And no, I'm not trying to be snarky about the Reds' lack of quality since 2013. Rarely do you see long streaks of series victories or losses, for any MLB team.
There are exceptions, of course. The 2001 Seattle Mariners won:
- 9 straight series to open the season with a record of 22-6
- 7 straight from May to June, including a 14-game winning streak
- an insane 14 series in a row from July to September, improving their record from 74-29 to 106-41
The craziest thing about that last streak? It only improved their winning percentage from .718 to .723! Unreal.
But getting back to the Reds...
If the Reds manage 1 win on Saturday or Sunday in San Diego, they'll reach 5 straight series victories. That would tie the following streaks in recent history:
April 2006 - won 5 in a row
September 2008 - won 5 in a row
May 2010 - won 5 in a row
June/July 2010 - won 5 in a row
July/August 2010 - won 5 in a row
May 2011 - won 5 in a row
July 2012 - won 5 in a row
June 2014 - won 5 in a row
To find a streak of series wins LONGER than 5, you have to go back to 1999. Those exciting (even if ill-fated) Reds won 9 series in a row in July and August.
What about losses? During that same time period, here are the Reds' series LOSS streaks of 5 or more:
May 2001 - lost 5 in a row
July 2001 - lost 6 in a row
April/May 2005 - lost 6 in a row
May 2007 - lost 8 in a row
June 2007 - lost 6 in a row
July/August 2008 - lost 5 in a row
July/August 2009 - lost 5 in a row
August 2015 - lost 7 in a row
Not any more common than the series winning streaks, but some of them lasted a bit longer.
So, to summarize, the Reds could actually have their longest series winning streak in 17 years if they just win ONE more this weekend (should happen), and somehow take 2 of 3 against St. Louis at GABP (the much more difficult part of this equation). As unfortunate - if unsurprising - as this season's results have been, they could still accomplish something impressive.
Mr. Redlegs is watching you. Always.
Showing posts with label major league baseball. Show all posts
Showing posts with label major league baseball. Show all posts
Saturday, July 30, 2016
Thursday, August 1, 2013
2014 Reds Hall of Fame Candidates
Here is a brief statistical overview of the five
candidates for 2014 induction into the Reds Hall of Fame. You can vote
through the end of August at www.RedsMusem.org.
Ken Griffey, Jr. (2000-2008)
6th in OPS as a Red (minimum 500 games) - .876
7th all-time in HRs - 210
WAR doesn't like him - only 47th on Reds all-time position player list
Reggie Sanders (1991-1998)
15th in OPS as a Red (min. 500 G) - .829
19th in SB - 158
20th in HR - 125
20th in WAR - 21.5
Their main difference in value was in the field. Sanders was 2.0 dWAR, Junior was -7.5.
As for the pitchers...since they were all relievers for most of their careers, we can compare them pretty easily as well. Of course, some of Graves' stats were brought down by the ridiculous stint he was forced to serve in the rotation.
Saves as a Red:
1) Danny Graves - 182
3) John Franco - 148
5) Jeff Brantley - 88
ERA+ among Reds relievers (min. 200 IP)
3) Brantley - 159
5) Franco - 153
25) Graves - 112
WAR among Reds relievers
1) Franco - 13.0
11) Brantley - 6.8
12) Graves - 6.6
Total appearances as a Reds pitcher:
4) Graves (pitched for us from 1997-2005) - 465
6) Franco (1984-1989) - 393
25) Brantley (1994-1997) - 185
Ultimately, I think the most deserving is Franco. But I wouldn't be surprised at all to see any of the five get in eventually because:
- Sanders was a well-rounded player with an extended stay on the team, and rates pretty well in WAR
- Griffey may be legendary for going downhill in his time here, but he still has his last name, his previous reputation as a superstar, and he gets some credit for wanting to come play for his hometown team.
- Graves is our all-time saves leader...and as much of a joke as the stat is, you know it affects his chances.
- Everyone knows Cowboy as an announcer (extending his career as part of the Reds organization, which otherwise was by the far the shortest on this list) and that will help him.
Statistics for this post were gathered from MLB.com and baseball-reference.com
Ken Griffey, Jr. (2000-2008)
6th in OPS as a Red (minimum 500 games) - .876
7th all-time in HRs - 210
WAR doesn't like him - only 47th on Reds all-time position player list
Reggie Sanders (1991-1998)
15th in OPS as a Red (min. 500 G) - .829
19th in SB - 158
20th in HR - 125
20th in WAR - 21.5
Their main difference in value was in the field. Sanders was 2.0 dWAR, Junior was -7.5.
As for the pitchers...since they were all relievers for most of their careers, we can compare them pretty easily as well. Of course, some of Graves' stats were brought down by the ridiculous stint he was forced to serve in the rotation.
Saves as a Red:
1) Danny Graves - 182
3) John Franco - 148
5) Jeff Brantley - 88
ERA+ among Reds relievers (min. 200 IP)
3) Brantley - 159
5) Franco - 153
25) Graves - 112
WAR among Reds relievers
1) Franco - 13.0
11) Brantley - 6.8
12) Graves - 6.6
Total appearances as a Reds pitcher:
4) Graves (pitched for us from 1997-2005) - 465
6) Franco (1984-1989) - 393
25) Brantley (1994-1997) - 185
Ultimately, I think the most deserving is Franco. But I wouldn't be surprised at all to see any of the five get in eventually because:
- Sanders was a well-rounded player with an extended stay on the team, and rates pretty well in WAR
- Griffey may be legendary for going downhill in his time here, but he still has his last name, his previous reputation as a superstar, and he gets some credit for wanting to come play for his hometown team.
- Graves is our all-time saves leader...and as much of a joke as the stat is, you know it affects his chances.
- Everyone knows Cowboy as an announcer (extending his career as part of the Reds organization, which otherwise was by the far the shortest on this list) and that will help him.
Statistics for this post were gathered from MLB.com and baseball-reference.com
Friday, June 14, 2013
Series finale problems not (completely) bullpen's fault
For the Cincinnati Reds, recent series finales have not been an enjoyable experience.
For the season, the Reds are 11-11 in the final game of a series (even though their record in those series as a whole is 13-9). However, they have now lost 5 straight finales, and 7 of the last 9.
Of those 7 losses, 6 were in brutal fashion - they blew a lead of at least 2 runs in each, and lost in the final at-bat in 5 of those 6 (including 4 extra-inning defeats).
It's easy to blame the bullpen, because their recent ineptitude has certainly been a large part of the problem. With a June ERA of 6.69, they are more than partially responsible for the Reds' 0-4 record in series-finishing games this month.
The narrative in the six crushing finale defeats, all involving significant blown leads and occurring since mid-May, has been as follows:
5/19 at Philadelphia (lost 3-2): Chapman blew it in the 9th, giving up back-to-back homers.
5/26 vs. Chicago (lost 5-4 in 10 innings): Ondrusek melted down to blow the lead, and Hoover lost it in extras.
6/1 at Pittsburgh (lost 5-4 in 11 innings): Broxton had another Pittsburgh disaster to blow the lead, and then Simon couldn't hold on in extras.
6/5 vs. Colorado (lost 12-4): After Villarreal's poor start, the Reds still had a chance - that is, until Simon and Parra yielded 3 runs apiece to put it out of reach.
6/9 vs. St. Louis (lost 11-4 in 10 innings): LeCure blew the lead in the 7th, and Hoover imploded in the 10th.
6/13 at Chicago (lost 6-5 in 14 innings): LeCure blew the lead in the 8th, and Broxton lost it in the 14th.
If the narratives above are in line with your thinking, you would have some strong statistical backing. After all, the bullpen ERA in the six games listed above was a hideous 8.68 (27 total earned runs in 28 innings pitched).
However, I would submit that the offense deserves equal blame. To support my case, let me point out the fact that the Reds went scoreless from the time of their biggest lead until the end of the game in all six of the games in question.
