at or near the top, at or near the bottom...

There's been a lot of chatter lately about just how spectacular the M's starting staff has been over the past week or so ... that prompted me to take a look as some of the numbers.  Granted, stats aren't exactly my strong suit (I find myself having to consult glossaries in order to even understand what I'm looking at) but, there were a couple of things that stuck out and, not just for the past week.

Currently, the M's starters...
-have the most strikeouts in the AL
-have allowed the fewest walks in the AL
-have allowed the second fewest homers in the AL
-are 2nd in the MAJORS in ERA

The offense, for good reason (many good reasons, in fact) has been much maligned.  It is obvious, even to me, that this team needs a big-bopper (or three).  But, as you might expect, I thought I'd look for some positives.  Surprisingly, there are a few, granted, they aren't the sexy ones, but they do indicate that fundamentals are being stressed which, especially for a rebuilding team, is a necessary component.

Currently, the M's batters...
-have hit into the fewest double plays in the AL
-are 2nd in sacrifice hits in the AL
-are 5th in the AL in other "small ball" categories: stolen bases, walks and sac-flys

Some of the contrasting stats are interesting...
-batters who have hit into the fewest double plays and fielders who have turned the third most
-starting staff that has walked the fewest batters and batters who have walked fifth most
-starting staff that has given up the fewest homers and batters who have hit the fewest homers

What does in it all mean?

Heck if I know.
Like the title of the post, there are some things the M's do well and some things they are somewhat less than stellar at ~ ok, in general, they suck at hitting.  They are bad bats - last in AVG and SLB and, if it weren't for the Twins, they would also be last in OBP and OPS.

So, while it's unlikely the M's will contend this season, it is still early and the West is tight.  There is plenty of time for improvement, whether it be from struggling vets or new kids that click or both.  It's up to Wedge and his coaches to get the most from the players by continuing to emphasize fundamentals and find ways to improve weaknesses (and for Jack Z to supplement, if possible).  It's up to the players to embrace stated philosophies and to execute on contribute, in attitude and in action, to the very best of their ability.