The statistical disadvantage of falling behind in the count has been well documented over the years, though a final look back at 2008 reveals that a few players defied the odds.

Last season, the batting average across the majors after falling behind 0-2 in the count was .179. Among the 174 major leaguers who started 0-2 at least 80 times last season, however, there were three .300 hitters: the Rangers’ Ian Kinsler (.326, 28-for-86), Detroit’s Placido Polanco (.315, 28-for-89) and Yadier Molina of the Cardinals (.309, 25-for-81).

It was a rough first season in North America for the Cubs’ Kosuke Fukudome, who hit .257-10-58 in 150 games in 2008. The outfielder demonstrated impressive plate patience, however, drawing 81 walks and posting a .359 OBP. He walked a major league-high 11 times after falling behind 0-2. Next was Adam Dunn (10), though he posted the lowest batting average (.088, 8-for-91) among those major leaguers who went 0-2 at least 80 times last season. Fukudome hit .205 (18-for-88).

On the flip side, it’s just as difficult for a pitcher to record a strikeout after going 3-0 in the count. The 2008 leader in strikeouts after starting 3-0 was Rockies lefty Jorge De La Rosa with seven. Two top-flight relievers, the Angels’ Francisco Rodriguez and Carlos Marmol of the Cubs, struck out six in recovering from a 3-0 count.