General

A Problem with WAR = Defensive Value

February 17, 2019 by Michael Hoban

My primary research interest has always been determining which players had the best seasons—and the best careers.  That is why (since the publication of WIN SHARES in 2002) I have used win shares as the basis for my system of evaluating a player’s career (CAWS Career Gauge). As a mathematician, it is difficult for me to understand how any metric... Read more of this article

---

Jalal Leach: A Giant Testament to Perseverance

February 15, 2019 by Andrew Martin

When baseball players sign their first professional contract they have stars in their eyes and no doubts in their mind as they are certain they will play in the major leagues. Unfortunately, the majority of these young men see their careers end short of their goal. However, a small number make it, which is a monumental accomplishment regardless if they... Read more of this article

---

The Four CAWS HOF Benchmarks for Pitchers

February 15, 2019 by Michael Hoban

In a previous post re Koufax and Kershaw, I mentioned one of the benchmarks created by the CAWS Career Gauge to help establish whether a pitcher posted HOF numbers during his career.  As a result of that post, I have been asked to list all of the benchmarks for pitchers. (CAWS  =  career assessment/win shares). There are four HOF benchmarks for pitchers... Read more of this article

---

Koufax and Kershaw and the Hall of Fame

February 12, 2019 by Michael Hoban

Consider a pitcher who recorded the following distinctions during his career: Won the Cy Young Award three times Won the ERA title five times Was an All Star seven times Was voted MVP (Most Valuable Player) Sandy Koufax did all of these things in twelve seasons in the major leagues with the Dodgers.   And, of course, he is in the Hall of Fame. But... Read more of this article

---

“A Million Dollar Deal”

February 7, 2019 by Mike Lynch

In 1965 the Cincinnati Reds dealt Frank Robinson to the Baltimore Orioles.  Here’s an article I wrote almost 12 years ago that examines that historic trade. May you forever rest in peace, Mr. Robinson.  December 9, 1965: Reds right fielder Frank Robinson to the Orioles for Milt Pappas, Jack Baldschun and Dick Simpson. When Cincinnati Reds owner... Read more of this article

---

THE BALLPARK CHRONICLES

February 7, 2019 by Kevin Johnson

Soon a new version of the classic ballpark book “Green Cathedrals” will be issued by SABR (Society for American Baseball Research). After having researched over 400 specific Blackball parks for the updated book, here are a few interesting ballpark facts I discovered. Philadelphia Mysteries Pencoyd Park was the home of the 1928 Philadelphia Tigers... Read more of this article

---

Baseball Hall of Fame Voting Peculiarities of the Past

February 3, 2019 by Andrew Martin

The 2019 Baseball Hall of Fame election results were recently announced, with Mariano Rivera, Mike Mussina and Edgar Martinez all receiving the requisite number of votes. In particular, Rivera gained national headlines by becoming the first person to be named on 100 percent of the ballots that were cast. While he was a wonderful pitcher and completely... Read more of this article

---

Braves (5) Go the Distance Again Before Sending Rockies (4) Packing in Round 2

January 14, 2019 by Mike Lynch

The following are game accounts from a holiday tournament I’m participating in using Action! PC Baseball from Dave Koch Sports Inc. We’re using 2018 rosters, teams are seeded based on their record, and I’m representing the Atlanta Braves (the Red Sox were already taken by the time it was my turn to pick). Information about the tournament... Read more of this article

---

Ryan Westmoreland: Former Boston Red Sox Top Prospect Talks Playing Career and New Focus

January 12, 2019 by Andrew Martin

For serious fans of the Boston Red Sox, Harry Agganis and Tony Conigliaro are familiar names. Both were top young players who saw their promising careers curtailed by tragedy and unforeseen circumstance (Conigliaro was severely injured by a beanball and Agganis died as the result of a pulmonary embolism). Another top prospect for the team was outfielder Ryan... Read more of this article

---

Dbacks (7) “Ex-Zach-T” Victory Over Phightins (10) in 4 Games

January 7, 2019 by Mike Lynch

The following are game accounts courtesy of Andy Sexton from a holiday tournament I’m participating in using Action! PC Baseball from Dave Koch Sports Inc. We’re using 2018 rosters, teams are seeded based on their record, and I’m representing the Atlanta Braves (the Red Sox were already taken by the time it was my turn to pick). Information... Read more of this article

---

More Posts From General