FACTS/FLUKES: Heyward, Samardzija, Craig, Parnell, Desmond

Heyward rebound encouraging ... Our April analysis of Jason Heyward (OF, ATL) stated that a change in groundball/flyball ratio was necessary before the 22-year-old outfielder became the power stud that many had projected. Three hundred AB later, check that one off the to-do list:

Year    AB   BA    xBA  bb%  ct%  h%    G/L/F    PX  hr/f  Spd  SBO  HR/SB
====   ===  ====  ====  ===  ===  ==  ========  ===  ====  ===  ===  =====
2010   520  .277  .277   15   75  34  55/18/27  122   17%  114   9%  18/11
2011   396  .227  .261   11   77  26  54/13/33  115   14%   87  10%  14/ 9
2012   294  .272  .265    9   75  32  37/21/42  144   15%  109  19%  14/11

Heyward has indeed stroked more line drives and fly balls in the season's first...

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From Facts & Flukes

Jacob deGrom looked the part of an ace again. Is he? Plus Alec Burleson, Bryce Miller, Tyler O'Neill, and Evan Carter.
Mar 29 2026 3:07am
Riley Greene had a power breakout in 2025, but can we expect more of the same this year? Also, Tyler Soderstrom, Ceddanne Rafaela, Reid Detmers, and Daulton Varsho.
Mar 26 2026 3:09am
Jhoan Duran had a career-high 32 saves in 2025. Could 2026 be his best season yet? Plus, Michael Harris II, Matt Chapman, Matthew Boyd, and Adolis García.
Mar 25 2026 3:06am
Willy Adames moves outside top 100. Also: Shota Imanga, Jorge Polanco, Emilio Pagán, J.T. Realmtuo.
Mar 24 2026 3:07am
A new batch of ALers, headlined by four-category stalwart Brent Rooker
Mar 19 2026 3:06am

Tools