SB Nation User Blog: ShawnK

MLB Salary vs. MLB Standings

ShawnK — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 16:28:51 -0000

As we discussed the recent trades of the beloved Indians and the plight of the small and mid-market clubs, I was curious to see how the current teams records stacked up against their MLB salary. The table below details this information as of 7/30/09:

		American League
Salary Rank	Salary ($M)	American League East	W	L	Pct.
1	201.4	N.Y. Yankees	62	39	0.614
4	122.7	Boston	58	42	0.580
25	63.3	Tampa Bay	55	47	0.539
16	81.0	Toronto	49	53	0.480
23	67.1	Baltimore	44	57	0.436
		*American League Central*
		Team	W	L	Pct.
5	115.1	Detroit	53	47	0.530
24	65.3	Minnesota	52	50	0.510
12	96.1	Chi. White Sox	51	51	0.500
15	81.6	Cleveland	42	60	0.412
21	70.9	Kansas City	40	61	0.396
		*American League West*
		Team	W	L	Pct.
6	113.7	L.A. Angels	60	40	0.600
22	68.6	Texas	56	43	0.566
10	98.9	Seattle	53	48	0.525
26	62.3	Oakland	43	58	0.426

		National League
		*National League East*
		Team	W	L	Pct.
7	113.0	Philadelphia	58	41	0.586
30	36.8	Florida	53	48	0.525
11	96.7	Atlanta	51	50	0.505
2	135.8	N.Y. Mets	49	51	0.490
27	59.3	Washington	32	70	0.314
		*National League Central*
		Team	W	L	Pct.
13	88.5	St. Louis	56	48	0.538
3	135.1	Chi. Cubs	53	46	0.535
8	103.0	Houston	51	51	0.500
17	79.9	Milwaukee	51	51	0.500
20	71.0	Cincinnati	45	56	0.446
28	48.7	Pittsburgh	43	58	0.426
		*National League West*
9	100.5	L.A. Dodgers	62	39	0.614
14	82.2	San Francisco	55	46	0.545
18	75.2	Colorado	54	47	0.535
19	73.6	Arizona	44	58	0.431
29	42.8	San Diego	41	62	0.398

There are many different ways to measure a teams performance, but if salary vs winning percentage is used, some quick observations are that Tampa Bay, Minnesota, Texas, Florida, and St. Louis have exceeded expectations while the New York Mets have totally under achieved. With the disparity in salary even within each division, it really makes winning the division difficult for lower salaried teams and trades of superstar talent for multiple prospects more understandable.

Billy Beane: The Revolutionary

ShawnK — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 18:53:32 -0000

Billy Beane: The Revolutionary

An interesting article on Billy Beane's impact on baseball and some praise and criticism of his methods.

It Can't Get Any Worse

ShawnK — Fri, 08 May 2009 17:09:12 -0000

It Can't Get Any Worse

We officially have the worst pitching staff in Major League Baseball. The team ERA is now above 6.0.

What's amazing is that the NYY spent a lot more money and are challenging us for the title.

Fire Wedge!

ShawnK — Wed, 06 May 2009 15:24:58 -0000

Fire Wedge!

An interesting perspective, very Jonathan Swift-esque.

Spring Training Stats Don't Mean Squat

ShawnK — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 02:43:53 -0000

Spring Training Stats Don't Mean Squat

Every year I find mindself checking the spring training stats at the end of March and stacking up the Tribe to the competition. And, every year, find an article that tells me this is a pointless exercise. Like this one.

Choo Named AL's Best in September

ShawnK — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 20:44:43 -0000

Choo Named AL's Best in September

This is very exciting for Choo and I am extremely happy for him. For some reason this also jogged my memory in regards to his Korean military obligation (good news trumped by bad news - must be NE Ohio thing). Was his obligated service ever resolved or could he be "defecting" to the US during his prime years?

Lee Running Out of Gas?

ShawnK — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 22:05:06 -0000

Lee Running Out of Gas?

Is Cliff's uninspiring ERA over his last three starts a result of being overused, succumbing to the pressure of winning the Cy Young, or better teams (minus KC)? If overuse, does the 2009 Tribe limit his workload over the season to keep him fresh for October/November? Maybe pace him for 200 innings?

Friday, September 26th

ShawnK — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 19:44:44 -0000

Mark your calendars for the Sox vs. Indians finale in Chicago.

Assuming the Chicago White Sox can maintain their season winning percentage of .571 heading into that last weekend, they will have won 91 games.

Assuming the Cleveland Indians can maintain their winning percentage over the past 10 games, heading into that last weekend, the Tribe will have won 92 games.

That's right...if we win our next 27 straight games we'll have a shot at repeating in the Central. How sweet it is!

On a serious note, I will be very satisfied if we can simply play spoiler to the White Sox that weekend. Especially after Ozzie made the comment that the Sox were at a disadvantage to Minnesota since they only to get play Cleveland six times in the second half.

2009 Goal?

ShawnK — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 23:27:14 -0000

So what is management’s goal for 2009? I have not heard or have missed the familiar "we expect to compete for the central division in 2009" from Shapiro. The cupboard is being restocked as we speak - which is exciting, but save several impact players all emerging from the minors at the same time, and 2008 second-half breakthroughs by Marte, Caberra, Garko, Gut, and a starting pitcher, it looks like we will not be in contention again until 2010. Is this the general expectation or am I missing something.

If that is the expectation, how many more players become trade bait by Thursday in order to build the core for 2010 and beyond?

LaPorta's blast sinks R-Phils Friday

ShawnK — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 03:50:54 -0000

LaPorta's blast sinks R-Phils Friday

The kid has had a nice week. Path cleared to the majors, 3 for 6 first day of Tribe ball, game winning HR with two outs in the ninth....