Which batters made the pitcher work the most last year?
Here are the 2008 pitches-per-out leaders among players with 400 or more plate appearances:
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June 16, 2009Pitches Per Out - 2008
And the trailers:
June 10, 2009Pitches Per Out Which batters make the pitcher work the most? One way to measure this is by pitches per plate appearance. But there is a big difference between working a 9-pitch walk and working a 9-pitch groundout. The best hitters make the pitchers throw a lot of pitches, and don't use up one of their team's outs in the process.
Here are this year's leaders among players with 100 or more plate appearances, through June 9th:
And the trailers:
A pitcher facing an entire lineup of guys like Joe Mauer, Kevin Youkilis, Joey Votto, and Manny Ramirez would have to throw well over 200 pitches a game, while a pitcher facing Bengie Molina, Ty Wigginton, Yuniesky Betancourt, and Eric Byrnes would finish with under 120! You can download the full data here, which includes all players with at least 1 PA. April 5, 20092009 Projections Updated Baseball Dope final team and player projections for 2009 have been posted. Visit the Projections page.
2009 Projected Leaders:
April 1, 2009Top 20 Free Agents - Update Here is an update on the top twenty free agents who had not signed until recently -- or still haven't signed.
1. Manny Ramirez
His fearsome hitting skills are matched only by his fearsome contract demands. He has already turned down the Dodgers' offers of $45 million over two years and $25 million over one year.
Update: The Manny saga is over. Manny and the Dodgers finally came to agreement on a 2-year, $45 million contract.
2. Adam Dunn
Remarkably consistent for a power hitter, Dunn puts up 40 home runs a year, no more, no fewer. He'll also contribute well over 100 walks, and even more strikeouts.
Update: Signed with the Washington Nationals for 2 years, $20 million.
3. Orlando Hudson
Always a defensive star at second base, Hudson has become a real asset at the plate as well.
Update: The Dodgers have acquired his services for $3.4 million plus incentives that can make the deal worth up to $8 million total.
4. Orlando Cabrera
Steady defense, good average, occasional power, some walks, and some steals...what more can you ask for from your shortstop?
Update: The A's were happy to sign him to a 1 year, $4 million deal.
5. Ben Sheets
When healthy, Sheets is an ace. He was healthy last year, but teams still seem wary.
Update: He wasn't healthy after all. Sheets had elbow surgery and will miss much of the 2009 season.
6. Randy Wolf
Wolf proved himself healthy by not missing a start last year and put up good strikeout numbers.
Update: The Dodgers signed him for 1 year, $5 million plus up to $3 million in incentives.
7. Braden Looper
Looper had a second successful season as an inning-eating grounder-inducing starter, improving on his ERA and strikeout-to-walk ratio.
Update: Looper is now a Brewer, with a 1 year, $4.75 million contract that includes a mutual option year.
8. Juan Cruz
The best power reliever still looking for a job, Cruz has struck out 158 batters over the last two years while allowing only 79 hits.
Update: The Royals stepped in and signed him for 2 years, $6 million.
9. Bobby Abreu
Abreu's batting average and walks have slipped a bit, but he still scores 100 runs and drives in 100 runs like clockwork. He gives some of those back on defense, which is scaring away some potential suitors.
Update: Signed by the Angels for 1 year for about $5 million. The Phillies' signing of Raul Ibanez for $30 million, which looked terrible at the time, just continues to look worse and worse every day.
10. Ivan Rodriguez
Rodriguez can still contribute solid defense and a decent average, which is more than some teams are getting from their catchers.
Update: Pudge has signed a one year deal with Houston for $1.5 million plus up to $1.5 million more in incentives.
11. Mark Grudzielanek
Update: No one is sure where Grudz will end up.
12. Garret Anderson
Update: Anderson will play left field for the Braves for $2.5 million plus incentives. He will likely platoon with Matt Diaz.
13. Joe Crede
Update: He is now a Twin, with a deal worth $2.5 million plus incentives that can raise the value to $7 million.
14. Pedro Martinez
Update: Pedro is still hoping for $5 million or more in guaranteed money. If he wants to sign, he will have to settle for a contract for much less guaranteed money and more in incentives.
15. Nomar Garciaparra
Update: Nomar has signed with the A's, and may get significant time at third base if Eric Chavez's injury woes continue.
16. Jim Edmonds
Update: Edmonds has not garnered much interest.
17. Ken Griffey Jr.
Update: The Mariners have made their fans happy by bringing The Kid back. His deal is worth between $2 million and $4 million depending on incentive and attendance bonuses.
18. Joe Beimel
19. Dennys Reyes
20. Will Ohman
Update: Reyes has signed with the Cardinals for 2 years, $3 million. Beimel is now a Washington National for 1 year, $2 million. Ohman is now a Dodger for $1.35 million plus incentives and a team option for 2010.
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