I know, I’m bummed out about the Rays not making it to the postseason as well. I’d like to offer a million thanks to the Texas Rangers for screwing the Rays over AGAIN! For the sake of being a spiteful curmudgeon, I hope the Athletics sweep the Rangers and take the AL West, relegating them to the second wildcard spot.
There’s still a lot at stake for the Rays over the course of the next two games; from being a thorn in the side of the Orioles, to watching BJ Upton pound out a pair of homers and joining the 30/30 club, among other things. That may sound conciliatory at best. However, it also makes sense for the Rays to finish strong, using this incredible streak as a motivator going into Spring training. I’m also really amped to see Fernando Rodney extend his history making season.
Let this blow your mind: Fernando Rodney already has a lower ERA than Dennis Eckersley. How? You know, because they’re both listed as having a 0.61 ERA. Let’s see.
A little arithmetic lesson first.
In order to determine a pitchers ERA, you have to multiply his total number of earned runs by nine, then divide that number by the total number of innings pitched, or: (ER x 9) / IP for the nerds out there. (like me)
With this in mind, Dennis Eckersley gave up five earned runs in 73.1 innings of work in his historic season, bringing his ERA to 0.615595, or 0.62 if you round up. However, Fernando Rodney has given up the same number of earned runs (5) over 74.1 innings of work, leaving him with an ERA of 0.6072874, or 0.61 if you round up. Besides Rodney has an inning more under his belt, so he’s been able to extend his success over a longer stretch.
Rodney only needs 2/3 of an inning, sans an earned run, to be left with an even 0.60 ERA.
That friends, is incredible!