The 1941 St. Louis Browns set a record of 1334 men left on base (LOB). That’s 8.50 guys stranded per game.
This year, the Cardinals, Rangers and Cubs are challenging that record.
The Cardinals are leading baseball with men LOB with 242 in 28 games (prior to today’s game, which they left another 7 men on). This is an average of 8.64 runners per game and they are on pace for 1400 for the season. It’s really an astounding number for a team with a winning record, let alone in contention.
Texas is second with 236 in 27 games, 8.74 per game for a last place team. They are actually on pace for 1415, which is more than the Cardinals. They way the Rangers are playing, they need to score as many guys as the can.
Lastly, the Cubs have stranded 228 men in 26 games. This has them averaging 8.77 per game and totaling 1420 men stranded for the season.
Just for comparison, there have been 5918 men stranded total this year in 806 games; that’s an average of 7.34 per game. The average team will strand 1189.47 men for the season.
I’m leaving the Rangers behind so I can focus on the other 2; they are both fighting for the NL Central. The division could come down to these 2 teams, so every run will count. I’m also going to include the Brewers since it’s predicted to be a 3 horse race.
(The Brewers for the record have stranded 188 runners in 26 games, for 7.23 per game average. They are on pace for 1171 stranded for the season.)
Stranded base runners will be important in a tight division race – if the Cubs and Cards drop a lot of 1-run games, especially division games, it could cost them the post-season.
Here are the records for the 3 teams in 1-run games:
Cubs 4-1
Cardinals 6-4
Brewers 5-4
Here are the records in 2-run games:
Cubs 4-4
Cardinals 2-2
Brewers 4-2
If you were to assume that the Cubs dropped their number of stranded runners down by 1, the outcome of 1-run games barely changes since they only have lost one. The Cardinals on the other hand, could have tied up 4 additional games. Even if they split those games, that’s 2 additional wins. The Cardinals would then be 2 games up on the Cubs rather than tied for first.
Lower both by 2 runners per game, the Cubs have 1 additional win for sure, with 4 more potential wins; the Cardinals pick up 4 additional wins and 2 potential wins.
I really don’t think that either club will continue to strand men at this rate; I do think that every run counts and if they continue to leave men on base, the Brewers will pass both teams in the standings.
4.30.2008
Rumors
Rumors from MLB Trade Rumors:
- They look at Mark Ellis in their Free Agent Stock Watch.
- The Padres are still looking for the long term answer in center. Felix Pie, Jeremy Reed, Tony Gwynn Jr are mentioned.
- The Rays will wait to see about expanding payroll this year if they are still in contention in a few months.
- The Mets are looking at recently DFA catcher Chad Moeller.
- The Rockies may aqcuire Jorge de la Rosa from the Royals to complete an earlier trade.
- Jason Botts was DFA and wants out of Texas.
- Bryan Corey and Greg Aquino were DFA by the Red Sox and Orioles, respectively.
- Matt Morris has officially retired since he was released from Pittsburgh.
- Bonds in Toronto?
- More info on Wayne Krivsky's firing are mentioned.
- Max Scherzer could be used in the D'backs bullpen or Chad Tracy could be traded for a reliever.
- There is still strong interest for Rays pitcher Edwin Jackson.
- They look at Mark Ellis in their Free Agent Stock Watch.
- The Padres are still looking for the long term answer in center. Felix Pie, Jeremy Reed, Tony Gwynn Jr are mentioned.
- The Rays will wait to see about expanding payroll this year if they are still in contention in a few months.
- The Mets are looking at recently DFA catcher Chad Moeller.
- The Rockies may aqcuire Jorge de la Rosa from the Royals to complete an earlier trade.
- Jason Botts was DFA and wants out of Texas.
- Bryan Corey and Greg Aquino were DFA by the Red Sox and Orioles, respectively.
- Matt Morris has officially retired since he was released from Pittsburgh.
- Bonds in Toronto?
- More info on Wayne Krivsky's firing are mentioned.
