2010 by the numbers: Hitting

Well last week, I broke down pitching for the 2010 APBA Baseball Card set and a few days ago I did a similar article on fielding.  It is time to look at hitting.  I have to admit this was a lot more complicated and even more fun (offense always is). 

One note:  I’ve included all players on the computer disk including the XCs which won’t be getting actual cards. 

On with it then…

Power

These are the sluggers.  The first is the list of all players with five or more Extra Base Hit numbers (0-6).  The second are all the hitters with double ones (and one with three).

Comments:  In case you’re wondering, Donnie Murphy is an XC for Florida who nonetheless got six doubles, a triple and three homers in 47 plate appearances.  Gustavo Chacin hit one homerun in his only plate appearance.  The APBA Co went with three 1s for him which to me, is a fair compromise.  Good for you if you have him in a pitchers hitting league.

Clutch and Gap Power

Here we have hitters with two 5s (in my mind, I’ve always considered them clutch hitters in APBA).  Next to them are players with a single column 2 or a 3.  Maybe not as productive as a homerun but they sure are fun!

Comments:  I’m lucky to have Tulo on my Thunderchickens.  You can be sure I’ll be batting my best on-base guy ahead of him.  Pedro Ciriaco is another XC who played for Pittsburgh.  His double and triple in six at-bats gave him a 2-2-6-6-6. 

The Hitters

Now that we’re past the long ball, we can focus on hitting.  These are hitters (or at least cards) that can hit!  On the left are players with the most hit numbers (0-11) on their card.  Also, I thought I’d see which cards had the most 7s.  Those are on the right.

Comments: Let’s face it the Grade A killers are all pitchers who were lucky enough to get a hit in their one at-bat. 

The most hits column does give you some better insight, though, Dan Haren notwithstanding.

Bat Control

Quite Simply, all the players with three 31s on their card.

Comments:  Every year (and anytime I would buy a past season), I’d always like to see who got 3 (or more!) 31s.  We got a pretty substantial crop this year, I’d say.

Speed

Who had the most speed numbers?  These lists will tell you.  First, the players with the most 11s.  Next, the ones with most 11s and 10s combined.  Note:  I added in 14*s but they really didn’t factor in the top 15 or so. 

Comments:  If you’re wondering, 26 players received two 10s.  Of those, only Elvis Andrus, Hanley Ramirez, and Jose Reyes got an accompanying 11.

Walks and Ks

If you don’t hit the ball, what happens?  You either walk or strike out.  Give these cards ample playing time, they’ll do that plenty.

Comments:  Not surprisingly, there are all pitchers on the Whiffers list.  Funny thing though, Justin Duchscherer didn’t bat at all in 2010.  APBA must be basing this card on his six K in six at-bats 2008 performance.

Interestingly, Nick Johnson of the Yankees hit .167 but walked 24 times in 98 PA for a respectable .388 OBP. 

Fast vs Slow

Finally, just a quick and dirty distribution calculation of those rated (F), (S) and those without a rating.

Comments:  I’m not too surprised by the more than 2 to 1 ratio between Slow and Fast players.  Considering the age of baseball players, the DH and probably higher probability for a (S) for pitchers, this seems accurate.  

I hope you’ve enjoyed the 2010 by the numbers series.  If you have anything to say, feel free to comment below. 

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