They say a picture is worth a thousand words. I’d have to agree with that assessment. Below are three sets of graphs comparing games 1,2, and 3 of the 2011 season, to games 1,2, and 3 of the current season. I’m hesitant to assume that the Rays are all but locked in as the 2012 AL East champions, on their way to Tampa Bays first World Series title. That’s especially true after only three games. However, it’s pretty telling when you compare where they are now, to where they were then, with regard to runs scored. Tampa Bay had under five runs scored three games into the 2011 season, and now they already have 18 runs under their collective belts.
Tampa Bay will start a series in Detroit Tuesday, thusly entering the gauntlet that is the month of April. In that time, they’ll be facing five upper echelon teams over the course of 16 games, which will be no easy task. Hypothetically speaking though, if they go .500 in the month of April, they’ll waltz into May with a 13-10 record. That’s not too shabby. Any-who, check out the graphs (courtesy of Fangraphs) below. Oh, and happy birthday Helly. What a way to ring your 25th year!
This year was such a great Opening Series! It’s a strong moral victory to sweep our #1 rivals to start off the season. Our pitchers look great, side from Shields looking a little shaky, but still, it was fantastic to watch!