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The Nightcap: Friday's Games (Nerded-Out Edition)

Jack Moore of Disciples of Uecker has started a walk-tracker for George Kottaras.

If you're reading the present document, you're nerd enough to be excited by this news.

Notables

• Announcement: Tyler Colvin now has 5 HR. That's in 80 PA. Say wha-?

Ben Sheets posted a 6:1 K:BB tonight. And also allowed 2 HR. That latter part's a bit surprising, considering Sheets only allowed 9 balls in the air (BIA -- about 7.5|PERCENT| of which go for homers).

Miguel Cabrera hit 3 HR tonight. It's not surprising when he does something good. But, come on: it's 3 homers.

Philip Hughes: 7.0 IP, 8 K, 1 BB, 10 BIA.

Shaun Marcum: 6.0 IP, 7 K, 2 BB, 11 BIA.

Mitch Maier in yo face!: 3-for-5, BB, HR.

Matt Cain of the San Francisco Baseball Giants pitched a complete game: 9 IP, 9 K, 0 BB, 10 BIA. That's the good news. The bad? It took 122 pitches. Is that necessary with the team up 5-0? I don't know. Maybe a one-hitter's worth it. Still...

• It'd be hard to argue that Cliff Lee ISN'T the best pitcher in the majors right now. In 8 IP this evening, he recorded 10 K against only 2 BB -- and that DOUBLED his walk total for the season.

Caution, Warning

Randy Wells made precisely NO outs today, yet somehow allowed six hits. Before today, he'd been H-O-T hot. Be advised.

• You may think to yourself, "Oh man, Kyle Kendrick pitched awesome! He only allowed no runs in 6 IP!" But actually, you shouldn't say that. He only had 1 K. He got lucky.

Yovani Gallardo pitched AWESOME today: 9 IP, 7 K, 1 BB. He allowed 14 BIA, which is on the high side. Anyway, here's why he's on the this list and not the one above it: Gallardo threw 121 pitches. No, we shouldn't overreact to high-ish pitch counts. Plus, it's important to note: Gallardo averaged less than 14 pitches per inning. STILL, Gallardo hasn't been the picture of health over his short career. This seems to tempt fate a little.

Stolen Bases

Juan Pierre (19), Scott Podsednik (16), Shane Victorino (10), Evan Longoria (9), Carlos Gonzalez (7), Yadier Molina (6), Derek Jeter (5), Jason Kendall (4), Ian Kinsler (4), Fred Lewis (4), Eric Patterson (3), Chase Utley (2), Miguel Cairo (1), Wilson Valdez (1).

Caught Stealing

Elvis Andrus (8), Kosuke Fukudome (2), Will Venable (2), Garrett Jones (1).

Save Chances

Andrew Bailey, converted (10). He allowed a donger, but that's it.

Jose Contreras, converted (3). He allowed 2 hits, but also got 2 K.

Matt Thornton, converted (2). He pitched 1.1 IP, and he recorded 3 K while doing so. By which I mean to say, HE'S FRIGGING AWESOME.

Jon Rauch, converted (11). He got a K. Big whoop.

Jonathan Broxton, converted (12). This guy's the best. Stike after strike after awesome strike.

Matt Capps, converted (17!). The surprising thing is that Tyler Clippard didn't pick up the win.

Non-Closer Outing

• Baltimore's David Hernandez pitched out of the Oriole bullpen today for the first time this season. With Chris Tillman now in the rotation, this move is permanent-ish. The former minor league strikeout leader makes an intriguing play from the pen.

Lineup-ology

Curtis Granderson returned to the lineup today, batted second, and played center. It's the first time he's done those things since May 1st.

Wilson Valdez played short today for the Phils. I guess he's been doing that or something. Sorry, I didn't know.

John Jaso had 10 career PA before this season. He batted third for the Rays tonight.

Mike Cameron's back, just in case you didn't know. He batted ninth and played center today.

Miguel Cairo played first base for the third consecutive day. This is very likely a sign that the world will end sooner than later.

Nelson Cruz made a pinch-hit appearance today versus Los Twins. He's been dealing with a hamstring sitch.

Chris Iannetta didn't play tonight. What the flip, America?!?

Kevin Frandsen played third for the Angels tonight. He's been doing that a little, especially as it becomes more and more likely that Brandon Wood isn't a major leaguer.

The Young and Potentially Restless

Scott Moore isn't actually THAT young (27 in November), but he (a) doesn't have so many major league PAs, and (b) played second base for the Orioles today. For what it's worth, I like Moore. Not LIKE-like; just, like.

Sam LeCure made his MLB debut today with the Reds. He had a 51:15 K:BB, with a 50|PERCENT| groundball rate in 60 IP with Triple-A Louisville. Today? Not excellent, not terrible: 6 IP, 5 K, 4 BB, 8 BIA (versus 9 GB).

• Pittsburgh "prospect" Neil Walker played for the fourth consecutive night -- his fourth game of the season. He might be candidate for middle infield eligibility at some point. Just, FYI.