Plenty of traditional guessing games abound this time of year, what with brackets, Phields, fantasy leagues and whatnot. These have their place; they have their portion; we have no substative quibbles, but one: They're been done, they're so vulgar, dahlings. So in true TGP style, we aim to funner baseball predictions by merging our brains, and using our vast knowledge of zOMG COMPUTER NUMBERS to humanize this sport for the rest of us who, you know, WATCH THE GAMES. We know tendencies, what we need is to a solid guess on when these blessed baseball events will occur.
Here's what I need now. Review my proposed list, and quickly too. Some categories are blank, some are held over from last year that I'm frankly a little meh about, so I'm open to your suggestions. I'd like a few from former Phillies - you know a good Pat the Bat one will catch my eye, but so will a good Brett Myers one, Michael Bourn, or, for that matter, Luis Castillo. If I have faith in anything, it's in the creativity on this blog.
For those new to the game, the best events are the ones that are informed by stats, history. You know: left and right sides of the brain holding hands and all that.
Here's what will happen later. Tomorrow night, as I blog from the laundromat, I'll put out the official list. Enter your guesses in the comments. For each of the in-game events described below, guess if it will happen before (under), after (over), or not at all (never) during the 2011 season). One entry per screen name. Contest will be open until the first Over/Under/Never event comes true.
Tastykake reward (of some kind) for the best prognosticator come season's end. (Yes, I know, I still need to tally the victor from last year. I'm a friggin' poet, people, don't expect Swiss efficiency. h/t to Phrozen, who will help me wrap up last year as we launch into a new one.)
Draft Over/Under/Never Events after the jump.
|
Event |
Over/Under/Never Date |
Noteworthy In-Game Event |
|
1 |
April 7.5 |
Jimmy Rollins' 1000th run (needs 7) |
|
2 |
April 14.5 |
First Ryan Howard air-mailed throw into left field |
|
3 |
April 28.5 |
Ryan Howard's first "Golden Sombrero:" 0 for 4+, 4+ K (N.B., if he reaches base in any way other than a dropped third strike, that will not count). |
|
4 |
May 1.5 |
Wilson Valdez hits into 2+ double-plays in a game |
|
5 |
May 3.5 |
Jayson Werth HBP thrown by Phillies pitcher |
|
6 |
May 13.5 |
Game started by someone other than Halladay/Lee/Hamels/Oswalt/Blanton |
|
7 |
May 14.5 |
First: Danys Baez (BS) |
|
8 |
May 17.5 |
Chase Utley returns to the lineup |
|
9 |
May 8.5 |
Pete Orr triples |
|
10 |
June 15.5 |
First: Brad Lidge (S) |
|
11 |
June 30.5 |
First: Brad Lidge (BS) (W) |
|
12 |
June 23.5 |
Phillies outfielder throws out a runner at the plate on SAC fly attempt (N.B.: Must be direct OF to player - likely C - covering home) |
|
13 |
June 30.5 |
First: Multi-HR game by Phillie not named Utley, Howard, or Ibanez |
|
14 |
July 8.5 |
Walk-off HR from Phillies reserve |
|
15 |
April 20.5 |
Ryan Howard ties Del Ennis, 2nd all-time Phillies HR leader (needs 6) |
|
16 |
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17 |
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18 |
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|
19 |
June 18.5 |
Second: Win vs. AL team |
|
20 |
May 3.5 |
Charlie Manuel ejected by umpires |
|
21 |
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|
22 |
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|
23 |
September 0.5 |
"Now pitching for the Phillies: Scott Mathieson" |
|
24 |
May 6.5 |
First 3-pitch inning, either batting or pitching |
|
25 |
September 27.5 |
Charlie Manuel ties Harry Wright, second all-time Phillies manager in wins (92nd win - 636 total) |
|
Extra Credit! |
Season's End |
Charlie Manuel ties Gene Mauch, all-time Phillies manager in wins (102nd win - 646 total) |