We are but toe deep in the 2012 season, and that means a glance at the "on pace to" numbers of individual players reveals any number of statistical absurdities. Obviously, none of these is going to hold up, but it's interesting to ponder the impossible ...
- A's centerfielder Yoenis Cespedes is on pace for 69 homers, 46 doubles and ... 24 singles.
- The Rockies' Carlos Gonzalez is on pace for 54 triples.
- Andre Ethier of the Dodgers is on pace for 270 RBI.
- Toronto's J.P. Arencibia is on pace to strike out 297 times.
- Paul Konerko of the White Sox is on pace for 162 RBI ... and zero home runs.
- Colorado's Michael Cuddyer is on pace for 135 doubles.
- Phillies ace Roy Halladay is on pace to go 65-0.
- Rendering that meaningless is the fact that Detroit's Duane Below is on pace to go 65-0 ... out of the bullpen.
- Angels ace Jered Weaver is on pace for 551 strikeouts.
- Poor Josh Johnson of the Marlins is on pace to go 0-54.
- Meanwhile, Jays closer Sergio Santos is on pace to blow that same number of saves (54).
- Reigning AL Cy Young winner Justin Verlander is on pace to pitch 518.1 innings this season. He is also on pace to go winless over that span.
Now imagine an alternate universe in which all of this come to pass. Which bit of ridiculousness (ridiculosity?) would most redefine our notions of what's possible in this game?