I just noticed that Eric Chavez has the 8th-highest OPS (on-base average
plus slugging average) in the AL, 3 spots above Tejada (.942 to .911).
Of course, Chavez has missed considerable time, so his counting stats
aren't that great, but since he came off the DL his BA has risen
substantially. He is only one homer behind Tejada, despite 150 fewer AB,
and he has 30 more walks. Yes, I know Miguel leads MLB in RBI, and he's
doing a great job with runners on and in scoring position, but it's also
a matter of lots of opportunities. Here is some interesting data:
%PA none one % PA runners on % PA w/RISP %PAw/RISP, 2 out
AL 55.3% 44.7%
26.3% 11.7%
Miguel 48.6% 51.4%
30.8% 9.5%

So, he's getting a lot more good opportunities to drive in runs than the
average American Leaguer. To his credit, he's making the most of them.

BTW, Bobby Crosby continues to improve, and has raised his OPS over .800
now (.807). Miguel did not crack .800 until his 3rd full season.

Cheers,
Alan Shank
Woodland, CA
read "Al's Baseball Tidbits" at:

http://www.baseballthinkfactory.org/files/primer/tidbits/gm.cgi