Team Overview This is where I would normally talk about what the team’s done, but anything that the Dodgers have acoomplished this year is overshadowed by the legal battle that is shaking up between the McCourts and MLB. It’s going to be a big mess. If MLB does take over, I hope that they appoint current MLB VP of operations …
Evaluating the Braun Deal (UPDATED)
Today, Ryan Braun signed a 5 year extension to his current deal with the Brewers, which already ran to 2015. It covers the 2016-2020 seasons and there is a mutual option that could be worth up to $20 million for 2021, with a $4m buyout. My gut reaction is that it’s not a great deal for the Brewers, given his …
Series Preview: San Diego Padres (7-8) at Chicago Cubs (7-8)
Despite the fact that the Cubs lost the series (as expected), I came away mildly impressed with the team’s performance in Colorado. Part of that could be due to the fact that I did not see them get shut out by Jhoulys Chacin (I had more pressing things on my mind). But that doesn’t bother me that much, Coors of …
This Starlin Castro kid is going to be pretty good
Just for fun, and because we need a new thread, here are some random facts on Castro’s 2011 season. AVG (.397) – 1st among all SS, 4th in MLB, OBP (.415) – 3rd among all SS SLG (.556) – 3rd among all SS Triples (2) – 1st in MLB wOBA (.431) – 3rd among all SS WAR (0.9) – 2nd …
Series Preview: Chicago Cubs (6-6) at Colorado Rockies (10-2)
Team Overview The Cubs head to the thin air of Colorado to face the team with the best record in baseball. Here are their numbers so far on the season (NL rank in parens) Rockies Cubs wOBA .337 (4) .333 (5) SP FIP 4.52 (14) 4.35 (11) RP FIP 2.77 (3) 3.42 (7) DRS 12 (1) -11 (13) I started …
Series Preview: Chicago Cubs (4-5) at Houston Astros (2-7)
The Cubs roller coaster ride to .500 continues with a trip to Houston to play the Astros. They were swept by the Phillies to start the season, and picked up getaway day wins against the Reds and Marlins for their two wins this season. Team Overview NL Ranks wOBA: .285 (14th)SP FIP: 4.25 (13th)SP xFIP: 4.81 (15th)RP FIP: 3.50 (10th)RP …
Series Preview: Chicago Cubs (3-3) at Milwaukee Brewers (3-4)
The Cubs won the Arizona series but came away less two members of the rotation. They head to Milwaukee, who are coming off three straight wins against the Atlanta Braves. Ryan Braun and Rickie Weeks have gotten off to hot starts but the rest of the lineup hasn’t started hitting yet. Here’s a look at their (small sample size) team …
Mapping out the Rotation
Shawn pointed out in the comments that given the number of off-days, the Cubs can limit the 5th starter somewhat. But given that they’re spaced 7 days apart there will still be a few starts. Here’s how it maps out 4/6 Ryan Dempster OFF DAY 4/8 Carlos Zambrano 4/9 Matt Garza 4/10 Casey Coleman 4/11 Demp 4/12 5TH STARTER 4/13 …
Series Preview: Arizona Diamondbacks (1-1) at Chicago Cubs (1-2)
All I should have to say about yesterday’s game is that the Cubs lost on a 2-run infield single. It was that kind of day. However, despite the fact that the Cubs lost two games to the emintently beatable Pirates there were things to be happy about. Here’s a breakdown of what we learned The Good Starlin Castro. What a …
The Stats We Use: FIP
Evaluating pitchers is tough. Most of the traditonal batting stats are based on discrete, context-free events that mostly have to do with the offensive player’s skill – Home Runs, hits, stolen bases, batting eye, etc. There are still stats like RBI and R that depend on the players around the batter, but generally the quick and dirty thing that were …