Beyond the Box Score will now be posting the top Saber-Links from around the internet each day. Here is is today's first edition:
Eno Sarris writes about what really correlates with a low walk-rate for pitchers: Pounding the Zone: Walk Rate Peripherals | FanGraphs Baseball
"Here, the r-squared is .435, meaning that first-strike percentage is much more important to walk rate. It explains almost half of the variance in walk rate! That’s pretty impressive. After all those years hearing about the importance of getting strike one and pounding the zone — now we know which is more important."
The 42nd annual SABR convention is taking place right now in Minneapolis, for those who aren't there, you can follow complete coverage: SABR Convention | SABR
"Couldn't make it to Minneapolis for SABR 42? We've got you covered online at SABR.org. The 42nd annual SABR convention is being held June 27-July 1, 2012, at the Marriott City Center (30 South 7th Street), just blocks from Target Field, home of the Minnesota Twins."
Baseball Prospectus | What the Contenders Need
Baseball Prospecuts is running a series about what contenders need during the upcoming trade deadline. Today, Jason Wojciechowski, Jeff Euston, and Kevin Goldstein reveal a complete picture of payroll, GM, positional needs, trade fits and chips, for baseball's hottest race; the AL West:
"With a little over a month to go until the non-waiver trading deadline, talks between teams are heating up. In a seven-part series appearing over the coming week, several BP authors will be covering the needs, potential fits, and more for the contenders in each division, as well as a rundown of the top 10 player trade targets. Today, we take a look at the AL West."
Currently Historic: The Greatness of Jeter
Jason Linden of The Hardball Times writes about Derek Jeter's pursuit of history, as well as, other current major leaguers who are close to reaching milestones.
"At the end of the year, the names ahead of him (Jeter) on the list will most likely be: Pete Rose, Ty Cobb, Eddie Collins, Cap Anson, and Willie Keeler. That is some serious company. Even more to the point is that Jeter is currently in his 18th major league season (and his first was only a cup of coffee). Among the other members of the top 10 singles list, Keeler and Rod Carew both had 19 big league seasons. The others all had at least 20. The top four all had at least 24 years."