken Schrom, 137
- Dave Rozema, 132
- Bob Milacki, 125
- Roger Pavlik, 125
A footnote: Teddy Higuera batted once in the 1986 All-Star Game, striking out.
Update: Commenter NaOH notes that Flanagan, Guidry, McGregor, and Boddicker batted during the playoffs, so they didn't really go their entire career without batting.
Update: Commenter NaOH notes that Flanagan, Guidry, McGregor, and Boddicker batted during the playoffs, so they didn't really go their entire career without batting.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Rookie Ball Errors by Position
I realized the other day I never finished my series of errors by position at each minor league level. I've done a post for every level above rookie ball and you can find those here: AAA errors by position, AA errors by position posts, A+ errors by position, A errors by position, and A- errors by position. There are four leagues at the rookie level: the Appalachian League, Arizona League, Gulf Coast League, and Pioneer League. Arizona League and Gulf Coast League teams generally play at their parent organization's spring training complexes, while the other leagues are based in different regions. The Pioneer League plays around 76 games, the Appalachian League plays around 66 games, the Gulf Coast League plays 58 games, and the Arizona League plays 56 games. Some franchises, including the Brewers and Dodgers, have an affiliate in more than one of these four leagues.
One hopes Benjamin Henry is getting plenty of pitchers' fielding practice this spring.
R Pitchers
| R Pitchers Sorted By Most Errors | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name | Team | Org. | TC | E | FPct. |
| Benjamin Henry | AZL Rangers | TEX | 11 | 8 | .273 |
| Eddie Gamboa | Bluefield | BAL | 21 | 5 | .762 |
| Jack McGeary | GCL Nationals | WSN | 16 | 5 | .688 |
| Baron Short | Orem | LAA | 11 | 5 | .545 |
| Matt Baugh | Casper | COL | 18 | 4 | .778 |
| Geison Aguasviva | Ogden | LAD | 16 | 4 | .750 |
| Adrian Rosario | AZL Brewers | MIL | 15 | 4 | .733 |
| Joselito Adames | AZL Athletics | OAK | 12 | 4 | .667 |
| Cesar Cabral | GCL Red Sox | BOS | 12 | 4 | .667 |
| Julio Bello | GCL Mets | NYM | 11 | 4 | .636 |
| Jose Pena | AZL Cubs | CHC | 9 | 4 | .556 |
| Tyler Sample | AZL Royals | KCR | 6 | 4 | .333 |
| R Pitchers Sorted By Lowest FPct. (minimum 10 total chances) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name | Team | Org. | TC | E | FPct. |
| Benjamin Henry | AZL Rangers | TEX | 11 | 8 | .273 |
| Baron Short | Orem | LAA | 11 | 5 | .545 |
| Julio Bello | GCL Mets | NYM | 11 | 4 | .636 |
| Joselito Adames | AZL Athletics | OAK | 12 | 4 | .667 |
| Cesar Cabral | GCL Red Sox | BOS | 12 | 4 | .667 |
| Jack McGeary | GCL Nationals | WSN | 16 | 5 | .688 |
| Danny Salazar | GCL Indians | CLE | 10 | 3 | .700 |
| Luis Cota | Idaho Falls | KCR | 11 | 3 | .727 |
| Danny Rondon | Elizabethton | MIN | 11 | 3 | .727 |
| Adrian Rosario | AZL Brewers | MIL | 15 | 4 | .733 |
| APP Pitchers | 1202 | 118 | .902 | ||
| AZL Pitchers | 1008 | 112 | .889 | ||
| GCL Pitchers | 1657 | 158 | .905 | ||
| PIO Pitchers | 1218 | 95 | .922 | ||
| R Pitchers | 5085 | 483 | .905 | ||
One hopes Benjamin Henry is getting plenty of pitchers' fielding practice this spring.
