1. Which current specific batter has the most amount of plate appearances against a current pitcher?
2. How many plate appearances does a batter need against a pitcher in order to have confidence in career stats vs. that pitcher?

1. Which current specific batter has the most amount of plate appearances against a current pitcher?

Think this question came up a while ago. I think it is Bonds v Maddux. I might be wrong

Speaking of Greg Maddux, here's a question that occurred to me while watching Manny Ramirez bat the other night: how many current players began their careers during the two-division era? There can't be a whole lot of them left. This is not a trivia question exactly, just a sort of wondering about the pace of baseball generations. Almost all current players have come up with the three-division, three-round-postseason structure in place. That's kind of amazing, because I still think of it as a radical innovation (I had just gotten used to the two-division, two-round system :).

Who was the last player active who had played in the single-division majors? I'm guessing Nolan Ryan ...

Who was the last player active who had played in the single-division majors? I'm guessing Nolan Ryan ...

Has to be. He's the only guy he played in the 60s and 90s who debuted before '69.

Think this question came up a while ago. I think it is Bonds v Maddux. I might be wrong

Assuming Bonds is not "active", who would be next?

The Brewers have signed Jeff Weaver to a deal. Discuss.

Who was the last player active who had played in the single-division majors? I'm guessing Nolan Ryan ...

Yup.

how many current players began their careers during the two-division era?

Per B-R, there are 42 players who have at least one appearance in 2008 and who played prior to 1994.

-- MWE

The Brewers have signed Jeff Weaver to a deal.

Whaaa?

Assuming Bonds is not "active", who would be next?

I'm going to guess Mussina vs. Thomas.

Now that Biggio and Bonds are gone, Thomas vs. Mussina sounds right. I can think of some other venerable hitters (Luis Gonzalez, Omar Vizquel), but none who were in the same league for their whole careers.

Upon inspection, Biggio had more PA's vs. Glavine, Maddux, Smoltz, and Andy Benes than Thomas has against anyone.

Also, the Weavers have signed Billy Brewer to a deal. He will be singing at the Newport Folk Festival this June, being in town for a bass fishing competition anyway.

I'm going to guess Mussina vs. Thomas.

Good guess, but not the answer. Thomas is actually only #3 on Moose's most-faced list: Johnny Damon is #2 (which is surprising, given they're on their third season as teammates) and #1 is Manny, with 106 PAs.

If Bonds is not active, Maddux's #1 is Luis Gonzalez, at 120. I'm guess that's the #1 for the moment, although the Moose-Manny combo has a shot at passing them this season.

I'm going to guess Mussina vs. Thomas.

First one I checked. only 96 PAs.
Manny v Mussina : 106 PAs is the leader in the clubhouse for now

(John) Rabb Himself

(Boston) Bee Kite?

Speaking of Manny, I just realized he has been part of the 2 longest consecutive stadium sellout streaks: with the Tribe at the Jake and the Sox' current streak.

Also, he has been part of some mighty offenses in his day - especially the 99 Indians, and the 03-04 Sox.

His teams have lead the league in runs 6 times, and been in the top three 10 times...

Also, the Weavers have signed Billy Brewer to a deal. He will be singing at the Newport Folk Festival this June, being in town for a bass fishing competition anyway.
Too much antihistamine in your spring allergy medication, Crispy? :)

Garret Anderson has 107 PAs against Jaime Moyer. He has 102 PAs against Kenny Rogers. Jason Giambi has 101 PAs against Tim Wakefield.

Who has the most simulated at-bats against Mark Prior?

Luis Gonzalez (who is still active, in Florida) has 120 career PA against Maddux.

EDIT: which is mentioned above, in #11. Gotta read the whole thread.

-- MWE

Hm, I was just looking at league leaders on BB-Ref, and Jonathon Papelbon is 9th in the AL in strikeouts. That's incredible.

Randy Johnson has jumped around too much to have faced anyone huge numbers of times. His No. 1 is Rickey (and he's owned Rickey to the tune of .119/.388/.169 in 85 PAs), and his No. 2 is someone I never would have guessed.

