Book Review
THT Annual 2007 -- Get it. Now.
by John Beamer
on Dec 22, 2006 4:31 AM EST
in Book Review
It's that time of year again -- Baseball Annual season is upon us and, as luck would have it, just in time for Christmas.
Traditionally, Baseball Annuals have been filled with a plethora of statistics; a smattering of commentary about players and teams; a sprinkling of Division, Pennant and World Series round-ups; and, if we were fortunate, a couple of thought provoking essays about the state of game.
Since 2004 there has been a new kid on the block that has turned, in my opinion, the world of Baseball Annual writing on its head: The Hardball Times Baseball Annual, or THT Annual for short. And a couple of weeks ago those kind folks across the blogosphere pressed print on the 2007 incarnation. Lucky us.
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Hardball Times Annual 2007
by David Gassko
on Nov 13, 2006 3:56 AM EST
in Book Review
David Studenmund has posted an article detailing the essays and statistics contained in The Hardball Times Annual 2007. I have seen the final product, and it's spectacular (I know I'm biased, but honestly, it is). If you like The Hardball Times website, or if you simply like great baseball writing and research, I suggest you buy the Annual...now.
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Behind-the-Scenes Baseball
by Marc Normandin
on Sep 22, 2006 9:01 AM EDT
in Book Review
Recently I read Behind-the-Scenes Baseball: Real-Life Applications of Statistical Analysis Actually Used by Major League Teams...and Other Stories, and I came to a realization while going through it. I really have no idea what those with the position of statistician do for a major league franchise. I understand that they provide analysis (no kiddin') but I never really thought about the day-to-day things, or how exactly the information was presented, and how the manager reacted to it. Doug Decatur's book certainly helped to answer a few of those questions.
Decatur worked as a statistical consultant for the Reds, Brewers, Cubs and Astros, as well as for player agent Myles Shoda. The first section of the book details some of his stories from his time with those clubs, from particular analysis he gave that worked out -- such as sugggesting Greg Vaughn be put in the Brewers starting lineup -- to various other ideas, like dealing for Ron Gant (Braves minor leaguer) and Cecil Fielder (playing in Japan) and putting them on the 1990 Reds, who would win the World Series even without the help of those two players.
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