HDTenEightyP/NetNews huggingface dataset:
From: skitchen@pica.army.mil (D. Scott Kitchen (CCAC) <skitchen>)
Newsgroups: rec.sport.baseball
Subject: Re: ????? Mookie Wilson
Date: 17 Apr 92 14:40:00 GMT
Article-I.D.: pica.1992Apr17.144000.11775
Organization: U.S. Army ARDEC, Dover NJ

In article <Apr.16.12.04.51.1992.20544@math.rutgers.edu> aboufade@math.rutgers.edu (Edward F. Aboufadel) writes:
>In <1992Apr15.134828.20422@pica.army.mil>, skitchen@pica.army.mil (D.
>Scott Kitchen (CCAC) <skitchen>) writes:
>
>>Mookie was traded to the Angels for Dave Gallagher over the break.
>
>How can this be?  The Mets just traded J. Valera to the Angels for
>Dave Gallagher.

That's the worst misspelling of Dick Schofield I've ever seen. :)

I screwed up the Brooks-Gallagher trade.  Not this one.  Valera was traded
to the Angels for Dick Schofield, and if I'm not mistaken there's a PTBNL
that the Mets have to give as well...

-- 
Scott Kitchen           | GM, Kitchen Sinkers       | ICBM: 40.88 N|
skitchen@pilot.njin.net | GM, Picatinny Mad Bombers |       74.56 W|
--------------------------------------------------------------------     
Not a shred of evidence exists in favor of the idea that life is serious.
Newsgroups: rec.sport.baseball
From: thf2@ellis.uchicago.edu (Ted Frank)
Subject: Re: Expos 4, Mets 0
Keywords: baseball, men's professional
Reply-To: thf2@midway.uchicago.edu
Organization: University of Chicago Computing Organizations
Distribution: na
Date: Mon, 13 Apr 1992 14:01:53 GMT

Incidentally, the Expos' sweep of the Mets was the first opening homestand
sweep of the Mets since 1962...

Saberhagen needs four consecutive shutouts to return to his ERA level of
last season.
-- 
Ted Frank          + "He wanted to be the car rather than the thimble or the
1307 E 60 St, #109 +  hat."  -- District attorney explaining Marc Cienkowski's
U o' C Law Skool   +  murder with bow and arrow of Michael Klucznik in
Chi, IL 60637      +  Doylestown Borough, PA over a game of Monopoly.
From: spira@panix.com (Greg "Sarcasm Is A Way Of Life" Spira)
Newsgroups: rec.sport.baseball
Subject: Re: More on errors/hits
Date: 6 Apr 92 15:42:50 GMT
Organization: A Slightly Warmer Place Than Dave Kirsch's Winter Wonderland

In <1992Apr6.051149.13148@adobe.com> snichols@adobe.com (Sherri Nichols) writes:

>So, we can see from these numbers that there is a slight difference in
>errors and hits; about 7% of the time, errors are going to result in an
>extra base over a hit.  If we take the case of our two hypothetical players
>who make the same number of plays but have a difference of 20 errors, then
>the guy with the twenty extra errors is going to allow an extra base about
>one and a half times a season compared to the other guy.  

Can you tell if the infield position played makes a difference?  I think
most of us would suspect that the grounball hits that are going for extra
bases are almost all going down the line, by the first and third baseman, and
not in the middle by the shortstop and second baseman.

Granted, the difference, if it exists, isn't very important, but it would be
interesting to know.

Greg  


-- 
  spira@panix.com       "The one-O delivery to Fisk.  He swings.  Long drive,  
 cmcl2!panix!spira      left field!  If it stays fair, it's gone!  Home Run!"  
158-17 Riverside Dr.                     Ned Martin, 10/22/75   
Whitestone NY 11357          (Insert your favorite baseball moment here)
From: sgs@milton.u.washington.edu (Steven Smith)
Newsgroups: rec.sport.baseball
Subject: Today's Birthdays
Date: 16 Apr 92 20:57:44 GMT
Organization: University of Washington, Seattle

Baseball Birthdays, April 16
Paul "Big Poision" Waner, 1903
Gentleman Jim Lonborg, 1943
Rich Rollins, 1938
Bernie Allen, 1939
Bruce Bochy, 1955
Pete Suder, 1916
Dutch Leonard, 1892
Curt Young, 1960
Craig Worthington, 1965