The batter that Randy Johnson has faced the second most often in his career is none other than Phil Nevin.

Heading out to see Brett Anderson pitch for Stockton in San Jose tonight. I'm not going to drink, am going to keep score and try to be an observant fan. Anything in particular that bears watching or that anyone would like me to look out for and report back on?

I guess five seasons in the unbalanced schedule can be the equivalent of twelve seasons in the four-division era.

Also, I thought Garret Anderson retired at least two years ago. Apparently he played 108 games last year and has started every game this year. Whaddya know.

how many current players began their careers during the two-division era?

OK, how many current players played in the old two-division playoffs? I can think of Tim Wakefield, Frank Thomas, Curt Schilling...

OK, how many current players played in the old two-division playoffs?

Maddux, Glavine and Smoltz.

Is anyone else playing Beat The Streak at MILB.com? It's totally bizarre...I know more than probably 95% of the average baseball fan about the minor leagues, and I still feel like I'm randomly throwing darts at the wall.

I have Peter Bourjos tonight for Rancho Cucamonga against Bakersfield. Good prospect + pretty good start to the season + Cal League was enough for me.

OK, how many current players played in the old two-division playoffs? I can think of Tim Wakefield, Frank Thomas, Curt Schilling...

Luis Gonzalez, Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, John Smoltz, Jaime Moyer, Kenny Rogers, Randy Johnson, Tom Gordon, Mike Timlin, Todd Jones, Trevor Hoffman, Gary Sheffield, Jeff Kent.

I was thinking Chipper Jones too, but I was surprised he only played 8 games in 1993. Matt Stairs played a few games in 1992-1993.

So to answer your question, anyone that's really, really old.

Maddux, Glavine and Smoltz.

And Kent Mercker.

OK, how many current players played in the old two-division playoffs?

Probably a lot, mostly relievers. Eight people from the 1992-93 Braves are still active. Maddux, Glavine, Smoltz, Kent Mercker, Mike Stanton, Javy Lopez (still active? we'll see), Chipper Jones and Ryan Klesko. It looks like the latter two didn't play in the playoffs until 1995, though.

David Wells (1989,1991 Blue Jays).

And as for Shawon Dunston (1989 Cubs), can he ever be considered retired as long as Dusty Baker is managing?

Javy Lopez officially retired, Mike Stanton was released by the Reds, and I think Ryan Klesko has pretty much announced he's not playing any more.

Using BRefPI, guys that played in the two division era that haven't been mentioned in this thread:

Rudy Seanez
Ken Griffey (how did we overlook him?)
Jim Thome
Ivan Rodriguez
Dave Weathers
Russ Springer
Doug Brocail
Pedro Martinez
Damion Easley
Jim Edmonds
Carlos Delgado
MannyBeingManny
Chris Gomez
Cornelius "Cliff" Floyd
Brian Shouse
Salomon Torres
Brad Ausmus

Last season was the last gasp of the 1993 Braves! Except for Maddux, Glavine, Smoltz, Chipper, and Mercker!

Brian Shouse

Y'know, for as much as statheads hate LOOGYs, and as obscure as Shouse is, he's had himself a nice career. Nine years in the majors, career ERA+ of 125, made a few million dollars.

Five years from now he'll be totally forgotten, but he's a better pitcher than a lot of guys who won't be.

Which batter/pitcher match-up has the most plate appearances with a .000/.000/.000 line? Webb has Nomar at 0-17 right now.

Which batter/pitcher match-up has the most plate appearances with a .000/.000/.000 line? Webb has Nomar at 0-17 right now.

Mariano Rivera has Ray Durham at 0-26. That has to be close to the top, if not it.

Which batter/pitcher match-up has the most plate appearances with a .000/.000/.000 line? Webb has Nomar at 0-17 right now.

Radatz/Mantle.

Actually, Rivera/Durham might be the all-time leader. Radatz/Mantle isn't close.