- Max Scherzer could be used in the D'backs bullpen or Chad Tracy could be traded for a reliever.
- There is still strong interest for Rays pitcher Edwin Jackson.
4.29.2008
Rumors
Rumors from MLB Trade Rumors:
- Link to the next 7 GMs that could be fired.
- Jose Valverde denies that he made a rediculous salary demand to the D'backs.
- Jorge Posada's should isn't as bad as first thought.
- Pirates trade value increases for Bay, Nady, and Grabow.
- Paul Konerko is now a 10 and 5 player (10 years in the league, 5 years with the same team; this grants him a no trade clause).
- Ryan Freel is unhappy about his playing time.
- Bonus demands of 2 of the top ametuer talents are revealed.
- Dusty Baker thinks Bonds doesn't miss baseball after conversation with the slugger.
- Zito's salary won't be eaten. He's officially in the bullpen.
- Dave Bush cleared waivers.
- Link to the next 7 GMs that could be fired.
- Jose Valverde denies that he made a rediculous salary demand to the D'backs.
- Jorge Posada's should isn't as bad as first thought.
- Pirates trade value increases for Bay, Nady, and Grabow.
- Paul Konerko is now a 10 and 5 player (10 years in the league, 5 years with the same team; this grants him a no trade clause).
- Ryan Freel is unhappy about his playing time.
- Bonus demands of 2 of the top ametuer talents are revealed.
- Dusty Baker thinks Bonds doesn't miss baseball after conversation with the slugger.
- Zito's salary won't be eaten. He's officially in the bullpen.
- Dave Bush cleared waivers.
2 Sluggers on the Way out in New York?
Both first basemen in New York could be on their way out.
The Yankees are having discussions about releasing struggling first baseman/DH Jason Giambi. Many in the organization are worried he can’t hit power pitching any more and that his current decline will only get worse.
He’s hitting .167 with 5 home runs and 11 RBIs.
Factor in the emergence of Melky Cabrera in the crowded outfield and Shelley Duncan at first, and Giambi becomes expendable. Also, Jorge Posada had been seeing time at DH before he went on the DL. There was also word that the Yanks had interest in Frank Thomas while he was on the market; this was later shot down by Hank Steinbrenner.
The Yankees would still be on the hook for almost $23 million owed to Giambi this season; this is the last year of his contract.
Across the city, the same discussion is being had about Carlos Delgado. Delgado hasn’t been the same player since he came to the Mets. His average, power numbers, and RBIs have all dropped since the move up the coast.
He’s hitting .205 with 3 homers and 12 RBIs this season.
The Mets apparently have interest in Scott Hatteberg or Xaiver Nady if Delgado is traded. The Mets could still acquire Nady even if Delgado stays with the team.
The Mets owe Delgado $16 million this year; he also is in the last year of his contract.
The Yankees are having discussions about releasing struggling first baseman/DH Jason Giambi. Many in the organization are worried he can’t hit power pitching any more and that his current decline will only get worse.
He’s hitting .167 with 5 home runs and 11 RBIs.
Factor in the emergence of Melky Cabrera in the crowded outfield and Shelley Duncan at first, and Giambi becomes expendable. Also, Jorge Posada had been seeing time at DH before he went on the DL. There was also word that the Yanks had interest in Frank Thomas while he was on the market; this was later shot down by Hank Steinbrenner.
The Yankees would still be on the hook for almost $23 million owed to Giambi this season; this is the last year of his contract.
Across the city, the same discussion is being had about Carlos Delgado. Delgado hasn’t been the same player since he came to the Mets. His average, power numbers, and RBIs have all dropped since the move up the coast.
He’s hitting .205 with 3 homers and 12 RBIs this season.
The Mets apparently have interest in Scott Hatteberg or Xaiver Nady if Delgado is traded. The Mets could still acquire Nady even if Delgado stays with the team.
The Mets owe Delgado $16 million this year; he also is in the last year of his contract.
2 Sluggers on the Way out in New York?
Both first basemen in New York could be on their way out.
