Adam Dunn Falls Short and Other Statistical Observations

Adam Dunn hit exactly 40 homers in each of the past four season, and after he hits his 37th on September 11 I thought he had a pretty good chance of making it five in row. But Dunn went into a horrible slump, hitting only one more home run in his last 19 games, a span of 64 at bats.



But one guy who never misses a chance to pad his stats is A-Rod. Because he missed 30 games or so early in the year his 11-year stretch of at least 30 homers and 100 RBI was in jeopardy. He needed 2 homers and 7 RBI on the season's final day. And wouldn't you know it, that's exactly what he got.

Joe Mauer won his third batting title. Most ever for a catcher. No other catcher has won even one since World War II. His .365 batting average is the highest ever for a catcher.

Mark Reynolds struck out 223 times in in 578 at bats. That breaks his own record of 204 set last year. Reynolds made out 425 times, 52% of those outs were by strikeout. But as Reynolds himself said "who cares?" Reynolds had 44 homers which is great but only 102 RBI, which is probably fewer than a guy who puts the ball in play more. He walked 76 times and had an .892 OPS, but numbers which are respectable. But here's where you really see the impact of his Ks: 3 sacrifice flies, and only 8 grounded into double plays.



On Opening Day Adam Lind had 6 RBI, putting him on pace for 972 for the season (and 162 homers). When I e-mailed TallSkott about Lind's remarkable pace he replied "On pace for 972, will end up with 50." Lind ended up with 35 homers and 114 RBI making him one of this season's biggest offensive surprises.