Luis Gonzalez, Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, John Smoltz, Jaime Moyer, Kenny Rogers, Randy Johnson, Tom Gordon, Mike Timlin, Todd Jones, Trevor Hoffman, Gary Sheffield, Jeff Kent.

I was thinking specifically of guys who had played in the old LCS-style playoffs, which eliminates most of these guys.

Actually, Rivera/Durham might be the all-time leader. Radatz/Mantle isn't close.


Wouldn't some pitcher on pitcher matchup be the candidate for this? Esp a bad hitting pitcher from the pre-DH era?

It was a joke, RB. Was it too subtle?

Well, too subtle for me anyway, GGC.

What in the hell happened to Andruw Jones? I'm surprised more people aren't talking about it, he's continued to suck this year after signing a big (but short) contract--2 years, $36 mil--and he has looked absolutely LOST at the plate.

Even as a Mets fan, I always thought Andruw was fun to watch with his all-or-nothing swing, but now he's totally lost it. The numbers (5 hits and 6 walks/14 Ks in 50 PAs) don't really tell the story, he looks really terrible right now.

Mike Timlin pitched in the playoffs for the Blue Jays back then, like David Wells.

The rest of those guys didn't. (ecxept Smoltz/Glavine/Moyer)

Craig Grebeck is 0-for-28 against Randy Johnson. But with 6 walks.
.000/.250/.000

It was a joke, RB. Was it too subtle?
Cool link as the article also discusses Ankiel becoming a full-time OF. Kruk thought he could make it, Harold Reynolds said no.

GGC, too subtle? Yes. :)

I bet Bill Bergen had an o-fer with some pitcher that was longer thant that.

I looked up some closers. Here they are followed by the man who achieved the most total futility against them (.000/.000/.000)

Steve Bedrosian: Mike Fitzgerald (17 PAs)
Dan Quisenberry: Julio Franco (17 PAs)
Tom Henke: Dave Bergman (17 PAs)
Bruce Sutter: Bruce Benedict (14 PAs)
Dennis Eckersley: Tim Johnson (13 PAs)
Roberto Hernandez: Joe Carter (12 PAs)
Jeff Reardon: Bob Dernier (12 PAs)
Troy Percival: Mike Cameron/Mark McLemone (11 PAs)
Billy Wagner: Juan Castro (11 PAs)
Jose Mesa: Wil Cordero (11 PAs)
John Wetteland: Derrick May (10 PAs)
Armando Benitez: Shane Spenser (10 PAs)
Trevor Hoffman: Lance Johnson (9 PAs)
Rick Aguilera: Jeff Gallego (9 PAs)
Lee Smith: Steve Braun (9 PAs)
Jeff Montgomery: Dave Henderson (9 PAs)
Robb Nen: Preston Wilson (9 PAs)
Randy Myers: Ray Durham (8 PAs)
John Franco: Damon Berryhill (8 PAs)
Bobby Thigpen: Bo Jackson (7 PAs)

This exercise has taught me that most people who stay in the closer role more than a couple years are white guys. Also that Mariano Ramirez is indeed unique.

It's not exactly .000/.000/.000, but Jhonny Peralta is 3-for-28 with 22 strikeouts in his career against Johan Santana. By the end of Johan's time with the Twins, Peralta pretty much just got a day off whenever Santana was pitching.

I know this is supposed to be about baseball but I saw this on Youtube and it's hysterically funny:

Night at the Starbury

A twist on the first-one-younger, last-one-older game, suggested on a mailing list that I'm on:

Kirby Puckett was the first player elected by the BBWAA to the HOF that is younger than I am.

Rich Gossage is the most recent player elected who is older.

Rice, Dawson, Blyleven, and Morris are all older than I am; they are about the only ones left on the ballot who COULD be elected by the BBWAA, and all of the candidates coming up are younger than I am. Within a couple of years, we could see the last BBWAA-player who is older than I am.

-- MWE

A twist on the first-one-younger, last-one-older game, suggested on a mailing list that I'm on:

Kirby Puckett was the first player elected by the BBWAA to the HOF that is younger than I am.

