The Proof
By Blake VandeBunte • May 7th, 2008 • Category: 2008 season, Ivan Rodriguez, Justin Verlander, Kenny Rogers, Magglio Ordonez, Nate RobertsonOkay, so last night I was a little upset and a little bit bitter when I made my post. I still am. This whole situation is beyond me. I have a hard time understanding how a team with so much talent can be so bad. The only thing that comes to mind is nerves and effort. Those two things must be lacking from this group. If that explanation doesn’t suit you, here are some stats on the team through last nights game:
- Only two teams in all of baseball have given up more runs this season (Pirates and Rangers).
- The Tigers look okay in total runs because they’ve had some big explosions during the season, however, they have scored three of fewer runs 16 times this season (47% of their games).
- The Tigers team ERA (4.95) is second worst in the American League (Rangers).
- Tigers pitchers in third in the American League in walks (Red Sox, Rangers).
- Tigers pitchers have the second highest OBP against them in the AL (Rangers).
- Tigers starting pitchers have 8 Quality Starts (at least six innings, no more than 3 ER), worst in the American League. The second worst is the Rangers who have 14. That gap is huge.
- The Tigers have the second highest WHIP (Walks+Hits/Innings) in the AL (Rangers).
- The Pitchers have the second worst Walk/Strikeout Ratio in the AL (Rangers).
- Only three teams in the AL have more errors than the Tigers.
- The Tigers are fourth in the AL at grounding into double plays.
- They are 4-12 against the AL Central.
- Last year Magglio Ordonez saw 3.68 pitches per plate appearance, this year that number is down to 3.48. Last year he hit into 20 double plays, he’s on pace to hit into 29 this season.
- Last year Justin Verlander averaged 8.17 K/9 innings. This year that number is down to 5.23. Also, batters had on OBP last season of .309 last year against Justin, this year it’s .349.
- Pudge is second to last in OBP for Catchers.
- 50 pitchers currently qualify for the ERA title in the American League. CC Sabathia is 50th. However, Kenny Rogers is 47th, Justin Verlander is 48th, and Nate Robertson is 49th.
So there you have it. That should get any fan nice and depressed. I guess you just have to keep thinking that it won’t get any worse. You can tell yourself that the hitters will get it going consistently. You can tell yourself that the pitchers won’t be this bad all year.
What if you’re wrong?
Blake VandeBunte is a posting fiend.
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Please forward these stats to Jim Leyland and Dave Dombrowski.