We’re all just kinda killing time until the Yankees and A’s start game three of their series in a few hours, so here are a few (less intense) statistical nuggets I came across the last few days to help pass the time…
- RISPFAIL: In their first 39 games, the Yankees hit .236 with men in scoring position. Last 14 games? It’s .276 in those spots. That coincides exactly with the end of the six game losing streak. Interestingly enough, their OBP/SLG numbers aren’t all that different: .332/.432 vs. .344/.440, respectively. Just some BABIP luck more than anything.
- No help from RF or DH: Combined, Yankees’ right fielders and designated hitters are hitting .198/.302/.329 in 450 plate appearances. We’re talking about two positions expected to provide above-average offense, and the Yankees have gotten next to nothing out of them.
- More DH sadness: Yankees’ designated hitters have combined for -0.6 fWAR. That’s not just Jorge Posada, that’s everyone that has filled in at DH at one time or another this year. Astros’ pitchers have been worth -0.3 fWAR at the plate this year.
- And yet: The Yankees lead baseball with 5.26 runs per game. The Cardinals and Reds are next best at 4.91 runs per game.
- Away from home: The Yankees have played just 23 road games this year, tied with the Cubs for the second fewest in baseball (the Royals have played just 22 on the road). Despite that, their 13 road wins are more than a dozen other teams and are tied with six others.
- Cured: Curtis Granderson leads all of baseball with nine homers off left-handed pitchers. Chris Iannetta is second with six. Grandy had six homers off lefties in 2009 and 2010 combined, and eleven from 2008 through 2010.
- Anti-LOOGY: Granderson obviously leads the league in homers by a lefty off lefties, but third would be Robinson Cano with four. Jay Bruce is sandwiched in between them with five. Curtis is that far out ahead of everyone.
- Like a boss: Bartolo Colon has already thrown more innings this year (66.1 IP) than he did in four of last five years. The lone exception is 2007, when he made it to the mound for 99.1 IP. Colon’s 4.13 K/BB ratio is fifth best in the AL and eight best overall.
- Underrated ace: CC Sabathia’s 2.96 FIP is his lowest since 2008 and the second lowest of his career. He’s on pace to throw 253 IP as well, but that won’t happen.
- K-Rob: Some starting pitchers with fewer strikeouts than David Robertson (35): Mike Pelfrey (34), Wade Davis (31), Brad Penny (29), Ivan Nova (27), and Carl Pavano (26).
- BB-Rob: Some starting pitchers with fewer walks than David Robertson (15): Dan Haren (14), David Price (13), Roy Halladay (13), Bartolo Colon (12), and Jair Jurrjens (11).
- Joba’s grounders: At 62.3%, Joba Chamberlain gets ground balls at the eighth best rate among relievers (min. 20 IP). Jonny Venters of the Braves leads MLB at 82.9% (!!!).
- Pythag: At +67, the Yankees have the best run differential in baseball. By 22 runs. The Cardinals are the next best at +45, and the next best AL team is the Indians at +38. Only six teams in baseball are at +30 or better, and the Yankees are at two times that.
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