Wednesday, June 1, 2011

SweetSpot Roundup 6/1

Pro Ball NW (Mariners): Erik Bedard and His Changeup
Erik Bedard is making up for his lack of velocity by becoming crafty.

Baseball Time in Arlington (Rangers): We Need a Rooster
Prashanth Francis looks at how to cure the curse that's on Derrick Holland.

The Ray Area: A Day at the Trop
Mark wonders why in the world, on a day when everyone's off work, the Rays aren't playing during the day.


Fire Brand of the American League (Red Sox): Right Now, David Ortiz Is a Near Perfect Hitter
"Ortiz, at least for the time being, is a near perfect hitter. He’s showing good plate discipline, not striking out much, hitting for AVG and hitting for power. The question is: Can he keep this up?"

Royals Authority: Aaron Crow is the new closer, but the problem is having a closer at all
"The Royals persist in following the leader in a game that’s stacked against them. They say that if you’re at a poker table and you can’t identify the sucker, then it’s you. My guess is the Royals look around baseball and think “'huh, not a sucker to be seen.'”

Nick's Twins Blog: Morneau's Early Struggles
"The good news is that Morneau has been able to play. He's started all but seven of the Twins' games over the first two months, and is on pace to make over 600 plate appearances.  Sadly, the good news pretty much stops there."

It's About the Money, Stupid (Yankees): Should Elite Hitters Catch?
In the wake of the injuries to Mauer and Posey, Brien asks an interesting question that relates to uber-prospect Jesus Montero.

Austin's Astros 290 Blog: Lyles is here, now what?
"The long-awaited day has finally arrived. Jordan Lyles is making his major league debut today against division foe Chicago, which is just four games up on the worst team in the National League. So, now that he’s here, what can we expect?"


Disciples of Uecker (Brewers): Numbers Indicate Improved Brewers Defense
The Brewers' defense was supposed to be terrible, but it hasn't been, and Jack has some theories as to why.


Fungoes (Cardinals): The daring Pujols steals third with two outs -- again
The best player in the world has some interesting ideas about when and how often to try to move up a base, and Pip has a look at how well he's done at stealing third.

The View from the Bleachers (Cubs): Interview with top 3B prospect -- Josh Vitters
A real-live, audio interview with the Cubs prospect, and some news from around the system.

Bay City Ball (Giants): Brandon Belt: a quote and a graph
Chris has a little passive-aggressive commentary on the wisdom of using Belt off the bench on a terrible offensive team.

Mets Today: What Was Fred Wilpon's Endgame?
"What exactly was Fred Wilpon attempting to accomplish through these two stories? It’s crystal-clear that the two articles — published almost simultaneously — were the result of an orchestrated publicity project. Feature stories in The New Yorker and Sports Illustrated don’t “just happen” — especially not when the main subject is a multimillionaire owner of a New York-based Major League sports franchise that is already in the public spotlight, and is in dire need of a cash infusion."


Nationals Baseball: Tuesday's Quickie
"How long could the Nats last without Zimmerman? Can they make one last push to stay relevant until he gets back? About 20 games and no. Those are the answers we have now. "


Ducksnorts (Padres): Thoughts from Tucson, Part 2
Geoff Young with one of those posts he writes that I can't really summarize in any kind of meaningful way. Just read it and be glad you did.


Crashburn Alley (Phillies): Cole Hamels Is Phillies' Best Starter
"While Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee have received the lion’s share of media attention, Hamels has quietly become one of the best pitchers in baseball. In fact, an argument could be made that he has been the best in baseball thus far this season."


Redleg Nation: Down on the Farm
Recaps of the Reds' minor league action.

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