--Steve
-- 
 sgs@u.washington.edu             *  "Less likely to put the
 Steve Smith                      *   name of another Netter
 University of Washington HR-20   *   in his .sig file than
 Seattle, WA 98195                *   umm.. err..."
From: king@cogsci.ucsd.EDU (Jonathan King)
Newsgroups: rec.sport.baseball
Subject: Forget Matt Young:  let's talk Rocketman? (was What's a no-hitter?)
Summary: Roger Clemens pitched a better game yesterday than Matt Young
Keywords: young:clemens :: hawkins:seaver
Date: 13 Apr 92 22:00:08 GMT
Organization: University of California, San Diego

rdale@mentor.cc.purdue.edu (Robert Dale) writes:
>I sympathize with everyone who says Matt Young should be
>credited with a no-hitter, but for crying out loud his bad 
>pitching (7 walks) lost the game!  He is credited with a loss,
>and admitted himself that he didn't pitch well, and that it didn't
>have the tension and excitement of a true no-hitter.  

Thank you very much for pointing this out, although I would say Matt's
pitching wasn't "bad", just "Youngish".  I get a Game Score of 73 for the
Young no-hitter, while in the second game of the twin bill Roger Clemens
put up a sizzling 92 for his mere two-hit shutout.  

But while I'm on this hero worship tangent, I'd like to point out that
yesterday's game was the Rocketman's

*30th career shutout
*80th career complete game
*135th career win

and included the 1800th inning pitched of his career (and his 7300th
batter faced, I believe.  Meanwhile, his ERA dips to 2.12, where I
hope it will remain for the forseeable future.  As for the Indians, they
won't win too many this year if they can only manage 1.0 hits per game...

>Years from now, when we're reminiscing on the 1992 season, we're
>probably not going to talk about the great hitless game
>pitched by Matt Young.  (We'll be discussing the 162-0 Yankees...)

I hope we'll be discussing Rocket Roger's fourth Cy Young, Phil
Plantier's first MVP award, and the amazing comeback the Sox staged in
the seventh game of the World Series.  God, am I a homer sometimes.

jking
From: exurln@avata.NoSubdomain.NoDomain (Bob Netherton)
Newsgroups: rec.sport.baseball
Subject: Re: Galaraga - Gone (5-6wks)
Date: 9 Apr 92 19:00:51 GMT
Article-I.D.: exu.1992Apr9.190051.17094
Reply-To: exurln@exu.ericsson.se
Organization: Ericsson Network Systems, Inc.

In article <1992Apr8.043227.26120@m.cs.uiuc.edu>, ksmith@m.cs.uiuc.edu (Ken Smith) writes: 
|> Louisville's answers to the "Latin Massacre" in St. Louis:
|> 
|> + 2B Luis Alicea is being brought in response to Oquendo's injury.
|>   Jones played second tonight and made three amazing plays.
|>   Wonder whether Alicea or Jones plays 2nd (I vote Jones)?
|> 
It will be Alicea.  He has not had as much playing time as they would like
so this is an opportunity to take a look at him over a long period of time.
This may be his make it or break it opportunity.

|> + OF Brian Jordan is being brought in response to Galaraga's injury.
|>   Pedro goes back to 1st, I assume.
|>   Milt Thompson had 5 RBI tonight, will he get left?

My guess is that Jorgan will be the starting right fielder until Jose
comes back.  Gilkey and Thompson will platoon in left.  When Jose returns
Jordan will more to left and Thompson and Gilkey will get the occasional
start.  I think there are two reasons for this strategy.  1) The Cardinals
certainly need more pop in their lineup and Jordan/Lankford/Jose looks
more powerful than any other combination of outfielders.  2) Jordan has
expressed considerable interest in playing baseball full time if St. Louis
will give him a reasonable (to Jordan) contract.  This will give Maxvill a
chance to look at him against major league pitching and try to decide if
they will enter into the bidding war before the Falcons open their
training camp.

Bob

BTW: Jordan looked pretty good in his major league debut.  2-5 with a
double, 4 RBI's and a stolen base.  Not too shabby.

