The Bill Chuck Files of December 22, 2019

Each Sunday, in remembrance of my friend Nick Cafardo, I post “the Bill Chuck Files” (named by Nick in his Sunday Baseball Notes column)

Team ERA in the TenTeens

From 2010 to 2019, the Dodgers had the best team ERA at 3.49 and the Rockies had the worst at 4.75. The following teams had the same ERAs:

• Pirates and Brewers – 4.05
• Blue Jays and White Sox – 4.31

Team Batting Averages in the TenTeens

From 2010 to 2019, the Padres had the lowest team batting average at .239. The Rockies had the best batting average at .268. The following teams had the same batting average:

• Phillies, Athletics – .248
• Rays, Blue Jays – .249
• Cubs, Marlins, .250
• Reds, Braves – .252
• Brewers, Orioles, Astros, Diamondbacks – .253
• Giants, Angels, White Sox – .254
• Dodgers, Indians, Nationals, Twins – .255

Regular and Postseason Records from 2010 to 2019

(ranked by winning pct.)

Of the top three teams, only the 2011 Cardinals had a World Championship. Of the top 10 teams, the Cardinals, Nationals, and Red Sox won a championship. Of the 14 teams that had a .500+ record, the Cardinals, Nationals, Red Sox, Giants, and Cubs won championships. The Astros and Royals were the two teams that finished under .500 for the decade that won championships.

Bonjour, Monsieur Grosse Tête

The French Baseball Federation appointed Bruce Bochy as manager of their national team as they attempt to qualify for the World Baseball Classic for the first time in 2021. Bochy was born in Bussac-Forêt, France, in 1955, where his father was stationed with the US Army. The French team may get pitching help from Brett Bochy, Bruce’s son, who briefly pitched for the Giants in 2014 and 2015, and is eligible to play with France. Bruce’s older brother, Joe, will also help coach the team. (H/T to SFGate.com for information on this story)

MLBers born in France since 1901

Adam Jones to play for Orix Buffaloes in Japan

According to Kenny Rosenthal, Adam Jones’ deal with Orix, is two years, $8M, with club option for ‘22. Jones will bring a winning attitude to the Buffaloes; in the ten-teens no MLB player played in more winning games than Jones who played in 1499 with the Orioles and Diamondbacks, edging out Nick Markakis who played in 1491 for the Orioles and Braves. No player played in more wins for one team than Elvis Andrus did playing in 1478 wins for the Rangers, finishing third overall.

Jeopardy Answer:

The Twins and the Angels were the only two teams in the 10-Teens without a postseason victory, this team was the only team with one win.

16 Players Whose Hitting From Sept. 1 Through the Postseason Might be a Concern

Do the Yankees Really Need a Lefty Slugger?

Last season, the Yanks had six lefties who homered: Greg Bird, Brett Gardner, Mike Ford, Didi Gregorius, Mike Tauchman, and Tyler Wade combining for 83 homers, 19th in the majors. In 2018, the Yanks had just four: Bird, Gardner, Didi, and Wade combining for 79 homers, 12th in the majors. Yet in 2019, despite being 19th in the majors, overall against righties, the Yankees hit 220 homers, the most in the majors as their righty batters against righties led the majors with 157 homers. Yankees lefties hit just .243 last season, 241st in the majors, 10 points below the MLB average.

Three players after the All-Star break hit 25+ homers last season

Eugenio Suarez hit 29 homers to lead all batters; Nelson Cruz and Jorge Soler each hit 25.

Since 2017…

• Since 2017, there have been two players who have seasons with 200+ hits, 20+ homers, and 10+ steals. Those two are Jose Altuve and Charlie Blackmon who each did it in 2017.
• In 2019, Rafael Devers was the only player with 200+ hits, 20+ homers, and 5+ steals. There were none in 2018 and no others in 2017.
• In 2019, Rafael Devers and Whit Merrifield were the only players with 200+ hits, 10+ homers, and 5+ steals. There were none in 2018 and also Ender Inciarte in 2017.
• In 2019, there were no players with 180+ hits, 20+ homers, and 10+ steals. In 2018 the players were current trade candidates Mookie Betts, Francisco Lindor, and Christian Yelich, and no others beyond Altuve and Blackmon in 2017.

Here’s a great gift for the new year…

If you are a PC user, here’s a reminder that the Complete Baseball Encyclopedia makes an excellent holiday gift. The new edition of the Complete Baseball Encyclopedia, which is complete through the Nationals’s victory in the 2019 World Series, along with the 2019 awards and the latest Hall of Fame election is now available. The Encyclopedia created and maintained by Lee Sinins can be ordered here.

Jeopardy Question:

Who are the Colorado Rockies, the team trying to deal Nolan Arenado?

Happy holidays to all

Wishing you, and your family, health and happiness (and a special shout out of thanks to Nancy Pelosi)