[GK3]

This is insane:



I mean SO% > OPS allowed?

I guess I need a remedial class in deciphering things like this.

[GK3]

This is insane:



I mean SO% > OPS allowed?

I guess I need a remedial class in deciphering things like this.

[BostonCard]

I guess I need a remedial class in deciphering things like this.

Each point represents a Div I softball pitcher.  On the x--axis is the OPS (on base percentage + slugging) allowed.  Lower is better.  The y-axis is the strikeout rate (the proportion of batters faced struck out).  Obviously higher is better.  Unsurprisingly, there is an inverse relationship; pitchers who strike out a larger share of batters give up a lower OPS.  You can see that the average OPS given up is a shade under .800, and the average strikeout rate is a shade under 15%.  The lone red dot in the top left corner is Canady.  Her OPS allowed is .400, which is just over half the average.  Her strikeout rate is over 40%, which is more than twice the average.  Only a handful of other pitchers even strike out 1/3 of batters, and there is one other pitcher who gives up an OPS comparable to hers.  She is a statistical outlier, and no one really comes close to her domination.

BC

[BostonCard]

I guess I need a remedial class in deciphering things like this.

Each point represents a Div I softball pitcher.  On the x--axis is the OPS (on base percentage + slugging) allowed.  Lower is better.  The y-axis is the strikeout rate (the proportion of batters faced struck out).  Obviously higher is better.  Unsurprisingly, there is an inverse relationship; pitchers who strike out a larger share of batters give up a lower OPS.  You can see that the average OPS given up is a shade under .800, and the average strikeout rate is a shade under 15%.  The lone red dot in the top left corner is Canady.  Her OPS allowed is .400, which is just over half the average.  Her strikeout rate is over 40%, which is more than twice the average.  Only a handful of other pitchers even strike out 1/3 of batters, and there is one other pitcher who gives up an OPS comparable to hers.  She is a statistical outlier, and no one really comes close to her domination.

BC

[Farm93]

As important as a PG is for basketball or a QB might be for football nothing really compares to having a quality pitcher in college softball.  I just wish the team had a few top tier hitters that could generate a few runs to support Canady in the WCWS.

[Farm93]

As important as a PG is for basketball or a QB might be for football nothing really compares to having a quality pitcher in college softball.  I just wish the team had a few top tier hitters that could generate a few runs to support Canady in the WCWS.

[GK3]

I guess I need a remedial class in deciphering things like this.

Each point represents a Div I softball pitcher.  On the x--axis is the OPS (on base percentage + slugging) allowed.  Lower is better.  The y-axis is the strikeout rate (the proportion of batters faced struck out).  Obviously higher is better.  Unsurprisingly, there is an inverse relationship; pitchers who strike out a larger share of batters give up a lower OPS.  You can see that the average OPS given up is a shade under .800, and the average strikeout rate is a shade under 15%.  The lone red dot in the top left corner is Canady.  Her OPS allowed is .400, which is just over half the average.  Her strikeout rate is over 40%, which is more than twice the average.  Only a handful of other pitchers even strike out 1/3 of batters, and there is one other pitcher who gives up an OPS comparable to hers.  She is a statistical outlier, and no one really comes close to her domination.

BC

Thanks BC, that truly is a remarkable stat.

After looking at the bracket, beating Texas in the first game would be a really big deal, beyond just having beat the #1 team. Canady would then get a full days rest before the next game. Trying to come back through the loser's bracket would be no fun at all.

[GK3]

I guess I need a remedial class in deciphering things like this.

Each point represents a Div I softball pitcher.  On the x--axis is the OPS (on base percentage + slugging) allowed.  Lower is better.  The y-axis is the strikeout rate (the proportion of batters faced struck out).  Obviously higher is better.  Unsurprisingly, there is an inverse relationship; pitchers who strike out a larger share of batters give up a lower OPS.  You can see that the average OPS given up is a shade under .800, and the average strikeout rate is a shade under 15%.  The lone red dot in the top left corner is Canady.  Her OPS allowed is .400, which is just over half the average.  Her strikeout rate is over 40%, which is more than twice the average.  Only a handful of other pitchers even strike out 1/3 of batters, and there is one other pitcher who gives up an OPS comparable to hers.  She is a statistical outlier, and no one really comes close to her domination.

