2026 MLB

[Clark Addison]

This really belongs in the "Random thoughts that will interest no one" thread, but we don't have a 2026 MLB thread so I figured I would start one and put it here.

Run Differential (runs scored minus runs given up) obviously is highly correlated with a winning record. So much so that, given a good sample size, you can generally predict with pretty fair accuracy a team's winning percentage with those two numbers.

So until we hit game 40 or so I often take a look at run differential to see if a team's record is possibly due to good or bad luck. I found it interesting today when I looked that the NL Central standings are negatively rank-ordered by run differential. As you go from first to last place each team has progressively better run differentials. As a Cubs fan (last place, best run differential) I will assume that this is a good sign.

I feel Wuap would like this post. Especially as his Braves are crushing it in run differential so far.

Run Differential.png

[Pelado]

Pretty tightly grouped in the standings.

[Bo Diddley]

That doesn't make me any more optimistic about my Royals this year.

[Copelius]

This really belongs in the "Random thoughts that will interest no one" thread, but we don't have a 2026 MLB thread so I figured I would start one and put it here.

Run Differential (runs scored minus runs given up) obviously is highly correlated with a winning record. So much so that, given a good sample size, you can generally predict with pretty fair accuracy a team's winning percentage with those two numbers.

So until we hit game 40 or so I often take a look at run differential to see if a team's record is possibly due to good or bad luck. I found it interesting today when I looked that the NL Central standings are negatively rank-ordered by run differential. As you go from first to last place each team has progressively better run differentials. As a Cubs fan (last place, best run differential) I will assume that this is a good sign.

I feel Wuap would like this post. Especially as his Braves are crushing it in run differential so far.

Run Differential.png

I like your thinking as the Yanks are +21. Of course 43% of that came today in a 13-4 laugher. But even discounting today, they are the only team in the AL East that has a positive run differential.

[Northwestcoug]

Wow the Red Sox fire Alex Cora and a bunch of coaches. I mean they are mired in last place and are terrible right now and it’s probably needed, but he was the golden boy who got them a WS his first year.

sounds like Varitek was reassigned, which is unfortunate. He seems like a good guy.

[Northwestcoug]

Jomboy media on instagram is a great follow. He breaks down a lot of interesting plays. And he lip reads players, managers, and umpires when they argue. Multiple f bombs slowed down. Oh. Yeah.

[Northwestcoug]

My very conditional Ben Rice approval depends on the Sox losing this series ( (looks almost inevitable with NY pitching), and then someone beating NY before the WS. For now, he seems like a great kid and great having a great first few seasons.

[USUC]

I try really hard to not have too many teams to root against in the post season but I already have the Rays, Astros, Braves, and the Yankees.

[Northwestcoug]

Wow. Rice just had himself a monster game.

[Northwestcoug]

I try really hard to not have too many teams to root against in the post season but I already have the Rays, Astros, Braves, and the Yankees.

San Diego seems nice. And they have Boegarts, who was always fun to watch.

im going to give the Brewers a chance.

[USUC]

San Diego seems nice. And they have Boegarts, who was always fun to watch.

im going to give the Brewers a chance.

Yeah, I'm partial to the Brewers. I like Murakami so I'm rooting for the White Sox (although I don't think they go past the next round).

[Copelius]

It was fun to track the game during our conference rehearsal.

[Northwestcoug]

Man who needs Judge back when you can put up runs like that?

[Copelius]

Man who needs Judge back when you can put up runs like that?

I thought for sure that the ill advised send of Rice from third was gonna come back to bite them. Cautiously optomistic.