I don't know about you guys, but I can't wait for the real deal on Monday. I crave a meaningful game with full media coverage. I only wish I could go in person and soak it all in. Regarding Angelgate [LA leaves dregs for yesterday's game with Crew], I'm a little surprised by the venom from the Brewer brass. They say they're 80% certain on the final two spots. Everyones just trying to get through the last few games without getting hurt before opening day except 4 or 5 guys who are going 110%. I think the genuine anger is a little surprising. [edit: spelling, Angelgate explanation]
I guess I still like BP, I just wish they'd switch a few things up. I was wondering what others thought, what they'd propose changing, or what journals are preferred. The BP editorials are pretty entertaining. Some really crack me up. Like Sheffield's:"number 11 on his back so everyone could be doubly sure who he looks out for" or Youkilis: "the Greek God of Walks" Most are dry and sarcastic and some are brutal like Wise's: "we should avoid calling his offspeed pitches, since generally you need on-speed pitches to make the term apt".
No doubt, Walker is an upgrade for offense, but I completely agree with And That... defense is a major concern. Walker is a liability with the glove. Baseball Prospectus has the Defense stat (runs saved or allowed against average, ie, 0= average, + is saved and - is allowed)... Walker: 2004 78-2B 0 2005 90-2B -5 2006 CHC 37-2B -2, 35-1B 1 2006 SD 17-3B -2, 12-2B 1 2007 103 3B -3 (projected for SD) Graffy has an almost identical projected VORP and D as Walker but has better speed (5.6 versus walkers 4.7 where 5.0 is average). Counsell has about half the VORP but he's a +5 on D and has much better speed (6.5 versus walkers 4.7) At first blush it sounds good because I remember walker burning us a lot as a Cub, but I don't see much to be gained. Only PH situation. Here's to Koskie getting healthy!
I know it's been out for a while, but can I throw in a gripe about the Baseball Prospectus 2007 book? They should include right/left splits somewhere in their stats tables for hitters and pitchers. They talk about them enough in the player editorials. It's just too important to not include. Also, their website has a player profile graph. I guess I'd rather see those numbers than the "Comparables". The Comparables just don't mean much to me. I'm a numbers guy and I know those are based on comparable numbers, but they just don't do it for me. I'd rather see a line of those numbers that they graph for the player profile. Like for Dessens: K: 23%, BB: 82%, ISO: 55%, BABIP: 38%, GB/FB: 70% I don't know if those are the exact numbers. I'm just trying to read the graph