MLB 2022: The Long and Winding Thread

Pujols hit 700!

So one of the greatest hitters in the last 25 years, Miggy Cabrera, just hit his 507th homer.

Damn that reminds me of just how amazing is Pujols' feat.

 

Looks like the Phillies picked a bad week to stop hitting baseballs.

 

If they would manage to move on, they would be eliminated fast.

Fun fact: Bryce Harper's slash line since returning from the DL is .218/.322/.699.

 

Oh, no doubt. But it's been a damn good year for a basically limited team, especially considering how long Harper was out, that even a quick and dirty playoff exit would be an OK reward.

 

Pujols sacrificed average for power
Miggy sacrificed power for average
Albert won

 

The Tigers’ Aaron Judge was named Steven Moya
Oops

 

Noticed something today that I can't quite grasp. Triples, which have been relatively infrequent in the age of smaller ballparks, have become even less common in recent years. In 2018, one of every 195 hits went for three bags. This year, it's one of every 253. That's the lowest rate since 1901 by a pretty wide margin.

 

Lou Gehrig had 18 triples in 1927.

 

Another one for the "bygone era" file:
Roger Maris in 1961: 61 HR, 67 strikeouts.

 

I think the message has been sent, avoid risking that 3rd bag at almost all costs since being on 2nd is already so valuable.

 

That's definitely reason No. 1. I'd add that major league ballparks on average have gotten smaller and smaller as newer parks have replaced cavernous older ones, making it easier for an outfielder to not only get to the ball more quickly but make a shorter throw. Part of the reason why Comerica Park and Coors Field rate high every year in triples is because it's so damn far to the power alleys and center field.

Progressive Field, on the other hand, is below average in triples allowed, but Amed Rosario leads the majors with 9 and Steven Kwan 7.

Here are the sortable 2022 park factors:

Statcast Park Factors | baseballsavant.com (mlb.com)

 

Nothing happening in Anaheim.