Because you are reading this website, I’d guess you enjoy watching baseball. So, chances are, you know that Madison Bumgarner hit two home runs on Sunday, making him the first pitcher to homer twice on Opening Day. That shouldn’t be news to you, but if it is, I’m glad to have caught you up.
Click here to read more on Beyond The Box Score.
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The argument is simple. Oftentimes, in major-league games, the final three outs are not the most important. Win probability and leverage index tell us that there is usually a spot earlier in the game, potentially around the sixth or seventh inning, where the use of a team’s best reliever is advantageous. And, for the vast majority of Major League Baseball teams — except for the Indians — the team’s best relief pitcher is in fact their closer.
Click here to read more on Beyond The Box Score. Royals manager Ned Yost informed the media Monday that Nathan Karns will be named the team’s fifth starter, as one of the first significant roster moves of spring training for any team.
After the tragic death of young star Yordano Ventura in late January, the Royals found themselves in dire need of starting pitching depth. They signed both Jason Hammel and Travis Wood in February, with the latter expected to compete for the fifth spot in the rotation. And while Karns was acquired from the Mariners weeks prior to Ventura’s passing, he too gained increased importance in the battle for the roster spot. After a strong spring thus far, Karns will open the season as Kansas City’s No. 5. Click here to read more on Beyond The Box Score. |