R Catchers
Cameron Robulack had a rough go of things at first base last year. You'll probably notice this as time goes on, but the AZL Brewers really struggled on defense. Speaking of Milwaukee, the Brewers are the first organization in this post to have players from two affiliates show up in the same table.
| R Catchers Sorted By Most Errors | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name | Team | Org. | TC | E | FPct. |
| Leonel de los Santos | AZL Rangers | TEX | 416 | 11 | .974 |
| Alvaro Sosa | AZL Cubs | CHC | 236 | 10 | .958 |
| Brandon Harrigan | GCL Tigers | DET | 175 | 10 | .943 |
| Beau Brooks | Orem | LAA | 356 | 9 | .975 |
| Michael Roberts | Helena | MIL | 303 | 8 | .974 |
| Sean McCauley | Idaho Falls | KCR | 404 | 7 | .983 |
| Luis Bernardo | Bluefield | BAL | 322 | 7 | .978 |
| Jack Cawley | Johnson City | STL | 252 | 7 | .972 |
| Josmil Pinto | GCL Twins | MIN | 219 | 7 | .968 |
| Chris Davis | Missoula | ARI | 197 | 7 | .964 |
| Chase Weems | GCL Yankees | NYY | 177 | 7 | .960 |
| R Catchers Sorted By Lowest FPct. (minimum 200 total chances) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name | Team | Org. | TC | E | FPct. |
| Alvaro Sosa | AZL Cubs | CHC | 236 | 10 | .958 |
| Josmil Pinto | GCL Twins | MIN | 219 | 7 | .968 |
| Jack Cawley | Johnson City | STL | 252 | 7 | .972 |
| Leonel de los Santos | AZL Rangers | TEX | 416 | 11 | .974 |
| Michael Roberts | Helena | MIL | 303 | 8 | .974 |
| Beau Brooks | Orem | LAA | 356 | 9 | .975 |
| Sandy Leon | GCL Nationals | WSN | 209 | 5 | .976 |
| Dashenko Ricardo | GCL Orioles | BAL | 213 | 5 | .977 |
| Orlando Santos | Bristol | CHW | 228 | 5 | .978 |
| Luis Bernardo | Bluefield | BAL | 322 | 7 | .978 |
| APP Catchers | 6164 | 85 | .986 | ||
| AZL Catchers | 4599 | 82 | .982 | ||
| GCL Catchers | 7381 | 142 | .981 | ||
| PIO Catchers | 5754 | 87 | .985 | ||
| R Catchers | 23898 | 396 | .983 | ||
There's nothing particularly remarkable about rookie league catchers, though the two organizational leagues (AZL & GCL) seem to have more errors assessed.
R First Basemen
| R 1B Sorted By Most Errors | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name | Team | Org. | TC | E | FPct. |
| Elvin Polanco | Bluefield | BAL | 571 | 14 | .975 |
| Eligio Sonoqui | Princeton | TBR | 569 | 13 | .977 |
| Gerardo Rodriguez | Danville | ATL | 495 | 11 | .978 |
| Brock Kjeldgaard | Helena | MIL | 808 | 9 | .989 |
| Alberto Espinosa | Idaho Falls | KCR | 465 | 9 | .981 |
| Chris Hardin | AZL Padres | SDP | 425 | 9 | .979 |
| David Medina | GCL Cardinals | STL | 372 | 9 | .976 |
| Randy Molina | AZL Mariners | SEA | 371 | 9 | .976 |
| Kyle Orr | Ogden | LAD | 367 | 9 | .975 |
| Cameron Robulack | AZL Brewers | MIL | 176 | 9 | .949 |
| R 1B Sorted By Lowest FPct. (minimum 200 total chances) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name | Team | Org. | TC | E | FPct. |
| Devery van de Keere | Idaho Falls | KCR | 234 | 8 | .966 |
| Michael Ortiz | AZL Rangers | TEX | 294 | 8 | .973 |
| Kyle Orr | Ogden | LAD | 367 | 9 | .975 |
| Elvin Polanco | Bluefield | BAL | 571 | 14 | .975 |
| Randy Molina | AZL Mariners | SEA | 371 | 9 | .976 |
| David Medina | GCL Cardinals | STL | 372 | 9 | .976 |
| Edinho Meyer | GCL Orioles | BAL | 248 | 6 | .976 |
| Eligio Sonoqui | Princeton | TBR | 569 | 13 | .977 |
| Gerardo Rodriguez | Danville | ATL | 495 | 11 | .978 |
| Pedro Ramos | AZL Brewers | MIL | 317 | 7 | .978 |
| APP 1B | 6233 | 102 | .984 | ||
| AZL 1B | 4900 | 96 | .980 | ||
| GCL 1B | 7954 | 114 | .986 | ||
| PIO 1B | 5800 | 88 | .985 | ||
| R 1B | 24887 | 400 | .984 | ||
Cameron Robulack had a rough go of things at first base last year. You'll probably notice this as time goes on, but the AZL Brewers really struggled on defense. Speaking of Milwaukee, the Brewers are the first organization in this post to have players from two affiliates show up in the same table.
