This Stat Is Quiet, Like A Fox

I am currently watching the worst game in the history of Major League Baseball. In the top of the 6th inning, nearly three hours after first pitch, the Yankees are leading the Red Sox 11-9.

As I stare, dumbfounded, at my television, gawking at the inability of anyone to get an out, a thought has come to my mind: it seems that one of the reasons the Yankees' 2008 performance has been so "blah" thus far is because none of the team's cylinders ever seem to click concurrently. When the pitching is strong, the offense is anemic. When the bats come alive, the staff implodes. In short, it sure feels like each game is a struggle. I mean, really, didn't they have to work a little too hard to "sweep" Tampa Bay?

So, I looked up two basic stats: Runs Scored, and Runs Against. And I found what I thought I'd find.

(After 16 games)
RUNS SCORED: 67
RUNS AGAINST: 68

Pretty close, ay? The difference is minimal, which seems innocent enough; however, the fact that the two numbers are so close goes to prove that the Yanks aren't even winning convincingly, let alone blowing anybody out.

No wonder I'm tired already.
_