Inside the Numbers
By Scott Rickenbach
Four weeks are now in the books in Major League Baseball as of Monday, May 4th. That means we've got enough data in the books to give some consideration to some developing stats and trends so far this season. That said, let's get to work with some "news you can use" on the diamonds!
1) Los Angeles Dodgers are 10-0 at home. Remember, when you simply play on a streak until it loses you only lose once. That's a low-risk, high reward strategy!
2) Boston is 10-2 at home this season and they were one of the league's best at home last season too!
3) Philadelphia is 6-2 on the road this season. When you play a team on the road you're able to get better line value and the Phillies have certainly been rewarding their backers away from home so far this season.
4) San Francisco is 2-7 on the road. They're solid at home but the Giants are burning money on the road this season!
5) Baltimore is 2-8 on the road this season. Only a game under .500 at home but take them out of Camden Yards and the Orioles have struggled!
6) Washington is just 2-10 on the road. With the worst record in MLB, the Nationals are just plain bad all around but they've proven especially weak on the road.
7) Right is Wrong: Six teams are already at least four games under .500 against right-handed starters. They are Atlanta, San Diego, Houston, Cleveland, Baltimore, and Washington.
8) Lefty is Right by Us: The Dodgers, Mariners, and Phillies all have played at least six games against a left-handed starter and yet they each have just one loss against a southpaw.
9) Southpaws send our Record South: Arizona is 3-7 against lefties while Oakland is 3-8. However the defending AL Champs, Tampa Bay Rays, "win" the prize. The Rays are 1-8 versus southpaws!
10) Hit the Lights please: Eight teams have at least six losses coupled with no more than three wins in day games. Those who disappoint under the sun are: Minnesota, Atlanta, San Diego, New York Mets, Tampa Bay, Oakland, Baltimore, and Washington.
11) We'll take the Night Shift: The Dodgers, Cardinals, and Royals are the only three teams that have won at least two-thirds of their night games...that's making some serious money under the lights!