Race for the HR Record: 2006

[Astro]

Barry Bonds 2001:
April 18th: 7 (148 games remaining)


National League Homerun Leaders:

Albert Pujols - 10 (148 games remaining)
Adam Dunn - 9 (148 games remaining)
Carlos Lee - 6 (149 games remaining)
Craig Wilson - 6 (146 games remaining)
Lance Berkman - 6 (148 games remaining)

American League Homerun Leaders:

Chris Shelton - 9 (149 games remaining)
Jim Thome - 7 (148 games remaining)
Travis Hafner - 7 (148 games remaining)
Eric Chavez - 6 (149 games remaining)
David Ortiz - 6 (148 games remaining)

[jpenrod]

You forgot Andruw Jones - 7 (147 games remaining):D

[Astro]

You forgot Andruw Jones - 7 (147 games remaining):D
Used the top 5 (and ties) when the day started, then if the games were over I added their totals from the day... Andruw Jones was not in the top 5 to start the day

[Sultan_1895-1948]

Bonds just slapped one high off the wall in Arizona, just left of center. Got a double. Lol, and the ball's not wound tighter? :rolleyes: Such a weak swing and the ball reacted like a titleist :eek:

[CanadianFan]

Balls are definetly juiced. Bonds record will probably be shattered in the next five seasons.

[jpenrod]

Used the top 5 (and ties) when the day started, then if the games were over I added their totals from the day... Andruw Jones was not in the top 5 to start the day

Well he is now.:D

[BoofBonser26]

Bonds just slapped one high off the wall in Arizona, just left of center. Got a double. Lol, and the ball's not wound tighter? :rolleyes: Such a weak swing and the ball reacted like a titleist :eek:
Yeah, the ball's juiced. I mean, some guys are hitting more home runs than others. Lots more. And nineteen pitchers have an ERA under 3.

Please tell me you were joking.

[Cubsfan97]

I love probabilities at the beginning of seaosns. If Bonds kept his pace in 2001 he would ahve hit 81 Home Runs. Pujols is on pace to hit 115.7 Home Runs and Shelton is on pace to hit 112.15 Home Runs.

[jpenrod]

Jones just hit another. 8 on the season.

On an interesting side note he has hit 58 HR with 146 RBI in his last 158 games (going back to last April 23) and 47 HR with 120 RBi in his last 120 games (going back to June 11). Do not ask me what is significant about those dates it was just something in the Atlanta paper.

[Sultan_1895-1948]

Yeah, the ball's juiced. I mean, some guys are hitting more home runs than others. Lots more. And nineteen pitchers have an ERA under 3.

Please tell me you were joking.

Yeah I was joking. I mean really, the 185 pound guy with the Marlins who just hit his first career HR that went 493 feet is to be expected :rolleyes: Seriously, check out how the ball is reacting off the bats this year, it'll make you raise an eyebrow if you've been watching baseball over the years.

[jpenrod]

Yeah I was joking. I mean really, the 185 pound guy with the Marlins who just hit his first career HR that went 493 feet is to be expected :rolleyes: Seriously, check out how the ball is reacting off the bats this year, it'll make you raise an eyebrow if you've been watching baseball over the years.

I am right there with ya sultan.

[BoofBonser26]

I am right there with ya sultan.
I mean, after all, 2 1/2 weeks is enough to draw serious conclusions about such a thing.

At season's end, if HR totals spike, and R totals spike, then you can start to talk like this.

[Francoeurstein]

As of 4/19

NL
1. Albert Pujols 10
2. Carlos Lee 8
2. Adam Dunn 8
4. Andruw Jones 7
5. Lance Berkman 6

AL
1. Chris Shelton 9
2. Travis Hafner 7
2. Jim Thome 7
4. Eric Chavez 6
4. David Ortiz 6

[atlbravesfan]

Hey Hank...

http://baseball-fever.com/images/avatars/player.gif

Andruw has 8.

[Sultan_1895-1948]

I mean, after all, 2 1/2 weeks is enough to draw serious conclusions about such a thing.

At season's end, if HR totals spike, and R totals spike, then you can start to talk like this.

