SB Nation User Blog: bs.uf15bosox9bears23

11/30 - Dumb Stuff

bs.uf15bosox9bears23 — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 04:04:35 -0000

Possibly the last Filter for a few days - FanPosts get lots of discussion if anyone wants to talk about a few links in the meantime (like who is offered arbitration before tomorrow's deadline). Anyways, let's hit the links!

Apparently, journalists like to make their own stories (SHOCKING).

@clarkspencer

There is no truth to the rumor that the #Marlins are in trade talks with the #Red Sox -- or anyone else -- for shortstop Hanley Ramirez.

Oh, and this should have been our number one hint as to why this was a non-story. But, since it came up...

Red Sox Reportedly Eyeing Hanley Ramirez - Bleacher Report

The package would have to be pretty overwhelming, and would presumably deplete their farm, but if they could somehow get the Marlins to take Kelly, Bowden, Westmoreland, and another prospect not named Reddick, Bard, or Buchholz, I would pull the trigger.

So, basically, this guy only like prospects that have reached the majors. I understand putting Bowden below Buch and Reddick, since he's been struggling of late, but below Bard? I think I'd put Kelly and Manifest Destiny above at least Bard, probably Reddick as well.

More Bleacher Report laughs later; first, some other stories.

Free Agents: Saito, Nishi, Kobayashi - NPB Tracker

Since I can't translate very well, I'll go with the English news; Saito could be lost as well, it appears. Thoughts?

Theo May Get Burned on Saito Too - Fenway West

Nevermind, first comment says it for me. Next topic.

Commissioner plans to step down after 2012 -- chicagotribune.com

GET OUTTA HERE, BUD. So... anyone want to revisit the Bush idea from last year? (Disclaimer: That FanPost probably makes me look really stupid. Enjoy it if you want to find it.)

History Unblurred: The 10 Best Starting Pitchers from the 2000s - Bleacher Report

Interesting methodology. Any issues with the rankings?

Elias Numbers For Type As - MLBTradeRumors.com

With an excellent explanation as well.

More links after the jump, including some projections, complaints, and an opportunity.

Early Offensive Projections for the Boston Red Sox - Sox Tea Party

If Hermida is the starting LF, we don't deserve to make the playoffs.

Division of commerce - BostonHerald.com

Interesting to see that the Sox don't agree with the Blue Jays about trading within the division being not such a bad thing. Although I doubt anyone is crazy about it.

Top baserunners of 2009 - THT

This is a look at baserunning runs, excluding stolen base attempts.

We really don't play small ball at all, do we?

All-Aughts Team of the Decade SP4: Jon Lester - Fire Brand of the American League

Adam Foster: Interview with Sox prospect Ryan Kalish - Fire Brand of the American League

Scutaro's top two: Sox and Dodgers - Extra Bases

Some Awards Don't Show Up In The Boxscore - A Red Sox Fan From Pinstripe Territory

MLBTR Seeks Comment Moderators - MLBTradeRumors.com

If anyone's interested - it'd be a good way to better the reputation of Sox fans.

Falling to the Bottom of the Filter

The Boston Red Sox Will Be Lucky To Get A .500 Record In 2010 - Bleacher Report

Please further note that all of this will come true and I will be laughing at the end of next year.

Can't... stop... laughing... Absolutely NO explanation of how he arrived at his numbers, just a declaration of their undeniable validity.

Doc Halladay Would Look Great in Fenway - Bleacher Report

And... cue the WINZ.

Links, comments, boredom rants, etc. We need something to discuss besides the usual stuff.

11/28 - If We Must Discuss This Again...

bs.uf15bosox9bears23 — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 05:36:35 -0000

First, we're going to get the stuff that hasn't been covered before out of the way. THEN we can come back to the same old topics.

Cost and Value: Economic Realities (Part 1 of 3) - Pinstripe Alley

Cost and Value: Salaries and Future Value (Part 2 of 3) - Pinstripe Alley

Evaluating the financial efficiency of the Yankees' lineup.

Yeah, I know, MFY fans, eww. But that's no excuse not to read these.

Black Friday Baseball Bargains - Fenway West

Nothing shocking or crazy, just a reminder of what's out there.

Rivals bicker over Red Sox relic - Boston Herald

A coveted piece of Red Sox lore sits deep in Yankee country with an uncertain future as a pair of rival collectors bitterly feud over who will profit from a potential sale of the Olde Town Team’s 1912 World Series trophy.

STORY TIME!!!! And don't give me some excuse about having to hear about Pilgrims and Indians all week - we all know that no one talks about that after the kindergarten plays with construction paper outifts.

The Brain: Humanity's Other Basic Instinct: Math - DISCOVER Magazine

Thanks to Tommy at BtB for this link.

Discussion: The Trade Of The Decade - MLBTradeRumors.com

Torey Lovullo to be named manager of Pawtucket - SoxProspects.com

After the jump, a whole bunch of stuff about assorted Blue Jay players (and a Detroit Tiger as well).

Latest buzz from the MLB offseason - FOX Sports on MSN

Will the Red Sox go after Cabrera? — 1:23 p.m.

