Bill Chuck

2 weeks ago | billchuck.substack.com | Bill Chuck

There were some really nice starts yesterday and fun match-ups all weekend. George Kirby struck out a career-high 14 batters to lead the Mariners over the Angels. The M’s had lost five straight. It was Kirby’s first win of the season. Kirby (1-3) issued no walks while retiring both his first 11 and his final 10 batters. I watched Paul Skenes for a while yesterday, and he is so good. His delivery appears to be effortless, which makes his pinpoint pitches seem all the more effective.

2 weeks ago | billchuck.substack.com | Bill Chuck

The Dodgers lead the majors with a .266 BA, and they lead the majors in BA w/RISP hitting .301, despite going 1-25 (.040) in their last two games and 6-47 (.128) in their last five games….The Yankees are now 4-6 on Saturdays….In four starts this season, Clayton Kershaw has a 5.17 ERA with eight strikeouts and a 1.660 WHIP. The only number that matters is that Kershaw has 2976 strikeouts. When he reaches 3000, he will be just the 20th pitcher to reach that round-numbered milestone.

3 weeks ago | billchuck.substack.com | Bill Chuck

Happy Friday, readers. David Letterman often asked that question, much to the delight of viewers. Paul, could we have the theme played? The Pirates have been blanked 10 times already this season. That’s the most in the majors. But overall record is not an indicator of how often a team goes scoreless. The Red Sox have been shut out once this season, the fewest in the majors. Like the Bucs, they are an under .500 team. The Padres have tossed 10 team shutouts this season. That’s the most in the majors.

3 weeks ago | billchuck.substack.com | Bill Chuck

Let’s assume (and let’s not be nitpicky) that a record of 87-75 (.537) will either get you to the postseason or get you close enough that you will be playing competitive ball down the stretch. It’s early, but not too early, to bring a little reality into each team’s chances of reaching 87 wins. Let me reiterate that it is early (there are now about a hundred games to go), and many more trips to the IL are likely to change things; nonetheless, let’s take a look.

3 weeks ago | billchuck.substack.com | Bill Chuck

It’s no surprise to me when I come up with a new column idea. It is a surprise when the column really works. I’ll let you be the judge as to whether this one works. No surprise: The Tigers were the first team to win 40 games. On June 2, they improved to 40-21. Surprise: The Tigers won their 40th game on the exact same night the Rockies won their 10th game of the season. Their record improved to 10-50.