LouisEly

Baseball Prospectus has a defensive metric called Fielding Runs Above Average (FRAA): "The biggest difference between Fielding Runs Above Average and similar defensive metrics comes in the data and philosophy used. Whereas other metrics use zone-based fielding data, Fielding Runs Above Average ignores that data due to the numerous biases present. Fielding Runs Above Average instead focuses on play-by-play data, taking a step back and focusing on the number of plays made compared to the average number of plays made by a player at said position. The pitcher's groundball tendencies, batter handedness, park, and base-out state all go into figuring out how many plays an average player at a position would make." Over his 479 game career, Jean Segura has a FRAA of 54.8. Andrelton Simmons, over his 499 game career, has a FRAA of 51.2. Alcides Escobar, over his 973 game career, has a FRAA of -7.2. If this stat is accurate - and I don't know if it is or isn't - then Segura is one of the best defensive SS in the game.

How so?

Merger is only for international purposes. A-B InBev will never own Miller or Coors brands in the US. You'd be surprised how many beers are owned by different companies outside the U.S. vs. inside the U.S. Labatt's (which is owned by A-B InBev outside of the U.S. but not inside) just purchased the rights to Mike's Hard Lemonade (and that company's other brands) in Canada, but does not own Mike's Hard Lemonade (or their other brands) in the U.S. It's all about international distribution. The wife of one of my good friends is from Colombia, and there they only have Miller brands. In many countries outside the U.S. you can "pay to play", but not inside the U.S.

Basic physics - it's a simple formula for work. Work equals force x distance (W=Fs). "Work is doubled either by lifting twice the weight the same distance or by lifting the same weight twice the distance." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Work_%28physics%29 Moving the same weight a longer distance is more work. If your arms are longer, you have to move the weight of your body a longer distance. Same with pull-ups - the longer your arms, the farther you have to pull your weight up. The other X-factor is your testosterone levels. One man can have 3x the testosterone levels of another man and both be considered in "normal range" medically. (I want to know who the hell says that is "normal"?) I've been doing push-ups to failure for several years but can't get past 25. I run out of strength before my arms get sore. Here's a link to ZMA - I'm surprised you can't find it at GNC or Vitamin Shoppe: http://www.vitaminshoppe.com/search?search=ZMA

Rivera had a .629 OPS in the minors last year with 60% of his PA's in Colorado Springs. I think the choice here is Hernan Perez and his .281 OBP/.646 OPS (not a huge sample) vs. Rivera projecting at what, .525 OPS, if that? It's not like Rivera walks a ton either - he walked 27 times in 514 PAs in the minors last year. As for being "younger", Rivera is less than 14 months younger. (Jacob Barnes is actually a year older than Perez.) I hope that the Brewers are making their decisions based on % of pitches outside of the strike zone swung at than walk rate. Walk rate is deceptive, in that if a player has very little power pitchers would rather groove one over the heart of the plate and make him hit his way on that pussyfoot around with the corners and walk him. Players that have a lot of power walk a lot because pitchers are more careful with them, taking their chances with trying to hit the corners.

Just your luck, w00t has a Linksys router sale going on right now. Wireless AC dual band routers for $50: http://computers.woot.com/plus/linksys-networking-15?ref=gh_cp_5_wp_2 They're refurbished, but like I said before, I've had very good luck with refurbs. If you want a one year warranty you can add one on for $9.

I have a Linksys N300 WiFi router that I bought as a manufacturer refurb off of eBay for $20 a couple of years ago. Works pretty well. Every 4-5 months or so I have to reboot it, but it transmits at 100 MB/s, the top end speed of the internet in the complex (which is pretty fast). The box says good for 3 or less devices (it's just me, so rarely do I have more than one device going at a time). How many people/devices do you have siphoning internet at once? What is the maximum internet speed coming into your home? (I highly recommend refurbs - they fix the manufacturing defects, and they usually know exactly what they are after they have a few dozen get returned. Typing this on a refurbed desktop that I bought ~5 years ago and have never had a problem with.)

