Comments on: Runs A Plenty

By: joser

joser — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 17:05:52 +0000

Plus the New Yankee Right Field Wind Tunnel is offering cheap home runs to everybody.

By: Jake

Jake — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 00:40:39 +0000

it might also be the number of players that pitchers didnt know how to pitch against, guys like bonifacio.

I think its probably just been pitchers sucking. Lince, Lee, and Wang, all top pitchers have had some horrible starts.

By: MG

MG — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 06:11:13 +0000

Don’s right – the Phils’ pitching staff has now given up a mind-boggling 25 HRs through their first 10 games so far. Playing at Coors and CBP haven’t helped but Philly pitching staff have been giving up a huge number of meatballs galore including a host of mid-high 80 MPH fastballs down the pike and a number of hanging changeups that look like BP.

Food for fact – Lidge gave up 2 HRs in 69 1/3 IP (78 2/3 IP if you include the playoffs). This year, Lidge has now give up 3 HRs in 6 2/3 IP.

By: Matt H.

Matt H. — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 05:15:26 +0000

right the Marlins pitching is definitely an explanation for this.

By: PhDBrian

PhDBrian — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 23:27:55 +0000

If you go back and look at historical scoring you will find some years where scoring is way up compared to other years. This could happen from pure luck, changes in USA weather, or any of the conspiracies above.

I personally think it is partially explained by the number of young pitchers (players) in the majors. Seems the game has far more 21-25 year old pitchers than years past. Heck every starter on the Nationals and Marlins is under 26 and I am sure this is nearly the case for many other teams as well. So it has to be at least partially explained by lower quality less experienced pitching.

I also feel more teams have adopted more patient approaches at the plate which may lead to seeing more pitches and getting more mistakes. But this pales to the younger pitching all over the game.

By: Brian

Brian — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 23:16:06 +0000

More support for PEDs.

By: Rob H.

Rob H. — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 15:03:27 +0000

Not only that, but walks are at a 59 year high and strikeout rates have never been higher. I know a certain Rob Deer fan club that will be pleased.

By: andy l

andy l — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 09:55:08 +0000

haven’t you heard? global warming is all the rage!

By: don

don — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 01:14:29 +0000

I’m gonna go ahead and blame Phillies pitching for the entire home run increase.

By: joser

joser — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 23:46:31 +0000

Late start in warmer weather, longer spring training giving the batters more of an advantage, and maybe the pitchers from the WBC getting lit up (Matsusaka, Silva….) as something to do with it too.

Some undetectable PED is, of course, always possible.

I don’t see the economic imperative that would lead anyone to juice balls. How does a few more home runs translate into more people going out to games? They either have the money or they don’t; I don’t see anyone saying “Hey honey, let’s take the kids to a ballgame, there’s 10% more home runs this year!”

I’m willing to bet by the end of the season the difference vs 2008 will be much less than it looks right now.