:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/11377765/gyi0064970902.0.jpg)
After 9 games I am ignoring small sample size to declare two things: The Diamondbacks will regret trading Justin Upton, and the Marlins really are that bad. Now, on to the links!
Previously on Beyond the Box Score
-
Stealing First: Speed and Batting Average by Stephen Loftus │ Beyond the Box Score
Ichiro Suzuki would most likely lap Miguel Cabrera in the 60 yard dash, yet both men's speed factor into just how often they get hits and even extra base hits. Stephen examines the relationship between speed and batting average, and which hitters see the largest benefit or detriment due to their legs.
-
Pitcher Defense: A Wonderful Thing by Ken Woolums │ Beyond the Box Score
Many sabermetric stats (FIP, xFIP, etc.) evaluate pitcher performance independent of defensive efforts. Interestingly enough though, the pitchers themselves are part of the defense. Ken breaks down how a pitcher's defensive abilities can affect run prevention.
-
PITCHf/x Profile: Ubaldo Jimenez by Alex Kienholz │ Beyond the Box Score
Ubaldo Jimenez has gone from one of the best starters in the Major Leagues to a mediocre option in a weak Indians' rotation. Can he regain his early-career form.
Around the Sabersphere
-
Meet the New Petco Park and Saefco Field by Jeff Sullivan │ Fangraphs
This offseason, the Padres and Mariners both decided to bring the fences in on their ballparks. How have the new dimensions impacted games early in the season?
-
Chat Accountability 2013 by Jason Parks │ Baseball Prospectus
Jason turns the clock back 12 months to evaluate the claims he made about prospects this time last year. One thing is clear: Jason is really hoping for a bounce back season from Eric Hosmer.
-
A Gentle Plea For Less Selective Rule Enforcement by Jeff Sullivan │ Fangraphs
Everyone realizes that when umpires miss a call on a close play, it can affect the outcome of a game. The selective nature of enforcing several obscure rules, though, can have just as large an impact on wins and losses.
Around SB Nation
-
Brian Cole: The Star Who Could Have Been by John Sickels │ Minor League Ball
John gives us a profile of Brian Cole, a prospect who tragically died at the age of 22 in 2001. Many, including Albert Pujols and C.C. Sabathia felt Cole would have been a star.
-
Tandem Pitching Results From The First Week by Subber10 │ The Crawfish Boxes
The Houston Astros (shocking, right?) are using a tandem pitching rotation with their minor league affiliates. After one week, how do the results look?
-
Expecting the worst, hoping for the best by Grant Brisbee │ Baseball Nation
Grant makes three predictions and hopes that none of them come true.
-
Fifty-dollar tickets and fifty-cent narratives: The end of the Red Sox sellout streak by Brendan OToole │ Over the Monster
Like all good things, the Red Sox sellout streak came to an end last night. From the article:
Including playoff games (of which there were 26 over that span, a pretty respectable number) the Sox sold every ticket they had for 820 games. They dis so with the highest prices, the most uncomfortable seats, and the strangest sight lines in the Majors.
Outside the Sabersphere
-
Presumed dead hamster rises from the grave on Good Friday Fox News
I have no commentary that is worthy of adding to that headline.
- And The Hangover Part III has a new trailer:
