Around the SaberSphere 11/8: The Cy Young and sabermetrics, WPA and bullpens, the value of speed

Who says everyone in the mainstream media ignores or goes after sabermetrics?

John Grochowski of the Chicago Sun-Times uses sabemetrics to make a case for Justin Verlander winning the AL Cy Young, among other awards: GROCHOWSKI: Sabermetrics can clarify crowded MLB awards picture - Chicago Sun-Times

But park effects at Tropicana Field and at Angel Stadium both favor pitchers, while those at Comerica Park in Detroit favor hitters. Given the context, the Tigers’ Justin Verlander (17-8, 2.64) was more than the equal of Price and Weaver.

Dan Lependorf of the Hardball Times discusses WPA, clutch and bullpen management: .Using WPA to grade bullpen management, part one--THT

Study after study has shown that clutch performance is (mostly) a non-repeatable skill, and as such, the Clutch metric isn’t used very often. Batters generally can’t turn it up when they need to. Weak hitters are sometimes forced to come up to the plate when the game is on the line, and there’s not a whole lot that the hitter can do. But what about relievers? Unlike hitters, a bullpen can collectively demonstrate a repeatable clutch skill, simply because the manager gets to decide when to use stronger arms. If a bullpen needs a clutch strikeout in a tight spot, the manager can tilt the odds to make it happen. So why not use Clutch score to evaluate and grade a manager’s in-game tactics?

Carson Cistulli of FanGraphs discusses how Billy Hamilton's speed could bring value without his bat: The Value of Elite Speed, Measured in Wins | FanGraphs Baseball

So, broadly speaking, we can say that the upside for a player with elite speed — in terms of defense and baserunning — is something like 20-25 runs, or 2.0-2.5 wins

Jason Wojciechowksi of Baseball Prospectus: Baseball Prospectus | In A Pickle: The Two Towers

Does a change of cities change a General Manager's tendencies?

Cliff Corcoran in a guest piece over at Over the Monster questions whether or not David Ortiz should have been re-signed: Was Re-Signing David Ortiz The Right Thing For Boston? - Over the Monster

Still, it's hard to see spending $31 million, which is what Ortiz will make over the next two years if he stays healthy, on Ortiz's age-37 and -38 seasons as the best investment for a team that needs to build a new foundation