Renowned analyst Bill James’ Pythagorean Theorem of Baseball is based on the idea that runs scored comparative to runs allowed — i.e., run differential — is a more accurate indicator of a team’s future performance than its current winning percentage.
But the Rockies (71-60, one back in the division and 1½ back of the second wild card) are spitting in the face of James’ formula with a -17 run differential heading into Tuesday night’s finale in Anaheim, making them the only National League team in the playoff race with a negative differential.
According to the Pythagorean Theorem of Baseball, Rockies players should already be thinking about booking October family vacations.