Seamheads (Gisriel): Adding a P.S. to a 55-Year-Old Love Letter to Baseball

What was a good idea before expansion, before the 162-game schedule, before playoffs, before World Series games ended after midnight and the Series itself had the potential to end in November, is certainly a good idea after those things have come about. Your postseason is way too long, rendering the World Series anticlimactic. (Quick, name all ten teams that made the post-season.) If we can’t shorten the playoffs (or, as you think of them, playoff$), then we can certainly shorten the regular ...

Torre, Tony LaRussa were announced today as among 12 candidates on the Expansion Era ballot for election to the baseball Hall of Fame.

Former Cardinals managers Tony La Russa and Joe Torre, who also starred for the Cardinals, and former All-Star catcher Ted Simmons were announced today as among 12 candidates on the Expansion Era ballot for election to the baseball Hall of Fame.

..........

The other candidates are former managers Bobby Cox and Billy Martin, former New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner, former players’ association head Marvin Miller and former players Dave Concepcion, Steve Garvey, Dave Parker, Dan ...

OT: The Soccer Thread, November 2013

Some of the remaining big games this month:

November 4th: Aberdeen vs Partick Thistle!
November 5th: Champions League group games highlighted by Juventus vs Real Madrid. Evil will win.
November 6th: More Champions League. A much better slate of games than Tuesday. Good luck deciding what to watch. At night, the MLS playoffs continue with NY vs Houston and SKC vs New England.
November 7th: The Intertoto Cup, as David Pleat still calls it. Tottenham faces Sheriff at the Lane. MLS playoffs ...

Thoma: Wave of novice managers picked to be dugout puppets

These unholy creations hold the strings to your baseball life!

My theory: This is another step in the long-term erosion of managerial power and authority.

In Mack’s heyday, managers were in charge of everything. Managers made the trades for established players, decided which minor leaguers to acquire, established the lineups and called the shots.

It was too much for most men. Certain aspects of the job were delegated out. General managers first took over the job of finding new talent, then ...

Primer Dugout (and link of the day) 11-4-2013

Pittsburgh Press, November 4, 1913:

From Cleveland comes a rumor that the American league men will discuss a proposition from the American association to place clubs in Cleveland and Pittsburg [sic] for the purpose of killing off the Federals in those cities. It is understood that the American association men are anxious to use Forbes Field in the Smoky City and the Naps’ park in Cleveland, with the consent of Owners Dreyfuss and Somers, respectively. But if such a plan should be permitted, the ...

Walk Like A Sabermetrician: End of Season Statistics 2013

Massivo season wrap-up by Patriot.

Runs Created is actually Paul Johnson’s ERP, more or less. Ideally, I would use a custom linear weights formula for the given league, but ERP is just so darn simple and close to the mark that it’s hard to pass up. I still use the term “RC” partially as a homage to Bill James (seriously, I really like and respect him even if I’ve said negative things about RC and Win Shares), and also because it is just a good term. I like the thought put in your head ...

Kerzel: Williams plans to use both analytics and the eye test as first-time manager in bigs

Okay, start at the left and tell me what letters you see GOBBLEDYGOOP.

In his introductory press conference Friday, Williams sure sounded the part of a 21st-century major league manager, as forward-thinking and embracing of the advanced metrics now frequently used to dissect baseball as he was respectful of the game he loves and true to his deep, traditional roots.

On his philosophy on analytics:

“It’s interesting how all of this is part of the game now. It used to be we’d go out and throw ...

SF Gate: MLB may help A’s play in S.F. if no deal - sources

Bobby Murcer ain’t gonna like this one bit…oh, wait…and wait again.

Major League Baseball would help the Oakland A’s move across the bay and play at rival Giants’ AT&T Park in San Francisco if Coliseum officials don’t come to terms on a new short-term lease for the team, sources tell us.

The A’s two-year home stint at AT&T Park, which would start next season, would probably be the first step toward moving the team out of the Bay Area.

The league’s hardball warning was passed on to Coliseum ...

NY Times: In Rodriguez Arbitration, Two Sides Play Hardball

Ms. Moon said that in the affidavit, Ms. Delgadillo recounted visits by M.L.B. investigators to her Miami home in February. On Valentine’s Day, Mr. Mullin, the investigations unit chief who had interviewed Ms. Delgadillo, sent a bouquet of flowers to her home with a note thanking her for her help. When Ms. Delgadillo called Mr. Mullin to thank him, he offered to take her to dinner during his next visit.

Over the following weeks, Ms. Moon said, Mr. Mullin met with Ms. Delgadillo three times, ...