R Second Basemen
| R 2B Sorted By Most Errors | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name | Team | Org. | TC | E | FPct. |
| Ted Obregon | GCL Cardinals | STL | 186 | 20 | .892 |
| Jerome Hoes | GCL Orioles | BAL | 213 | 15 | .930 |
| Ivan Contreras | Orem | LAA | 285 | 12 | .958 |
| Dominic de la Osa | Elizabethton | MIN | 253 | 12 | .953 |
| Robert Brooks | GCL Braves | ATL | 171 | 12 | .930 |
| Adenson Chourio | GCL Pirates | PIT | 251 | 11 | .956 |
| Jose Altuve | Greeneville | HOU | 210 | 11 | .948 |
| Elias Otero | Princeton | TBR | 147 | 11 | .925 |
| 7 tied with | 10 | ||||
| R 2B Sorted By Lowest FPct. (minimum 100 total chances) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name | Team | Org. | TC | E | FPct. |
| Ted Obregon | GCL Cardinals | STL | 186 | 20 | .892 |
| Alonzo Harris | GCL Mets | NYM | 119 | 10 | .916 |
| Elias Otero | Princeton | TBR | 147 | 11 | .925 |
| Anthony Delmonico | Ogden | LAD | 134 | 10 | .925 |
| Jerome Hoes | GCL Orioles | BAL | 213 | 15 | .930 |
| Robert Brooks | GCL Braves | ATL | 171 | 12 | .930 |
| Jose Duran | Helena | MIL | 148 | 10 | .932 |
| Albert Cartwright | Greeneville | HOU | 157 | 10 | .936 |
| Kenneth Roque | GCL Red Sox | BOS | 146 | 9 | .938 |
| Allixon Cequea | AZL Brewers | MIL | 116 | 7 | .940 |
| APP 2B | 3226 | 124 | .962 | ||
| AZL 2B | 2489 | 117 | .953 | ||
| GCL 2B | 4113 | 192 | .953 | ||
| PIO 2B | 2925 | 113 | .961 | ||
| R 2B | 12753 | 546 | .957 | ||
Once again the AZL & GCL feature more errors than the other leagues. Ted Obregon is the first player in this post to field below .900 as well as the first with 20+ errors. Once again two Brewers from two affiliates show up in the same table. It must be an organizational thing.
