Archive for June, 2008

John Dewan’s Stat of the Weekâ„¢

What’s better than ERA to measure a pitcher’s effectiveness? June 5, 2008 For hitters, for years and years, it was batting average that was thought to be the best single statistic to look at to evaluate a hitter. In the last couple of decades, the weaknesses of batting average have been exposed and the value [...]

June 6, 2008   Posted in: John Dewan, stats  No Comments

Closing Time: Lights Out for Wood

With all the hubub over Kerry Wood being the Cubs closer this year, it merits notice that the guy has been outstanding so far. For example, he’s worked 6 of the last 8 games saving all of them. In fact, Wood has given up just 2 runs (both earned) since May 2nd – that’s 19 [...]

June 6, 2008   Posted in: observations, players, stats  No Comments

West Coast Games

Being in the central time zone, I have to say games played West of the Rockies are not my favorite.  They start too late and finish waytoo late. And they seldom seem to play day games – whats up with that? Even as a kid I recall being frustrated as the game summary and box [...]

June 5, 2008   Posted in: observations  No Comments

Vote with your head, not with your heart

With all this presidential election news whirling around, I am reminded of the significance of this years All Star Game. The Cubs are showing their desire to win the Central Division which could, in-turn, lead to <gasp> an NL Pennant and ultimately World Championship.  Ok, I’m extrapolating a lot here, but the point is this [...]

June 3, 2008   Posted in: All Star Game  No Comments

three grannies in 1987

On June 3, 1987, the Cubs beat the Houston Astros 22-7 in a game that included no less than three grand slams, tying a major league record for a single game. The Cubs hit two: Brian Dayett and Keith Moreland.

June 3, 2008   Posted in: on this date  No Comments

Look who’s in the rear view mirror

Granted, “object may appear closer than they are”, but with all the raving success the Cubs have seen lately, let’s not forget who is right on our heels.  The St. Louis Cardinals are just 2.5 games back, quietly pacing the Major League leading Cubs, keeping them just within arms reach. Logic dictates the Northsiders won’t keep [...]

June 2, 2008   Posted in: observations  No Comments