Major League Stats Losers

Most baseball fans would be able to tell you that Alex Rodriquez is the Major League leader in home runs, that Chris Young is the leader in ERA, and that Magglio Ordonez is the best hitter in the league as we approach the All-Star break. What most fans wouldn't know however, is the flip side; the dead last men in each of those categories. So as an All-Star break treat, here is a look at the Major League Stats Losers*:

BA: Julio Lugo, Boston Red Sox
Stat: .189 BA in 296 AB
Everyone knows the Red Sox are stacked this year, but Theo and company can't possibly feel comfortable with their leadoff hitter batting below the Mendoza line. The sad truth is that Lugo is the only SS on the Sox roster, and unless Boston is able to swing a trade Lugo and his $8.25 million salary will continue to be in the lineup every night.

(Side Note: Andruw Jones' struggles this season have been well documented, but for some perspective on just how bad he has been try this one on for size: Lugo is the only qualified batter in the Majors with a lower batting average than Jones' .204.)

HR: Juan Pierre, L.A. Dodgers
Stat: 0 HR in 367 AB
Pierre is the HR chump of the major leagues, with more AB without a homer than any other player. In Pierre's defense, he is not a home run hitter in any sense of the word as witnessed by his career high of three. What should be more worrisome to the Dodgers is Pierre's marked declines in both BA and OBP from his career marks.

RBI: Luis Castillo, Minnesota Twins
Stat: 13 RBI in 292 AB
This is not a new development for Castillo, as he went an entire season in 2000 with only 17 RBI. As the Twins' leadoff hitter he doesn't get too many opportunities to drive in runs, and when he has had the chance he has hit a respectable .283 with runners in scoring position. This is just one of those stats you have to chalk up to being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

SO: Adam Dunn, Cincinnati Reds
Stat: 103 SO in 303 AB
Dunn is no stranger to punch outs, as he has the two highest single season SO totals in Major League history. (195 and 194) What is mind boggling is that Dunn has done nothing to improve, as he is again on pace for 194 Ks. If the 27 year old Dunn keeps up this absurd pace for the next 5 years he will be 3rd on the all time strikeout list by the age of 33.

ERA: Kip Wells, St. Louis Cardinals
Stat: 5.99 ERA
Wells' performance this year should not come as much of a suprise considering the fact that last season he posted an ERA of 6.50 in limited action with the Rangers and Pirates. Wells has only posted a quality start in 4 of his 15 starts this season, and has drifted in and out of the Cardinals starting rotation.

L: Paul Maholm, Pittsburgh Pirates
Stat: 5-11 record
In all fairness Wells also has 11 losses, but for the sake of variety we'll put Maholm here. Maholm hasn't been terrible this season, rather he has performed in the manner one would expect of a 25 year old pitcher on terrible team to perform. He has shown flashes of brilliance (a CG, 3 hit shutout of the Astros) but has been doomed by inconsistency and a lack of run support. (The Pirates have had 3 runs or less in 12 of Malholm's 18 starts)

Stat Loser LVP: Nick Punto, Minnesota Twins
Stats: .209 BA, 1 HR, 15 RBI in 273 AB
While not the biggest loser in any of the three big categories, Punto is the only player with a realistic chance to wear the Triple Crown of Shame. He has the 3rd lowest batting average, 2nd fewest homers, and 2nd fewest RBIs among qualified batters. Simply put, Punto has been the worst regular in baseball this season by a long shot.

*among players qualified for a batting or ERA title

The Conquering Hero: Ian Snell vs. Cardinals Tonight

Sometimes...you start to like a player. You don't know why, there doesn't seem to be any rational reason, but you just DO. And you know what? I am not going to deny it anymore. I like Ian Snell. I don't like the Pirates at all, but there is just something about Snell that sends me running to the box score everytime he pitches. Maybe it is his swagger. Maybe it is because he is from Delaware. Or maybe, just maybe, it is because this 25 year old flame thrower has the feel of a future star, and by proxy I feel as if I am in on the ground floor of something big. Like Emo in the Early 90's instead of the Late 90's. Or a first gen iPod instead of a nano. It just feels good to be in on the beggining. So here is your invitation to come along for the ride. Say hello to Ian Snell, your new Conquering Hero!!!

The Conquering Hero, Season to Date:
W-L: 4-2
ERA: 2.76
WHIP: 1.21
QS%: .78
K/9: 7.67
Tonight: Snell faces off against the Deposed Champion St. Louis Cardinals and Kip Wells. Wells has had a rough season, going 1-8 with and ERA over 6. Better yet for Snell though: Wells is a former Pirate, and no good conquering hero would let a deserter go unpunished. Also, Snell has a 1.29 ERA in two starts against the Cardinals this season.