R Third Basemen
| R 3B Sorted By Most Errors | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name | Team | Org. | TC | E | FPct. |
| Burt Reynolds | Princeton | TBR | 161 | 33 | .795 |
| Jake Hanson | GCL Braves | ATL | 139 | 22 | .842 |
| Pedro Baez | Ogden | LAD | 196 | 20 | .898 |
| Jefry Marte | GCL Mets | NYM | 106 | 19 | .821 |
| Levi Carolus | Bluefield | BAL | 145 | 18 | .876 |
| Abner Abreu | GCL Indians | CLE | 125 | 18 | .856 |
| Ronnie Labrie | GCL Nationals | WSN | 109 | 18 | .835 |
| Brett Anderson | GCL Tigers | DET | 100 | 18 | .820 |
| Mario Martinez | Pulaski | SEA | 170 | 16 | .906 |
| Johan Yan | AZL Rangers | TEX | 108 | 16 | .852 |
| R 3B Sorted By Lowest FPct. (minimum 60 total chances) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name | Team | Org. | TC | E | FPct. |
| Alcibiades Made | AZL Athletics | OAK | 63 | 13 | .794 |
| Burt Reynolds | Princeton | TBR | 161 | 33 | .795 |
| Brett Anderson | GCL Tigers | DET | 100 | 18 | .820 |
| Jefry Marte | GCL Mets | NYM | 106 | 19 | .821 |
| Ronnie Labrie | GCL Nationals | WSN | 109 | 18 | .835 |
| Matthew Gaski | AZL Padres | SDP | 62 | 10 | .839 |
| Jake Hanson | GCL Braves | ATL | 139 | 22 | .842 |
| Johan Yan | AZL Rangers | TEX | 108 | 16 | .852 |
| Abner Abreu | GCL Indians | CLE | 125 | 18 | .856 |
| Kyle Shelton | Great Falls | CHW | 77 | 10 | .870 |
| APP 3B | 1879 | 209 | .889 | ||
| AZL 3B | 1561 | 176 | .887 | ||
| GCL 3B | 2522 | 269 | .893 | ||
| PIO 3B | 1628 | 159 | .902 | ||
| R 3B | 7590 | 813 | .893 | ||
Third base and shortstop usually feature the worst fielding percentages and this level is no different. The first 30+ errors player appears here (spoiler: he won't be the last). So do the first two sub-.800 fielding percentage guys. Despite those two, the rookie league third basemen collectively outfielded their low A counterparts by 5 points.
R Shortstops
| R SS Sorted By Most Errors | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name | Team | Org. | TC | E | FPct. |
| Reynaldo Navarro | Missoula | ARI | 406 | 38 | .906 |
| Carlos George | AZL Brewers | MIL | 149 | 29 | .805 |
| Carlos Martinez | Casper | COL | 302 | 25 | .917 |
| Juan Silverio | Bristol | CHW | 270 | 24 | .911 |
| Devaris Strange-Gordon | Ogden | LAD | 307 | 24 | .922 |
| Travis Adair | GCL Braves | ATL | 187 | 24 | .872 |
| James Beresford | Elizabethton | MIN | 277 | 23 | .917 |
| Yunier Castillo | GCL Cardinals | STL | 207 | 22 | .894 |
| Wilmer Flores | Kingsport | NYM | 290 | 19 | .934 |
| Darwin Perez | Orem | LAA | 281 | 19 | .932 |
| R SS Sorted By Lowest FPct. (minimum 100 total chances) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name | Team | Org. | TC | E | FPct. |
| Carlos George | AZL Brewers | MIL | 149 | 29 | .805 |
| Travis Adair | GCL Braves | ATL | 187 | 24 | .872 |
| Yowill Espinal | AZL Royals | KCR | 155 | 18 | .884 |
| Jose Camargo | GCL Indians | CLE | 104 | 12 | .885 |
| Yunier Castillo | GCL Cardinals | STL | 207 | 22 | .894 |
| Jorge de Leon | Greeneville | HOU | 126 | 12 | .905 |
| Reynaldo Navarro | Missoula | ARI | 406 | 38 | .906 |
| Luis Sanchez | AZL Brewers | MIL | 108 | 10 | .907 |
| Miguel Tejada | GCL Mets | NYM | 131 | 12 | .908 |
| Mariekson Gregorius | GCL Reds | CIN | 134 | 12 | .910 |
| APP SS | 3119 | 224 | .928 | ||
| AZL SS | 2194 | 177 | .919 | ||
| GCL SS | 4172 | 301 | .928 | ||
| PIO SS | 2973 | 198 | .933 | ||
| R SS | 12458 | 900 | .928 | ||
Reynaldo Navarro's error total is eye-catching, but he had 100 more total chances than anyone else at the rookie level. Carlos George and his teammate Luis Sanchez had an awful time at shortstop for the AZL Brewers. Overall, the Arizona League was more error-prone than the other leagues.
