You have to be pretty darn good

A few days ago Cole Hamels lost his 12th game of the season.  If they have not yet brought it up, someone is bound to start talking

about the possibility of a 20 loss season for Cole.

That certainly would be a nightmare of a season for Hamels but on the other hand, you’d have to be pretty darn good to lose 20 games.  Just like you’d have to be a pretty darn good hitter to strike out 250 times in a season.  Just like you’d have to be pretty darn good to hit under .200 for the entire season.

The reason why a player would have to be pretty darn “good” to accomplish those feats is that a poor or average player would never be around long enough to reach those numbers.  They would be sent down to the minors or released well before.

So, if Hamels loses 20 and you meet him, just say “Wow, you lost 20 games?  You must be awesome!”  

On second thought, don’t say that.

Tomorrow:  When should a catcher go to the mound?