For some very mysterious reason, Mike Hampton seems to pitch well against the Pirates

Per Kristie Rieken of AP, Mike Hampton's 4-1 victory over the Pirates last night improved his record to 14-3 with a 2.20 ERA in 20 career starts against Pittsburgh dating back to 1995. The article goes on to state that when asked, Hampton was unable to explain why he has been so dominant against the Pirates over the years. Said Hampton; "I don't want to really talk too much about it. I just hope it continues."

Unexplained success against the Pirates. Nobody can seem to figure it out. Hmmmmm.

Isn't this kind of like saying that Brett Favre for whatever reason seems to have really good games against the Detroit Lions. Or that Michael Jordan sure seems to play well against the Clippers. Or that Martin Brodeur sure has a nice winning percentage against the New York Islanders. Not exactly beyond comprehension as to why these things would be true.

Actually, you do not have to be Bill James to figure out why Hampton, or any other major league pitcher, does well against the Pirates.

I gotta believe that Ms. Rieken knew this when she (or whomever) asked the question and posed the question just to be nice.

She's a nice one, that Kristie Rieken.