NERD Game Scores for Saturday, May 14, 2016
Devised originally in response to a challenge issued by sabermetric nobleman 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. Read more about the components of and formulae for NERD scores here.
Most Highly Rated Game
New York NL at Colorado | 20:10 ET
Verrett (21.1 IP, 100 xFIP-) vs. Butler (14.0 IP, 86 xFIP-)
Each of Logan Verrett’s two starts this season have been impressive — both in terms of run prevention and fielding-indepedent indicators. Over two starts and 12.0 innings, Verrett has conceded zero runs while also producing an 87 xFIP- (better than his numbers in relief). This is promising. And unlikely to continue. The probability of Verrett becoming even an average major-league starter would appear low. Neither his statistical track record nor his stuff suggest its likelihood. But here’s something else that’s unlikely: any one person existing in the first place. And yet here we all are, making bad decisions amongst each other.
In conclusion, here’s footage of Verrett’s most effective out-pitch, his slider:
Two Other Brief Notes
Today’s Free Game
Today’s free game is the same game as discussed above and can be accessed by means of this hyperlinked text.
Broadcaster Rankings
Recently, the present author began the process of process of reproducing the broadcaster rankings which appeared on this site roughly four years ago. The first installment of the results of the effort will appear on Monday, May 16.
Complete Schedule
Here’s the complete and very sortable table for all of today’s games. Pitching probables and game times aggregated from MLB.com and also 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.
| Away | SP | TM | GM | TM | SP | Home | Time | ||
| Jose Quintana | CHA | 6 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 | NYA | Ivan Nova* | 13:05 |
| Collin McHugh | HOU | 5 | 5 | 4 | 8 | 1 | BOS | Clay Buchholz | 13:05 |
| Justin Nicolino | MIA | 1 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 10 | WAS | Stephen Strasburg | 13:05 |
| TBA* | MIA | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | WAS | Tanner Roark | 19:05 |
| Jeff Locke | PIT | 2 | 5 | 5 | 8 | 7 | CHN | Jake Arrieta | 14:20 |
| Ervin Santana | MIN | 4 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 8 | CLE | Corey Kluber | 16:10 |
| Kendall Graveman | OAK | 7 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 5 | TB | Matt Andriese* | 18:10 |
| Tim Adleman | CIN | 4 | 3 | 6 | 3 | 10 | PHI | Aaron Nola | 19:05 |
| Anibal Sanchez | DET | 3 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 5 | BAL | Mike Wright | 19:05 |
| TBA* | SD | 5 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 3 | MIL | Wily Peralta | 19:10 |
| Mike Foltynewicz | ATL | 9 | 1 | 5 | 4 | 3 | KC | Dillon Gee* | 19:15 |
| Marco Estrada | TOR | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | TEX | Colby Lewis | 20:05 |
| Logan Verrett | NYN | 8 | 7 | 7 | 4 | 7 | COL | Eddie Butler | 20:10 |
| Jake Peavy | SF | 3 | 4 | 4 | 8 | 4 | AZ | Patrick Corbin | 20:10 |
| Jhoulys Chacin | LAA | 8 | 2 | 5 | 5 | 4 | SEA | Hisashi Iwakuma | 21:10 |
| Carlos Martinez | STL | 7 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 5 | LAN | Scott Kazmir | 21:10 |
TM denotes team score.
GM denotes overall game score.
Highlighted portion denotes game of the day.
* = Fewer than 10 IP, NERD at discretion of clueless author.
Carson Cistulli has published a book of aphorisms called Spirited Ejaculations of a New Enthusiast.
I see the Braves are up to a rating of 1. How did that happen?
Well, in their series against the Phillies, they did manage 11 runs, 2 HRs, and 1 win, all of which are well above their season averages for three-game spans.