Rangers unlikely to re-sign Joe Nathan after closer declines option

The Rangers and Joe Nathan are almost certain to part ways after two seasons, general manager Jon Daniels said Friday, after the club exercised its option and Nathan, in turn, declined the player portion and became a free agent.

Japan Times: Eagles blank Giants in Game 7, capture first Japan Series title

The ninth inning of Game 7 belonged to Masahiro Tanaka. The moment belonged to all of Tohoku.

One day after throwing 160 pitches in a complete-game loss, Tanaka recorded the final three outs of the Japan Series, and Tohoku finally got a chance to celebrate as their Eagles held off the defending champion Yomiuri Giants 3-0 in Game 7 on Sunday in Kleenex Stadium.

Tanaka finally lost one this season after winning 26 straight, and he did it in Game Six of the Japan Series in a game where they ...

Bill James Mailbag - 10/31/13 - 11/3/13

Bill, are there any teams that don’t make use of the newaadvanced metrics. Ifn not, which teams were the last holdout?

I think the Royals are the last holdout.

I am wondering if you are aware of a review written by Dorothy Rabinowitz in today’s Wall Street Journal of a TV docudrama called “JFK: The Smoking Gun”. The film is somewhat based on the book “Mortal Error”, which you describe in “Popular Crime” as one of the two best books on the assassination. Check out what ...

Time to extend Papi’s tenure | Boston Herald

Not me. Let him play out next season and go from there.

There’s no telling how many more seasons Ortiz has left in him.
There’s also no doubt they are going to erect his statue outside of Fenway Park someday.
While he’s still playing though, might as well not wait to start extending his contract so he’s here until he’s done playing.
Anyone care to second that emotion?

Murray Chass On Baseball: GO FOR THE SILVER, NOT THE GOLD

DIAL NO MAN OF GOBBLEDY GOOP, MR. PRESIDENT

Since 1957 the Rawlings Sporting Goods Company has awarded Gold Gloves to the players voted by major league managers and coaches as the best at their positions. Two years ago Rawlings added a Platinum Glove award in each league.

Now Rawlings has gone over to the dark side. Not only that, but the company has also gone off the deep end, embracing the kind of statistics that are at the center of baseball’s fiercest debate.

Rawlings has jumped into ...

Alex Meyer, homers lead West to Fall Stars Game victory | MLB.com

I’m only in the seventh inning on the DVR but I’ve seen a lot of impressive looking players already. I can’t find a replay on the schedule but I would hope they will show it again.

Edit: Link fixed. Sorry. Jim

So Apparently Mike Napoli Got Trashed Last Night And Roamed The Streets Of Boston Shirtless

This is ###### Up…I swear, I thought these were Damian “Pink Eyes” Abraham tour shots.

I honestly wouldnt be surprised to hear Mike Napoli woke up in a hotel room Sunday morning with a lion in the bathroom and a missing tooth.  This guy is the balls.

Kubatko: Where did the Orioles rank in manufacturing runs?

Additive manufacturing depends upon operator expertise!

I’m not an avid reader of the Bill James Handbook, but the 2014 edition states that the Orioles ranked 25th in manufacturing runs this season.

There are 30 teams. That’s not good. #analysis

“One of the stats developed for the handbook is called Manufactured Runs,” said Ben Jedlovec, a vice-president of Baseball Info Solutions, which produces the stats for the Handbook. “Many managers, coaches and broadcasters will tell you that teams ...

Bob Lemke: Attempt made to steal Lou Gehrig’s ashes

Iron Hearse and all…I’ve never heard this.

Whomever it was, an attempt was made on July 25, 1947, to steal Lou Gehrig’s ashes from Kensico Cemetery in Westchester County, N.Y.

Police reported that parties unknown appeared to have succeeded in jimmying open the bronze crypt inside of Gehrig’s headstone, but were not—so far as it was known—able to get into the urn that held his remains.

Rattled by the attempt, Eleanor Gehrig contacted the Baseball Hall of Fame about possibly accepting the ...

Ripken says managing speculation was ‘media-created’

Sez guy that’s in the media.

Some reports linked Ripken with the Nationals job that’s gone to Matt Williams. Cincinnati has named its new manager while the Chicago Cubs, Detroit Tigers and Seattle Mariners still have unfilled jobs. Ripken insists he’s not disappointed he hasn’t received an opportunity to interview for these jobs.

“No. No because I’ve saying the exact same thing, and it probably is a little bit media-created,” Ripken said.

“It’s different phases in your life ...

Allspach: Baseball is now a much different game

Allspach. Allcurmuring.

As far as Red Sox-Cardinals go, that science wouldn’t include “obstruction’’ and the book also admonishes readers to embrace the theory that the team composed of nine scientific players will beat a team of “stars.’’

