Friday Notes...
...Remember the concern we had about the drop off the Phillies would experience in playing Shane Victorino in right field all year rather than having Bobby Abreu around? If you compare the seasons the two are having right now, Victorino is clearly the better player to have. Offensively, Victorino has created 34 runs while Abreu has created 37 -- basically a push. But defensively speaking, using The Hardball Times zone rating data, Victorino is one of the best right fielders in the game, saving an estimated 7 runs above average. Abreu on the other hand has cost the Yankees around 7 runs below average. All in all, the Phils are around 11 runs to the better for having the Flyin' Hawaiian out there.
...I linked to this on the Linkology page, but it deserves greater appreciation: Todd Zolecki of the Inquirer took a look at the percentage of times each team in the NL East scored 0-3 runs, four to six runs, and seven or more runs. The Phils score in the four to six range more than anyone in the division and score less than four runs fewer times than anyone in the division. What this means? The Phils offense is not as streaky as we all perceive it to be and, basically, the Phils are winning by just out-slugging their opponents.
...Tiger Woods shot a 71 yesterday at Oakmont, three shots back of the leader. Go turn on Animal Planet and watch how a tiger lurks in the bushes before pouncing its prey. Get the idea? Jim Furyk, southeastern Pennsylvania's best shot at a championship of any kind, is also three back at +1.
...Oh, back to the aforementioned zone rating data from The Hardball Times -- Chase Utley ranks first among second basemen at 13 runs saved above average... MVP! MVP! MVP!
