SweetSpot Roundup 3/4

Capitol Avenue Club (Braves): The '11 Braves - Defense
"It took two years of me screaming about Atlanta’s defense from my mom’s basement for someone else to notice. Not that I had anything to do with it, you can thank Brooks Conrad for the Braves-centric portion of the internet’s new-found obsession with defense."

The View from the Bleachers (Cubs): Top 9 Question Facing the Cubs in 2011
This is literally just the list of questions, but they're interesting ones, and you can get your own answers in the comments before checking out Joe's on the site at some point today.

Dodger Thoughts: Treble was I ere I saw Elbert
More than just an unbelievably fantastic title: highlights and lowlights from the Dodgers' Spring Training loss to the Royals, plus a collection of interesting links.

Bay City Ball: Tracking the 'Best Shapes' 2.0
"The goal, in a nutshell, is this: We’re keeping track of all players on the Giants that are in the ‘best shape’ of their career in some way. That includes fitness regiments, learning a new pitch, or finally discovering some secret that’s going to unlock hidden potential." This will be fun to look back on in six months or so.

Mets Today: Flashback: Spring Training 1991
Vince Coleman was in the best shape of his life, and the Yankees were a laughingstock. Pretty fun stuff.

Nationals Baseball: Don't. Just Don't. 
Another reminder about exactly how much all those Spring Training stats mean.

Ducksnorts (Padres): Mailbag: On Lineup Construction
Some interesting lineup-related thoughts in and inspired by reader e-mails. But: was Khalil Greene really more patient as a #8 hitter, or was it just that he was intentionally walked 10 times (and probably near-intentionally walked several more times)? I think if you're concerned with winning in 2011, maybe you bat Maybin 8th, but if you're concerned with his development, you bat him first or second.

Crashburn Alley (Phillies): Madson's Evolution Gives Phillies Tough Decision
Bill makes a pretty convincing case that it's not a very tough decision at all. Thank Lidge for his service and move on with Madson already.

Redleg Nation: This is Homer Bailey's Year
"[I]n 2010, Bailey posted his best ever strikeout rate and the lowest walk rate of his career. When you consider the entire picture (age/continual improvement), there remain many reasons to expect good things from Homer."

Baseballin' On a Budget (A's): Compensation Picks, Part 1
The A's tend to let a lot of free agents go.  Exactly how much are they getting in return?

Ghostrunner on First (Blue Jays): More of the Same
"All the talk about the "money being there when we need it" is key, because the only thing worse than not having the money at all is spending the money for the sake of spending it. The Jays — Jose Bautista notwithstanding — display the patience to stay away from this sinkhole. The foundation is in place, I think we're all ready for the next step."

Pro Ball NW (Mariners): Mac Vernon on Dem Bums
In a guest post, Mac shares his recollections about Duke Snider, and the Dodgers' time in Brooklyn.

Basebll Time In Arlington (Rangers): The Three Faces of Ian Kinsler
Which of the three shows up in 2011?  Joey speculates.

Fire Brand of the American League (Red Sox): Will Jeter Rebound?
Chip Buck digs really deep looking for answers.

Royals Authority: All the Right Moves
"While his ability to build a farm system is beyond question, at least for now, Moore’s acumen at managing a major league roster is less established."

Nick's Twins Blog: Done Deal
Brian Duensing's already been named to the Minnesota rotation.  Can he repeat his success from '09 and '10?

It's About the Money, Stupid (Yankees): Expensive Truth
John Henry was fined $500 large for his comments about the revenue sharing.  What was he right?  And how much money is changing hands under the current financial system in Major League Baseball.