Just noticed something funny about Bengie Molina......

Crazy Like a Fox · Post by **Crazy Like a Fox** » Tue May 12, 2009 12:32 am

0 walks in 115 at-bats.

Wow. If I'm the pitcher in a full count I'm thinking, either strikeout or hit, don't throw it anywhere near the plate.

.287 batting average

.286 on-base percentage

Anybody have any stats on the lowest walks ever for a batter?

Another anamoly is Jordan's Schafer's K's. After 115 at-bats with zero benchings, he's on pace for 218 K's, 10 homers and 15 rbi's. He has more strikeouts (43) than total bases (36). The Braves can't find anybody better than this??

On a positive note he's on pace for 116 walks.

[ May 12, 2009, 06:38 AM: Message edited by: Crazy Like a Fox ]

Glenneration X · Post by **Glenneration X** » Tue May 12, 2009 1:15 am

The Braves love Schafer's defense in center....

Navel Lint · Post by **Navel Lint** » Tue May 12, 2009 1:17 am

Originally posted by Crazy Like a Fox:

0 walks in 115 at-bats.

Wow. If I'm the pitcher in a full count I'm thinking, either strikeout or hit, don't throw it anywhere near the plate.

.287 batting average

.286 on-base percentage

Anybody have any stats on the lowest walks ever for a batter?

He is currently 6th for a non-pitcher in the last 100 years.

Craig Robinson 1973 146 AB 0 BB

Alejandro Sanchez 1985 133 0

Ernie Bowman 1963 125 0

Harry Bemis 1909 123 0

Rob Picciolo 1984 119 0

Pitcher Ed Walsh has the most AB without a walk in a single season. 154 in 1907.

The most for a Career is pitcher Tracy Stallard, 245 AB with 0 walks

DOUGHBOYS · Post by **DOUGHBOYS** » Tue May 12, 2009 1:41 am

If I had to pick one player who actually may hurt his team with a walk, it would be Molina. Molina is slower than my Aunt Ruth, unless armed with her wheelchair.

He went from first to third twice on singles last year. He never scored on a double from first. A base clogger to the nth degree. Knowing it'll take at least two and probably three hits behind him, managers really should not be letting pitchers throw strikes to him.

Reminds me of an opposite circumstance. Being a Giant fan growing up, I hated Maury Wills. That little sonuvabitch would literally steal a run from the Giants every game and with Koufax and Drysdale pitching, it was all the Dodgers needed. One game the Giants pitched around Drysdale so that Wills would come up with a runner on first. I loved the strategy and the Giants won the game.

I'm turning this little post into a novel, I know....but CF'ers, are their really any that are playing because of defense? The best cf'er in baseball may be riding the pine right now in Minnesota. The White Sox really don't even have a true CF'er. We're living in an era of defensive CF'ers that are good on some clubs, but not one you would think that actually takes runs away like a Mays or Blair or even as recent as Andruw Jones. I guess Torii Hunter would lead the pack. I know some will clamor about Sizemore or someone else, but their is nobody special out there any more. Too bad.

I know, somehow, I offended Crazy with this post, I'll apologize in advance.

[ May 12, 2009, 08:27 AM: Message edited by: DOUGHBOYS ]

Head 2 Head · Post by **Head 2 Head** » Tue May 12, 2009 2:38 am

Originally posted by DOUGHBOYS:

We're living in an era of defensive CF'ers that are good on some clubs, but not one you would think that actually takes runs away like a Mays or Blair or even as recent as Andruw Jones. I guess Torii Hunter would lead the pack. I know some will clamor about Sizemore or someone else, but their is nobody special out there any more. Too bad.

Some clamor for Granderson after this weekend. Talk about taking away meaningful runs - a 2 run HR when up by 1 in the bottom of the ninth.

Dub · Post by **Dub** » Tue May 12, 2009 3:31 am

Originally posted by Head 2 Head:

quote:Originally posted by DOUGHBOYS:

We're living in an era of defensive CF'ers that are good on some clubs, but not one you would think that actually takes runs away like a Mays or Blair or even as recent as Andruw Jones. I guess Torii Hunter would lead the pack. I know some will clamor about Sizemore or someone else, but their is nobody special out there any more. Too bad.

Some clamor for Granderson after this weekend. Talk about taking away meaningful runs - a 2 run HR when up by 1 in the bottom of the ninth. [/QUOTE]Edmonds could go get 'em with anyone from any era. Human hi-light reel

SlimShady · Post by **SlimShady** » Tue May 12, 2009 3:59 am

By comparison, Victor Martinez has 21 BB already and a .454 OBP!

