Its just amazing, you think you've seen it all or every record that has been set and then someone else comes along and does something that never has been done before. You have to wonder if anyone will ever equal or top this? The answer has to be yes according to history. But what a year its been!
i don't preach it... that was the only time I had ever even seen that stat. It's really important though. If you get to a team's bullpen in the 6th inning every game, you're in good shape
Chase Utley hit a single in his first at bat tonight. That makes 33 straight games. How close does he get to DiMaggio before falling short under the pressure?
Nowhere near it. I don't know why they bother pointing out the streak til the guy is in the 40s, in terms of the record. Of course, 33 games is one HELL of a streak. But 56...whew...untouchable, as far as I can see.
Clair's right...that's a very important stat. Just about every team in the league, no matter how good, is low on middle relief. That's what did the Yankees in last year. So if your lineup doesn't give quick outs, and forces a change late, that can result in real runs. Also, in a seven game series, consider the impact on a pitcher his second time in the series if he threw 100+ pitches his first time around, even if it was in a win.
that is actually a great point, and that is actually why no one gets close to the record as soon as they get to 20, every media outlet is showing every at-bat the dude has. it's impossible to maintain that level of play for 30+ more games with that pressure. If they'd start to make a big deal at say 45 or so, maybe it'd be easier to handle the pressure game in, and game out. If there is a guy in the game that can do it, it is Utley though, that kid is as cool as a cucumber. What ultimately may do him in is that he doesn't have leadoff speed. He has great speed, but he doesn't have the ability to turn any given ground ball into a base hit
More than any sport, baseball is a numbers game. The additional pressure doesn't help, especially considering a guy may only get four whacks at it any given night, against occassionally great pitching. Joe D was essentially a once-in-a-generation talent, and even his streak was dependent on luck.
Holy crap, Piazza is a noodle arm. Did anybody else see his "throw" to second as Everett was stealing second?? :rofl: I'm pretty sure Bagwell could have made a stronger throw to second. Amazing what an impact a limp wrist can have on your throwing arm.