Specifically, here is what the offense managed in each case after racing out to a lead:
5/19 at Philadelphia - 3 straight scoreless innings after leading 2-0
5/26 vs. Chicago - 6 straight scoreless innings after leading 4-0
6/1 at Pittsburgh - 10 straight scoreless innings after leading 4-0
6/5 vs. Colorado - 8 straight scoreless innings after leading 4-1
6/9 vs. St. Louis - 5 straight scoreless innings after leading 4-2
6/13 at Chicago - 8 straight scoreless innings after leading 5-3
If the offense goes into such a prolonged slumber (as if to say, "we've done our job, game over") it puts immense pressure on the pitching staff. 40 straight combined scoreless innings, in my opinion, are of equal consequence relative to the bullpen's failures.
You might notice that I'm leaving criticism of managerial decisions out of this equation. That is a deliberate decision on my part because it is impossible to know what would have happened in an alternative universe. I am of the opinion that Dusty deserves some blame for the way a few games have gone this season, but because there is no way to statistically judge his influence, I choose to keep this discussion simpler: is the hitting or the pitching to blame?
To summarize, I would assign blame as follows:
5/19 at Philadelphia - Chapman (just had a poor game, which is bound to happen now and then)
5/26 vs. Chicago - The offense. All they had to do was score 1 additional run against the Cubs pen to avoid extras.
6/1 at Pittsburgh - The offense. 10 straight scoreless innings.
6/5 vs. Colorado - The starting pitching. Forced into action because of Cueto's second injury of the year, Pedro Villarreal never stood much of a chance against the Rockies' powerful lineup.
6/9 vs. St. Louis - The offense and the bullpen are equally to blame for this one. I'll break my own rule and mention Dusty here too, because excessive (and poorly-executed) bunting played a big role in the Reds not securing this victory.
6/13 at Chicago - The offense. 8 straight scoreless innings. Even 1 run through those first 7 would've been enough to win it.
At the moment, this is a somewhat alarming trend. And if the Reds had gone 3-3 in these games - you're bound to lose a few painful ones during a 162-game season, but not THIS many - they would be only a half game behind St. Louis instead of 3.5.
Three of the losses (at Philadelphia, vs. Colorado, vs. St. Louis) were in deciding games and the other three prevented the Reds from completing a sweep.
Here's hoping the Reds can turn around their finale fortunes, starting this Sunday at GABP against Milwaukee.
For the season, the Reds are 11-11 in the final game of a series (even though their record in those series as a whole is 13-9). However, they have now lost 5 straight finales, and 7 of the last 9.
Of those 7 losses, 6 were in brutal fashion - they blew a lead of at least 2 runs in each, and lost in the final at-bat in 5 of those 6 (including 4 extra-inning defeats).
It's easy to blame the bullpen, because their recent ineptitude has certainly been a large part of the problem. With a June ERA of 6.69, they are more than partially responsible for the Reds' 0-4 record in series-finishing games this month.
The narrative in the six crushing finale defeats, all involving significant blown leads and occurring since mid-May, has been as follows:
5/19 at Philadelphia (lost 3-2): Chapman blew it in the 9th, giving up back-to-back homers.
5/26 vs. Chicago (lost 5-4 in 10 innings): Ondrusek melted down to blow the lead, and Hoover lost it in extras.
6/1 at Pittsburgh (lost 5-4 in 11 innings): Broxton had another Pittsburgh disaster to blow the lead, and then Simon couldn't hold on in extras.
6/5 vs. Colorado (lost 12-4): After Villarreal's poor start, the Reds still had a chance - that is, until Simon and Parra yielded 3 runs apiece to put it out of reach.
6/9 vs. St. Louis (lost 11-4 in 10 innings): LeCure blew the lead in the 7th, and Hoover imploded in the 10th.
6/13 at Chicago (lost 6-5 in 14 innings): LeCure blew the lead in the 8th, and Broxton lost it in the 14th.
If the narratives above are in line with your thinking, you would have some strong statistical backing. After all, the bullpen ERA in the six games listed above was a hideous 8.68 (27 total earned runs in 28 innings pitched).
However, I would submit that the offense deserves equal blame. To support my case, let me point out the fact that the Reds went scoreless from the time of their biggest lead until the end of the game in all six of the games in question.
Specifically, here is what the offense managed in each case after racing out to a lead:
5/19 at Philadelphia - 3 straight scoreless innings after leading 2-0
5/26 vs. Chicago - 6 straight scoreless innings after leading 4-0
6/1 at Pittsburgh - 10 straight scoreless innings after leading 4-0
6/5 vs. Colorado - 8 straight scoreless innings after leading 4-1
6/9 vs. St. Louis - 5 straight scoreless innings after leading 4-2
6/13 at Chicago - 8 straight scoreless innings after leading 5-3
If the offense goes into such a prolonged slumber (as if to say, "we've done our job, game over") it puts immense pressure on the pitching staff. 40 straight combined scoreless innings, in my opinion, are of equal consequence relative to the bullpen's failures.
You might notice that I'm leaving criticism of managerial decisions out of this equation. That is a deliberate decision on my part because it is impossible to know what would have happened in an alternative universe. I am of the opinion that Dusty deserves some blame for the way a few games have gone this season, but because there is no way to statistically judge his influence, I choose to keep this discussion simpler: is the hitting or the pitching to blame?
To summarize, I would assign blame as follows:
5/19 at Philadelphia - Chapman (just had a poor game, which is bound to happen now and then)
5/26 vs. Chicago - The offense. All they had to do was score 1 additional run against the Cubs pen to avoid extras.
6/1 at Pittsburgh - The offense. 10 straight scoreless innings.
6/5 vs. Colorado - The starting pitching. Forced into action because of Cueto's second injury of the year, Pedro Villarreal never stood much of a chance against the Rockies' powerful lineup.
6/9 vs. St. Louis - The offense and the bullpen are equally to blame for this one. I'll break my own rule and mention Dusty here too, because excessive (and poorly-executed) bunting played a big role in the Reds not securing this victory.
6/13 at Chicago - The offense. 8 straight scoreless innings. Even 1 run through those first 7 would've been enough to win it.
At the moment, this is a somewhat alarming trend. And if the Reds had gone 3-3 in these games - you're bound to lose a few painful ones during a 162-game season, but not THIS many - they would be only a half game behind St. Louis instead of 3.5.
Three of the losses (at Philadelphia, vs. Colorado, vs. St. Louis) were in deciding games and the other three prevented the Reds from completing a sweep.
Here's hoping the Reds can turn around their finale fortunes, starting this Sunday at GABP against Milwaukee.
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Time for Reds to exorcise interleague demons?
Interleague play hasn't been very kind to the Cincinnati Reds.
Of course, the new scheduling variation began in 1997, when the Reds were on their second of fourteen straight seasons without reaching the playoffs. In other words, their results weren't exactly sparkling in any subset of games.
However, their winning percentage in matchups with AL teams was even worse. Through last season, the Reds' record in interleague games was 104-131. At .443, that winning percentage was lower than every MLB team except the Padres (.437) and Pirates (.397).
By year, the Reds have fared as follows:
1997: 9-6
1998: 7-6
1999: 7-8
2000: 7-8
2001: 4-11
2002: 2-10
2003: 7-5
2004: 5-7
2005: 7-8
2006: 6-9
2007: 7-11
2008: 9-6
2009: 6-9
2010: 8-7
2011: 6-12
2012: 7-8
The Reds have never done better than 9-6. In fact, only the Reds, Cubs and Brewers have failed to record a single 10-win interleague slate. The biggest reason is that they've only had more than 15 games vs. the AL twice (2007 and 2011) and neither of those were successful years.
Many might jump to the conclusion that the Indians have been the main problem, because the Reds have been stuck with them as their most regular opponent. While this has certainly been a tougher matchup than what the Cardinals get (the lowly Royals), it has actually been mostly even. Entering this year, the Reds were 39-42 against Cleveland.