BC

Thanks BC, that truly is a remarkable stat.

After looking at the bracket, beating Texas in the first game would be a really big deal, beyond just having beat the #1 team. Canady would then get a full days rest before the next game. Trying to come back through the loser's bracket would be no fun at all.

[Jamesy]

I guess I need a remedial class in deciphering things like this.

Each point represents a Div I softball pitcher.  On the x--axis is the OPS (on base percentage + slugging) allowed.  Lower is better.  The y-axis is the strikeout rate (the proportion of batters faced struck out).  Obviously higher is better.  Unsurprisingly, there is an inverse relationship; pitchers who strike out a larger share of batters give up a lower OPS.  You can see that the average OPS given up is a shade under .800, and the average strikeout rate is a shade under 15%.  The lone red dot in the top left corner is Canady.  Her OPS allowed is .400, which is just over half the average.  Her strikeout rate is over 40%, which is more than twice the average.  Only a handful of other pitchers even strike out 1/3 of batters, and there is one other pitcher who gives up an OPS comparable to hers.  She is a statistical outlier, and no one really comes close to her domination.

BC

Thanks BC, that truly is a remarkable stat.

After looking at the bracket, beating Texas in the first game would be a really big deal, beyond just having beat the #1 team.  Canady would then get a full days rest before the next game.  Trying to come back through the loser's bracket would be no fun at all.

If a team wins every game, they won't play back to back days until the championship series...

[Jamesy]

I guess I need a remedial class in deciphering things like this.

Each point represents a Div I softball pitcher.  On the x--axis is the OPS (on base percentage + slugging) allowed.  Lower is better.  The y-axis is the strikeout rate (the proportion of batters faced struck out).  Obviously higher is better.  Unsurprisingly, there is an inverse relationship; pitchers who strike out a larger share of batters give up a lower OPS.  You can see that the average OPS given up is a shade under .800, and the average strikeout rate is a shade under 15%.  The lone red dot in the top left corner is Canady.  Her OPS allowed is .400, which is just over half the average.  Her strikeout rate is over 40%, which is more than twice the average.  Only a handful of other pitchers even strike out 1/3 of batters, and there is one other pitcher who gives up an OPS comparable to hers.  She is a statistical outlier, and no one really comes close to her domination.

BC

Thanks BC, that truly is a remarkable stat.

After looking at the bracket, beating Texas in the first game would be a really big deal, beyond just having beat the #1 team.  Canady would then get a full days rest before the next game.  Trying to come back through the loser's bracket would be no fun at all.

If a team wins every game, they won't play back to back days until the championship series...

[d4cohn]

The hype video we all needed for today's game/the World Series (narrated by Jess Mendoza):

Stanford Softball (@stanfordsoftball) • Instagram photos and videos

[d4cohn]

The hype video we all needed for today's game/the World Series (narrated by Jess Mendoza):

Stanford Softball (@stanfordsoftball) • Instagram photos and videos

[martyup]

Can anyone help me figure out why I can't see Instagram links embedded in posts on the Cardboard using Chrome on Macbook Pro (OS 10.14.6), but they work fine using Safari on the same computer?  No ad blocking is engaged.

[martyup]

Can anyone help me figure out why I can't see Instagram links embedded in posts on the Cardboard using Chrome on Macbook Pro (OS 10.14.6), but they work fine using Safari on the same computer?  No ad blocking is engaged.

[SkiBum80]

Can anyone help me figure out why I can't see Instagram links embedded in posts on the Cardboard using Chrome on Macbook Pro (OS 10.14.6), but they work fine using Safari on the same computer?  No ad blocking is engaged.

