Wednesday, January 12, 2011

SweetSpot Roundup 1/12

Capitol Avenue Club (Braves): Our Thoughts on Andruw Jones and the HOF
Is Andruw Jones a Hall of Famer?  The CAC boys fisk his candidacy.

Disciples of Uecker (Brewers): Notable At-Bats of 2010, John Axford v. Justin Morneau
An interesting new feature where Jack breaks down some interesting ABs from the preceding year.

View From the Bleachers (Cubs): Breaking Down Both Sides of the Garza Trade
SweetSpot cooperation.  It warms the heart and the cockles. 

Dodger Thoughts: Dee Gordon, How Close Is He?
"While Jamey Carroll has shown he can fill in for Furcal, a prolonged absence conceivably could compel the Dodgers to accelerate Gordon's timetable, allowing him to reach the majors this summer."  But will he be ready?

Bay City Ball (Giants): Regression in 2011?
"I think it’s important to bear in mind, that they don’t just hand you a pennant because you won last year. Baseball is a game where you have to improve just to keep up with everybody else."

Mets Today: Will Luis Castillo Be the Starting Second Baseman?
Joe doesn't think letting Castillo compete for the 2B job is necessarily a good idea, given the need to balance the opportunities of him and the other candidates in Spring Training.

Nationals Baseball: A failure of goals, not of actions
"I find it hard to be angry with Mike Rizzo for this failing. The fault was not in his actions. He made moves and offers that could have easily brought in the players he wanted. The fault was in his... let's say, overly optimistic point of view."

Ducksnorts (Padres): Padres Top 20 Prospects
The Padres may have had a great offseason, but their minor league system is not quite as awesome.

Crashburn Alley (Phillies): Are Jayson Werth and Bobby Abreu Overrated?
Bored, Bill responds to a particularly insipid article that claims that Werth, Abreu, and Lastings Millege (wha?) amongst others are somehow "overrated."

Redleg Nation: Chemistry Class
Will the loss of Orlando Cabrera and Arthur Rhodes really hurt the Reds' chemistry?

Fire Brand of the American League (Red Sox): Lester Is the Ace, but Lackey Is the Leader
Charlie revisits his August criticism of John Lackey, and looks on the bright side (of which there is plenty).

Sox Machine (White Sox): Pierre's best bunting days may be behind him
A study suggests that Juan Pierre is no longer much good at all at bunting, which used to be considered one of his only skills.  Jim assures/reminds us that that doesn't really matter all that much.

The Daily Fungo (Tigers): Today's Tiger: Warren Morris
"If you keep trying to remove the memory of 2003 only to be reminded by, well, us, we’re about to hurt your effort a bit further. Today we’re looking back on infielder Warren Morris."  We exist to cause and/or prolong pain.

Royals Authority: Now THIS Is a Youth Movement
The perpetually young Royals could field the youngest team in their history in 2011.  That's a good thing when you've got a team that may also be the stinkiest.  (I kid, but in two years or so this team is going to win 159 games in a season.)

Nick's Twins Blog: Swapping Sluggers?
With the Rangers rumored to be pursuing Jim Thome, Nick looks at the possibility of the Twins striking back and grabbing Vlad Guerrero. I really, really want Thome to come back, on a non-analytical level, but I can see how this would be a good idea.

It's About the Money, Stupid (Yankees): 'Roids and Greenies
Larry with a long, thorough, well-researched, long look at the two PEDs in which he takes issue with the arguments of Jim Caple, Rob Neyer and others that they're comparable.  I come down solidly on the Caple/Neyer side and I don't think the research says nearly as much as Larry does, but it's a very thoughtful and thought-provoking piece.

Baseballin' on a Budget (A's): Top Fives: Best Left Fielders in Team History
You know number one, of course.  You might know number two (think franchise, not just Oakland).  I'm almost positive you won't get three through five.

Pro Ball NW (Mariners): 2011 Mariners Prospect Report: Infielders
The top ten second basemen, third basemen and shortstops in the system.  #1 is awfully exciting.  Also, if you haven't yet, watch this (but you may well have seen it by now, so don't be disappointed).

The Ray Area: Can Hellickson Go 150+?
Trying to analyze the best pitching prospect's ability to stay healthy over the course of a full MLB season.

Baseball Time in Arlington (Rangers): Thome-to-Texas Redux
Revisiting the possible Thome signing.  That is a really, really impressive lineup.   

Ghostrunner on First (Blue Jays): An Interesting Spin on an Age-Old Tale
A funny take on tweets from/about two Blue Jays players that suggest that they may not be, as they say, In the Best Shape of Their Lives.

Also, make sure you check out Bill's post yesterday that reviews Bill James' HOF predictions circa 1995 and TCM ranking each team's offseason performance.

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