The main problems? The Mariners (8-1 against the Reds), Red Sox (5-1 against the Reds) and White Sox (14-3 against the Reds).
By division, before this year:
AL East = 1 over .500 (thanks mostly to being 8-1 against the Rays)
AL Central = 16 under .500 (includes going 3-0 against the Brewers in their only interleague meeting)
AL West = 12 under .500
Could this be the year that everything changes? Already, the Reds are 4-1. The remaining schedule won't be easy, but the Reds have a strong club this year and should (barring a complete meltdown) finally get to 10 wins. After all, they will play a total of 20 interleague games this year, thanks to the new alignment and scheduling format.
The games left:
2 at Cleveland (today and tomorrow)
2 at Oakland (June 25-26)
3 at Texas (June 28-30)
3 vs Seattle (July 5-7)
2 vs Oakland (August 6-7)
3 at Houston (September 16-18)
My prediction is that the Reds will win 9 of the 15 remaining games to go 13-7 for the year. The way things are going in the impressive NL Central standings so far, they certainly can't afford to give away games against any of their opponents.
Of course, the new scheduling variation began in 1997, when the Reds were on their second of fourteen straight seasons without reaching the playoffs. In other words, their results weren't exactly sparkling in any subset of games.
However, their winning percentage in matchups with AL teams was even worse. Through last season, the Reds' record in interleague games was 104-131. At .443, that winning percentage was lower than every MLB team except the Padres (.437) and Pirates (.397).
By year, the Reds have fared as follows:
1997: 9-6
1998: 7-6
1999: 7-8
2000: 7-8
2001: 4-11
2002: 2-10
2003: 7-5
2004: 5-7
2005: 7-8
2006: 6-9
2007: 7-11
2008: 9-6
2009: 6-9
2010: 8-7
2011: 6-12
2012: 7-8
The Reds have never done better than 9-6. In fact, only the Reds, Cubs and Brewers have failed to record a single 10-win interleague slate. The biggest reason is that they've only had more than 15 games vs. the AL twice (2007 and 2011) and neither of those were successful years.
Many might jump to the conclusion that the Indians have been the main problem, because the Reds have been stuck with them as their most regular opponent. While this has certainly been a tougher matchup than what the Cardinals get (the lowly Royals), it has actually been mostly even. Entering this year, the Reds were 39-42 against Cleveland.
The main problems? The Mariners (8-1 against the Reds), Red Sox (5-1 against the Reds) and White Sox (14-3 against the Reds).
By division, before this year:
AL East = 1 over .500 (thanks mostly to being 8-1 against the Rays)
AL Central = 16 under .500 (includes going 3-0 against the Brewers in their only interleague meeting)
AL West = 12 under .500
Could this be the year that everything changes? Already, the Reds are 4-1. The remaining schedule won't be easy, but the Reds have a strong club this year and should (barring a complete meltdown) finally get to 10 wins. After all, they will play a total of 20 interleague games this year, thanks to the new alignment and scheduling format.
The games left:
2 at Cleveland (today and tomorrow)
2 at Oakland (June 25-26)
3 at Texas (June 28-30)
3 vs Seattle (July 5-7)
2 vs Oakland (August 6-7)
3 at Houston (September 16-18)
My prediction is that the Reds will win 9 of the 15 remaining games to go 13-7 for the year. The way things are going in the impressive NL Central standings so far, they certainly can't afford to give away games against any of their opponents.
Friday, May 24, 2013
The 10 most-played matchups in MLB history
(updated 4/7/15)
1) Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Chicago Cubs (2439 games).
The Cubs have been around since 1876, and the Pirates since 1882.
Previous cities: Both have always been in the same city.
Previous nicknames: The Cubs were previously known as the White Stockings, the Colts, and the Orphans. The Pirates were previously known as the Alleghenys.
Pittsburgh leads this series 1249 to 1173.
2) Pittsburgh Pirates vs. St. Louis Cardinals (2423 games).
Both have been around since 1882.
Previous nicknames: The Pirates were previously known as the Alleghenys. The Cardinals were previously known as the Brown Stockings, Browns, and Perfectos.
Pittsburgh leads this series 1229 to 1170.
3) San Francisco Giants vs. Los Angeles Dodgers (2411 games).
The Giants have been around since 1883, and the Dodgers since 1884.
Previous cities: The Giants were based in New York, and the Dodgers in Brooklyn.
Previous nicknames: The Giants were once known as the Gothams, and the Dodgers had a ridiculous array of nicknames - Atlantics, Grays, Bridegrooms, Grooms, Superbas, and Robins.
San Francisco leads this series 1210 to 1184.
4) Atlanta Braves vs. Philadelphia Phillies (2375 games).
The Braves franchise has existed since 1876, and the Phillies since 1883.
Previous cities: The Braves were in Boston and Milwaukee before moving to Atlanta.
Previous nicknames: The Braves were previously called the Red Stockings, Beaneaters, Doves, Rustlers, and Bees. The Phillies were originally known as the Quakers.
The Braves lead this series 1235 to 1125.
5) Chicago Cubs vs. St. Louis Cardinals (2345 games).
The Cubs have been around since 1876, and the Cardinals since 1882.
Previous cities: Both teams have always been in their respective cities.
Previous nicknames: The Cubs were known as the White Stockings, Colts and Orphans. The Cardinals were originally the Brown Stockings, then the Browns, and then the Perfectos.
The Cubs lead this series 1189 to 1137.
6) San Francisco Giants vs. Atlanta Braves (2334 games).
The Braves franchise has existed since 1876, and the Giants since 1883.
Previous cities: The Giants were in New York before moving to San Francisco. The Braves were in Boston and Milwaukee before moving to Atlanta.
Previous nicknames: The Giants were originally called the Gothams. The Braves were known as the Red Stockings, Beaneaters, Doves, Rustlers and Bees.
The Giants lead this series 1231 to 1077.
7) St. Louis Cardinals vs. Cincinnati Reds (2336 games).
The Reds and Cardinals have both existed since 1882.
Previous cities: Both teams have always been in their respective cities.
Previous nicknames: The Reds have also been the Red Stockings and Redlegs. The Cardinals have been the Brown Stockings, Browns and Perfectos.
The Cardinals lead this series 1206 to 1109.
8) Chicago Cubs vs. Philadelphia Phillies (2334 games).
The Cubs have existed since 1876, and the Phillies since 1883.
Previous cities: Both have always been in the same city.
Previous nicknames: The Cubs were previously known as the White Stockings, Colts and Orphans. The Phillies were originally the Quakers.
The Cubs lead this series 1217 to 1099.
9) Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Cincinnati Reds (2324 games).
The Reds have existed since 1882, and the Dodgers since 1884.
Previous cities: The Reds have always been in Cincinnati, but the Dodgers were originally in Brooklyn.
Previous nicknames: The Reds have also been known as the Red Stockings and Redlegs. The Dodgers have been called the Atlantics, Grays, Bridegrooms, Grooms, Superbas, and Robins.
The Dodgers lead this series 1168 to 1142.
10) Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Cincinnati Reds (2289 games).
The Reds and Pirates have both been around since 1882.
Previous cities: Both teams have always been in their respective cities.
Previous nicknames: The Reds have also been the Red Stockings and Redlegs. The Pirates were originally the Alleghenys.
The Pirates lead this series 1145 to 1125.
Because the earliest American League franchises weren't established until the start of the 20th century, none of them appear on this list. The most-played rivalries in the AL:
1) Tigers/Indians (2159 games) - Tigers lead 1097-1050
2) Red Sox/Orioles (2157 games) - Red Sox lead 1172-971
3) White Sox/Twins (2156 games) - White Sox lead 1114-1026
4) Yankees/Orioles (2127 games) - Yankees lead 1259-854
5) Red Sox/Yankees (2118) - Yankees lead 1150-954
Note: As usual, baseball-reference.com was the main source for this post. If you have any questions or corrections, don't hesitate to leave a comment.
1) Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Chicago Cubs (2439 games).
The Cubs have been around since 1876, and the Pirates since 1882.
Previous cities: Both have always been in the same city.
Previous nicknames: The Cubs were previously known as the White Stockings, the Colts, and the Orphans. The Pirates were previously known as the Alleghenys.
Pittsburgh leads this series 1249 to 1173.
2) Pittsburgh Pirates vs. St. Louis Cardinals (2423 games).
Both have been around since 1882.
Previous nicknames: The Pirates were previously known as the Alleghenys. The Cardinals were previously known as the Brown Stockings, Browns, and Perfectos.
Pittsburgh leads this series 1229 to 1170.
3) San Francisco Giants vs. Los Angeles Dodgers (2411 games).
The Giants have been around since 1883, and the Dodgers since 1884.
Previous cities: The Giants were based in New York, and the Dodgers in Brooklyn.
Previous nicknames: The Giants were once known as the Gothams, and the Dodgers had a ridiculous array of nicknames - Atlantics, Grays, Bridegrooms, Grooms, Superbas, and Robins.
San Francisco leads this series 1210 to 1184.
4) Atlanta Braves vs. Philadelphia Phillies (2375 games).
The Braves franchise has existed since 1876, and the Phillies since 1883.
Previous cities: The Braves were in Boston and Milwaukee before moving to Atlanta.
Previous nicknames: The Braves were previously called the Red Stockings, Beaneaters, Doves, Rustlers, and Bees. The Phillies were originally known as the Quakers.
The Braves lead this series 1235 to 1125.
5) Chicago Cubs vs. St. Louis Cardinals (2345 games).
The Cubs have been around since 1876, and the Cardinals since 1882.
Previous cities: Both teams have always been in their respective cities.
Previous nicknames: The Cubs were known as the White Stockings, Colts and Orphans. The Cardinals were originally the Brown Stockings, then the Browns, and then the Perfectos.
The Cubs lead this series 1189 to 1137.
6) San Francisco Giants vs. Atlanta Braves (2334 games).
The Braves franchise has existed since 1876, and the Giants since 1883.
Previous cities: The Giants were in New York before moving to San Francisco. The Braves were in Boston and Milwaukee before moving to Atlanta.
Previous nicknames: The Giants were originally called the Gothams. The Braves were known as the Red Stockings, Beaneaters, Doves, Rustlers and Bees.
The Giants lead this series 1231 to 1077.
7) St. Louis Cardinals vs. Cincinnati Reds (2336 games).
The Reds and Cardinals have both existed since 1882.
Previous cities: Both teams have always been in their respective cities.
Previous nicknames: The Reds have also been the Red Stockings and Redlegs. The Cardinals have been the Brown Stockings, Browns and Perfectos.
The Cardinals lead this series 1206 to 1109.
8) Chicago Cubs vs. Philadelphia Phillies (2334 games).
The Cubs have existed since 1876, and the Phillies since 1883.
Previous cities: Both have always been in the same city.
Previous nicknames: The Cubs were previously known as the White Stockings, Colts and Orphans. The Phillies were originally the Quakers.
The Cubs lead this series 1217 to 1099.
9) Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Cincinnati Reds (2324 games).
The Reds have existed since 1882, and the Dodgers since 1884.
Previous cities: The Reds have always been in Cincinnati, but the Dodgers were originally in Brooklyn.
Previous nicknames: The Reds have also been known as the Red Stockings and Redlegs. The Dodgers have been called the Atlantics, Grays, Bridegrooms, Grooms, Superbas, and Robins.
The Dodgers lead this series 1168 to 1142.
10) Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Cincinnati Reds (2289 games).
The Reds and Pirates have both been around since 1882.
Previous cities: Both teams have always been in their respective cities.
Previous nicknames: The Reds have also been the Red Stockings and Redlegs. The Pirates were originally the Alleghenys.
The Pirates lead this series 1145 to 1125.
Because the earliest American League franchises weren't established until the start of the 20th century, none of them appear on this list. The most-played rivalries in the AL:
1) Tigers/Indians (2159 games) - Tigers lead 1097-1050
2) Red Sox/Orioles (2157 games) - Red Sox lead 1172-971
3) White Sox/Twins (2156 games) - White Sox lead 1114-1026
4) Yankees/Orioles (2127 games) - Yankees lead 1259-854
5) Red Sox/Yankees (2118) - Yankees lead 1150-954
Note: As usual, baseball-reference.com was the main source for this post. If you have any questions or corrections, don't hesitate to leave a comment.
Post-Reds WAR (since 2000)
Since 2000, the Cincinnati Reds' best-known "one that got away" is, of course, Josh Hamilton. Many Reds fans still won't shut up about him. And indeed, he has provided the most total value to his teams since, among all players the Reds lost to trade or free agency in that time period. Take a look at the list below. Some of the names might really surprise you.
Notes: Players appearing on this list must have appeared in at least one MLB game for the Reds in the 2000 season or more recently. Totals are based on baseball-reference.com's wins above replacement.
Top WAR (wins above replacement) accumulators after leaving the Reds:
1) Josh Hamilton (21.7)
2) Ryan Dempster (20.4)
3) Cody Ross (12.0)
4) Edwin Encarnacion (9.1)
5) Bruce Chen (8.3)
6) Russell Branyan (8.2)
7) Kyle Lohse (7.7)
8) Chris Denorfia (7.1)
9) Jose Guillen (6.7)
10) Dmitri Young (6.3)
11) David Ross (5.7)
12) Brady Clark (5.3)
13) Matt Belisle (5.1)
14) Jerry Hairston (5.0)
15) Dennys Reyes (4.6)
I think most Reds fans have been surprised by the performance of Encarnacion, Denorfia and others since their departure - heck, even Chris Dickerson and Adam Rosales have performed decently for their teams, although not well enough to make the list.
Needless to say, this list is skewed toward players who left a handful (or more) of seasons ago. Here are three players who, given more time, will probably accumulate some strong numbers:
Travis Wood (2.9 total WAR after leaving the Reds)
Yonder Alonso (1.9)
Didi Gregorius (1.7)
Notice that you didn't see some rather famous players listed? The Reds didn't miss out on much value by letting these guys go:
Sean Casey (-0.2 total WAR after leaving the Reds)
Adam Dunn (-0.7)
Ken Griffey, Jr. (0.2)
Notes: Players appearing on this list must have appeared in at least one MLB game for the Reds in the 2000 season or more recently. Totals are based on baseball-reference.com's wins above replacement.
Top WAR (wins above replacement) accumulators after leaving the Reds:
1) Josh Hamilton (21.7)
2) Ryan Dempster (20.4)
3) Cody Ross (12.0)
4) Edwin Encarnacion (9.1)
5) Bruce Chen (8.3)
6) Russell Branyan (8.2)
7) Kyle Lohse (7.7)
8) Chris Denorfia (7.1)
9) Jose Guillen (6.7)
10) Dmitri Young (6.3)
11) David Ross (5.7)
12) Brady Clark (5.3)
13) Matt Belisle (5.1)
14) Jerry Hairston (5.0)
15) Dennys Reyes (4.6)
I think most Reds fans have been surprised by the performance of Encarnacion, Denorfia and others since their departure - heck, even Chris Dickerson and Adam Rosales have performed decently for their teams, although not well enough to make the list.
Needless to say, this list is skewed toward players who left a handful (or more) of seasons ago. Here are three players who, given more time, will probably accumulate some strong numbers:
Travis Wood (2.9 total WAR after leaving the Reds)
Yonder Alonso (1.9)
Didi Gregorius (1.7)
Notice that you didn't see some rather famous players listed? The Reds didn't miss out on much value by letting these guys go:
Sean Casey (-0.2 total WAR after leaving the Reds)
Adam Dunn (-0.7)
Ken Griffey, Jr. (0.2)
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Choo changing the entire Reds offense
In 2012, the Cincinnati Reds offense struggled in one very major way. Only Votto (.474), Hanigan (.365) and Ludwick (.346) got on base consistently. Here were their OBP ranks by position in MLB:
C - .333 (10th)
1B - .423 (1st)
2B - .306 (22nd)
3B - .304 (23rd)
SS - .284 (25th)
LF - .339 (10th)
CF - .282 (30th)
RF - .320 (21st)
Note: Reds pitchers were also above average with a .176 OBP (9th in MLB) but the 9th spot in the order isn't something you rely on for production on a game-to-game basis.