-- 
= Bob Netherton              = ObQuote: See the signs they're always there
= Ericsson Network Systems   =          But you know you never care
= PO Box 833875   M/S B-07   =          You're always looking for another reason
= Richardson, Tx  75083-3875 =               - Hawkwind, Paradox
= (214) 907-5992             = ObCDplayer: Slayer, Seasons in the Abyss
From: rja@redwood26.cray.com (Russ Anderson)
Newsgroups: rec.sport.baseball
Subject: Dan Quayle/opening day
Date: 14 Apr 92 20:14:19 GMT
Organization: The 1991 World Champion Minnesota Twins!
Originator: rja@redwood26


The Minneapolis StarTribune reports that when Dan Quayle was
talking to the Brewers before the opening day game he said
that he hoped to see them playing the Orioles in the World 
Series.


-- 
Russ Anderson    |  Disclaimer: Any statements are my own and do not reflect
------------------              upon my employer or anyone else.  (c) 1992
EX-Twins' Jack Morris, 10 innings pitched, 0 runs (World Series MVP!)
Organization: Senior, Economics, Carnegie Mellon, Pittsburgh, PA
Newsgroups: rec.sport.baseball
Date: Sun, 12 Apr 1992 21:46:16 -0400 
From: King-Han Yao <ky0l+@andrew.cmu.edu>
Subject: Re: MATT YOUNG TOSSES NO-HITTER, LOSES 2-1
	<1992Apr12.225716.17701@watcgl.waterloo.edu>

On 12-Apr-92 in Re: MATT YOUNG TOSSES NO-HI..
user Chris J. Wein@watcgl.wat writes:
> 
>In article <1992Apr12.213136.19361@midway.uchicago.edu>
clmn@midway.uchicago.ed
>u writes:
>>In article <1992Apr12.210321.28874@usenet.ins.cwru.edu>
dxf12@po.CWRU.Edu (Dou
>glas Fowler) writes:
>>>
>>>     Now, Matt Young just tossed a no-hitter and lost, 2-1.  Lofton
looks good
>>>for the Tribe.  His walk and steal helped lead to the first run for
the Tribe,
>>>and Mark Lewis scored the second, after he and Lofton walked.
>>
>>Unfortunately, this was NOT a no-hitter under the new "improved"
rules.  Since
>>the home team (Indians) did not have to bat in the bottom of the ninth, Young
>>only pitched eight innings.  Not enough to qualify as a no-hitter any more.
>>
> 
>I also believe that the no-hitter fails to qualify since you must also win 
>the game.  Andy Hawkins lost his no hitter because of this (he lost *4* to
>1 on some brutal errors) and he pitched it at home and thus pitched 9 
>innings.  Also note that Mark Gardner's `no hitter' over the Dodgers last
>year was not a no hitter since he gave up a hit in the tenth inning.

The rules say nothing about winning or losing.  A pitcher or set of
pitchers must complete at least 9 innings without giving up a hit in the
game.  It doesn't matter if you win or lose.  If Boston was the home
team, and Matt Young gave up a bases load walk to lose it in the bottom
of the ninth, it would still be a no-hitter.

>Of course, you do have to draw the line somewhere.  Five inning no hitters
>a la Pascual Perez and David Palmer just don't deserve it my books.

I think that was his brother, Melido Perez, that you're thinking about. 
I think that was against the Yankees.



-------------
King Yao                       
Economics 
Class of '92                   
Carnegie Mellon
From: f67709317@violet.ccit.arizona.edu (Greg Franklin)
Newsgroups: rec.sport.baseball
Subject: Re: Harold Reynolds
Date: 16 Apr 92 04:00:41 GMT
Distribution: na,local
Organization: University of Arizona

In article <hiegel.703366144@milton>, hiegel@milton.u.washington.edu (Brian Hiegel) writes:
> What could the M's get for Harold Reynolds if they put him on the block
> today?  I'm not necessarily in favor of such a move, but I'd like to see
> what people think.

What would motivate the M's to put him up on the trading block?  Making
room for Bret Boone, maybe?  Anyone have his minor league numbers?

Well, let's look at it in this way:
  * Bill James ranks him as the 6th best AL 2B: a lot behind Alomar and
Franco, a little behind Knoblauch, Whitaker, and Reed, and a bit ahead of
Sax and Baerga.
  * Assets: plays great defense, is fast, durable, hits lots of doubles
  * Debits: no HR power, poor base stealer, eats outs like popcorn, ~32
years old