I mainly use Firefox, and it has something called enhanced tracking protection, which is default On, but is customizable by site.
And I found helpful to turn off for Cardboard to be able see everything.
Not sure relevant to your issue but mention just in case.

[SkiBum80]

Can anyone help me figure out why I can't see Instagram links embedded in posts on the Cardboard using Chrome on Macbook Pro (OS 10.14.6), but they work fine using Safari on the same computer?  No ad blocking is engaged.

I mainly use Firefox, and it has something called enhanced tracking protection, which is default On, but is customizable by site.
And I found helpful to turn off for Cardboard to be able see everything.
Not sure relevant to your issue but mention just in case.

[BobK]

It’s raining in Norman first game delayed

[BobK]

It’s raining in Norman first game delayed

[d4cohn]

Stanford will face Texas ace Teagan Kavan. Not unexpected to see the Longhorns turn to her, but Texas does have a deeper staff than we do, and one of three or even four pitchers were conceivably possible to start Game 1.

---

Nice start for Stanford, putting a runner in scoring position and nearly coming up with a 2 run HR (ball went just foul). Stanford unfortunately did not score, but Texas goes down in order in the B1.

[d4cohn]

Stanford will face Texas ace Teagan Kavan. Not unexpected to see the Longhorns turn to her, but Texas does have a deeper staff than we do, and one of three or even four pitchers were conceivably possible to start Game 1.

---

Nice start for Stanford, putting a runner in scoring position and nearly coming up with a 2 run HR (ball went just foul). Stanford unfortunately did not score, but Texas goes down in order in the B1.

[d4cohn]

Stanford is really driving the ball well. Koch and Jones with long fly balls to center field. Obviously, if you don't ultimately cash them into runs, it is meaningless, but so far we look to be a lot more on time with Kavan than Texas is with Canady (and that is reflected in Kavan's already elevated pitch total).

[d4cohn]

Stanford is really driving the ball well. Koch and Jones with long fly balls to center field. Obviously, if you don't ultimately cash them into runs, it is meaningless, but so far we look to be a lot more on time with Kavan than Texas is with Canady (and that is reflected in Kavan's already elevated pitch total).

[d4cohn]

Texas leads 2-0 as they lean on good baserunning and small ball. Apparently (according to play-by-play Kevin Brown), the strong wind is keeping balls in the park, so Stanford may have make some adjustments to drive the ball on the ground to get more hits.

[d4cohn]

Texas leads 2-0 as they lean on good baserunning and small ball. Apparently (according to play-by-play Kevin Brown), the strong wind is keeping balls in the park, so Stanford may have make some adjustments to drive the ball on the ground to get more hits.

[Card10Fan]

We need some offense. When have we said that before! Come on batters.

[Card10Fan]

We need some offense. When have we said that before! Come on batters.

[d4cohn]

We need some offense. When have we said that before! Come on batters.

The key has been Kavan has gotten several check-swing strikes and outs, including in that last half inning on Taryn Kern. The check-swing strikeout was pretty critical in derailing 2 runners on 1 out in the 5th. Personally, I have not liked at least a couple of the calls.

[d4cohn]

We need some offense. When have we said that before! Come on batters.

The key has been Kavan has gotten several check-swing strikes and outs, including in that last half inning on Taryn Kern. The check-swing strikeout was pretty critical in derailing 2 runners on 1 out in the 5th. Personally, I have not liked at least a couple of the calls.

[Madera86]

We need some offense. When have we said that before! Come on batters.

The key has been Kavan has gotten several check-swing strikes and outs, including in that last half inning on Taryn Kern. The check-swing strikeout was pretty critical in derailing 2 runners on 1 out in the 5th. Personally, I have not liked at least a couple of the calls.

Yes, it's no wonder the batters are chasing a few balls in the dirt when some strikes appear to be called below the knees.

[Madera86]

We need some offense. When have we said that before! Come on batters.

The key has been Kavan has gotten several check-swing strikes and outs, including in that last half inning on Taryn Kern. The check-swing strikeout was pretty critical in derailing 2 runners on 1 out in the 5th. Personally, I have not liked at least a couple of the calls.

