Monday, August 10, 2009

George Sherrill, Brian Matusz, and the Great Number Shift

Last week I commented on the changing face of number 52 for the Orioles. The number belonged to relievers B.J. Ryan and George Sherrill before recently moving into a starting role with Brian Matusz.

It seems the Dodgers have done a little number shifting of their own with 52, which has produced positive results in the superstitious baseball universe.

Dodgers blog True Blue L.A. explains.
"When reliever George Sherrill arrived from Baltimore on July 31, James McDonald gave up his number 52 to the veteran, who wore that number in both Baltimore and Seattle. McDonald switched to number 31, and since then has pitched four straight scoreless relief appearances of at least two innings, allowing only four hits and no walks while striking out six, and opposing batters are hitting .143/.143/.179 off number 31."
Clearly this numbers business is no small thing.

Imagine what might happen if Matusz decides to take over his college and Team USA baseball number when Aubrey Huff's tenure in Baltimore is over?


Image Sources: Here and Here.



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