Once you get to that level, I don't think you're going to have a big variance in the negotiation skills of GMs. The variance is going to be in the owners desire to win now, how much the owner is "meddling", what particular skills the GMs value, and the "eye" of the scouts. It's easier now to have more video and data on players than years past. However, the "X" factor is going to be that players clubhouse presence/impact, practice habits, and off-field behavior/habits, stuff that isn't captured on video or easily seen by scouts. Ironically, DM was known for trying to get that extra "nugget" in the trade (in the case of Mench, he got royally roasted by some around here). Often times you get that extra nugget by being friendly/open/honest/fair, and not being a hard-arsed negotiator.

I just found out that my great-great-great-great-something-something was Secretary of the Navy, Governor of New Jersey, and had a USS Destroyer named after him. I want to know who the great-great-great-something-something was that screwed that up.

If the other GM isn't completely forthcoming about injures, personal conduct/habits, etc., then it is the other GM's fault. Doctors, medical records, and physical exams may not catch everything, and players may not tell their doctors everything (especially if a lot of money is on the line). If there is knowledge of recreational/dangerous drug use (illegal or legal, such as alcoholism - Gallardo's DWI comes to mind) or immature behavior/attitude issues (Brett Lawrie comes to mind) and it is not fully disclosed, that's a problem. I think by "fleecing", some are referring to post-trade performance and some are referring to unfair business dealings.

I'd also look into ZMA as a supplement. It's zinc (Z) and magnesium (M), natural minerals that will not set off any drug tests. Taking it before you go to bed at night (at least 30 minutes on an empty stomach, not with calcium - follow the directions) can help boost your testosterone a little bit, giving you a little more strength. I'm somewhat tall (6'3") but have very long arms (36") so I feel your pain on pushups. Another thing you can do is planks - this will help build your core strength (and shoulders) which will help with pushup form.

Certainly the first three on that list have some value. Chapman pitched great last year after his hip surgery, which was holding him back in the past. Could be a good, cheap bullpen arm. Barreda has a great arm and could also be a cheap quality bullpen arm. Burgos pitched very well last year, even in Colorado Springs, also coming back from injury. Starting pitching always has value. Martin has some upside too as he was hurt last year. Guez is the other one I wanted back. Sure they aren't 23-year-old top 100 prospects, but every year there are some guys who finally figure it out at age 27/28 and go on to have decent careers. Having league-minimum quality bullpen arms is always a good thing, and KC has shown the last two years that a good, deep bullpen can make up for an average starting rotation.

+100 If this is for military recruitment, and that money is simply moved from other recruiting channels and net recruiting expenditures are unchanged, then this is much ado about nothing. If this type of military recruitment is more efficient than other methods (say, TV advertising) causing a net decrease in recruiting expenditures, then it is a benefit to taxpayers. This, like everything, should not be looked at in a vacuum. Let's also remember that the Brewers own Jonathan Lucroy does a heck of a lot for armed forces veterans and personnel while wearing the Brewers uniform.