I here ya Boof, although the eyebrow raising is not soley due to sheer total HR numbers. It's from seeing some of the swings that are producing HR and warning track fly outs on a daily basis. Guys are getting tied up and going warning track, and they're getting offbalance and still being able to flick at balls sending it 390. Wish I could post a clip of each one. Granted, it was in Coors field, but even by Coors standards, there's no way it would have been yarded in past years..Chase Utley got a ball midde in that he was late on. He's got a short compact stroke as it is, but he inside outed the ball with this contact swing to just left of centerfield for a dinger. Waching the ball come off the bat, and his swing, it's clear to me there's something rotten in Denmark. It would be lovely to believe otherwise.

[banda_bou]

And Andruw has 8 now...homer in 4 straight games. Go Andruw. Still wanna take Bay over Andruw?

[banda_bou]

Jones just hit another. 8 on the season.

On an interesting side note he has hit 58 HR with 146 RBI in his last 158 games (going back to last April 23) and 47 HR with 120 RBi in his last 120 games (going back to June 11). Do not ask me what is significant about those dates it was just something in the Atlanta paper.

Wow....my bet is there ain't many who can't challenge those numbers.

[BoofBonser26]

I here ya Boof, although the eyebrow raising is not soley due to sheer total HR numbers. It's from seeing some of the swings that are producing HR and warning track fly outs on a daily basis. Guys are getting tied up and going warning track, and they're getting offbalance and still being able to flick at balls sending it 390. Wish I could post a clip of each one. Granted, it was in Coors field, but even by Coors standards, there's no way it would have been yarded in past years..Chase Utley got a ball midde in that he was late on. He's got a short compact stroke as it is, but he inside outed the ball with this contact swing to just left of centerfield for a dinger. Waching the ball come off the bat, and his swing, it's clear to me there's something rotten in Denmark. It would be lovely to believe otherwise.
I agree that that would/should raise eybrows. But. If you can get instances of this happening outside of Coors, season-long, and the HR and R totals are up, then I'll listen to you. I agree that being jammed and getting a warning-track out is a pretty hard trick to pull, but it happens ALL THE TIME. Hundreds of ABs each day. Which is why specific examples can't really help forming a coherent picture. Besides, what about all the guys who get tied up and ground out to first? I say wait at least till the AS break and look at run scoring etc.

[Sultan_1895-1948]

But. If you can get instances of this happening outside of Coors...

I just chose that one to point out, it was fresh in my mind from seeing it the other day. Examples happen dozens of times a day. David Wright's oppo field homer on either opening day, or the next day was a ball that I think would have been a gapper in previous years. Wright also was off balance on a 2 strike pitch, a low and away slider that he flicked his bat at, and hit a ball 5 feet from the fence in center.

That was in Washington and sticks out as well. He got a triple. There are plenty of other instances I've seen, but it'd be hard to track each instance cause you can only watch one game at a time. Many announcers have been heard saying "boy, I can't believe that got out." Or "he really didn't hit that all that well." Or "Man, that ball jumped." Or These balls have got to be hot." I've heard all those. Not proof of anything, but people who watch a lot of baseball can tell when a ball should and shouldn't be carrying like it is, dontcha think.

[BoofBonser26]

I just chose that one to point out, it was fresh in my mind from seeing it the other day. Examples happen dozens of times a day. David Wright's oppo field homer on either opening day, or the next day was a ball that I think would have been a gapper in previous years. Wright also was off balance on a 2 strike pitch, a low and away slider that he flicked his bat at, and hit a ball 5 feet from the fence in center.

That was in Washington and sticks out as well. He got a triple. There are plenty of other instances I've seen, but it'd be hard to track each instance cause you can only watch one game at a time. Many announcers have been heard saying "boy, I can't believe that got out." Or "he really didn't hit that all that well." Or "Man, that ball jumped." Or These balls have got to be hot." I've heard all those. Not proof of anything, but people who watch a lot of baseball can tell when a ball should and shouldn't be carrying like it is, dontcha think.
I haven't heard any of this, and I listen to the Indians broadcasts every day. Doesn't mean it isn't happening, but the announcers aren't saying any of it.