And here are their rankings through 40 games in 2013:
C - .290 (21st)
1B - .455 (1st) - leading all other teams by 37 points
2B - .333 (11th)
3B - .314 (19th)
SS - .250 (28th)
LF - .302 (21st)
CF - .468 (1st) - leading all other teams by 73 points
RF - .303 (19th)
As you can see, the only huge change was in CF. Votto's OBP is actually lower this year than last, but the team number for first base has improved as a result of him having 100% of the playing time so far this year.
Choo is almost single-handedly responsible for the team OBP jumping from an abysmal .315 last year (22nd in the league) to .335 in 2013, which now ranks third in baseball. Even with Cozart's weak bat behind him, Choo is tied for the MLB lead in runs scored (33). Just imagine the numbers he might be putting up with Ludwick healthy and BP back in the 2-hole...
C - .333 (10th)
1B - .423 (1st)
2B - .306 (22nd)
3B - .304 (23rd)
SS - .284 (25th)
LF - .339 (10th)
CF - .282 (30th)
RF - .320 (21st)
Note: Reds pitchers were also above average with a .176 OBP (9th in MLB) but the 9th spot in the order isn't something you rely on for production on a game-to-game basis.
And here are their rankings through 40 games in 2013:
C - .290 (21st)
1B - .455 (1st) - leading all other teams by 37 points
2B - .333 (11th)
3B - .314 (19th)
SS - .250 (28th)
LF - .302 (21st)
CF - .468 (1st) - leading all other teams by 73 points
RF - .303 (19th)
As you can see, the only huge change was in CF. Votto's OBP is actually lower this year than last, but the team number for first base has improved as a result of him having 100% of the playing time so far this year.
Choo is almost single-handedly responsible for the team OBP jumping from an abysmal .315 last year (22nd in the league) to .335 in 2013, which now ranks third in baseball. Even with Cozart's weak bat behind him, Choo is tied for the MLB lead in runs scored (33). Just imagine the numbers he might be putting up with Ludwick healthy and BP back in the 2-hole...
Monday, October 8, 2012
Reds win one of the most dominating playoff games in franchise history
By the numbers...
Reds win 9-0 shutout
- only the 12th MLB playoff shutout victory by 9 runs or more
- the largest Reds playoff shutout (previous record was 7-0 in 1990 WS game 1)
- only the 55th MLB playoff team pitching game allowing 2 or fewer hits, and the 4th by the Reds
- tied for the largest Reds playoff game winning margin (with 10-1 win in 1995 NLDS game 3)
- the 7th shutout in Reds playoff history, first since 7-0 in 1990 WS game 1
- only the 4th time the Reds have scored 9+ runs in a playoff game
Bronson Arroyo sparkles like a teen vampire
- the first 7+ inning game, allowing 1 or fewer hits, by a Reds pitcher in team playoff history
- only the 6th MLB playoff starting pitching performance of 7+ innings and 1 hit or fewer, 1 walk or fewer
- only the 14th Reds playoff starting pitching game score of 70 or higher
Brandon Phillips and Co. make individual offensive history for a Reds playoff game
- DatDudeBP is now tied for 19th in Reds playoff hits (9) and RBI (5)
- Ryan Hanigan got his first three career playoff RBI, and Drew Stubbs got his first career playoff RBI
- Ryan Hanigan was only the 17th Reds player ever with 3+ RBI in a playoff game
- Scott Rolen had his 12th career playoff RBI, but first with the Reds
The Reds are now 8-1 all-time in playoff games on the west coast.
Most importantly, they're coming home with a 2-0 lead in the NLDS.
Reds win 9-0 shutout
- only the 12th MLB playoff shutout victory by 9 runs or more
- the largest Reds playoff shutout (previous record was 7-0 in 1990 WS game 1)
- only the 55th MLB playoff team pitching game allowing 2 or fewer hits, and the 4th by the Reds
- tied for the largest Reds playoff game winning margin (with 10-1 win in 1995 NLDS game 3)
- the 7th shutout in Reds playoff history, first since 7-0 in 1990 WS game 1
- only the 4th time the Reds have scored 9+ runs in a playoff game
Bronson Arroyo sparkles like a teen vampire
- the first 7+ inning game, allowing 1 or fewer hits, by a Reds pitcher in team playoff history
- only the 6th MLB playoff starting pitching performance of 7+ innings and 1 hit or fewer, 1 walk or fewer
- only the 14th Reds playoff starting pitching game score of 70 or higher
Brandon Phillips and Co. make individual offensive history for a Reds playoff game
- DatDudeBP is now tied for 19th in Reds playoff hits (9) and RBI (5)
- Ryan Hanigan got his first three career playoff RBI, and Drew Stubbs got his first career playoff RBI
- Ryan Hanigan was only the 17th Reds player ever with 3+ RBI in a playoff game
- Scott Rolen had his 12th career playoff RBI, but first with the Reds
The Reds are now 8-1 all-time in playoff games on the west coast.
Most importantly, they're coming home with a 2-0 lead in the NLDS.
Monday, October 1, 2012
History of the Reds in the Postseason
(updated 4/7/15)
The Cincinnati Reds are widely considered one of the most "history-rich" franchises in baseball. Unfortunately, the decade of the 1970s was the only one in which the team enjoyed sustained success in the form of postseason appearances.
Of course, it was more difficult to make it to October baseball in the past. Until 1969, there was no League Championship Series - only a World Series for the top team in each league. And the first Division Series (other than its temporary implementation in 1981 strike year) didn't occur until 1995.
The Reds have made it to the playoffs 15 times. They've won 9 NL pennants (5 by winning a series, 4 by simply having the best regular season record).
And of course, the Reds have 5 World Championships - 1919, 1940, 1975, 1976 and 1990.
In their 15 appearances, the Reds' records are as follows:
11 series wins, 9 series losses overall
49 game wins, 46 game losses overall
0-1 record in the Wild Card play-in matchup
1 series win, 2 series losses (5-6 game record) in NLDS
5 series wins, 3 series losses (18-14 game record) in NLCS
5 series wins, 4 series losses (26-25 game record) in World Series
The teams the Reds have met, listed by most wins against them:
13-8 vs. Pittsburgh Pirates (beat them in NLCS in 1970, 1972, 1990, but swept by them in 1979, lost 2013 play-in)
7-4 vs. Oakland Athletics (lost World Series in 7 games in 1972, swept them in 1990)
5-3 vs. Chicago White Sox (won 1919 "Black Sox Scandal" World Series)
5-8 vs. New York Yankees (lost 1939 and 1961 World Series, won 1976 World Series)
4-3 vs. Detroit Tigers (won 1940 World Series in 7 games)
4-3 vs. Boston Red Sox (won 1975 World Series in 7 games)
3-0 vs. Los Angeles Dodgers (won 1995 NLDS)
3-3 vs. Philadelphia Phillies (won 1976 NLCS, lost 2010 NLDS)
2-3 vs. San Francisco Giants (lost 2012 NLDS)
2-3 vs. New York Mets (lost 1973 NLCS)
1-4 vs. Baltimore Orioles (lost 1970 World Series)
0-4 vs. Atlanta Braves (lost 1995 NLCS)
As you can see, the Reds have actually played more playoff games against American League competition (51 games, with a 26-25 record) than against the NL (44 games, with a 23-21 record). That's because a few of their appearances came before the existence of the NLCS - plus, until 1985, the NLCS was only best-of-five.