The Yankees are having discussions about releasing struggling first baseman/DH Jason Giambi. Many in the organization are worried he can’t hit power pitching any more and that his current decline will only get worse.
He’s hitting .167 with 5 home runs and 11 RBIs.
Factor in the emergence of Melky Cabrera in the crowded outfield and Shelley Duncan at first, and Giambi becomes expendable. Also, Jorge Posada had been seeing time at DH before he went on the DL. There was also word that the Yanks had interest in Frank Thomas while he was on the market; this was later shot down by Hank Steinbrenner.
The Yankees would still be on the hook for almost $23 million owed to Giambi this season; this is the last year of his contract.
Across the city, the same discussion is being had about Carlos Delgado. Delgado hasn’t been the same player since he came to the Mets. His average, power numbers, and RBIs have all dropped since the move up the coast.
He’s hitting .205 with 3 homers and 12 RBIs this season.
The Mets apparently have interest in Scott Hatteberg or Xaiver Nady if Delgado is traded. The Mets could still acquire Nady even if Delgado stays with the team.
The Mets owe Delgado $16 million this year; he also is in the last year of his contract.
The Yankees are having discussions about releasing struggling first baseman/DH Jason Giambi. Many in the organization are worried he can’t hit power pitching any more and that his current decline will only get worse.
He’s hitting .167 with 5 home runs and 11 RBIs.
Factor in the emergence of Melky Cabrera in the crowded outfield and Shelley Duncan at first, and Giambi becomes expendable. Also, Jorge Posada had been seeing time at DH before he went on the DL. There was also word that the Yanks had interest in Frank Thomas while he was on the market; this was later shot down by Hank Steinbrenner.
The Yankees would still be on the hook for almost $23 million owed to Giambi this season; this is the last year of his contract.
Across the city, the same discussion is being had about Carlos Delgado. Delgado hasn’t been the same player since he came to the Mets. His average, power numbers, and RBIs have all dropped since the move up the coast.
He’s hitting .205 with 3 homers and 12 RBIs this season.
The Mets apparently have interest in Scott Hatteberg or Xaiver Nady if Delgado is traded. The Mets could still acquire Nady even if Delgado stays with the team.
The Mets owe Delgado $16 million this year; he also is in the last year of his contract.
Rankings 4/29/2008
Disclaimer
Here are the new and updated Baseball Rankings. Instead of just taking the record, pythagorean record, and farm system, I've given each part a weighed score:
- The Record accounts for half of the score. Since the standings are based of record, I thought it deserved more weight than the other parts.
- The Pythagorean Record is based off of Bill James theory that you can somewhat predict a team by runs scored and runs allowed. The Pythagorean Records accounts for a third of the score.
- The Farm System is worth a sixth of the scoring, since it will impact the team, but maybe not now.
- The Standard Deviation is 3 wins.
It's still early in the season, but something are starting to correct themselves. All stats and records are prior to games on Tuesday.
Here are the new and updated Baseball Rankings. Instead of just taking the record, pythagorean record, and farm system, I've given each part a weighed score:
- The Record accounts for half of the score. Since the standings are based of record, I thought it deserved more weight than the other parts.
- The Pythagorean Record is based off of Bill James theory that you can somewhat predict a team by runs scored and runs allowed. The Pythagorean Records accounts for a third of the score.
- The Farm System is worth a sixth of the scoring, since it will impact the team, but maybe not now.
- The Standard Deviation is 3 wins.
It's still early in the season, but something are starting to correct themselves. All stats and records are prior to games on Tuesday.
4.28.2008
Rumors
Rumors from MLB Trade Rumors:
- There could be a potential fire sale with the Padres; potential moved players are listed.
- The Phillies are still looking for an additional left in the bullpen.
- Scott Hatteberg hopes the Reds will trade him since he's not playing much.
- Pirates release Matt Morris.
- There could be a potential fire sale with the Padres; potential moved players are listed.
- The Phillies are still looking for an additional left in the bullpen.
