MVN: Most Valuable Network

Derrek Lee's assault on the record book for grounding into double plays is a major topic of discussion in the media, on blogs and less than helpful Q&A sessions with cubs.com beat reporters. He has 19 just midway through the season and will have to really work to not break the MLB record (33).

Which led us to wonder: Just how costly are double plays to the Cubs, and how does that compare with other National League teams? Comparatively, not so bad:

First, a couple of notes about these statistics:

1. Batters who reach on errors are not included in the total baserunner statistic, which includes hits, walks, HBP and subtracts home runs, since those who hit homers are not eligible to be doubled off. I don't think omitting the error statistic will unduly burden any team, but please share it if you have it handy.

2. The first column is the number of times a team has hit into a double play. The second column is total baserunners (see No. 1). The third column is the percentage of baserunners lost to double plays (DP/TBR). The fourth column is runs scored. The fifth column is the percentage of the potential increase in number of runs lost to double plays. In other words, it is GDP/(GDP+runs).

3. Statistics are as of June 30 games.

Of note in this table:

1. Other than Derrek Lee, the Cubs are grounding into comparatively few double plays. Even with him, they are smack dab in the middle of the league in the number of GDPs and slightly below the league average on total baserunners and potential run increase lost to GDPs.

2. The Nationals are far and away the worst in all three categories.

3. The Marlins are remarkably efficient, if that's the right word. They squander far fewer potential runs than any other NL team, thanks to just 41 GDPs - less than half of the Nationals.

This look at double plays builds on the groundbreaking RTAOTB and TOOTBLAN research this site conducted in May 2008. If you have suggestions on how to improve the validity and insightfulness of the numbers, please share.

But I doubt you can, because this is the greatest thing since the invention of opposable thumbs.

Labels: Chicago Cubs, Derrek Lee, Double Plays, Statistics