TSN: Pinto: A’s, Marlins beat expectations in different ways

All that...and why Burke Badenhop never starred in a 50’s jalopy flick and much, much more!

These two organizations demonstrate two extreme ways to build a team. Oakland ranks fourth in the American League in OBP, tied for 12th in slugging percentage. Florida ranks first in the majors in slugging percentage, eighth in the National League in OBP. Bill James’s Runs Created formula boils down to (Times on Base) * (Total Bases) / (Plate Appearances), which explains why both of these offenses work. To maintain the same run level with fewer times on base, the team needs to generate extra base hits (the Marlins). Likewise, teams can balance a decrease in total bases by putting more men on base with walks (the Athletics).

Both these teams face a problem as the season progresses. With one-dimensional offenses, these squads can be shut down by attacking that one strength. A pitching staff that keeps the ball in the park should give the Marlins trouble. The Dodgers held the Marlins to two home runs in their three games, and Florida only managed 10 runs. A pitcher who throws strikes removes walks from the A’s times on base, reducing them to a team with a poor batting average. Paul Byrd pitched 7-1/3 scoreless innings against the Athletics Tuesday night, allowing no walks and just five hits.