[Sultan_1895-1948]

I haven't heard any of this, and I listen to the Indians broadcasts every day. Doesn't mean it isn't happening, but the announcers aren't saying any of it.

I've got MLB extra innings, and I'm currently in between jobs, so I watch everything I can. Happens all the time.

Was just watching the Phillies game. David Bell just got a ball up in the air to right field, and it went about 5 rows deep for a dinger. The announcers exact words were "look at that thing carry, look at that thing carry. That did not look like a home run swing, or home run contact."

I believe these are Phillies announcers too, since it's a home game for them. Actually they must be Washington announcers. A Nat just fouled the ball straight back and one guy said "get outta here."

[Appling]

I won't start a serious "home run watch" until the All-Star break.
It will take more than a couple of great weeks (or even a solid two months) to seriously challange the Bonds single-season record.

What would be more respected for this year: a solid season with 65 homeruns -- or an incredible season of 95 home runs? Can there be "too much" of a good thing?

[atlbravesfan]

I won't start a serious "home run watch" until the All-Star break.
It will take more than a couple of great weeks (or even a solid two months) to seriously challange the Bonds single-season record.
What would be more respected for this year: a solid season with 65 homeruns -- or an incredible season of 95 home runs? Can there be "too much" of a good thing?

It's nice when your guy is doing good, like Andruw, but it is way too way. Let things settle a bit and the cream will rise to the top.

I think that when somebody gets hot or puts up some incredible numbers like HRs, the first thought might be...Is he on the juice?

People will wonder and doubt even if it's legit. Too bad for all the good and honest players.

[Astro]

I'll try to update every couple days... with Bonds' pace and the current top 5 from each league

would be spectacular if it could be stickied, then people wont have to go track it down

[BoofBonser26]

I've got MLB extra innings, and I'm currently in between jobs, so I watch everything I can. Happens all the time.

Was just watching the Phillies game. David Bell just got a ball up in the air to right field, and it went about 5 rows deep for a dinger. The announcers exact words were "look at that thing carry, look at that thing carry. That did not look like a home run swing, or home run contact."

I believe these are Phillies announcers too, since it's a home game for them. Actually they must be Washington announcers. A Nat just fouled the ball straight back and one guy said "get outta here."
I personally think that stuff like this will only be useful if at the end of the season HR totals are up and we look back on broadcasts. Until then, I think we just have different points of view. :lookitup

[Francoeurstein]

Hey Hank...

http://baseball-fever.com/images/avatars/player.gif

Andruw has 8.

YESSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Francoeurstein]

As of 4/19

NL
1. Albert Pujols 10
2. Carlos Lee 8
2. Adam Dunn 8
4. Andruw Jones 7
5. Lance Berkman 6

AL
1. Chris Shelton 9
2. Travis Hafner 7
2. Jim Thome 7
4. Eric Chavez 6
4. David Ortiz 6

I'll be updating every 3-4 days if astro doesn't. It's amazing how many homers people get over time.

[gator92]

check out my site for lots of info on home runs - it's primarily about home run distances, but also has table of AL & NL leaders...

http://www.hittrackeronline.com

[jaquish]

I here ya Boof, although the eyebrow raising is not soley due to sheer total HR numbers. It's from seeing some of the swings that are producing HR and warning track fly outs on a daily basis. Guys are getting tied up and going warning track, and they're getting offbalance and still being able to flick at balls sending it 390. Wish I could post a clip of each one. Granted, it was in Coors field, but even by Coors standards, there's no way it would have been yarded in past years..Chase Utley got a ball midde in that he was late on. He's got a short compact stroke as it is, but he inside outed the ball with this contact swing to just left of centerfield for a dinger. Waching the ball come off the bat, and his swing, it's clear to me there's something rotten in Denmark. It would be lovely to believe otherwise.

people need to stop with this "juiced ball and or steroids" crap. lets give these guys some respect. All guys now adays lift weights and use supplements. thats why the ball flies. opne guy may be 185 pounds, but it doesnt mean he can't hit a ball 490 feet. its all about muscle and timing, not necessarily how much you weigh. I think we need some hardcore weight lifters and fitness buffs on here to make some good arguments. i think it would really make our forums smarter and better educated on things like steroids and the new forms of baseball off season training. It's not what u do with god given ability, but what u do to add to it that makes the differece.