Regardless of Reynolds' value, Seattle really ought not be thinking "What
can we get for Reynolds?"  They ought to be thinking "What do we need on
our team?"  (Like a first baseman and a catcher, perhaps.)  Then trade
possibilities should work themselves out.
-- 
Greg Franklin                             "Death is everywhere,
f67709317@ccit.arizona.edu          there are fries on the windscreen."
Newsgroups: rec.sport.baseball
From: daweuste@rodan.acs.syr.edu (david a. weuste)
Subject: Re: Trivia: What to the numbers mean...?
Organization: Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY
Date: Mon, 13 Apr 92 23:27:27 EDT

In article <1992Apr13.232432.2277@newstand.syr.edu> daweuste@rodan.acs.syr.edu (david a. weuste) writes:
>In article <92099.185021GRM100@psuvm.psu.edu> GRM100@psuvm.psu.edu writes:
>>Here's a bit of trivia from our college paper...
>>
>>Give the significance of the number and the player
>>who holds the record.
>>
>>1) .424      Hugh Duffy's average one year (highest all time)
>>2) 2.17      lowest career ERA
>>3) 56        Joe DiMaggio's magic # (the Streak)   
>>4) 57        Hershisers consecutive shutout inning streak
>>5) 61        Roger Maris (duh!)
>>6) 190       Hack Wilson's season RBI record
>>7) 511       Mel Ott's career HR or Cy Young career wins
>>8) 755       Aaron's career HR
>>9) 5511      ???????????? 
>>10) 7        Was that Mantle's #? Or No-hitters for Ryan.
>>
>>Any suggestions?  Good luck..I post the answers when the next paper
>>arrives....at the end of april.....
>>
>>grant
>
>
From: gobrien@trooa.enet.dec.com (Glenn OBrien)
Newsgroups: rec.sport.baseball
Subject: Re: Red Sox vs. Jays
Date: 6 Apr 92 21:42:05 GMT
Organization: Digital Equipment Corporation


In article <1992Apr4.005436.14902@berlioz.nsc.com>, roger@thoreau.nsc.com ( Roger Wakefield) writes...
>Well, it seems that the conventional wisdom has the Blue Jays running
>away with the A.L. East and marching to the World Series.  Peter Gammons
>has picked the Sox THIRD and says they could finish closer to fifth than first!
> 
>I must strongly disagree.
> 

So do I.  Boston and Toronto are miles ahead of the pack in terms of potential 
finish, and only large numbers of injuries and/or off-years will prevent this 
typical 1-2 finish.

My problem begins with the remainder of Roger's analysis.

Toronto's starting pitching is vastly superior to Boston's, with all due 
respect to the best pitcher in the AL.  When Dave Stieb comes back (in the not 
too distant future, I should add), one of Wells or Stottlemyre will be sent to 
the bullpen.  Imagine if Boston had to send a 15-game winner to the pen because 
there was no room in the rotation.  Key won 16, Morris 18, and Guzman won 10 in 
23 starts.  Clemens is always good for 18-20, Viola should rebound to win 
15-18, but beyond that, it's less-than-spectacular rookies or walking wounded 
to fill three slots.  Hesketh had a good year in 1991, his first since his 
rookie year with the Expos in 1986.  That's hardly a record to compare to 
either Jack Morris or Jimmy Key.  Also, Lou Gorman was pursuing Jack Morris as 
muc as the Jays, and that Pat Gillick had Viola as his backup if Morris went to 
the Red Sox.  It would appear that Red Sox management favours Morris over Viola 
as well.

Toronto's bullpen, even with the loss of Timlin (and Wells for now), is still 
deeper and stronger than Boston's - by a long shot.  Henke and Ward are the 
best 1-2 combo in the AL, and the other young arms will carry an inning or two 
from the starters.  The Toronto farm system is the deepest in the majors, and 
this time last year, who knew about Mike Timlin or Juan Guzman.  The Toronto 
pen is deeper, even without Timlin, Dayley, and Wells (Henke is fine, but 
always starts slow).

As to the position by position analysis, just a few points.  First, while Jody 
Reed is good, he is not that good.  Second, I don't think that there is an edge 
at third.  Gruber's better defence and power are offset by Boggs tremendous 
leadoff credentials.  It remains to be seen which of Plantier and Bell lives up 
to potential this year - both are tremendous athletes.  It is important to note
the fourth outfielder is Maldonado vs. Brunansky.

Devon White is a tremendous center fielder.  If he hits less than last year, he 
moves down the order, Derek Bell leads off, but you still have the defense that 
save countless hits and runs last year.  I don't see an edge here, except in 
the area of health.  Ellis can't seem to get through 162 games.