Moving, and I'd rather these go to a good home than stay stuck in a storage unit. I have three albums of baseball cards - includes cards from the late 70's to 1990. If you're interested, PM me and make an offer (you can look through them in person first). They're not worth a lot, but there are some autographed cards, including two from HOF-ers. General rules of thumb: - I will not separate any cards out, please don't ask; I want to move all of them - No card except for the autographed cards is worth more than a few dollars - None of the cards are graded - 90% of the cards are going to be from 1986-1990, but there are a number of 1981-1985 cards and a few late 70's cards - Any notable rookie cards are listed; if it's not listed, it's not included (most of my rookie cards are in another box that I don't want to dig through right now) - All cards are in vinyl pages in the albums; includes the albums and roughly 150 pages full of cards (150x9) Autographed cards: - Note: I cannot prove the authenticity of any autographs. All are from when I was a kid in the 80's; I mailed cards to players with a letter and a SASE and these are the ones I got back - Autographed cards from: Tony Gwynn, Andre Dawson, Will Clark, B.J. Surhoff, Cory Snyder, Kevin Bass, Dan Plesac, Mike Felder (2), Jim Gantner - Autographed 1985 West Allis Police Dept card from Jim Gantner, 1986 West Allis PD cards from Dan Plesac and Mike Felder (in addition to the ones above) Late 70's cards: - Tom Seaver, George Brett, Catfish Hunter Early 80's cards (most Topps, some 1981 Donruss): - Paul Molitor, Steve Carlton, Johnny Bench, Pete Rose, Mike Schmidt, Rod Carew, Rollie Fingers, Gary Carter, Carlton Fisk, Rickie Henderson (his second card, 1981 Topps and 1981 Donruss), Tommy John, Joe Morgan, Eddie Murray, Gaylord Perry, Tim Raines (1981 Topps Rookie), Nolan Ryan, Ozzie Smith, Don Sutton, Carl Yastrzemski, Robin Yount 1981 Donruss: - George Brett, Steve Carlton, Rickie Henderson, Reggie Jackson, Jim Palmer, Nolan Ryan, Pete Rose, Mike Schmidt 1987 Topps (these are just the notable ones, includes many more from 1987-1988): - Bo Jackson, Palmeiro, Barry Bonds, Barry Larkin - 1987 Topps Traded - Greg Maddux (I believe this is his rookie) - 1988 Topps Traded - Roberto Alomar - 1988 Topps Traded - USA Olympic Team (Abbott, Tino Martinez, Robin Ventura, etc.) 1989 Donruss (just the notable ones, includes many more): - Ken Griffey Jr., Sheffield (2), Randy Johnson (2), Biggio (2), John Smoltz (4), Curt Schilling (5) 1990 Score (just the notable ones, includes many more) - Frank Thomas #1 Draft Pick (2), Sammy Sosa, Juan Gonzalez - Most of the #1 draft pick cards If you're interested, make me an offer. I'll meet you anywhere in Madison; if you live within 1.5 hours of Madison (Milwaukee, Fox Valley, etc.) I'll meet you halfway.

Yep, push ups from your knees or on an incline - find a ramp, stairs, hill, etc., where you can shift more weight to your feet. Build strength from doing lighter weight with more reps. The other part of it is your body weight. I don't know what your physique or diet is, but if you have a lot riding on it then immediately cut out all sugar, simple carbs, and alcohol as well as processed foods (as much as you can) until after you've passed the test. Dropping a little weight will help too - less weight to push up.

The Pirates are an interesting team. They have Josh Bell on the horizon; he was a RF but moved to 1B, and he played 1B in a way that would make Alvarez proud (16 errors in 116 games). Bell isn't a high power guy (only 9 HR each of the last two seasons), but he has good OBP, switch hits, and doesn't strike out much. I don't think Bell is as much of a prospect as some think. Are the Pirates in go-for-it mode and would they be willing to flip future-prospect Bell for right-now Lind? Would the Brewers be willing to put up with/take a chance on Bell's defense?

If playoff experience mattered, then the A's would've beat the Royals in the wildcard last year. [sarcasm]You're right, because there's no randomness in one game.[/sarcasm] The Angels would've beat them in the ALDS Because the last time the Angels were in the playoffs was six years before that? How many players are left over from that team? and the Orioles would've beaten them in the ALCS. Because the Orioles lost in the ALDS two seasons prior to that? They had no experience in the ALCS either. The Dodgers would've beat the Mets in the NLDS and the Cardinals would've beaten the Cubs in the NLDS. Talent wins/performs. There were so many inexperienced players (a lot of rookies) that played better than the veteran "been there before" guys that experience means nothing to me. 1) I'd say that Joe Maddon has quite a bit of playoff experience. B) I'd say that Chris Young, Edinson Volquez, and Cueto outpitched Syndergaard, de Grom, Harvey, and Matz. Arguably the Mets best player was Granderson. (Yes, Conforto had two HRs, but other than that he didn't do much. Granderson drew four walks in addition to his three HRs.) I'd say that Perez, Gordon, and Zobrist outplayed d'Arnaud, Cespedes, and Flores. If you would have read my post, I clearly said "talent + experience". Nowhere did I say "talent vs. experience", nowhere did I say "experience trumps significantly greater talent".

