when they run the count long (i.e. 2-2, 3-2, a 10 pitch at bat, etc.)? 

As I was watching today's game, there were a couple of hitters that ran the count long, and that got me to thinking about this.  I'm guessing that some of you fans out there have those statistics, and I'm wondering whether that's changed over the years, percentage-wise (for example 30% better chance in the 1970s vs. 55% better in the steroids era, etc.).

Obviously, the chance for the hitter to get a walk improves, but I wondered about actual hits, and whether they're of the single or extra-base variety.

One final note, no matter what Bissinger says, love the blog here.  Intelligence need not be measured by the number of books a person has written.

Did a search through the diaries, and didn't find this, so thought I'd ask;  has anyone come up with a projected starting lineup list lately?

Again, if I'm missing this elsewhere on the forums, just delete the post, moderators.  But I think it would be handy if no one  else has posted an updated roster/lineup.

is rising in the East, and to me, it's the Boston Red Sox.  Why?  After all those years of being the team the whole world felt sorry for (always a bridesmaid, never the bride), they are quickly becoming a team that bores many similarities to their much-hated brethren in New York.

I'm reminded of the idea "You become what you hate."
In certain respects, I feel the Red Sox have become a mirror for the boys in pinstripes.

Go Rockies.

While I realize this season is far from over, we all know how mentally draining this season has been for Cardinal fans.  I can't even begin to imagine what it's been like for LaRussa, Duncan and Jocketty.

That said, I'm wondering out loud whether any of the three noted above will return next year.  No, I'm not saying they'll be removed; perhaps the events that have transpired this season will be enough for any or all of these three to determine they're ready to move on.  

I think there's a correlation here to when Whitey hung it up; matter of fact, I think Herzog bailed  in a situation that was nowhere NEAR as life-sapping as what our Big Three have been through this (and last) season.

Look forward to everyone's thoughts.

NOTE:  I'm not advocating letting any of the three go;  I just know this:  if I were in their shoes, I'd be looking long and hard at whether or not I wanted to come back next year.

I pose this since he's just been benched by the Yankees.  My guess is that he's done there.  While he's struggled this season, I believe a change of scenery could be just the thing he needs, and could be a great catalyst to move us on to another World Series championship.  

Look forward to everyone's thoughts.

So, now that we've all beaten the Albert/TLR thing to death, how would you like to see these two (and the team) perform damage control?

I believe they should both be open about it; discuss the situation in a press conference together, and then put it behind them; on to the second half.

Obviously, they need to have a closed-door discussion to iron things out first, but I believe if they both choose to ignore the 800 pound gorilla in the room the rest of the season, it will just become a bigger distraction the longer the season goes.  

What do you think?

The reason I say that is this;  we're only 6 1/2 back; so isn't everyone else, but I could see us going on a run and the Brew Crew stumbling.  That would put us near .500 and in striking range.

And as I stated earlier this year, I think it's quite possible that the NL Central champ will be below .500 at season's end.

What a hoot it would be to finish at 79-83, win the Division, then add title number 11 to the trophy case.

Gotta give it to that guy; he's been one of the only bright spots on this club this season.  When I looked up at the game, saw the score and him on the mound tonight, I felt comfortable for a win.  Sure enough, he prevailed.

His ERA is miniscule, he now has five wins, and has been a pleasant surprise.

If not for him, I think this club would be in a MUCH worse place right now.

Watching the NL Central standings, I get the feeling that the champion of the division could end up below .500 at the end of the season.  Seems that, with the schedule tilted towards division teams, that each club is taking turns kicking the tar out of the other, therefore the records are currently standing at around .500.

Your thoughts?  My take is, even if that happened, I wouldn't be too concerned because, much like last year, the NL Central champ would be overlooked, and could go on a tear in the playoffs.

Please, oh please, tell me those goofy hats I've seen teams wearing in spring training are NOT the gameday hats, but just for practice.  I'm talking about the ones with the "swoosh" colors on the side, just above the ears, with the white piping.

Yes, I know they're switching from wool to something else this year, but I do hope the MLB is keeping the gameday hats a SOLID color.

Anyone know the story behind these hats?  I looked in past diaries here, but saw no posts.