Glenn
Newsgroups: rec.sport.baseball
From: wilbanks@ucsu.Colorado.EDU (Dylanus Deus Latinus)
Subject: Re: Who is Rosenthal, P, Rangers?
Organization: University of Colorado, Boulder
Date: Thu, 16 Apr 1992 21:36:41 GMT

cubsfan@camelot.bradley.edu (Michael Silverman) writes:

>Is Rosenthal, the Rangers pitcher the next in line for closer
>duties after Russel has his inevitable injury?

>I know Rosenthal got 3 or 4 save in spring training - does anybody
>know any more about him?


I remember him coming up through the minors.
Not exactly a star, but he was effective.

-- 
Dylanus Deus Latinus Ingeniousus Maximus.
----> If it wasn't for disappointment,
----> I wouldn't have any appointment.
----> -"Snowball in Hell", They Might Be Giants
From: rsibet@pnet51.orb.mn.org (Rand Sibet)
Newsgroups: rec.sport.baseball
Subject: Re: Where's Kevin Tapani?
Date: 12 Apr 92 06:08:31 GMT
Article-I.D.: orbit.7456
Organization: People-Net [pnet51], Minneapolis, MN.

In article <1992Apr10.022758.26006@leland.Stanford.EDU>  writes:
> The Twins played their third game today and according to the boxscores,
> Tapani hasn't started any of them. Is he starting the season on the DL
> or something? I find it hard to believe he's number 4 in the rotation!
   
Tapani had won the last two home openers, and won again last night. He
is not the usual #4 man by any means. I think with Erickson, Tapani,
Smiley and Krueger, the Twins could have four 20 game winners this year.
;-)
      
Inet: rsibet@pnet51.orb.mn.org  |
Uucp: kksys!orbit!pnet51!rsibet |  
Newsgroups: rec.sport.baseball
From: kirsch@ux.acs.umn.edu (Dave Kirsch)
Subject: Re: A.L. Shortstops (was something else)
Organization: David Cone's Pull Toys and Assorted Paraphenalia, Inc.
Date: Tue, 14 Apr 1992 23:31:26 GMT

In article <1992Apr14.170709.2036@gould.encore.com> jlundy@bilbo.encore.com (Joe "The Fenway Streaker" Lundy) writes:
>
>A hole is still a hole.  Lee/Griffin/Zosky?  We'll have to wait and see how
>Naehring/Rivera/Cooper performs for the Red Sox.  So far, Tim Naehring is
>looking pretty good.

  Yes, Naehring looks *real* good at the plate. If he's healthy enough, I
hope they wise up and play him at SS full-time. I like him a lot, and besides,
he's on two of my fantasy teams. I have my doubts about Cooper moving over to
SS; besides, if Naehring can play SS he'll be more valuable IMHO. 

  As for Luis Rivera, he's swill. He had the year of his life last year, and 
still wasn't that great (disguised by Fenway). If anything, John Valentin is 
a much better option (and more likely to win the job away from Rivera than 
Naehring unless Tim shows he's healthy). The way things look now, Naehring is
likely to be stuck in a utility/stuntman role.  

>What really surprises me about this is why hasn't anyone picked up Alvaro
>"not the famous philosopher" Espinoza.  Certainly he could do better than most
>of the toxic waste you mentioned, or was he *that* bad?

  I agree. I used to like picking on Espinoza as much as anyone. As much as I
hate to admit it, several teams could actually make good use of the guy. 

-- 
Dave Hung Like a Jim Acker Slider Kirsch  ...   of the Warren Newson fan club 
kirsch@ux.acs.umn.edu                          "Blue Jays all the way in '92"  
"Sportswriters mostly sit in bars and argue about things, then go home and 
 write all the clever bullshit they think they should have said at the time."
From: CAVGEOE@YaleVM.YCC.Yale.Edu
Newsgroups: rec.sport.baseball
Subject: Re: Subjective trivia question
Date: 12 Apr 92 22:44:20 GMT
Article-I.D.: YaleVM.167C710786.CAVGEOE
Organization: Yale University

In article <1992Apr11.204827.29852@andante.att.com>
rjh@andante.att.com (Robert Holt) writes:
 
>
>Actually, it wasn't very hard if you're going by T&P's career
>"Adjusted Batting Runs".  You don't have to change teams or even
>position.  According to T&P, Bill Dickey (career .313/.382/.486)
>edges out Yogi Berra (.285/.350/.482) by 247 to 238 ABR, and
>neither led the AL in any major offensive category.
 