[Captain Cold Nose]

people need to stop with this "juiced ball and or steroids" crap. lets give these guys some respect. All guys now adays lift weights and use supplements. thats why the ball flies. opne guy may be 185 pounds, but it doesnt mean he can't hit a ball 490 feet. its all about muscle and timing, not necessarily how much you weigh. I think we need some hardcore weight lifters and fitness buffs on here to make some good arguments. i think it would really make our forums smarter and better educated on things like steroids and the new forms of baseball off season training. It's not what u do with god given ability, but what u do to add to it that makes the differece.
If you know of anybody who could speak on that who actually knows the benefits/detriments of fitness, etc. and what it can/can't do, by all means bring them here. There are too many unqualifed experts, apparently, and I'd like to see something real for a change without a blanket accusation based on superficial research.

[Sultan_1895-1948]

people need to stop with this "juiced ball and or steroids" crap. lets give these guys some respect. All guys now adays lift weights and use supplements. thats why the ball flies. opne guy may be 185 pounds, but it doesnt mean he can't hit a ball 490 feet. its all about muscle and timing, not necessarily how much you weigh. I think we need some hardcore weight lifters and fitness buffs on here to make some good arguments. i think it would really make our forums smarter and better educated on things like steroids and the new forms of baseball off season training. It's not what u do with god given ability, but what u do to add to it that makes the differece.

You would take the word of a weight lifter, over someone who has played baseball their entire lives, and has watched MLB go through transition phases their entire lives? What exactly does a muscle head know about what goes into having a great baseball swing, and how to use particular muscle groups to maximize effeciency?

These players are strong, but there's no getting around the fact that a hitters margin for error has never been larger at the plate, because of how the game is setup for offense. Again, from watching some of these balls jump like golf balls, something more than their own strength seems strange. They've been strong before and the ball didn't react like this.

[Astro]

people need to stop with this "juiced ball and or steroids" crap. lets give these guys some respect. All guys now adays lift weights and use supplements. thats why the ball flies. opne guy may be 185 pounds, but it doesnt mean he can't hit a ball 490 feet. its all about muscle and timing, not necessarily how much you weigh. I think we need some hardcore weight lifters and fitness buffs on here to make some good arguments. i think it would really make our forums smarter and better educated on things like steroids and the new forms of baseball off season training. It's not what u do with god given ability, but what u do to add to it that makes the differece.
490 feet? To put that in perspective... that is 1 entire football field..... plus over 60 more yards

[ESPNFan]

people need to stop with this "juiced ball and or steroids" crap. lets give these guys some respect. All guys now adays lift weights and use supplements. thats why the ball flies. opne guy may be 185 pounds, but it doesnt mean he can't hit a ball 490 feet. its all about muscle and timing, not necessarily how much you weigh. I think we need some hardcore weight lifters and fitness buffs on here to make some good arguments. i think it would really make our forums smarter and better educated on things like steroids and the new forms of baseball off season training. It's not what u do with god given ability, but what u do to add to it that makes the differece.

If Steroids were crap why did 5-7% of the league test positive for them during the informational phases of testing? Testing which was by all accounts laughably easy to circumvent.

Some hardcore weightlifters wouldn't beable to tell us anymore than we already know. Gabe Kapler is one of the hardest working weight training ball players around and I wouldn't catagorise him as a Power threat. Plus even the best offseason training regime wont work the same for everyone. Everyones body is different. Some people are just naturally strong and some frail. Some people can't put on weight if they tried and some can pack on the pounds without even trying.

And yes it is all about what you add to your god given ability and thats why many players added Anabolic Steroids.

[Sultan_1895-1948]

490 feet? To put that in perspective... that is 1 entire football field..... plus over 60 more yards

lol, good point. Not bad for your first big league dinger huh, goin' 493, about 10 rows from being completely out of Cinergy or whatever it's called now.