Sultan of 'Not'

"Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Mark Reynolds is one of the more remarkable hitters in history. Two years ago, he became the first major leaguer to surpass 200 strikeouts in a season. Last year, he improved on that epic performance with 223 whiffs. This year, he's threatening to set a new mark yet again. Perhaps not since Babe Ruth broke the home runs record each year from 1919 to 1921 has the game seen such a display."

Source:  Wall Street Journal: Personal Journal, August 24, 2010.

Royals Player Has a Shot at a Record

A Kansas City Royals player has a shot at one of baseball's toughest records.  Through Sunday, first baseman Billy Butler has hit into 26 double plays this season, giving him a legitimate shot at surpassing the record of 36 set by Jim Rice in 1984.  What makes the feat even more impressive is that Butler has managed to do it without the support of his teammates.  Rice set the record hitting behind Wade Boggs and Dwight Evans, who both ranked in the top 10 in on-base percentage.  Which is in stark contrast to Kansas City, whose lead-off hitters rank ninth in the American lead with their number two hitters ranking twelfth.  So, essentially Butler has hit into double plays without anyone on base.  Now, that IS a special feat!

Source:  Wall Street Journal:  Personal Journal, August 24, 2010.