From Last Night:

• Brandon Barnes hits for the cycle in a loss to the Mariners
• The Cards shell Marquis, but the Padres make it interesting
• Holland goes 8, but gives up 3 runs in a loss to the O’s
• The Phils pummel the Mets setting Kendrick up for a terrible start that still ends in a win
• The Rays win an 8 HR slugfest with the Jays
• Soriano coughs up a strong start for Strasburg

What I’m Watching Today:

• Hamles versus Wheeler at Citi (1p Eastern)
• Kuroda and Lackey (4p Eastern)
• Burnett takes on Latos (4p Eastern)
• Greinke goes against Gio (7p Eastern)

The Big Question:

• Where does the cycle rank among cool baseball achievements?

Obviously the cycle is awesome for it’s value (at least four times on base) and it’s cool factor (getting each type of hit) but where does it rank among other cool things. No-hitters, perfect games, 4 HR games, CGSO? Let’s take a look at the numbers since 1916:

• Perfect Games: 21
• No-hitters: 204
• Cycles: 240
• Cycles w/a walk: 39
• 4 HR: 14
• 15 or more K: 232

If you asked me I’d most prefer to attend a perfect game, no question, but all of them would be a lot of fun. I’ve been to about 3-4 near no-hitters and a 14 K game.