Finally, here are the specific series results listed chronologically:
1919 - Won World Series 5-3 vs. Chicago
1939 - Lost World Series 0-4 vs. New York
1940 - Won World Series 4-3 vs. Detroit
1961 - Lost World Series 1-4 vs. New York
1970 - Won NLCS 3-0 vs. Pittsburgh, Lost World Series 1-4 vs. Baltimore
1972 - Won NLCS 3-2 vs. Pittsburgh, Lost World Series 3-4 vs. Oakland
1973 - Lost NLCS 2-3 vs. New York
1975 - Won NLCS 3-0 vs. Pittsburgh, Won World Series 4-3 vs. Boston
1976 - Won NLCS 3-0 vs. Philadelphia, Won World Series 4-0 vs. New York
1979 - Lost NLCS 0-3 vs. Pittsburgh
1990 - Won NLCS 4-2 vs. Pittsburgh, Won World Series 4-0 vs. Oakland
1995 - Won NLDS 3-0 vs. Los Angeles, Lost NLCS 0-4 vs. Atlanta
2010 - Lost NLDS 0-3 vs. Philadelphia
2012 - Lost NLDS 2-3 vs. San Francisco
2013 - Lost Wild Card play-in game to Pittsburgh
The Cincinnati Reds are widely considered one of the most "history-rich" franchises in baseball. Unfortunately, the decade of the 1970s was the only one in which the team enjoyed sustained success in the form of postseason appearances.
Of course, it was more difficult to make it to October baseball in the past. Until 1969, there was no League Championship Series - only a World Series for the top team in each league. And the first Division Series (other than its temporary implementation in 1981 strike year) didn't occur until 1995.
The Reds have made it to the playoffs 15 times. They've won 9 NL pennants (5 by winning a series, 4 by simply having the best regular season record).
And of course, the Reds have 5 World Championships - 1919, 1940, 1975, 1976 and 1990.
In their 15 appearances, the Reds' records are as follows:
11 series wins, 9 series losses overall
49 game wins, 46 game losses overall
0-1 record in the Wild Card play-in matchup
1 series win, 2 series losses (5-6 game record) in NLDS
5 series wins, 3 series losses (18-14 game record) in NLCS
5 series wins, 4 series losses (26-25 game record) in World Series
The teams the Reds have met, listed by most wins against them:
13-8 vs. Pittsburgh Pirates (beat them in NLCS in 1970, 1972, 1990, but swept by them in 1979, lost 2013 play-in)
7-4 vs. Oakland Athletics (lost World Series in 7 games in 1972, swept them in 1990)
5-3 vs. Chicago White Sox (won 1919 "Black Sox Scandal" World Series)
5-8 vs. New York Yankees (lost 1939 and 1961 World Series, won 1976 World Series)
4-3 vs. Detroit Tigers (won 1940 World Series in 7 games)
4-3 vs. Boston Red Sox (won 1975 World Series in 7 games)
3-0 vs. Los Angeles Dodgers (won 1995 NLDS)
3-3 vs. Philadelphia Phillies (won 1976 NLCS, lost 2010 NLDS)
2-3 vs. San Francisco Giants (lost 2012 NLDS)
2-3 vs. New York Mets (lost 1973 NLCS)
1-4 vs. Baltimore Orioles (lost 1970 World Series)
0-4 vs. Atlanta Braves (lost 1995 NLCS)
As you can see, the Reds have actually played more playoff games against American League competition (51 games, with a 26-25 record) than against the NL (44 games, with a 23-21 record). That's because a few of their appearances came before the existence of the NLCS - plus, until 1985, the NLCS was only best-of-five.
Finally, here are the specific series results listed chronologically:
1919 - Won World Series 5-3 vs. Chicago
1939 - Lost World Series 0-4 vs. New York
1940 - Won World Series 4-3 vs. Detroit
1961 - Lost World Series 1-4 vs. New York
1970 - Won NLCS 3-0 vs. Pittsburgh, Lost World Series 1-4 vs. Baltimore
1972 - Won NLCS 3-2 vs. Pittsburgh, Lost World Series 3-4 vs. Oakland
1973 - Lost NLCS 2-3 vs. New York
1975 - Won NLCS 3-0 vs. Pittsburgh, Won World Series 4-3 vs. Boston
1976 - Won NLCS 3-0 vs. Philadelphia, Won World Series 4-0 vs. New York
1979 - Lost NLCS 0-3 vs. Pittsburgh
1990 - Won NLCS 4-2 vs. Pittsburgh, Won World Series 4-0 vs. Oakland
1995 - Won NLDS 3-0 vs. Los Angeles, Lost NLCS 0-4 vs. Atlanta
2010 - Lost NLDS 0-3 vs. Philadelphia
2012 - Lost NLDS 2-3 vs. San Francisco
2013 - Lost Wild Card play-in game to Pittsburgh
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Phillips, Arroyo in all the major Reds all-time top 25 lists
Even including players from the 19th century, the names "Brandon Phillips" and "Bronson Arroyo" appear high on the lists for virtually all the main cumulative stats among Reds hitters and pitchers, respectively.
Close behind them, and sure to eventually overtake them in a lot of categories: Joey Votto and Johnny Cueto.
Here are all the major cumulative rankings for active players among all-time Reds hitters and pitchers:
Home Runs (all-time leader: Bench)
16th - Phillips
17th - Bruce
T-18th - Votto
Hits (all-time leader: Rose)
T-21st - Phillips
47th - Votto
Doubles (all-time leader: Rose)
20th - Phillips
23rd - Votto
RBI (all-time leader: Bench)
25th - Phillips
32nd - Votto
49th - Bruce
Stolen bases (all-time leader: McPhee)
25th - Phillips
42nd - Stubbs
Games started (all-time leader: Rixey)
12th - Arroyo
33rd - Cueto
47th - Bailey
Innings pitched (all-time leader: Rixey)
24th - Arroyo
47th - Cueto
Wins (all-time leader: Rixey)
T-22nd - Arroyo
T-39th - Cueto
Strikeouts (all-time leader: Maloney)
12th - Arroyo
22nd - Cueto
36th - Bailey
Close behind them, and sure to eventually overtake them in a lot of categories: Joey Votto and Johnny Cueto.
Here are all the major cumulative rankings for active players among all-time Reds hitters and pitchers:
Home Runs (all-time leader: Bench)
16th - Phillips
17th - Bruce
T-18th - Votto
Hits (all-time leader: Rose)
T-21st - Phillips
47th - Votto
Doubles (all-time leader: Rose)
20th - Phillips
23rd - Votto
RBI (all-time leader: Bench)
25th - Phillips
32nd - Votto
49th - Bruce
Stolen bases (all-time leader: McPhee)
25th - Phillips
42nd - Stubbs
Games started (all-time leader: Rixey)
12th - Arroyo
33rd - Cueto
47th - Bailey
Innings pitched (all-time leader: Rixey)
24th - Arroyo
47th - Cueto
Wins (all-time leader: Rixey)
T-22nd - Arroyo
T-39th - Cueto
Strikeouts (all-time leader: Maloney)
12th - Arroyo
22nd - Cueto
36th - Bailey
Friday, September 21, 2012
Can Joey Votto still win the batting title?
The answer is yes, but it would be extremely difficult thanks to the minimum of 502 plate appearances. With Melky Cabrera now disqualified, Votto's chances have improved.
Currently, Votto has 426 PAs. If you finish with less than 502, you can still win the batting title as long as the addition of the necessary PAs, in the form of hitless at-bats, still gives you a high enough average. This is according to MLB rule 10.22(a).
So let's calculate his current "effective" average.
Joey has 116 hits in 339 at-bats, for a true average of .342 (behind only the now-disqualified Melky Cabrera)
However, you have to currently add 76 imaginary, hitless at-bats (to bring him from 426 to 502 PAs).
So Votto's "effective" average is only .280 (116 hits in 415 ABs).