     Bill James gives a long argument in The Historical Baseball Abstract
that Berra was *clearly, without a doubt*, superior to Dickey.
 
Jeff
Newsgroups: rec.sport.baseball
From: aaron@juliet.caltech.edu (Packman, Aaron I.)
Subject: Re: Cardinal Fans Caravan
News-Software: VAX/VMS VNEWS 1.40    
Organization: California Institute of Technology
Date: Mon, 6 Apr 1992 10:24:00 GMT

In article <1992Apr6.010651.26278@ux1.cso.uiuc.edu>, japg6581@uxa.cso.uiuc.edu (John A. Petterchak) writes...
>wayman@lamar.ColoState.EDU (Jeffrey Wayman) writes:
> 
>>In article <1992Apr4.221826.16320@bradley.bradley.edu> dave@bradley.bradley.edu (David Vessell) writes:
>>>>/ hpcvlx:rec.sport.baseball / cscdc@uxa.ecn.bgu.edu (Dan Carpenter) / 10:45 am  Mar 31, 1992 /
>>>>
>>>>* It is said their are very few St. Louis Cardinal fans.  
>>>>*
>>>>*How many are their out there;  Sign Up  Here!
>>>>*
>>>>*1> Dan Carpenter
>>>>*2> Steve Parvin
>>>>*3> Mark Laventhal
>>   4> Jeff Wayman -- I'm in Colorado!!
>    5> John Petterchak
add  6> Aaron Packman


Cards fan from L.A.

Aaron@caltech.edu
Newsgroups: rec.sport.baseball
From: claudius@leland.Stanford.EDU (Nelson Lu)
Subject: Re: Biggio
Organization: DSG, Stanford University, CA 94305, USA
Distribution: na
Date: Thu, 16 Apr 92 20:55:31 GMT

In article <bmt8q4.34a@wang.com> bst@wang.com (Bruce Tannenbaum) writes:
>spira@panix.com (Greg "Sarcasm Is A Way Of Life" Spira) writes:
>
>>In <0dvAieC00UhW89hLRC@andrew.cmu.edu> King-Han Yao <ky0l+@andrew.cmu.edu> writes:
>
>>>Can someone please inform me why/when/how Biggio became a second baseman?
>
>>>I've never heard of another case where a catcher transformed into a
>>>second baseman.
>
>>Probably that's because its never happened before.
>
>Wait a second (no pun intended.)!  Didn't Geno Petralli once play second
>base???  Where the heck is my Baseball Guide????????

And Scott Hemond (a 3B, really, but who now plays mostly C) also plays 2B.

Believe it or not, I also read that *Cecil Fielder* has played 2B before.

===============================================================================
GO CALIFORNIA ANGELS!
Charter Member of the Acker-o-phobics Anonymous
===============================================================================
Nelson Lu (claudius@leland.stanford.edu)
Newsgroups: rec.sport.baseball
From: roger@phoenix.Princeton.EDU (Roger Lustig)
Subject: Re: Statistical Ignorance
Originator: news@ernie.Princeton.EDU
Organization: Princeton University
Distribution: su
Date: Thu, 9 Apr 1992 01:31:54 GMT

In article <1992Apr9.004707.9310@leland.Stanford.EDU> bobrob@leland.Stanford.EDU (Robert Charles Weisz) writes:
>Dear Stat-heads,
>
>	Please pardon my ignorance, but I came across a reference to the stat
>OPS, and as a "love-of-the-game-type-fan" I have no idea what the heck it is.
>Could someone please enlighten me?
>

OPS = OnBaseAverage Plus SLuGgingAverage.   

It's a quick-and-dirty index of performance at the plate.  Nothing
especially sharp, but useful since the numbers tend to be close at hand,
especially if you buy USA Today or the Baseball Weekly (aka Thang).

.700 is a sort of break-even; someone with a .700 is not hurting his
team at the plate.  .800 is a star hitter, and .900 means MVP
consideration.  Nobody but a pitcher can excuse anything under .600.

These numbers need to be shaded for park.  So don't get all excited
about a Cub with an .800, and don't bash an Astro for being under .700.

Again, this is not the best index of performance, but it's easy to use
and fairly reliable.  A very low OBA deserves a bit of scrutiny, though,
because it means heavy consumption of outs.  (See Joe Carter aside from
last year.)

Roger