There have been a number of Cuban defectors since I last checked in with a profile. I hope to get to each of them in time. Despite the Cub front office’s determination to do as little as possible this offseason, I do think there’s a good chance they make a run at one or more of them. Cuban free agents are …
Ugh. I’m Jealous of the White Sox
Kenny Williams built his baseball team the wrong way. Baseball writers over the generations have settled upon the “right way” to play baseball. While the criteria have been known to fluctuate depending on whether the player in question gives a good interview, generally speaking the “right way” involves hustling, hitting for average, playing hurt, and ending up with a dirty …
Cubs Lose Out on Tanaka
The Cubs’ primary free agent target of the offseason is now off the table. Masahiro Tanaka agreed to terms with the Yankees today on a 7 year/ $155 million deal. Ken Rosenthal broke the news this morning, following up with the tidbit that the Cubs were indeed among the finalists. Phil Rogers hears the same, that the Cubs were in …
OV Preliminary Free Agent Predictions
If you haven't yet entered the OV Free Agent Prediction Contest, there is still time! It closes the day after the World Series ends*, so get on it. There is much glory and a bobblehead at stake here, people! Here are good lists of free agent position players and pitchers. *Hopefully this happens ASAP. There are no good possible outcomes, …
Orange Is The New Black, Reviewed
Prison Dramedy: More Arrested Development, Less Oz Orange is the New Black, the breakout Netflix original series, is a very good show. Even if you don’t like the first episode (a little too slow and bleak for my tastes), keep at it. When you are finished, feel free to come back and read this review; it contains plot details and spoilers. Orange …
AA Run Environments, Part II: Tennessee Walking
The Southern League has the highest walk rates of any minor league. Pitcher control and defense improve significantly at AA>
AA Run Environments: The Metes and Bounds of The Southern League
Double-A leagues are more similar in their run environment than A+ or AAA. The Texas League is the most hitter-friendly. The Southern League features a significant divisional split.
Sally and the Midwest: Minor League Run Environments (A-Ball)
The minor league run environment in the Midwest League and the South Atlantic League.
JavyGraphs: Career Trends for Javier Baez
A look at trends in walk rate, strikeout rate, and power for Cub prospect Javier Baez.
What if Jim Hendry Had Been Fired in October 2009?
If the Ricketts had fired Jim Hendry immediately upon taking ownership, what would the Cubs’ drafts have looked like in 2010 and 2011? Would Javier Baez have been a Cub?