SweetSpot Roundup 9/23

Austin's Astros 290 Blog: Turnabout's Fair Play
"The Astros now have to go 8-3 in their remaining games to reach .500.  They can still afford one loss in every series, just so long as they don’t lose either of the next two games with the mighty Natinals."

Disciples of Uecker (Brewers): An Updated Look at the Rotation
The Brewers' rotation has been looking better recently, and Jack looks at CHONE projects to gauge their chances next year.

Fungoes (Cardinals): A Changing of the Cards' WAR Guard
Color me shocked:  "Don’t look now, but when the season ends, someone other than Albert Pujols may lead the Cardinals in wins above replacement for the first time since 2004."

Dodger Thoughts: Dodgers might have to pay Ted Lilly more than he's worth this offseason
"Everything depends on cost, but based on what Lilly figures to command on the free agent market, if the Dodgers sign him, it could turn out to be a deal that looks good at first and not good at all in the end. The thing is, given the pitching vacancies the Dodgers are facing for 2011, that kind of fate with Lilly, Hiroki Kuroda or whomever might be unavoidable."

Bay City Ball (Giants): Buster's Missing Walks
Chris wonders if we should be concerned by Buster Posey's low walk rate.

Mets Today: Marlins 5, Mets 2
"The battle for third place did not go well for the Mets."

Nationals Baseball: The Rebirth of John Lannan 
"Since he came back on the first of August, John has easily been the Nats best starter. It's not even close."

Ducksnorts (Padres): It's the Most Improbable Time of the Year
"The Padres are in a pennant race. I still don’t understand how that’s even possible, but no complaints."

Crashburn Alley (Phillies): The Genius of Charlie Manuel
"In the comments below (or in your own blog entry, or Twitter/Facebook, etc.), make as objective and logical a case for Manuel as you can. Be as specific and scientific as possible. What are Manuel’s strengths and weaknesses? Where does he rank among MLB managers, currently and historically? Where would the Phillies be without him?"

Redleg Nation: Will the 2010 Astros finish 2nd?
Holy crap, this is actually possible. How the hell did this happen?

The B-List Indians Blog: B-List Lite
"I will point you to the recap with the caveat that last night's loss squashed what little sense of hope I had about this team next season.  Yes, a meaningless (to Cleveland) late-inning road loss to a superior team has emotionally wiped out the entire concept of 2011 success.  This is probably an overreaction.  I do not care." Whoa, dude.

Pro Ball NW (Mariners): Carp, Halman, Mangini, Varvero called up
The bigger story is who is not called up: Dustin Ackley and Josh Lueke.  For very different reasons.

Weaver's Tantrum (Orioles): First Innings
"I have to confess that my work schedule often forces me to miss the first inning or two of every game. Right now, who cares?  On the year the Orioles have been outscored 102-61 in the first innings."

Baseball Time in Arlington (Rangers): When the frustration boils over
"This has been one uniquely strange season all the way around."

The Ray Area: That stings
"Before last night’s game, Rays owner/New York resident Stuart Sternberg visited with the local media and promptly threw a wet blanket over Rays fans everywhere by reminding the media that the Rays have to get to $50MM in payroll next summer — no matter what."

Royals Authority: The Early Start to the Greinke Rumor Mill
"Just be prepared.  The Greinke rumor mill is just now firing up.  There’s going to be a ton of talk on this topic over the next 12 to 24 months."

Nick's Twins Blog: The Minnesota Twins, Your 2010 AL Central Champion
"I write this post celebrating the Twins' 2010 AL Central title on September 22nd. That's a full 14 days earlier than I did so last year, a fact that gives these Twins a distinct advantage over the '09 group -- beyond the more meaningful edges in talent and depth."

Sox Machine (White Sox): Flag half-mast, White Sox coaching staff half-hearted
"Most people have to see their contracts all the way through before getting another one, unless you’re Mark Teahen. But Guillen wants more than a contract, I reckon. He wants to know if he’s winning the fight against Kenny Williams, and I’m not sure that’s the behavior of somebody who deserves a commitment."

It's About the Money, Stupid (Yankees): Debate Over, Bring on Texas!
"Some fans want the Yankees to win the division for home field advantage. Others just think it should be part of the Yankee ethos to win. Me, I just want the Yankees to play the Rangers."