Yes, it's no wonder the batters are chasing a few balls in the dirt when some strikes appear to be called below the knees.

[TonyLima]

Well, now we just gotta win four in a row.

On another topic, sponsors for the women’s College. World Series include PG&E and Home Depot. Softball hits the big time.

[TonyLima]

Well, now we just gotta win four in a row.

On another topic, sponsors for the women’s College. World Series include PG&E and Home Depot. Softball hits the big time.

[d4cohn]

Stanford falls 4-0 to Texas, and will now get the loser of Florida and Oklahoma State in an elimination game at 6:30pm PT tomorrow.

In the end, Texas simply executed at the plate better than Stanford today. The third inning scoring two all on singles and balls almost entirely in the infield was very well done. 

Texas deserved to win, but I wonder how differently the game would have played out had Stanford scored first (and early) with their chances. But if a team doesn't capitalize at this level, another team will.

[d4cohn]

Stanford falls 4-0 to Texas, and will now get the loser of Florida and Oklahoma State in an elimination game at 6:30pm PT tomorrow.

In the end, Texas simply executed at the plate better than Stanford today. The third inning scoring two all on singles and balls almost entirely in the infield was very well done. 

Texas deserved to win, but I wonder how differently the game would have played out had Stanford scored first (and early) with their chances. But if a team doesn't capitalize at this level, another team will.

[GK3]

Stanford falls 4-0 to Texas, and will now get the loser of Florida and Oklahoma State in an elimination game at 6:30pm PT tomorrow.

In the end, Texas simply executed at the plate better than Stanford today. The third inning scoring two all on singles and balls almost entirely in the infield was very well done. 

Texas deserved to win, but I wonder how differently the game would have played out had Stanford scored first (and early) with their chances. But if a team doesn't capitalize at this level, another team will.

Yes, at this level, you simply have to take advantage of your opportunities as there will generally not be that many.  If you have a lineup that hits over 300 against one that doesn't the better hitting team will probably win as the both pitchers will almost certainly be of high caliber or the team would not be here in the first place.
Texas has seen us twice this year so they have a very good idea of our strengths and weaknesses and Canady's pitching style. It isn't working out well. 
Late in the game and  down by 4 a loss seems certain.  At this level where everyone has a good to great pitcher, hitting becomes more important. We have two players hitting over 300, Texas has 1 player hitting under 300.  It is going to be difficult but not impossible, but a hitting virus would be helpful.

[GK3]

Stanford falls 4-0 to Texas, and will now get the loser of Florida and Oklahoma State in an elimination game at 6:30pm PT tomorrow.

In the end, Texas simply executed at the plate better than Stanford today. The third inning scoring two all on singles and balls almost entirely in the infield was very well done. 

Texas deserved to win, but I wonder how differently the game would have played out had Stanford scored first (and early) with their chances. But if a team doesn't capitalize at this level, another team will.

Yes, at this level, you simply have to take advantage of your opportunities as there will generally not be that many.  If you have a lineup that hits over 300 against one that doesn't the better hitting team will probably win as the both pitchers will almost certainly be of high caliber or the team would not be here in the first place.
Texas has seen us twice this year so they have a very good idea of our strengths and weaknesses and Canady's pitching style. It isn't working out well. 
Late in the game and  down by 4 a loss seems certain.  At this level where everyone has a good to great pitcher, hitting becomes more important. We have two players hitting over 300, Texas has 1 player hitting under 300.  It is going to be difficult but not impossible, but a hitting virus would be helpful.

[d4cohn]

Stanford falls 4-0 to Texas, and will now get the loser of Florida and Oklahoma State in an elimination game at 6:30pm PT tomorrow.

In the end, Texas simply executed at the plate better than Stanford today. The third inning scoring two all on singles and balls almost entirely in the infield was very well done. 

Texas deserved to win, but I wonder how differently the game would have played out had Stanford scored first (and early) with their chances. But if a team doesn't capitalize at this level, another team will.