The theory, of course, doesn’t extrapolate the methods of big boppers/cumbersome-lumberers like Big Papi, sometimes referred by radio and television reporters as David Ortiz.

The aforementioned “science’’ should have included walking ...

John Torres: Nationals turn over reins to a cheater

Fawlty Torres strikes again!

I guess Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens were unavailable.

If you can’t have the most high-profile cheaters, then maybe you go for the next best thing and own it. Make them first. Being first is a good thing in most cases. Here? I’m not so sure.

In any event, the Washington Nationals made Matt Williams — the steroid-infused slugger who was later exposed in the Mitchell Report — the first of the known steroid cheats to become a major league baseball manager. ...

Tigers to name Brad Ausmus new manager

The Tigers will name former long-time big league catcher Brad Ausmus their new manager, reports Adam Spolane of SportsRadio 610. He will travel to Detroit on Sunday to finalize a contract.

Ausmus, 44, has never managed or coached at the big league level. He served as the manager for Team Israel in the qualifying round of the World Baseball Classic this spring. Ausmus has worked in the Padres’ front office as a special assistant since 2010.

Despite the lack of managerial experience, Ausmus is ...

Jake Peavy Buys a Duck Boat

Today, Jake Peavy became the proud owner of the bright green duck boat he and World Series hero Jon Lester rode in during the Red Sox’ rolling celebration through the streets (and waterways) of Boston.

Darren Daulton Reportedly Stopped Mitch Williams From Attacking Lenny Dykstra At Autograph Show

Wonder if he used his Vibrational Energy Laser from Planet Klackgog7?

Lenny Dykstra, fresh out of prison, apparently is not committed to good behavior.  Today at the Granite Run Mall, Poppel sports hosted a “Macho Row” reunion and autograph signing that included Darren Daulton, Mitch Williams, Dave Hollins and Lenny Dykstra.

Philly INK reports:

  As nice as it was to meet everyone and get some graphs, the highlight of the day was clearly Dutch stopping Mitch Williams from attacking Lenny ...

Harrisburg Senators manager Matt LeCroy named bullpen coach for Washington Nationals

Matt LeCroy, the Senators’ manager in 2012 and ‘13, was named bullpen coach for the Washington Nationals Friday under new Nats manager Matt Williams.

[...]

LeCroy said he was both excited and surprised when he found out about his new position. He said he didn’t know Williams very well except for as opponents in the big leagues.

LeCroy added that he thoroughly enjoyed his two years in Harrisburg, a journey that began in spring 2012 with the birth of his twins back home in South Carolina ...

How Jeter’s new deal counts against Yankees’ $189M goal | New York Post

An attempt to explain how Jeter’s new contract impacts the Competitive Balance Tax.

Japan Times: Prolific hitter Murton no lock for NPB return

The Murton Parka! Time for another revival?

Will Matt Murton return for a fifth season with the Hanshin Tigers?

Or maybe move to another NPB team?

Or give the majors another try?

Reports indicate Murton was uncertain about where he will play next year as he left Japan for the U.S. on Oct. 22 following the expiration of his contract with Hanshin.

Given the history of foreign position players who found success in Japan and then attempted a comeback in the majors, it would seem trying to ...

Yankees sign Derek Jeter to a one-year, $12 million deal for 2014  - NY Daily News

A little more info about the Jeter signing. How could Jeter expect to take such a big pay cut after such a great year in 2013? It’s usually not pretty watching a great one end his career.

Even after the worst season of his career, Derek Jeter found a way to get a raise.
No, Jeter won’t be making more than the $17 million he earned in each of the past three seasons, but rather than triggering his $9.5 million player option, on Friday the 39-year-old captain agreed to a one-year, $12 million ...

MASN: Though game plan is fluid, Williams wants Nats to be aggressive

Where the hell is Matt…on Sabermetrics?

But it won’t be difficult to pinpoint one facet of the Williams era that will quickly distinguish the former third base coach of the Arizona Diamondbacks from his immediate predecessor, Davey Johnson. Asked to describe himself in a word, the 47-year-old Williams didn’t skip a beat.

“I think it’s aggressive - in every aspect,” William said. “We’re going to try to take advantage of the situation that presents itself to us. We’re going to try to ... If a ...

[OT-P: November 2013] Home Who wants to make baseball bats in the Catskills — tax free?

Want to buy an office building right under the glow of Rochester’s iconic Eastman Kodak headquarters?

How about starting a business at Sullivan County Community College to develop the next generation of baseball bats? Or use 21,000 square feet of office for a high-tech incubator at Binghamton University?

They are among nearly 100 locations recently listed by the state as potential sites for tax-free zones being pushed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo to boost the upstate economy.

Cuomo officially ...