OnlyBucs

785558494E5F48080B3A0 wrote: While reading a list of the AL and NL league leaders in individual stats, two caught my eye:



At age 39, Justin Verlander was 18-4, with a 1.75 ERA and a WHIP of .83.  I had no idea he was that dominant in 2022.



For NL hitters qualifying for the batting title by totaling at least 502 plate appearances during the season, only three NL hitters averaged over .300, and only six more hit at least .280.  I didn't look it up, but I bet it has been a long time since only nine players hit .280 or better.
The lack of high BAs is all the more interesting when you consider that shifting often left an entire side of the infield with no defenders. The hits are there if the batters want them. But they'd rather hit into the over-defended side of the field in hopes of smashing one over the fence.
Will be interesting to see what next years rule

concerning the shift has an effect on the averages

47797C74677F7F745471667522100 wrote: While reading a list of the AL and NL league leaders in individual stats, two caught my eye:



At age 39, Justin Verlander was 18-4, with a 1.75 ERA and a WHIP of .83.  I had no idea he was that dominant in 2022.



For NL hitters qualifying for the batting title by totaling at least 502 plate appearances during the season, only three NL hitters averaged over .300, and only six more hit at least .280.  I didn't look it up, but I bet it has been a long time since only nine players hit .280 or better.
The lack of high BAs is all the more interesting when you consider that shifting often left an entire side of the infield with no defenders. The hits are there if the batters want them. But they'd rather hit into the over-defended side of the field in hopes of smashing one over the fence.
Will be interesting to see what next years rule

concerning the shift has an effect on the averages
I believe BAs will increase. Those line drives or one-hoppers to the 2Bman in short RF will be hits. Batters never changed their approach to hitting despite the shift. They just hit into the side that was more heavily defended. Next year, defenses won't be able to over-defend either side.

I've never understood why professional hitters seem unable to hit to the open hole when those shifts are in place. I'm assuming it's more important to them to hit a home run than it is to get on base.

Glasnow 5 innings, 2 hits, no runs.



I'd forgotten that there's no ghost runner in extras during the playoffs. I guess ghost wages increase as Halloween approaches.

467569686B635568736F7473626E69070 wrote: Glasnow 5 innings, 2 hits, no runs.



I'd forgotten that there's no ghost runner in extras during the playoffs. I guess ghost wages increase as Halloween approaches.

Cleveland advances with a 1-0, 15 inning win. Good pitching duels are still to be admired.

Seattle advances with a wild, come-from-behind win in Toronto, 10-9. They’ll take on Houston while Cleveland will meet the Yankees in the divisional series’.

Brian Cashman leaves Aroldis Chapman off ALDS roster against Guardians for missing mandatory team function. Cashman said he's not sure Chapman is all in. Good to see some old school discipline but I wonder if this happens if Chapman were the unhittable Chapman of old.

0355435758425259544371565C50585D1F52310 wrote: Cleveland advances with a 1-0, 15 inning win.  Good pitching duels are still to be admired.
How could MLB watch this game unfold and not get rid of ghost runner baseball?

624443565F5344525A310 wrote: Cleveland advances with a 1-0, 15 inning win.  Good pitching duels are still to be admired.
How could MLB watch this game unfold and not get rid of ghost runner baseball?


If baseball was a once-a-week sport, the concept of ghost runners would never fly. But the owners and GMs are so protective of pitchers now that I’m surprised they’re not used in the playoffs, too.