Jaw-Dropping 2013 Stats for MLB's Stars

One of the greatest parts of baseball is the plethora of thought-provoking statistics the game generates. Aside from metrics, which can help project a player’s production down the line, the various scenarios and outcomes in baseball make for some pretty unique leaders and losers—even among the game’s greatest.

For instance, while everyone expects Miguel Cabrera to lead the league in almost every category, there’s one particularly impressive feat that Miggy doesn’t get enough credit for. And on the other end of the spectrum, ace pitcher Adam Wainwright—despite his almost flawless resume—is one of the league’s worst in a specific pitching situation.

Read on to see some of the most jaw-dropping 2013 statistics for MLB’s stars.

All statistics (through Sept. 5) sourced from Baseball-Reference.com and FanGraphs.com.

Edward Mujica: 0.46 BB/9

Edward Mujica graduated from being one of the game’s most consistent relievers to emerging as a dominant closer in 2013. Despite not possessing a high-90s fastball, Mujica instead relies on impeccable control. 

But Mujica’s control isn’t just excellent—it’s incredible. The right-handed pitcher owns a microscopic 0.46 walks per nine innings ratio. The next best reliever in the walks department is Mark Melancon, who owns a 1.16 BB/9.

With 35 saves to his name this season, the impending free agent will likely garner a lot of interest in the offseason.

Allen Craig: .454 BA with RISP

Filling Albert Pujols’ shoes in 2012 was no easy task, but Allen Craig did and continues to do it with ease. Since becoming a starting player, Craig has posted a combined .311 batting average, park-adjusted 133 OPS-plus and a 7.1 percent walk rate.

But perhaps Craig’s best asset has been his knack for being “clutch.” Even though it’s difficult to pinpoint what makes a player "clutch," the 29-year-old’s .454 batting average with runners in scoring position in 2013 is a good start.

By collecting a hit almost 50 percent of the time, Craig is about as clutch as it gets.

Adam Wainwright: 14.21 ERA with Runners on 3rd Base

Since converting to starting full-time in 2007, Adam Wainwright has been one of the best pitchers in baseball. During that span, Wainwright owns an impressive 3.14 ERA (versus a park-adjusted 128 ERA-plus), 1.19 WHIP, 3.33 K/BB and 93 personal wins.

The 32-year-old has continued this success in 2013 as well, posting a 3.14 ERA (versus 118 ERA-plus), 1.08 WHIP and a league-leading 6.45 K/BB.

But there is one category Wainwright isn’t elite in: ERA with runners on third base.

The St. Louis Cardinals ace has hurled a 14.21 ERA when third base is occupied. Granted, his ERA is based on a small sample size (six innings), but it’s still shocking that Wainwright leads the league in any negative category.

Miguel Cabrera: .488 BA on the 1st Pitch

Miguel Cabrera is arguably the best hitter in baseball. The 30-year-old leads the league in runs (95), RBI (130), batting average (.355), on-base percentage (.446), slugging (.676), OPS (1.121), park-adjusted OPS-plus (197) and total bases (329).

But Miggy also dominates the league in another category: first-pitch batting average. The right-handed hitter has posted a .488 batting average while swinging at the first pitch. 

Even though patience is usually a virtue, when you’re as good of a hitter as Miguel Cabrera, you’re entitled to swing at the first pitch as often as you'd like.

Koji Uehara: .107 BAA Versus LHH

Like Edward Mujica, Koji Uehara was predominantly used as a setup man throughout his relief career. But after Joel Hanrahan and Andrew Bailey failed to stay healthy, the Boston Red Sox turned the ninth inning duties over to Uehara.

Considering the 38-year-old boasts a 1.16 ERA (versus a park-adjusted 363 ERA-plus) and 17 saves (in 20 chances), the Red Sox have to be pleased with his performance.

But what is perhaps most incredible about Uehara’s season is his ability to sit down left-handed hitters. The reliever owns a .107 batting average against southpaws, making him the most unhittable right-handed pitcher against left-handed hitters.

Joe Mauer: .493 OBP on Wednesdays

In addition to possessing silky smooth hair, Joe Mauer is also an elite major league hitter. The Minnesota Twins catcher has posted a .324 batting average, park-adjusted 141 OPS-plus, 11 home runs and a 12.0 percent walk rate in 2013. 

Taking a walk isn't anything new to Mauer, however. In fact, the 30-year-old owns a career 12.1 percent walk rate.

But if there’s one particular day of the week that Mauer has gotten on base in 2013, it’s been on a Wednesday. The left-handed hitter has posted a staggering .493 OBP on hump day this season.

Perhaps Geico should give Mauer a ring.

R.A. Dickey: 16 HRs Allowed During Day Games

After winning the National League Cy Young Award in 2012, R.A. Dickey has been a different pitcher in 2013. Dickey has pitched to the tune of a 4.30 ERA (versus a park-adjusted 95 ERA-plus), 1.26 WHIP and 2.33 K/BB this season.

One of the knuckleballer’s biggest issues has been the home run. But Dickey has been particularly vulnerable during the day, surrendering a whopping 16 home runs. That means Dickey owns a 1.40 home run per nine innings ratio when the sun in shining.

To Dickey’s credit, the 38-year-old has pitched better in the second half, posting a 3.48 ERA (versus 4.69 ERA in the first half). But needless to say, the hurler is still a far cry from his 2012 statistics.

Manny Machado: .120 BA in Full Counts

In his sophomore season, Manny Machado has emerged as a bright star for the Baltimore Orioles. Machado owns a .296 batting average, park-adjusted 108 OPS-plus, 13 home runs and leads the league with 46 doubles and 174 hits.

Despite his high hit total and overall batting average, however, there is one scenario the 21-year-old can’t seem to figure out. And that’s full counts.

When the count is 3-2, Machado owns a horrendous .120 batting average. It’s hard to complain about anything Machado does (defense included), but the rising star will have to work on his ability make good contact in high-pressure situations.