R Outfielders
| R OF Sorted By Most Errors | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name | Team | Org. | TC | E | FPct. |
| Tony Brown | Billings | CIN | 85 | 10 | .882 |
| Jay Austin | Greeneville | HOU | 120 | 9 | .925 |
| Alberto Diaz | Missoula | ARI | 133 | 8 | .940 |
| Orlando Sandoval | Casper | COL | 118 | 7 | .941 |
| Byron Wiley | Billings | CIN | 68 | 7 | .897 |
| 7 tied with | 6 | ||||
| R OF Sorted By Lowest FPct. (minimum 75 total chances) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name | Team | Org. | TC | E | FPct. |
| Tony Brown | Billings | CIN | 85 | 10 | .882 |
| Jay Austin | Greeneville | HOU | 120 | 9 | .925 |
| Allen Caldwell | Burlington | KCR | 85 | 6 | .929 |
| Jordan Kendall | Bristol | CHW | 86 | 6 | .930 |
| Jose Rangel | AZL Brewers | MIL | 97 | 6 | .938 |
| Travis Mitchell | Johnson City | STL | 81 | 5 | .938 |
| Alberto Diaz | Missoula | ARI | 133 | 8 | .940 |
| Wendell Fairley | AZL Giants | SFG | 84 | 5 | .940 |
| Orlando Sandoval | Casper | COL | 118 | 7 | .941 |
| Joel Mendez | AZL Mariners | SEA | 86 | 5 | .942 |
| APP OF | 3383 | 143 | .958 | ||
| AZL OF | 2609 | 111 | .957 | ||
| GCL OF | 4803 | 139 | .971 | ||
| PIO OF | 3012 | 110 | .963 | ||
| A- OF | 13807 | 503 | .964 | ||
Billings must have had a pretty crazy outfield last season. Obviously Tony Brown is the only qualifying player with a sub-.900 fielding percentage, but his teammate Byron Wiley is right up there on the leaderboard with him. Surprisingly, the AZL & GCL are on opposite ends of the spectrum when it comes to league fielding by outfielders.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Title (Oops, forgot to put a real one...)
What do former Giants and Royals pitcher Ryan Jensen and knuckleballer Joe Niekro have in common? They're the only pitchers in the last 30 years to bat six times in one game.
It's not common, but every year there are a few pitchers to bat five times in one game. In fact, since 2000 that's happened seventy-seven times. Only one of those pitchers (Adam Wainwright last August) did so in the 8th spot in the lineup. No matter where the pitcher bats, coming up to the plate that often in one game takes both the pitcher's offense going through the order quickly and effective pitching by the pitcher so he can stay in the game. Obviously, batting six times in one game requires even better offense.
Ryan Jensen's 6 PA game occurred on July 2, 2002. The Giants were playing the Rockies at Coors Field and their offense teed off on Colorado starter Denny Neagle. San Francisco scored eight runs in the first inning on seven hits, including a Tsuyoshi Shinjo grand slam and Jensen double. Neagle left after the Giants followed up with two runs in the second inning. San Francisco wound up scoring 18 runs on 23 hits; Jensen batted in the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th, and 9th innings, going 1 for 5 with a sacrifice. He pitched a complete game, giving up five runs on eleven hits and throwing 114 pitches. Here's some Coors Field nostalgia: there were ten home runs in the game.
Joe Niekro's 6 PA game took place in Shea Stadium on July 28, 1985. The Astros didn't score more than three runs in any inning, but they rallied enough to defeat the Mets 12-4. Niekro batted in the 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 6th, 8th, and 9th, going 0 for 5 with a walk. He allowed eight hits and four runs on the mound, striking out three and walking two.
Pitchers used to get six PA in one game a little more often. Though it's happened only forty-four times since 1956, twenty-seven of those happened between 1956 and 1965. It really tailed off after 1970: from 1971-1979, there was only one game each season except in 1974 and 1979 when there were none. Obviously only Niekro and Jensen have done it since then.
Rarer still are games where pitchers have batted seven times. Since 1956, that's happened only three times, and not since 1962. Tom Cheney was the last pitcher to do so, in a game between Washington and Baltimore on September 12, 1962. He won the game 2-1 after striking out 21 batters in sixteen innings for the complete game victory. He was 0 for 6 with a bunt.