Yes, at this level, you simply have to take advantage of your opportunities as there will generally not be that many.  If you have a lineup that hits over 300 against one that doesn't the better hitting team will probably win as the both pitchers will almost certainly be of high caliber or the team would not be here in the first place.
Texas has seen us twice this year so they have a very good idea of our strengths and weaknesses and Canady's pitching style. It isn't working out well. 
Late in the game and  down by 4 a loss seems certain.  At this level where everyone has a good to great pitcher, hitting becomes more important. We have two players hitting over 300, Texas has 1 player hitting under 300.  It is going to be difficult but not impossible, but a hitting virus would be helpful.

I would actually argue the opposite, namely pitching and timely hitting becomes more impactful (because even the best hitters ever fail more often than not against the range of arms they face in a season, rather than the most elite subset of arms who will throw the majority/all of the innings at the World Series). As an example, Oklahoma State and Florida in the nightcap tonight have by far two of the best offenses in the country. They combined managed four hits and 1 run on a solo homerun in a 1-0 game.

They say pitching and defense was 20th century softball. Oklahoma may be in a class of their own and win a fourth consecutive title, but every other game today at the World Series was about pitching, and a timely hit or two.

Do I wish we had a better offense? Of course. Do I think it would give a better chance at a title? Yes. But if I am designing a roster with a limited number of scholarships etc. in softball, I would want the best pitcher and ok offense, than the alternative.

[d4cohn]

Stanford falls 4-0 to Texas, and will now get the loser of Florida and Oklahoma State in an elimination game at 6:30pm PT tomorrow.

In the end, Texas simply executed at the plate better than Stanford today. The third inning scoring two all on singles and balls almost entirely in the infield was very well done. 

Texas deserved to win, but I wonder how differently the game would have played out had Stanford scored first (and early) with their chances. But if a team doesn't capitalize at this level, another team will.

Yes, at this level, you simply have to take advantage of your opportunities as there will generally not be that many.  If you have a lineup that hits over 300 against one that doesn't the better hitting team will probably win as the both pitchers will almost certainly be of high caliber or the team would not be here in the first place.
Texas has seen us twice this year so they have a very good idea of our strengths and weaknesses and Canady's pitching style. It isn't working out well. 
Late in the game and  down by 4 a loss seems certain.  At this level where everyone has a good to great pitcher, hitting becomes more important. We have two players hitting over 300, Texas has 1 player hitting under 300.  It is going to be difficult but not impossible, but a hitting virus would be helpful.

I would actually argue the opposite, namely pitching and timely hitting becomes more impactful (because even the best hitters ever fail more often than not against the range of arms they face in a season, rather than the most elite subset of arms who will throw the majority/all of the innings at the World Series). As an example, Oklahoma State and Florida in the nightcap tonight have by far two of the best offenses in the country. They combined managed four hits and 1 run on a solo homerun in a 1-0 game.

They say pitching and defense was 20th century softball. Oklahoma may be in a class of their own and win a fourth consecutive title, but every other game today at the World Series was about pitching, and a timely hit or two.

Do I wish we had a better offense? Of course. Do I think it would give a better chance at a title? Yes. But if I am designing a roster with a limited number of scholarships etc. in softball, I would want the best pitcher and ok offense, than the alternative.

[old spanish trail]

Hey, Bob K, or...? What does this year's recruiting class look like? Any help for Canady? Any offense? If Canady can respond as she did in the Super we should win tomorrow. What then? Dunno. Krause for 3 hopeful innings and Canady in relief? etc.

Agree with those who say we didn't get the fairest edge on balls and strikes, but that happens.

[old spanish trail]

Hey, Bob K, or...? What does this year's recruiting class look like? Any help for Canady? Any offense? If Canady can respond as she did in the Super we should win tomorrow. What then? Dunno. Krause for 3 hopeful innings and Canady in relief? etc.

Agree with those who say we didn't get the fairest edge on balls and strikes, but that happens.