Rich Gossage is the most recent player elected who is older.

Brett and Yount were the first younger than me players.
Likewise, Gossage is most recent older for me by 2 months.

In other pro sports, younger division:
Vladislav Tretiak in 1989 (Bill Barber 1990 for US)
Jack Lambert in 1990
Bill Walton in 1993

Damn, that's starting to get to be a long time ago.

Hmm. No one younger than me has been elected to the HOF as a player.

What in the hell happened to Andruw Jones?

there's a thread about today's tj simers column in the LA times that deals with andruw, among other things ... its causing a lot of heartburn here ...

I'm 32, so it'll be a while before someone younger than me gets elected to a Hall Of Fame.

My best guesses as to who the first will be in each sport:
MLB - Vlad Guerrero
NBA - Kevin Garnett
NFL - either Pat Tillman or Peyton Manning
NHL - Jarome Iginla

Jeff Bagwell was 0-24 (1 sac fly, 3 IBB, 3BB) vs one of my favorites, Scott Sullivan.

robin yount is the first guy younger than me to make the HOF (dob sept. 55). weird. i'm only 4 mos. older than him. the nearest person to him when he was elected was FIVE years older than him.
the next guy inducted who is younger than me was kirby puckett (born in '60), and he was a lot younger than me and yount. that makes yount a pretty odd member, not a lot of people near to him in age. brett came along a couple of years later, he's born in 1953.

only 8 players in the HOF younger than me.
players in HOF closest to my age since yount, not including negro leaguers:

player mo./yr

ripken 8/60
gwynn 5/60
puckett 3/60
sandberg 9/59
boggs 6/58
molitor 8/56
murray 2/56
yount 9/55

me 7/55

ozzie 12/54
eckersley 10/54
carter 4/54
brett 5/53
sutter 1/53
winfield 10/51
fisk 12/47
ryan 1/47
perez 5/42
cepeda 9/37

In the more bad news for the Braves category, Moylan joins Soriano on the DL.
They are having open tryouts for the role of the reliever at the next home game.

if any of you like paintings of ball players, jon weisman has posted a painting i did of jackie robinson in honor of his day. it's on dodger thoughts.

Heading out to see Brett Anderson pitch for Stockton in San Jose tonight. I'm not going to drink, am going to keep score and try to be an observant fan. Anything in particular that bears watching or that anyone would like me to look out for and report back on?

Did he play anything from Dog Man Star?

if any of you like paintings of ball players...
I do and liked what you did, phred.

I'm doing spring cleaning and have found all matter of baseball stuff I forgot I had (mostly trash - anybody need 800 pages of Davenport Translations from '94/'95?). In that vein, one thing I found was one of the first mock baseball drafts (maybe the first) I ever did: 1996. Very college heavy, safe picks - which is probably why I have a bunch of guys with cups of coffee, but not many big contributors (that, and most of these guys wouldn't make it no matter how much I knew). For my own edification, here's the first 20 rounds - if my notes are correct, they all signed. If they made the bigs, I bolded their number. Of note - I didn't draft blind, back then - I mean, I kind of did as best I could, but I got the draft lists with some lag and I might accidentally see that I guy was picked in round 8 or whatever and blah, blah, blah.

1. Jason Marquis
2. Brent Butler (the infielder)
3. Ken Vining
4. Warren Morris
5. Clint Bryant (apparently, Texas Tech is a good place to hit)
6. Scott Comer
7. Alvin Rivera
8. Evan Thomas
9. Rudy Gomez
10. Mike Lincoln
11. Augie Ojeda
12. Justin Bowles
13. Jeff Inglin
14. Jason Williams
15. Tim DeCinces
16. Mike Bacsik
17. Courtney Duncan
18. Will Skett
19. Kit Pellow
20. Ted Lilly (lucked into that one!).

Not a great showing. I did surprisingly well in the later rounds, getting John Parrish, Junior Spivey, and, uh, Jack Cressend. And Ryan Minor.