- Scott Hatteberg hopes the Reds will trade him since he's not playing much.
- Pirates release Matt Morris.
Interview: Jordan Brown
Originally published 03/31/2008 at Tailgate Crashers:
I've recently had a chance to ask Cleveland Indians prospect Jordan Brown a few questions. Brown, a 4th round selection of the Indians in 2005, has blown through the organization. He's starting the season with the Triple A Buffalo Bison as their first baseman and occasional left fielder.
Tailgate Crashers: What players did you idolize growing up?
Jordan Brown: Barry Bonds, Nolan Ryan, Ken Griffey, and Mark McGwire.
TC: You mentioned Bonds and McGwire. Has the steroids "issue" changed your opinion of them?
JB: First of all, there hasn't been any solid proof that these guys are steroid monkeys. It's all just hearsay. It's tough to remain as big a fan as I did when I was younger, but I still respect their abilities. Those guys were unbelievable hitters and I will always admire the way they hit consistently.
TC: Was being a baseball player always your plan?
JB: It's been a dream of mine since I was a little kid. There isn't anything else I'd rather be doing.
I've recently had a chance to ask Cleveland Indians prospect Jordan Brown a few questions. Brown, a 4th round selection of the Indians in 2005, has blown through the organization. He's starting the season with the Triple A Buffalo Bison as their first baseman and occasional left fielder.
Tailgate Crashers: What players did you idolize growing up?
Jordan Brown: Barry Bonds, Nolan Ryan, Ken Griffey, and Mark McGwire.
TC: You mentioned Bonds and McGwire. Has the steroids "issue" changed your opinion of them?
JB: First of all, there hasn't been any solid proof that these guys are steroid monkeys. It's all just hearsay. It's tough to remain as big a fan as I did when I was younger, but I still respect their abilities. Those guys were unbelievable hitters and I will always admire the way they hit consistently.
TC: Was being a baseball player always your plan?
JB: It's been a dream of mine since I was a little kid. There isn't anything else I'd rather be doing.
Update
As you can see, I've been somewhat regular with the posts. I've moved some of my weekly features over (Coming Soon to a Ball Park Near You, for one); I'm not posting the old transaction logs or rankings - go here to see them.
I'm planning on an interview or 2 (and moving my one with Jordan Brown of the Indians system here), a few projects I'm working on, and some other special treats in the near future.
If you want to go back and see anything, I've got them tagged by team and by where they are from (unless it was something of my own).
I'm planning on an interview or 2 (and moving my one with Jordan Brown of the Indians system here), a few projects I'm working on, and some other special treats in the near future.
If you want to go back and see anything, I've got them tagged by team and by where they are from (unless it was something of my own).
Coming Soon to a Ballpark Near You: Brian Barton
Originally published 3/28/2008 at Tailgate Crashers:
Coming Soon to a Ballpark Near You is a new look at some of the up and comers of Major League Baseball. My goal is to introduce a new player each week. Some will be in the majors, and some will be up soon. I have a list of players that will be making their debuts this year that I'm doing in alphabetical order. If anyone knows of someone they want to have profiled, feel free to e-mail me or post it in the forums. I'll try to get as many of them as I can.
First, we have Rule V pickup...
Name: Brian Barton
Team: St. Louis Cardinals
DOB: 04/25/1982
Drafted: Not draft – signed by the Cleveland Indians
Acquired: Rule V Draft, Dec 2007
Awards: 2006 Carolina League All Star (Mid-season and post-season), 2006 Hi-A All Star (Baseball America), 2007 Baseball America’s Top 100 (#86), 2007 Eastern League All Star (Mid-season).
Coming Soon to a Ballpark Near You is a new look at some of the up and comers of Major League Baseball. My goal is to introduce a new player each week. Some will be in the majors, and some will be up soon. I have a list of players that will be making their debuts this year that I'm doing in alphabetical order. If anyone knows of someone they want to have profiled, feel free to e-mail me or post it in the forums. I'll try to get as many of them as I can.
First, we have Rule V pickup...
