Friday, July 15, 2011

SweetSpot Roundup 7/15

Today's Roundup is all about the future: trade deadline questions, second half previews, strength of schedule analysis, and more.


Austin's Astros 290 Blog: Second Half Preview
Austin wonders what, if anything, will get better in the second half.

Capitol Avenue Club (Braves): Scouting the Targets-Michael Wuertz and Koji Uehara
Peter starts to sort through the Braves' potential wish list.

View From the Bleachers (Cubs): My Plan For Jim Hendry At the Trade Deadline
Brandon reviews the dos and do nots for Jim Hendry to take care of before July 31.

Dodger Thoughts: Grain of Salt Midseason Minor League All Stars
Jon identifies the best 2011 seasons for Dodgers' prospects.

Mets Today: Parnell endorsed by K-Rod As Mets Next Closer
For what it's worth, on his way out of town, K-Rod issues a vote of confidence.

Crashburn Alley: Phillies and Braves Strength of Schedule
Do eithe the Phils or the Braves have an easier path to the division title?

Redleg Nation: Zack Cozart's Value to the Offense
Based on the production they had been getting (i.e. none) out of the shortstop spot, Greg Dalfer investigates how many runs Cozart adds.

Blake Street Bulletin (Rockies): Ubaldo Just Might Be Trade Bait
"If the Rockies continue to lose in the coming week or two expect these rumors to gain steam. Follow those intimate with the organization (Renck, Ringolsby and Thomas Harding) and if they start writing about potential trades then something is definitely brewing."

Ghostrunner on First (Blue Jays): Tracking Aaron Cibia
"I'm all about fairness. Fairness and balance. Which is why I'm prepared to make boatloads of excuses for Aaron Cibia [JP Arencibia], but with handy charts to make it seem like I'm not groping for a reason to defend him."

It's Pronounced "Lajaway" (Indians): A Few Random Things...
The beautiful people of SABR invade Akron.

Camden Depot (Orioles): Cup of jOs-Keith Law's Interview About the Future of the Orioles
"Whatever you think of MacPhail, it is difficult to explain away the state of this team as they begin the second half of this year and come up against the trade deadline."

Baseball Time in Arlington (Rangers): Go Big...Or Don't Go At All
"To quote my good friend Jason Parks from once upon a time not long ago: 'It’s a new day. Treat it accordingly. Do whatever it takes to win now. The farm will survive.'"

The Ray Area: AL East Stars
Chris Glover wonders how good an team made up the best of the AL East would be.  Answer: Pretty damn good.

Fire Brand of the American League (Red Sox): Two More Second Half Predictions
Are Pedroia and Youkilis going to continue their hot streaks in the second half?

Royals Authority: The Second Half By the Numbers
"The real fun will be watching Eric Hosmer and Mike Moustakas hit, Alcides Escobar field, Danny Duffy pitch and Alex Gordon dominate.  Feels good to say that last bit without any sarcasm, doesn’t it?"

Nick's Twins Blog: Power Infusion
"If they maintain their pace through the rest of the season, the Twins won't even reach 100 home runs as a team; it would be their first time failing to reach triple-digits in a full season since 1980."

It's About the Money, Stupid (Yankees): Analyzing Strength of Schedule for the Second Half
Hippeaux breaks down who has the easiest and toughest paths in baseball going forward.

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