Molina has 7 Hrs and 27 RBIs on a team with the next best player having 2 Hrs and 14 RBIs (Renteria). Imagine if he had some support around him. I am surprised, with that sad of an offense, he hasn't received any IBBs so far. Strange.

headhunters · Post by **headhunters** » Tue May 12, 2009 4:49 am

i am going to disagree a little with dub and doughboys- 2 guys that i think really know baseball. using gomez as an example- the replays show the catch. edmonds was thrilling- same with mays and hunter. the thing that is hard to measure is speed. gomez ( as an example) is really really really fast. he will get to many balls that edmonds- for one- would only dream of getting to. when you make it look easy- it won't make the highlite real on espn. that famous catch by mays- baseball just started having black guys play. hunter, andrew jones and especially gomez make that same catch. just a guess- gomez is much faster than mays and mays is my favorite ballplayer ever. gomez might have been waiting for that ball to come down.. also- anderson on white sox, is a real good defensive center fielder. he just can't hit. if baseball does do away with roids- get ready for the early 60's- to some extent. with the parks much smaller than those built in the 60's and 70's- you will still see more homers- but there are going to be more .220 hitters playing. on molina- doughboys is right again. baseball managers just don't get it- but hard ( i guess) to get the whole skill set to manage a team. watching the mets pulling johann all the time- mid inning because he is up to 100 pitches just cracks me up. maybe the manager is told to do that- but i can't think of this happening to any "best pitcher in baseball" before. it is getting to the point they will all pitch 5 innings and be done.

Dub · Post by **Dub** » Tue May 12, 2009 6:27 am

Originally posted by headhunters:

mays is my favorite ballplayer ever. Mine too.

PS: I think you speak for all Mets fans

Dub · Post by **Dub** » Tue May 12, 2009 6:39 am

I went to Willie's first game as a Met. First AB- was a walk. Matter of fact it was followed by two more walks and a grand slam by Le Grande Orange who is now Muy Le Grande Orange

DOUGHBOYS · Post by **DOUGHBOYS** » Tue May 12, 2009 6:50 am

Love the viewpoint, as usual, Headhunters. There is one small part I disagree with. As outfielders, especially center fielders, I don't think there was a better generation than Mays generation.

Lets take the catch. Right off the bat, Mays wheeled and ran to the ball's landing. Every outfield instinct was correct, his judgment to where the ball would come down, the time to get there, and what to do after the catch. I DO NOT think Gomez makes the catch. The modern day cf'ers first few steps are measured to get a better read on the ball, while Mays is already on a dead run to get the ball, Gomez is loping and then hoping to catch up using his speed. Also while Mays has taken a beeline for the ball, the modern day Gomez is more comfortable "corraling" the ball or taking it from the side. Wertz drive went straight over Mays head, no hope for Gomez.

I probably sound like an old fogey representing my generation but center field has changed. The bullet arms are gone, outfield instincts replaced by sheer speed. Its too bad, seeing players like Johnny Damon and Juan Pierre man center field can turn a stomach faster than the swine flu.

Buster · Post by **Buster** » Tue May 12, 2009 6:52 am

I met Mays at Dennis Gilbert's first Scouting Foundation Dinner about five years ago. This was a great event, with owners, players, scouts, etc. attending.

There might have been 200 people there, so everyone talked, joked, told stories, etc.

I had a long discussion with Jerry Reinsdorf as we were both bidding on a print in the silent auction. Embarrassingly, I didn't realize who he was until much later. He was very engaging, as were most of the other attendees.

Mays was a jerk.

Buster

DOUGHBOYS · Post by **DOUGHBOYS** » Tue May 12, 2009 6:54 am

Originally posted by Dub:

I went to Willie's first game as a Met. First AB- was a walk. Matter of fact it was followed by two more walks and a grand slam by Le Grande Orange who is now Muy Le Grande Orange The day he was traded was the day I resolved to never root for or trust another baseball organization again.

Funny, the two different takes.

DOUGHBOYS · Post by **DOUGHBOYS** » Tue May 12, 2009 6:56 am

Originally posted by Buster:

I met Mays at Dennis Gilbert's first Scouting Foundation Dinner about five years ago. This was a great event, with owners, players, scouts, etc. attending.

There might have been 200 people there, so everyone talked, joked, told stories, etc.

I had a long discussion with Jerry Reinsdorf as we were both bidding on a print in the silent auction. Embarrassingly, I didn't realize who he was until much later. He was very engaging, as were most of the other attendees.

Mays was a jerk.

Buster I've heard the same.

Put him on a baseball field, he was the best.

headhunters · Post by **headhunters** » Tue May 12, 2009 7:30 am

dough- you and i are from the same generation. great catch. like i said- the speed is hard to quantify. i have seen edmonds, hunter, gomez and especially edmonds make catches on balls hit over their heads. next time you see the mays catch- see if you can gauge how long that ball was in the air. it seems like a long time. mays always said the throw was the hard part. i bet all the $ i have juan pierre would need 2 throws to get the ball to where mays threw it in 1. that part we agree.

DOUGHBOYS · Post by **DOUGHBOYS** » Tue May 12, 2009 7:33 am

One thing those fellas can't do now...Lets see them make that catch in black and white.