Name: Brian Barton
Team: St. Louis Cardinals
DOB: 04/25/1982
Drafted: Not draft – signed by the Cleveland Indians
Acquired: Rule V Draft, Dec 2007
Awards: 2006 Carolina League All Star (Mid-season and post-season), 2006 Hi-A All Star (Baseball America), 2007 Baseball America’s Top 100 (#86), 2007 Eastern League All Star (Mid-season).
Coming Soon to a Ballpark Near You: Daric Barton
Originally published 04/04/2008 at Tailgate Crashers:
Name: Daric Barton
Team: Oakland Athletics
DOB: August 16, 1985
Drafted: 1st Rd (28th overall), 2003
Acquired: Traded from St. Louis with Dan Haren and Kiko Calero to Oakland for Mark Mulder.
Awards: 2004 Midwest League Post-season All Star, 2005 Future Games selection, 2007 Pacific Coast League Mid-season All Star.
Name: Daric Barton
Team: Oakland Athletics
DOB: August 16, 1985
Drafted: 1st Rd (28th overall), 2003
Acquired: Traded from St. Louis with Dan Haren and Kiko Calero to Oakland for Mark Mulder.
Awards: 2004 Midwest League Post-season All Star, 2005 Future Games selection, 2007 Pacific Coast League Mid-season All Star.
For Cardinals Fans attending Autograph Nights This Year
I e-mailed the Cardinals and asked which former players will be attending Autograph Nights this year. Here is what I received back:
They have 5 autograph nights and 2 former players attend each one. I don't think any of the guys last year did more than one night, so expect 5 more guys to be announced. Last year they had Dayley, Reitz, Scott Cooper, Kerry Robinson, and Glenn Brummer.
I don't know if I'll be attending any Autograph nights, but if I do I'll need stuff for Ken Reitz and Ted Savage. E-mail me if interested in possibly setting up a 50/50 (I'll only take 2-4 of each guy).
Here's a list of some of the former players who'll be signing, although we don't yet know on what night.
John Costello
Ken Dayley
Danny Cox
Ken Reitz
Ted Savage
They have 5 autograph nights and 2 former players attend each one. I don't think any of the guys last year did more than one night, so expect 5 more guys to be announced. Last year they had Dayley, Reitz, Scott Cooper, Kerry Robinson, and Glenn Brummer.
I don't know if I'll be attending any Autograph nights, but if I do I'll need stuff for Ken Reitz and Ted Savage. E-mail me if interested in possibly setting up a 50/50 (I'll only take 2-4 of each guy).
Rumors
The weekend rumors from MLB Trade Rumors:
- The Mariners were 1 of 4 teams to contact Frank Thomas's agent.
- Greg Zaun or Rod Barajas could be dealt at the deadline by the Blue Jays since Robinson Diaz is hitting well in the minors.
- Mike Myers request and received his release from the Dodgers; he was in Triple A Las Vegas.
- Hideo Nomo has been placed on release waivers by the Royals.
- Bartolo Colon is near a return from the DL in Triple A Pawtucket; he can opt out of his contract May 1.
- The Mets are talking of releasing slumping 1B Carlos Delgado.
- Scott Boras is already talking up Manny Ramirez.
- Jonathan Papelbon says he's happy going year to year on his contract; he wants the big payday rather than a secure contract.
- 2 teams have inquired with Boston about Brandon Moss.
- Dan Kolb was released by Boston; he was in Pawtucket as well.
- The Indians are optomistic about resigning CC Sabathia and could talk extension with Ryan Garko.
- Matt Morris was released by the Pirates (they go into detail about what could happen before it did).
- The White Sox are still listening to offers for Joe Crede
- Jake Peavy is advocating for the Padres to sign Kenny Lofton.
- Kevin Millwood's contract could prevent him from being traded.
- What will Walt Jocketty and the Reds (still doesn't feel right typing that) try to do with Ken Griffey Jr and Adam Dunn?
- The Rockies DFA Jayson Nix.
