Dr Dave

I've always used the hierarchy: Rule #1: Root for the Orioles Rule #2: Root for a particular outcome if it benefits the Orioles Rule #3: Root for whoever plays the Yankees Rule #4: Root for whoever plays the Red Sox Given the scenario above, looks like Rule #2 could be used for the Braves-Yankees series if it helps to ensure the Orioles would have home field advantage in the WS.

Here's an interesting variation on that ... Suppose it is a N.L. game - said pitcher comes in and retires the last batter. The pitcher happens to be the leadoff hitter in the next inning. Even though he only faced one batter, would you want to legislate away his manager's option to pinch-hit for him? I would think that once the side has been retired, that should complete the pitcher's obligation for batters faced.

Yes, I know this was actually in late 2018 after the season, but I think it deserves a mention - The Victor Victor Mesa saga. (Edited to correct typo)

It's theoretically possible. Imagine a year when an entire division is equally bad. They play approximately 0.500 against each other, but all of them get beat up by the rest of the league (and interleague play too). Such a division would have everybody under 0.500 - but somebody would still be the division winner. To the best of my knowledge it has never happened (at least in baseball), although there may have been a close call or two. Paradoxically, I would assume the only way to get into the playoffs while under 0.500 is to win a division - I can't see a wild card team ever being under 0.500.

Not the longest. After joining the Yankees and moving to the outfield, Babe Ruth went from 1921 (second year with NY) when he pitched two games, to 1930 when he started a game (and got a complete game win!). He would again start a single game in 1933, also a CG win. So the Babe had around 9 years, give or take a few months, between pitching. Although it wouldn't surprise me if a career minor leaguer may have done that at both ends of his career. Interesting trivia question. EDIT: Just found out the correct answer is Paul Schreiber, who went 22 years between ML pitching appearances! Source: https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/schrepa01.shtml

Well, the optimist will say "The Orioles are in First Place!" The pessimist will say "The Orioles are in Last Place." The realist will say "Small sample size!" I may normally be a realist, but today I will be the optimist. I will enjoy this while I can Now, if they can win the next game and actually be over .500 - even for just a fleeting moment - hey, I can dream, can't I?