In a coincidence reminiscent of Rajai Davis and Jolbert Cabrera's weird batting lines on back-to-back nights last September, the other two 7 PA games happened during the same week. First, the Pirates' Vern Law went 1 for 7 on July 23, 1957 while pitching 14 1/3 innings in a 6-3 victory over Cincinnati. Five days later, Detroit's Billy Hoeft was 1 for 6 with a bunt while taking the loss in a 14 1/3 inning outing against the Yankees.
With pitch counts firmly entrenched in modern baseball, it's very unlikely there will be another pitcher who bats seven times in a single game. As Ryan Jensen showed in 2002, it's not out of the question for a pitcher to bat six times. The next time you see a team score early and often, keep an eye on how often their pitcher bats. You never know when you might see history.
It's not common, but every year there are a few pitchers to bat five times in one game. In fact, since 2000 that's happened seventy-seven times. Only one of those pitchers (Adam Wainwright last August) did so in the 8th spot in the lineup. No matter where the pitcher bats, coming up to the plate that often in one game takes both the pitcher's offense going through the order quickly and effective pitching by the pitcher so he can stay in the game. Obviously, batting six times in one game requires even better offense.
Ryan Jensen's 6 PA game occurred on July 2, 2002. The Giants were playing the Rockies at Coors Field and their offense teed off on Colorado starter Denny Neagle. San Francisco scored eight runs in the first inning on seven hits, including a Tsuyoshi Shinjo grand slam and Jensen double. Neagle left after the Giants followed up with two runs in the second inning. San Francisco wound up scoring 18 runs on 23 hits; Jensen batted in the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th, and 9th innings, going 1 for 5 with a sacrifice. He pitched a complete game, giving up five runs on eleven hits and throwing 114 pitches. Here's some Coors Field nostalgia: there were ten home runs in the game.
Joe Niekro's 6 PA game took place in Shea Stadium on July 28, 1985. The Astros didn't score more than three runs in any inning, but they rallied enough to defeat the Mets 12-4. Niekro batted in the 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 6th, 8th, and 9th, going 0 for 5 with a walk. He allowed eight hits and four runs on the mound, striking out three and walking two.
Pitchers used to get six PA in one game a little more often. Though it's happened only forty-four times since 1956, twenty-seven of those happened between 1956 and 1965. It really tailed off after 1970: from 1971-1979, there was only one game each season except in 1974 and 1979 when there were none. Obviously only Niekro and Jensen have done it since then.
Rarer still are games where pitchers have batted seven times. Since 1956, that's happened only three times, and not since 1962. Tom Cheney was the last pitcher to do so, in a game between Washington and Baltimore on September 12, 1962. He won the game 2-1 after striking out 21 batters in sixteen innings for the complete game victory. He was 0 for 6 with a bunt.
In a coincidence reminiscent of Rajai Davis and Jolbert Cabrera's weird batting lines on back-to-back nights last September, the other two 7 PA games happened during the same week. First, the Pirates' Vern Law went 1 for 7 on July 23, 1957 while pitching 14 1/3 innings in a 6-3 victory over Cincinnati. Five days later, Detroit's Billy Hoeft was 1 for 6 with a bunt while taking the loss in a 14 1/3 inning outing against the Yankees.
With pitch counts firmly entrenched in modern baseball, it's very unlikely there will be another pitcher who bats seven times in a single game. As Ryan Jensen showed in 2002, it's not out of the question for a pitcher to bat six times. The next time you see a team score early and often, keep an eye on how often their pitcher bats. You never know when you might see history.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Spring IBB and Other Curious Things
A couple weeks ago I posted about intentional walks in spring. A commenter suggested managers call for IBB in spring in order to get pitchers used to dealing with the pressure of situations that call for putting a baserunner on. I'm kind of dubious about that, but I guess it's possible. Since I wrote about the first two IBB's of spring, there have been five more. The latest victims/beneficiaries: Reds' 1B Kevin Barker, Mariners 3B/1B Russell Branyan, Cardinals SS Tyler Greene, Dodgers IF Mark Loretta, and Royals OF Derrick Robinson. The pitchers tabbed to add a baserunner: Texas RHP's Thomas Diamond and Andrew Laughter, Tigers LHP Fu-Te Ni, Dodgers RHP Ramon Troncoso, and Pirates RHP Ronald Uviedo. Hopefully the experience was useful to them.