NorCalAtlFan · Post by **NorCalAtlFan** » Tue May 12, 2009 7:34 am

edmonds doesn't belong in the same sentence as hunter. tremendous catch in anaheim, but after that, was just a bunch of fluff.

a jones and hunter for this generation. hunter with more agility, but aj was always in perfect position and had the best instincts of anyone in recent memory.

headhunters · Post by **headhunters** » Tue May 12, 2009 7:35 am

can you imagine going to one of this fundraisers and getting put at a table with mays, joe morgan and maybe steve philips? bring on the booze

NorCalAtlFan · Post by **NorCalAtlFan** » Tue May 12, 2009 7:37 am

Originally posted by headhunters:

can you imagine going to one of this fundraisers and getting put at a table with mays, joe morgan and maybe steve philips? bring on the booze lol. wow. not sure any of them would realize there was anyone else at the table. would be classic.

Dub · Post by **Dub** » Tue May 12, 2009 7:43 am

Originally posted by headhunters:

can you imagine going to one of this fundraisers and getting put at a table with mays, joe morgan and maybe steve philips? bring on the booze

Dub · Post by **Dub** » Tue May 12, 2009 7:47 am

Originally posted by DOUGHBOYS:

quote:Originally posted by Dub:

I went to Willie's first game as a Met. First AB- was a walk. Matter of fact it was followed by two more walks and a grand slam by Le Grande Orange who is now Muy Le Grande Orange The day he was traded was the day I resolved to never root for or trust another baseball organization again.

Funny, the two different takes. [/QUOTE]I was 12 and there was no bigger thrill then seeing the best player who ever lived come to your team. I promise it was very exciting. .......and the Mets won that day

Dub · Post by **Dub** » Tue May 12, 2009 7:48 am

Originally posted by headhunters:

can you imagine going to one of this fundraisers and getting put at a table with mays, joe morgan and maybe steve philips? bring on the booze and Hawk Harrelson

Navel Lint · Post by **Navel Lint** » Tue May 12, 2009 9:12 am

Originally posted by headhunters:

dough- you and i are from the same generation. great catch. like i said- the speed is hard to quantify. i have seen edmonds, hunter, gomez and especially edmonds make catches on balls hit over their heads. next time you see the mays catch- see if you can gauge how long that ball was in the air. it seems like a long time. mays always said the throw was the hard part. i bet all the $ i have juan pierre would need 2 throws to get the ball to where mays threw it in 1. that part we agree. I think I’m a little younger than you guys. The first guy that I knew to be a great center fielder on defense was Gary Maddox. Watching him glide over the Astroturf in Philadelphia during the mid seventies was amazing. I don’t know who said it (probably Harry Kalas), but I always remembered this quote about Maddox.

“Two thirds of the world is covered by water, Gary Maddox covers the rest”

Later on in the late 80’s I thought Devon White in Toronto was a great fielder.

KJ Duke · Post by **KJ Duke** » Tue May 12, 2009 9:16 am

Originally posted by DOUGHBOYS:

Love the viewpoint, as usual, Headhunters. There is one small part I disagree with. As outfielders, especially center fielders, I don't think there was a better generation than Mays generation.

Lets take the catch. Right off the bat, Mays wheeled and ran to the ball's landing. Every outfield instinct was correct, his judgment to where the ball would come down, the time to get there, and what to do after the catch. I DO NOT think Gomez makes the catch. The modern day cf'ers first few steps are measured to get a better read on the ball, while Mays is already on a dead run to get the ball, Gomez is loping and then hoping to catch up using his speed. Also while Mays has taken a beeline for the ball, the modern day Gomez is more comfortable "corraling" the ball or taking it from the side. Wertz drive went straight over Mays head, no hope for Gomez.

I probably sound like an old fogey representing my generation but center field has changed. The bullet arms are gone, outfield instincts replaced by sheer speed. Its too bad, seeing players like Johnny Damon and Juan Pierre man center field can turn a stomach faster than the swine flu. I'm not fogey enough to judge, but that jittery old black and white film makes those old players look really fast as it skips several frames in each step.

DOUGHBOYS · Post by **DOUGHBOYS** » Tue May 12, 2009 10:02 am

Originally posted by KJ Duke:

quote:Originally posted by DOUGHBOYS:

Love the viewpoint, as usual, Headhunters. There is one small part I disagree with. As outfielders, especially center fielders, I don't think there was a better generation than Mays generation.

Lets take the catch. Right off the bat, Mays wheeled and ran to the ball's landing. Every outfield instinct was correct, his judgment to where the ball would come down, the time to get there, and what to do after the catch. I DO NOT think Gomez makes the catch. The modern day cf'ers first few steps are measured to get a better read on the ball, while Mays is already on a dead run to get the ball, Gomez is loping and then hoping to catch up using his speed. Also while Mays has taken a beeline for the ball, the modern day Gomez is more comfortable "corraling" the ball or taking it from the side. Wertz drive went straight over Mays head, no hope for Gomez.

I probably sound like an old fogey representing my generation but center field has changed. The bullet arms are gone, outfield instincts replaced by sheer speed. Its too bad, seeing players like Johnny Damon and Juan Pierre man center field can turn a stomach faster than the swine flu. I'm not fogey enough to judge, but that jittery old black and white film makes those old players look really fast as it skips several frames in each step.

[/QUOTE]It's tough to be fast when your uniform is wool.