The A's came from about a billion games back to win the AL West thanks to the Rangers cubbing the final month or so of the season. That's not to say the A's backed into the playoffs. They won 94 games, which was just one back of the AL leading Yankees. The Tigers fell back in the AL Central early …
Wild Card Friday “Series” Previews, including an all-new playoff results simulator!
Tonight's games: St. Louis at Atlanta: Kyle Lohse, RHP (2.86, 3.51, 3.96) vs Kris Medlen, RHP (1.57, 2.42, 2.97), 4:07 PM CT It's hard to believe that Lohse has put up nearly 11 fWAR since the Cardinals picked him up off the scrap heap. I would say he's a member of the Wandy Rodriguez Hall of Fame, except he's not …
Playoff play-in chaos scenarios
I'm a little annoyed that while the overall playoff field is set, only one "series" is set in stone right now (the Braves-Cardinals wild card play in game). Don't these teams realize that writers have series previews to write? Anyway here's how things stand right now, followed by what can happen tonight National League: 3rd seed: San Francisco Giants Wild …
Season in Review: Jeff Samardzija
Now that Jeff Samardzija's season is over, let's take a moment to look back and express amazement that for about half the season Samardzija was the guy you most wanted to see on the mound for the Cubs. Well, assuming you weren't rooting for the Cubs reverse standings position. Here's his final numbers on the season. Player GS IP …
Samarj told tomorrow will be last start as Cubs cautious with career hi innings total. Some dude claimed off waivers today to take spot.
— Gordon Wittenmyer (@GDubCub) September 7, 2012
Jonathan Mayo’s top 100 prospects (and top 20 Cubs prospects)
Despite promoting top prospects Anthony Rizzo and Brett Jackson this year, the Cubs still managed to land five guys on Mayo's top 100 list. (EDIT: Apparently Jackson still qualifies for the list) For those too lazy to click through Javier Baez (24) Albert Almora (52) Bert Jackson (74) Arodys Vizcaino (76) Jorge Soler (77) Cubs top 20 Top 100
Hardball Times: Soriano is not overpaid
This study leans a little more heavily on defensive metrics (and one in particular) than I'd like, though at least we have many seasons of data. It's otherwise a great look at the constantly maligned Alfonso Soriano. http://www.hardballtimes.com/main/article/alfonso-soriano-is-not-overpaid/ (h/t Mercurial Outfielder)
Alfonso Soriano, Gold Glover?
Everyone has been focusing on Darwin Barney's record breaking errorless streak, but yesterday was the first that I had heard of Soriano's. He hasn't made a single error all season and even noted Soriano critic Bob Brenly has praised his defense this year. So does he really have a shot? The thing that helps him the most is that the …
Series Preview: Chicago Cubs (51-82) at Washington Nationals (81-52)
Team Overviews Cubs Nats wRC+ 78 (16th) 98 (4th) BSR -0.7 (9th) -15.5 (16th) UZR 19.1 (3rd) 19.5 (2nd) DRS -5 (9th) -3 (7th) SP FIP- 104 (11th) 86 (1st) RP FIP- 113 (16th) 95 (6th) The Nats are definitely a deserving first place team. Pitching Matchups Monday: Jeff Samardzija, RHP (4.03, 3.69, 3.42, 3.88) vs Ross Detweiler, LHP …