For the remainder of the season, two things can help him dramatically raise that effective average:
- HITS (obviously)
- BB, HBP, SF, etc... (any PA that doesn't count as an AB)
Hits will help improve the numerator of his "effective" average, which currently sits at 116.
The non-AB PAs will help reduce, thereby improving, the denominator which is currently 415.
So now we can discuss the sort of average Joey might finish with. There are only 12 games remaining. We might expect him to perform roughly the same way he has over the past 12 games (keeping in mind that he likely won't even play in a couple of them, and certainly won't START all 12).
If Votto matches his production from the previous 12, he would accumulate 12 more hits and 14 more PAs which do not count as ABs.
Add the 12 hits to the current 116 = 128
Subtract the 14 non-AB PAs from the current 415 effective ABs = 401
Divide 128 by 401...
The effective average would be .319 - very good, but almost certainly not good enough to beat McCutchen (sitting at .339) or Posey (.335).
Let's say JDV really goes crazy and gets 18 hits and the same 14 non-AB PAs over the final 12 games.
Add the 18 to the current 116 hits = 134
Subtract the 14 non-AB PAs from the current 415 effective ABs = 401
134/401 = .334, which would definitely put him in contention.
So in conclusion...there is still a possibility, but it's a very slim possibility. And I think we'd all rather have a healthy Joey in the playoffs than worry about him pushing for personal distinction. Stand-up guy that he is, Votto would be the first to agree.
Currently, Votto has 426 PAs. If you finish with less than 502, you can still win the batting title as long as the addition of the necessary PAs, in the form of hitless at-bats, still gives you a high enough average. This is according to MLB rule 10.22(a).
So let's calculate his current "effective" average.
Joey has 116 hits in 339 at-bats, for a true average of .342 (behind only the now-disqualified Melky Cabrera)
However, you have to currently add 76 imaginary, hitless at-bats (to bring him from 426 to 502 PAs).
So Votto's "effective" average is only .280 (116 hits in 415 ABs).
For the remainder of the season, two things can help him dramatically raise that effective average:
- HITS (obviously)
- BB, HBP, SF, etc... (any PA that doesn't count as an AB)
Hits will help improve the numerator of his "effective" average, which currently sits at 116.
The non-AB PAs will help reduce, thereby improving, the denominator which is currently 415.
So now we can discuss the sort of average Joey might finish with. There are only 12 games remaining. We might expect him to perform roughly the same way he has over the past 12 games (keeping in mind that he likely won't even play in a couple of them, and certainly won't START all 12).
If Votto matches his production from the previous 12, he would accumulate 12 more hits and 14 more PAs which do not count as ABs.
Add the 12 hits to the current 116 = 128
Subtract the 14 non-AB PAs from the current 415 effective ABs = 401
Divide 128 by 401...
The effective average would be .319 - very good, but almost certainly not good enough to beat McCutchen (sitting at .339) or Posey (.335).
Let's say JDV really goes crazy and gets 18 hits and the same 14 non-AB PAs over the final 12 games.
Add the 18 to the current 116 hits = 134
Subtract the 14 non-AB PAs from the current 415 effective ABs = 401
134/401 = .334, which would definitely put him in contention.
So in conclusion...there is still a possibility, but it's a very slim possibility. And I think we'd all rather have a healthy Joey in the playoffs than worry about him pushing for personal distinction. Stand-up guy that he is, Votto would be the first to agree.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Cincinnati Reds: July 2012 Summary
The Reds went a ridiculous 19-7 in July (including the first 10-game winning streak since 1999) to remain in
first place in the NL Central with an overall record of 62-41. When
the month began, they led Pittsburgh by 1 game. In spite of Cincinnati's torrid pace, Pittsburgh barely lost any ground - they only trail by 3 games. The Reds' lead over St. Louis expanded from 3.5 to 7 games.
Cincinnati won 5 series (including 4 sweeps), lost 1 (at the Dodgers) and split 1 (at home against the Diamondbacks).
**From July 6th through July 29th, their record was an astonishing 17-2.**
Home record: 9-3 (8-2 on the only completed home stand, 1-1 ongoing)
Road record: 10-4 (4-4 to finish their 5-6 West Coast trip, 6-0 on their second trip)
vs West: 10-7
vs Central: 9-0 (nice!)
Overall offensive trends: The offense stepped up admirably in Joey's absence (he missed 15 of the 26 games). The batting average dipped only 3 points from June to .262, and the OBP only 9 points to .323. Five players trended up significantly in OPS+, five trended down, and three stayed about the same. Ryan Ludwick was phenomenal, Rolen showed a surprising return to old form, and Xavier Paul provided some unexpected help as well.
Overall pitching trends: The staff was outstanding, and the main reason that the team was able to weather the Votto-less storm. The overall ERA was 3.03 (the best of the year). After an already-solid June, the rotation boasted even better stats, going 14-5 with a 3.29 ERA. In June, Aroldis was the only problem in the bullpen. The exact opposite was true in July, when he was virtually the only dominant force. Relievers not named Chapman posted a 1.68 WHIP. But thanks to his exceptional work, the relief corps still went 5-2 overall with a 2.43 ERA.
Individual hitting trends:
UP significantly from June (20 or more OPS+ points): Rolen +91, Heisey +87, Ludwick +48, Mesoraco +46, Frazier +24
DOWN significantly from June (20 or more OPS+ points): Votto -102, Valdez -43, Cozart -37, Stubbs -30, Bruce -24
No significant change: Phillips, Hanigan, Cairo
Individual pitching trends:
UP significantly from June: Chapman, Arroyo, Bailey (all of whom had down months in June)
DOWN significantly from June: Leake, Simon, Arredondo
No significant change: everyone else
And finally, my "Randy Awards" for the month of July...
Cincinnati won 5 series (including 4 sweeps), lost 1 (at the Dodgers) and split 1 (at home against the Diamondbacks).
**From July 6th through July 29th, their record was an astonishing 17-2.**
Home record: 9-3 (8-2 on the only completed home stand, 1-1 ongoing)
Road record: 10-4 (4-4 to finish their 5-6 West Coast trip, 6-0 on their second trip)
vs West: 10-7
vs Central: 9-0 (nice!)
Overall offensive trends: The offense stepped up admirably in Joey's absence (he missed 15 of the 26 games). The batting average dipped only 3 points from June to .262, and the OBP only 9 points to .323. Five players trended up significantly in OPS+, five trended down, and three stayed about the same. Ryan Ludwick was phenomenal, Rolen showed a surprising return to old form, and Xavier Paul provided some unexpected help as well.
Overall pitching trends: The staff was outstanding, and the main reason that the team was able to weather the Votto-less storm. The overall ERA was 3.03 (the best of the year). After an already-solid June, the rotation boasted even better stats, going 14-5 with a 3.29 ERA. In June, Aroldis was the only problem in the bullpen. The exact opposite was true in July, when he was virtually the only dominant force. Relievers not named Chapman posted a 1.68 WHIP. But thanks to his exceptional work, the relief corps still went 5-2 overall with a 2.43 ERA.
Individual hitting trends:
UP significantly from June (20 or more OPS+ points): Rolen +91, Heisey +87, Ludwick +48, Mesoraco +46, Frazier +24
DOWN significantly from June (20 or more OPS+ points): Votto -102, Valdez -43, Cozart -37, Stubbs -30, Bruce -24
No significant change: Phillips, Hanigan, Cairo
Individual pitching trends:
UP significantly from June: Chapman, Arroyo, Bailey (all of whom had down months in June)
DOWN significantly from June: Leake, Simon, Arredondo
No significant change: everyone else
And finally, my "Randy Awards" for the month of July...
RANDY HITTER: Ryan Ludwick. "Brother" led Reds regulars in batting average (.333), OPS (1.089), home runs (7) and RBI (19).
