Run Differential of AL contenders

by dchu on Aug 1, 2005 12:17 PM PDT

I limited it to teams within 5 games of a play-off spot and over-.500 records (meaning no Baltimore). These numbers are taken off CBS Sportlines, so apologies if any of them are incorrect. I didn't factor in games played because I'm lazy and I didn't think it'd have any significant bearing. If anyone wants to do so, go right ahead.

Chicago
510 RS vs. 413 RA
+97

Toronto
513 RS vs. 444 RA
+69

Boston
570 RS vs. 502 RA
+68

Anaheim
480 RS vs. 421 RA
+59

Oakland*
503 RS vs. 450 RA
+53

New York
567 RS vs. 526 RA
+41

Cleveland
481 RS vs. 443 RA
+38

Texas
558 RS vs. 530 RA
+28

Minnesota
459 RS vs. 437 RA
+22

The only real surprise is how high up Toronto ranks, but maybe it shouldn't be that shocking. They have a top 4 offense (best outside of the big bopping Boston-New York-Texas trifecta), a top 6 pitching staff in terms of ERA, and they've actually allowed fewer runs than the A's have. They have the best run differential in their division (pretty amazing considering who they play with). I'd watch out for them down the stretch if Halladay and Lilly come back healthy... that is a much better team than it appears at first glance.

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what one of us ought to do

Is Post May 30 run differential.

I know the A's are about +100-- and, needless to say, will be way ahead of anyone else, even the White Sox, for that span.

oaktoon

by oaktoon on Aug 1, 2005 12:33 PM PDT reply actions

Toronto has been

Really unlucky or something. Their run differential is really about 10% better than Boston's since a run is worth about 10% more in a Toronto game (because there are less runs being scored). Have the Blue Jays been losing alot of close games? Does their bullpen suck?

by skwid on Aug 1, 2005 12:37 PM PDT reply actions