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An argument for fWAR for pitchers
fWAR stands for Fangraphs WAR for those who don't know. It uses defense independent pitching stats (in this case FIP) to calculate WAR. FIP includes only the events a pitcher controls: strikeouts, walks, hit by pitch and home runs. It is not an accurate account of the runs a pitcher has allowed, but the number of runs the pitcher would …
Nick Swisher has gone BANANAS
It seems Nick Swisher is going to seek a contract this fall similar to the 7 year, $126 million contract that Nationals gave to Jayson Werth. From Jon Heyman: Word going around is, Nick Swisher, the Yankees' eternally upbeat rightfield power supply, may seek a "Jayson Werth contract" when he hits free agency at the end of the year. To …
Cubs upset Alfonso Soriano won’t waive no-trade clause
This is getting old. Cubs personnel are disappointed that Alfonso Soriano won’t waive his 10-and-5 rights to go to the Giants. The outfielder doesn't want to play in a colder climate that could adversely affect his hitting. If this is true, why can't the Cubs just shut up about it? Sure, they'd probably try to trade him, but what fucking …
Cubs sign Horacio Ramirez
#reminder { background: #BECDC6; padding: 6px; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px 12px 8px 12px; } Contest reminder: Don't forget to enter our contest to win The Essential Games of the Chicago Cubs DVD set. It runs through Sunday, August 19. According to Carrie Muskat, the Cubs have signed Horacio Ramirez. The Cubs have signed left-handed pitcher Horacio Ramirez to a Minor …
Alfonso Soriano and Carlos Marmol clear waivers
This was just a matter of time since no team would clear them, but both Alfonso Soriano and Carlos Marmol have cleared waivers. This means the Cubs are free to trade them to any team interested. Soriano could help a number of teams. He is hitting .264 with 21 home runs and 71 RBI, with all of the homers coming …
Fangraphs on Samardzija’s splitter this year
http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/how-good-is-jeff-samardzijas-splitter/ He has battled struggles with tiredness at times, which is understandable given the increased workload, but if he is able to sustain a mid-90′s fastball as a starter over the next few seasons and utilize his splitter with this type of consistency, he could elevate himself to become a top tier starter….With what is likely the top split-fingered fastball …
2012 Astros Draft: Behind The Scenes
There's a fantastic article about the Astros draft on Crawfish Boxes. Here's a snippet: 1.1: Heck and Luhnow both talked of the 1.1 like it was a frightening blessing, like triplets. They kept saying that they needed to get their guy but there were no guarantees. They talked about 1.1 pressures, responsibilities, etc. We know they took Correa and pretty …
Anthony Rizzo interview on Fangraphs
Anthony Rizzo and Ben Revere gave an interview to David Laurila of Fangraphs. “What I learned [last year] is that it’s the same game. Pitchers aren’t throwing any pitches I haven’t seen before, so I have to just keep it simple. “I don’t think I necessarily tried to hit any differently [in Petco Park]. Maybe subconsciously I started to, but …
Matt Garza hopes to return this season
Garza said his goal is to get back on the mound this season, despite there being no official timetable on his return. "I'm hoping," Garza said. "That's why I'm working my tail off. Doing everything I can." Garza hasn't pitched since he left his July 21 outing after three innings because of cramping in his right triceps. He threw a …