- The Rangers may trade Gerald Laird since they called up Salty.
- Brent Lillibridge has received a call up by the Braves; Zach Schreiber has been DFA.
- The Pirates are holding off for now, but Xavier Nady could be one of the first guys to go.
- Chad Tracy is almost back to the D'Backs, but they don't have a place for him.
- The Mariners were 1 of 4 teams to contact Frank Thomas's agent.
- Greg Zaun or Rod Barajas could be dealt at the deadline by the Blue Jays since Robinson Diaz is hitting well in the minors.
- Mike Myers request and received his release from the Dodgers; he was in Triple A Las Vegas.
- Hideo Nomo has been placed on release waivers by the Royals.
- Bartolo Colon is near a return from the DL in Triple A Pawtucket; he can opt out of his contract May 1.
- The Mets are talking of releasing slumping 1B Carlos Delgado.
- Scott Boras is already talking up Manny Ramirez.
- Jonathan Papelbon says he's happy going year to year on his contract; he wants the big payday rather than a secure contract.
- 2 teams have inquired with Boston about Brandon Moss.
- Dan Kolb was released by Boston; he was in Pawtucket as well.
- The Indians are optomistic about resigning CC Sabathia and could talk extension with Ryan Garko.
- Matt Morris was released by the Pirates (they go into detail about what could happen before it did).
- The White Sox are still listening to offers for Joe Crede
- Jake Peavy is advocating for the Padres to sign Kenny Lofton.
- Kevin Millwood's contract could prevent him from being traded.
- What will Walt Jocketty and the Reds (still doesn't feel right typing that) try to do with Ken Griffey Jr and Adam Dunn?
- The Rockies DFA Jayson Nix.
- The Rangers may trade Gerald Laird since they called up Salty.
- Brent Lillibridge has received a call up by the Braves; Zach Schreiber has been DFA.
- The Pirates are holding off for now, but Xavier Nady could be one of the first guys to go.
- Chad Tracy is almost back to the D'Backs, but they don't have a place for him.
4.27.2008
Astros Vs Cardinals
Only did by the Astros dugout:
Mike Shannon 1/1 ROMLB - he was waiting for Cecil Cooper to get an interview
Geoff Geary 1/1
Wesley Wright 1/1
Roy Oswalt 1/1, 1/1
Total 5
Year 183
Mike Shannon 1/1 ROMLB - he was waiting for Cecil Cooper to get an interview
Geoff Geary 1/1
Wesley Wright 1/1
Roy Oswalt 1/1, 1/1
Total 5
Year 183
4.25.2008
Rumors
Rumors from MLB Trade Rumors.
- Kenji Johjima signed a 3 year extension today. What happens to Jeff Clement?
- Gary Sheffield says he's contemplating retirement; he just got this 3rd cortisone shot and will not have another surgery.
- Coco Crisp is probably staying for the time being.
- Ray King would rather be traded than report to Triple A.
- Mike Sweeney may be pushed out of Oakland by Frank Thomas.
- People in the Astros front office would be open to trading Roy Oswalt, but their owner would never go for it. He said he'd only waive his no-trade clause for the Red Sox, Cardinals, or Braves.
- Those same people question whether the Astos would have given up so much if they knew Miguel Tejada's real age.
- The Phillies will offer Pat Burrell a contract extension.
- Kenji Johjima signed a 3 year extension today. What happens to Jeff Clement?
- Gary Sheffield says he's contemplating retirement; he just got this 3rd cortisone shot and will not have another surgery.
- Coco Crisp is probably staying for the time being.
- Ray King would rather be traded than report to Triple A.
- Mike Sweeney may be pushed out of Oakland by Frank Thomas.
- People in the Astros front office would be open to trading Roy Oswalt, but their owner would never go for it. He said he'd only waive his no-trade clause for the Red Sox, Cardinals, or Braves.
- Those same people question whether the Astos would have given up so much if they knew Miguel Tejada's real age.
- The Phillies will offer Pat Burrell a contract extension.
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