There is also this thing called "playoff experience". Almost everyone on the Royals has it from last year (Zobrist from prior years), including Yost. Few players on the Mets have it. You learn how to handle it because you've been there before. Sold-out stadiums, raucous fans, cameras everywhere... it's not the same as baseball in May. It's not the same as baseball in September. I have believed for a while that talent gets you to the playoffs; talent + experience wins playoffs & championships. The last 20 World Series have been won by a total of 10 teams. The Royals got there last year... but lost to the experienced Giants. The Tigers got there in 2012... but lost to the experienced Giants. Young talented teams like the Rays and A's have gotten to the playoffs... but no rings to show for it. Say what you want about LaRussa, but he knows how to manage in the playoffs because he's been there before; that's how they beat the Brewers and Rangers in 2011. "Not everything that can be counted counts; not everything that counts can be counted." - Albert Einstein

Had this custom-made a long time ago. After moving several times it got put in a box and forgotten about. Moving again, and I'd rather this go to a good home and a big Robin Yount fan than bring it with me. It measures 6" tall by 8" wide. The back has slots that will allow you to wall mount it. $10 if I can meet you in the Madison area. $18 I'll ship it to you (continental US). If interested, drop a reply here to let me know. Then send me a PM with details. If shipping, please pay with PayPal.

They also gave up a lot of pitching prospects for two players who helped them a lot down the stretch and in the post-season. While Cueto was up and down, he helped the Royals move Guthrie (and his 5.95 ERA) out of the rotation, and Zobrist allowed them to send Infante (and his .552 OPS) to the bench. They knew what their weakest positions were and turned them into strengths by giving up pitching prospects.

Somewhat on-topic, while most of these are just character deaths, some of them were real actor deaths. What stands out as missing are the two bailiffs from Night Court who passed away; the show addressed both deaths during episodes. But the article does mention Coach from Cheers: http://www.msn.com/en-us/tv/gallery/28-tv-deaths-that-absolutely-broke-your-heart/ss-BBmrLSb?ocid=mailsignout

If he doesn't do well as a starter you can always move him back to the pen. C.J. Wilson couldn't cut it as a starter in the minors, became a good ML reliever at age 24/25, then became a good ML starter. It took him a few years pitching out of the bullpen to figure out how to pitch to ML hitters.

The benefit of having a #1 overall pick when there is no clear #1 overall is that you can bring in 3-4 guys and say we'll give you $X - take it or leave it, for one of you it will be less than what the #1 overall pick can get but for two of you it will be more than what you will get as the #3 or lower pick. That's leverage. One of those 3-4 guys will not want to risk falling to #3 or lower and take the offer, leaving seven figures of cap space to spend on guys in later rounds.

Let's also not forget that the Cubs and Astros have benefited from two significant changes to the draft system since 2010 - compensation for unsigned draft picks in rounds 1-3 (implemented in 2010) and the draft bonus pool (2012). These two things have added more certainty and reduced risk in drafting higher upside players. The Brewers didn't have those luxuries the years they had high picks, or even in 2009 when they had five picks in the first two rounds. The Royals had eight consecutive years of top-10 picks - the Brewers had four (the Brewers had five of six years, but the Royals had 13 of 14 years). The Royals had much more spaghetti to throw against the wall to find some things that stick. Also, as I have mentioned several times, two of the three years that the Brewers had top five picks (2003, 2004) were two of the weakest drafts in history, and the year the Brewers had the #2 overall pick (2003) was perhaps the worst draft of the last 20 years. My point is, it isn't exactly an apples-to-apples comparison of the Brewers with the Cubs/Astros/Pirates/Royals.

I wouldn't get your hopes up regarding the Brewers trading Lucroy this offseason. I doubt that a team will offer a significant return for Lucroy until he proves that the concussion issues are behind him and he can catch again. His value diminishes greatly if he has to move to 1B or LF.