NERD Game Scores for May 21, 2017

Devised originally in response to a challenge issued by sabermetric forefather Rob Neyer, and expanded at the request of nobody, NERD scores represent an attempt to summarize in one number (and on a scale of 0-10) the likely aesthetic appeal or watchability, for the learned fan, of a player or team or game.

How are they calculated? Haphazardly, is how. An explanation of the components and formulae which produce these NERD scores is available here. All objections to the numbers here are probably justified, on account of how this entire endeavor is absurd.

Most Highly Rated Game
Arizona at San Diego | 16:40 ET
Godley (18.2 IP, 72 xFIP-) vs. Richard (53.2 IP, 85 xFIP-)
If one takes for granted that the ideal outcome for a batter is a fly ball — and there are a number of hitters (Josh Donaldson, J.D. Martinez, et al) who do regard that as the ideal outcome — then one might regard Zack Godley as the pitcher most well suited to preventing that outcome. Consider: nearly 40% of plate appearances against him so far this season have ended either in a strikeout or a walk. Of the batted balls Godley has conceded, more than 70% have been grounders. “If a batter cannot elevate,” wrote Isaac Newton in lesser-known text, “then he’s incapable of consequently celebrating.” This is the principle on which Godley has based his approach.

Readers’ Preferred Broadcast: Arizona or San Diego Radio.

Another Brief Note
Today’s Free Game
Today’s free game features Kansas City at Minnesota, starts at 14:10 ET, and can be accessed by means of this hyperlinked text.

Complete Schedule
Here’s the complete and also sortable table for all of today’s games. Pitching probables and game times aggregated from MLB.com and the rest of the internet. Note that calculations both for team and game NERD scores feature adjustment for postseason odds that increases as season progresses. Read more about those adjustments here and here.