Despite only appearing in one game and not giving up a hit, Phillies LHP J.C. Romero is one of only five pitchers with 2 or more pickoffs in spring. In two innings, he walked three batters, picked off two of them, had a throwing error on another pickoff attempt, and allowed a run on a subsequent sacrifice fly. Rockies lefty Franklin Morales leads all pitchers with three pickoffs. Cardinals pitcher Brad Thompson is the only righty with two or more pickoffs. The 1988 season this isn't, but not every pickoff has succeeded. Eighteen pitchers have been called for balks and Morales is the only one with a successful pickoff.
What do Wade LeBlanc, Mike MacDougal, and Luis Perdomo have in common? Each has three wild pitches this spring, and all are one behind Ian Kennedy for the MLB lead. Wildness can be intimidating, too: Wes Littleton, Carlos Marmol, and Jarrod Washburn are tied with three hit by pitches. Inconsistency hits fielders, too: Padres SS Everth Cabrera and Dan Uggla are tied atop the leaderboard with five errors.
Who's played the most innings in the field this spring? If you guessed Colby Rasmus with 99, you'd be correct. Andrew McCutchen and Xavier Paul are second at 96 1/3 and Elvis Andrus leads all infielders with 89 1/3. Jason LaRue leads all catchers with 69 innings. Kyle Lohse and Glen Perkins have pitched fifteen innings, one-third more than Micah Owings.
Micah Hoffpauir has batted the most so far, striding up to home plate 56 times. Despite all the pitchers working on bunting, Brian Barden leads all players with three sacrifices. Jayson Werth has grounded into four double plays despite batting only twenty-six times. Playing a game that's wildly popular for the first week of the regular season, that would put him on pace for about 75 or so this year.
Finally, since I like futility, Chris Nowak is 0 for 12 this spring. He's batted the most without reaching base. With that, it's time to conclude today's roundup of pointless spring trivia.
Despite only appearing in one game and not giving up a hit, Phillies LHP J.C. Romero is one of only five pitchers with 2 or more pickoffs in spring. In two innings, he walked three batters, picked off two of them, had a throwing error on another pickoff attempt, and allowed a run on a subsequent sacrifice fly. Rockies lefty Franklin Morales leads all pitchers with three pickoffs. Cardinals pitcher Brad Thompson is the only righty with two or more pickoffs. The 1988 season this isn't, but not every pickoff has succeeded. Eighteen pitchers have been called for balks and Morales is the only one with a successful pickoff.
What do Wade LeBlanc, Mike MacDougal, and Luis Perdomo have in common? Each has three wild pitches this spring, and all are one behind Ian Kennedy for the MLB lead. Wildness can be intimidating, too: Wes Littleton, Carlos Marmol, and Jarrod Washburn are tied with three hit by pitches. Inconsistency hits fielders, too: Padres SS Everth Cabrera and Dan Uggla are tied atop the leaderboard with five errors.
Who's played the most innings in the field this spring? If you guessed Colby Rasmus with 99, you'd be correct. Andrew McCutchen and Xavier Paul are second at 96 1/3 and Elvis Andrus leads all infielders with 89 1/3. Jason LaRue leads all catchers with 69 innings. Kyle Lohse and Glen Perkins have pitched fifteen innings, one-third more than Micah Owings.
Micah Hoffpauir has batted the most so far, striding up to home plate 56 times. Despite all the pitchers working on bunting, Brian Barden leads all players with three sacrifices. Jayson Werth has grounded into four double plays despite batting only twenty-six times. Playing a game that's wildly popular for the first week of the regular season, that would put him on pace for about 75 or so this year.
Finally, since I like futility, Chris Nowak is 0 for 12 this spring. He's batted the most without reaching base. With that, it's time to conclude today's roundup of pointless spring trivia.
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