Players Who Have Never Succeeded in Different Categories
By Dave Sheinin
Washington Post Staff Writer
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Entering the weekend, Boston Red Sox center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury remained 22 for 22 in stolen base attempts during his career, an admirable feat of perfection. But we're more fascinated by career-long imperfection -- players who have never been successful in a single statistical category.
MOST PLATE APPEARANCES WITHOUT A STOLEN BASE
Johnny Estrada, Nationals
The Nats' backup catcher, currently on the disabled list, never has been great at throwing out would-be base stealers -- but he's even worse at the other end of the equation, having gone 2,230 plate appearances without a stolen base. For that matter, in all that time, he never has even attempted one.
MOST PLATE APPEARANCES WITHOUT A HOME RUN
Curt Schilling, Red Sox
He's gone to the plate 901 times without homering -- and at age 41, playing in the AL and currently residing on the disabled list, we don't like his chances of getting off the schneid. Tops among position players: the Angels' Reggie Willits, at 589 PA and counting.
MOST PLATE APPEARANCES WITHOUT A TRIPLE
Johnny Estrada, Nationals
Perhaps it is no surprise that one player would be tops in both the triples and stolen bases categories. Estrada's career tab: 403 singles, 129 doubles, 42 homers, 0 three-baggers.
MOST PLATE APPEARANCES WITHOUT A HIT-BY-PITCH
Juan Castro, Reds
Wow, this guy must repel baseballs. His total of 2,407 plate appearances without being hit is four times that of the next-highest position player. C'mon, Juan, don't be afraid to take one for the team.
MOST PLATE APPEARANCES WITHOUT A SACRIFICE BUNT
Frank Thomas, Athletics
Another one that is understandable, even at 9,917 PAs and counting. What manager in his right mind is going to ask the Big Hurt to bunt?
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