Honorable mention: Brandon Phillips, Todd Frazier
RANDY MOST IMPROVED HITTER: Scott Rolen. After looking like he was sinking toward retirement, he batted .321 in July with a .413 OBP (best among regulars).
RANDY STARTER: Homer Bailey. 4-0 with a 2.61 ERA and 1.23 WHIP that would've been even better without his implosion on the final day of the month.
Honorable mention: Bronson Arroyo (3-1), Johnny Cueto (4-1)
RANDY MOST IMPROVED STARTER: Also Bailey. He was coming off a losing record and 6 ERA in June.
RANDY RELIEVER: Aroldis Chapman. An insanely easy choice...14.1 sparkling innings of shutout ball. Only 6 hits allowed, 2 walks, and 31 strikeouts. A perfect 13 for 13 on saves.
RANDY MOST IMPROVED RELIEVER: Also Chapman. June was his disaster month, with an 0-4 record and an ERA approaching 7.
RANDY NOOB: Xavier Paul. 7 for his first 13 as a Red, including 2 doubles and 2 key RBIs...we'll take it!
RANDY SINGLE-GAME HITTING PERFORMANCE: Drew Stubbs. A guy who really needed a confidence builder provided a huge boost on July 24th at Houston, going 3 for 4 including a homer that brought the Reds from down 2-1 to up 3-2 in the top of the 9th. That was one of the biggest hits of the entire season so far. Altogether, he was on base 4 of 5 times, with a strikeout and CS the only two blemishes on an awesome day.
RANDY SINGLE-GAME PITCHING PERFORMANCE: Bronson Arroyo. He started the Reds' first win streak of the month when, on July 6th at San Diego, he pitched a complete-game, three-hit shutout. Bronson struck out 8, walked 1, and needed only 110 pitches to post the best game score by any Reds pitcher this year - 88.
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Longest winning streaks in Cincinnati Reds history
Here's a list of all the double-digit winning streaks (17 total) in Reds MLB history:
1) 14 games (1899)
2) 13 games (1890)
3) 12 games (1939, 1957)
4) 11 games (1894, 1896)
5) 10 games (1882, 1884, 1895, 1897, 1919, 1939, 1943, 1975, 1998, 1999, 2012)
Of course, the 1869 Red Stockings were a perfect 65-0. However, that was not only a different franchise than the current one - it also was not an MLB team, as it was the only fully professional team in existence at the time.
The Reds have had 16 double-digit losing streaks, including a 19-gamer in 1914.
Since 1900, the Reds have had 9 double-digit winning streaks, including the current one.
Among the previous 8, only 3 occurred as late in the season as the current one.
Considering the season in which streaks occurred, the date at which they occurred, and the effect on the standings, here are the most important since 1900:
1) 1999. 10 game streak through July 1st. Started behind 5.5 games, finished up a half game on Houston. Even if they ultimately missed the playoffs because of the play-in game, this streak was huge at the time.
2) 1939. 12 game streak in May. Started behind 1.5 games, finished up 2 games. Eventually won the NL pennant, partly thanks to another 10-game streak in July that boosted their lead from 8 to 12 games.
3) 1919. 10 game streak through August 26th. Started up 6 games, finished up 9 games. Eventually won the World Series.
4) 1975. 10 game streak through July 13th. Started up 7 games, finished up 12.5 games. Eventually won the World Series.
5) 2012. 10 game streak (and counting) through July 29th. Started tied in the division, currently up 3 games.
In case you were wondering:
Longest winning streak in MLB history: 26 games (New York Giants, 1916)
Longest winning streak in AL history: 20 games (Oakland Athletics, 2002)
1) 14 games (1899)
2) 13 games (1890)
3) 12 games (1939, 1957)
4) 11 games (1894, 1896)
5) 10 games (1882, 1884, 1895, 1897, 1919, 1939, 1943, 1975, 1998, 1999, 2012)
Of course, the 1869 Red Stockings were a perfect 65-0. However, that was not only a different franchise than the current one - it also was not an MLB team, as it was the only fully professional team in existence at the time.
The Reds have had 16 double-digit losing streaks, including a 19-gamer in 1914.
Since 1900, the Reds have had 9 double-digit winning streaks, including the current one.
Among the previous 8, only 3 occurred as late in the season as the current one.
Considering the season in which streaks occurred, the date at which they occurred, and the effect on the standings, here are the most important since 1900:
1) 1999. 10 game streak through July 1st. Started behind 5.5 games, finished up a half game on Houston. Even if they ultimately missed the playoffs because of the play-in game, this streak was huge at the time.
2) 1939. 12 game streak in May. Started behind 1.5 games, finished up 2 games. Eventually won the NL pennant, partly thanks to another 10-game streak in July that boosted their lead from 8 to 12 games.
3) 1919. 10 game streak through August 26th. Started up 6 games, finished up 9 games. Eventually won the World Series.
4) 1975. 10 game streak through July 13th. Started up 7 games, finished up 12.5 games. Eventually won the World Series.
5) 2012. 10 game streak (and counting) through July 29th. Started tied in the division, currently up 3 games.
In case you were wondering:
Longest winning streak in MLB history: 26 games (New York Giants, 1916)
Longest winning streak in AL history: 20 games (Oakland Athletics, 2002)
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Cincinnati Sweeps Cleveland: Facts and Stats
The Reds successfully finished off a sweep of the Indians with a 12-5 afternoon victory at GABP, and are now back to their season-high mark of 8 games over .500.
- This was only the second time they've swept Cleveland in an interleague series. The first was in May of 2008. Cleveland has swept Cincinnati 3 times, in 1999, 2004 and 2011.
- The Reds' all-time record against Cleveland is now 39-38 in interleague play.
- This was the second-highest single-game run total for the Reds against Cleveland. They won 14-5 on July 8th, 2000 at Cinergy Field.
- This was the highest single-game run total for the Reds in any interleague game since June 22nd, 2007 when they won 16-1 at Seattle.
- This is only the 6th time in 229 interleague games that the Reds have scored 12 or more.
- The Reds scored a total of 24 runs in the three-game series. They've never done that against Cleveland.
- The last time the Reds scored 24 or more in ANY three-game series was August, 2010 at Arizona (26 runs in a sweep).
- The last time the Reds scored 24 or more in a home three-game series was May, 2010 against Houston (27 runs in spite of being on the losing end of a shutout in the finale).
- The last time the Reds scored 24 or more in an interleague three-game series was June, 2005 against Tampa Bay (34 runs in a sweep). They only accomplished it one additional time - 1999 at Kansas City (30 runs in a sweep).
- The Reds' interleague record now stands at 103-126, for a winning percentage of .450 which is still the fourth-worst in MLB. Only the Orioles, Padres and Pirates have been worse.
- This was only the second time they've swept Cleveland in an interleague series. The first was in May of 2008. Cleveland has swept Cincinnati 3 times, in 1999, 2004 and 2011.
- The Reds' all-time record against Cleveland is now 39-38 in interleague play.
- This was the second-highest single-game run total for the Reds against Cleveland. They won 14-5 on July 8th, 2000 at Cinergy Field.
- This was the highest single-game run total for the Reds in any interleague game since June 22nd, 2007 when they won 16-1 at Seattle.
- This is only the 6th time in 229 interleague games that the Reds have scored 12 or more.
- The Reds scored a total of 24 runs in the three-game series. They've never done that against Cleveland.
- The last time the Reds scored 24 or more in ANY three-game series was August, 2010 at Arizona (26 runs in a sweep).
- The last time the Reds scored 24 or more in a home three-game series was May, 2010 against Houston (27 runs in spite of being on the losing end of a shutout in the finale).
- The last time the Reds scored 24 or more in an interleague three-game series was June, 2005 against Tampa Bay (34 runs in a sweep). They only accomplished it one additional time - 1999 at Kansas City (30 runs in a sweep).
- The Reds' interleague record now stands at 103-126, for a winning percentage of .450 which is still the fourth-worst in MLB. Only the Orioles, Padres and Pirates have been worse.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)