Most said it couldn’t be done, but Mark Reynolds always knew that he had it in him. Reynolds shattered the all-time single-season strikeout record during the 2008 MLB season when he struck out 204 times in 539 at-bats in 152 games. Most thought that would be an untouchable record, like Cal Ripken’s consecutive games played streak or Joe DiMaggio’s hit streak. But Reynolds, and those close to him knew, that if you gave him another crack at it, he could reach the 200 strikeout plateau and maybe more again.
So in the Diamondbacks 10-8 win over the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday night in Arizona, all eyes were on Reynolds. Reynolds was sitting at 203 strikeouts so far during the 2009 MLB schedule. His next strikeout would tie the record he set in 2008, and the strikeout after that would set a new MLB record for most strikeouts in a single season. Did he have it in him? Should he sit himself for the rest of the season? How long will he stay in the majors if he keeps striking out 200 times a year? These were all questions swirling through Reynolds’ mind day in and day out. After an RBI double in the 3rd inning, it didn’t take long to find out. Reynolds struck out in the 3rd, 4th and 6th innings, and before we knew it, we had a new MLB record and then some. Pretty crazy. Back-to-back 200+ strikeout seasons and the guy his still living the dream, playing in the major leagues. Incredible.
Reynolds has one thing going for him. When he does make contact, he really makes contact. In 2008, Reynolds hit .239 (.320 on-base percentage) with 28 HR’s, 97 RBI’s and 87 runs scored. He has improved upon each of those numbers in 2009 – .266 (.357 on-base percentage) with 43 HR’s, 100 RBI’s and 93 runs scored. Reynolds better keep hitting 40+ HR’s and driving in 100+ RBI’s to go along with his high strikeout numbers. Because once the run-producing at-bats stop, Reynolds could find himself looking for work…