There is no evidence to suggest that the Red Sox have approached the Tigers about a trade for first baseman Miguel Cabrera. But besides the Red Sox's obvious need for a slugger such as Cabrera, there is another reason to believe that a conversation between the clubs almost certainly will take place.

Red Sox owner John Henry.

As the Marlins' owner in July 1999, Henry authorized the signing of the 16-year-old Cabrera out of Venezuela for $1.8 million. Less than two months later, the Marlins signed their top draft pick, right-hander Josh Beckett, the No. 2 pick overall, to a four-year, $7 million deal.

Cabrera and Beckett were Henry's two most important player acquisitions for the Marlins. Henry, after taking over the Red Sox in Jan. 2002, reunited with Beckett through a trade in Nov. 2005.

Acquiring Cabrera from his former Marlins GM, Dave Dombrowski, would complete a circle of sorts — and perhaps put Henry in position to win his third World Series with the Red Sox.

Red Sox left with little choice in SS race — 1:12 p.m

Barring a major surprise, the Blue Jays' signing of free-agent shortstop Alex Gonzalez leaves the Red Sox with virtually no choice but to sign Marco Scutaro.

No quality shortstops are known to be available in trade, and the free-agent market is thin on quality defenders at the position.

The shortage, in part, is what motivated the Jays to move quickly on Gonzalez, signing him to a one-year, $2.75 million contract Thursday with a $2.5 million club option for 2011.

The Jays did not want to be caught short at the position, the way the Orioles were in 2008. Pitching is difficult enough in the AL East, especially with a young staff.

Among the available free agents, Orlando Cabrera's defense has declined, and many clubs believe that Miguel Tejada needs to move off short. Adam Everett is a terrific defender, but an even weaker hitter than Gonzalez.

The Jays still will offer arbitration to Scutaro, a Type A free agent; they would play him in left field and bat him leadoff if he accepted a one-year, non-guaranteed deal. Scutaro, though, likely will get a better offer than that from the Red Sox or another club.

His departure would net the Jays two high draft picks as compensation. The Jays also could flip Gonzalez for additional young talent at some point — the free-agent market at short next winter also will be thin, and he is under control for �11 — but they still lack a long-term solution at the position.

It looks like Red Sox will have yet another new shortstop 2010 - The Providence Journal

Try not to gag on the dance metaphor.

How signing Alex Gonzalez could net Toronto a 1st round pick - THT

Alex Gonzalez to Toronto; What Will Red Sox Do Next? - Bleacher Report

If only they would ever give reasoning for WHY they don't want a list of players.

Boston Red Sox Wants Marco Scutaro? The Question Is...WHY?! - Bleacher Report

Oh, SOOOOO close to being good - the end is lacking.

Arbitration deadline could decide a lot - Extra Bases

More hot air on Halladay front - National Post

The Jays want a major league-ready arm and bat, both young and affordable enough to stay in Toronto a while, plus prospects for Halladay.

@SI_JonHeyman

ive heard halladay-shopping jays like jesus montero of #yanks (plus hughes/joba?) and casey kelly of #redsox (plus buchholz?)

Links, comments, plans for vengence if the FO does anything really stupid today, etc. Oh, and Go Gators!

11/27 - Join Theo for Black Friday Shopping

bs.uf15bosox9bears23 — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 04:45:07 -0000

It's not that difficult to imagine Tito being the guy holding all the bags and sitting on the bench outside the store where Theo's shopping. Then again, maybe I had a little too much eggnog. Anyways, not a lot of links:

Another Thing I'm Thankful For: Baseball Reference - Brew Crew Ball

Trades Of The Decade: A-Rod For Soriano - MLBTradeRumors.com

The one that nearly sent Rodriguez to the Sox; how different would the baseball world be if Selig had let it go through?

The Price Tag For Roy Halladay - MLBTradeRumors.com

I swear, this is like trying to convince someone that they save 100% off the price by NOT BUYING what they don't need.

Hard to hold AL West at Bay - Boston Herald

This offseason, the competition with the West is expected to take a different form, with the Angels a prime contender for free agent left fielder Jason Bay.

That wouldn't be weird, for them to be rooting for Bay after how well he played against them in the 2008 ALDS.

Looking Forward to the Holidays in Boston, Not a Holliday or a Halladay! - Bleacher Report

I think this guy takes his logic a little too far.

Holliday open to playing in any part of the country - newsday.com

As he sits atop the free-agent market, Matt Holliday says he can envision playing anywhere.

The Sox Try to ReHash ‘09, Tug Hulett Who? - Fire Brand of the American League

Links, comments, etc. Good luck to anyone who has to fight crowds of people today.

11/26 - Happy Thanksgiving! Now to Talk About Canadian Stuff...

bs.uf15bosox9bears23 — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 03:05:18 -0000

Enjoy your cooked birdies today folks, even if it's not a celebration native to your country. I mean, why not be thankful? Links:

Poll Results: Fans say Bay isn’t worth more than $60M - The Bottom Line

Hmm. What's the max you'd offer?

Holliday-Bay: Visual Scouting Reports 1.0 - The Baseball Analysts

Less about the debate than the visuals, but still cool. Pause the Maple Leaf Flag stuff for now though.

Interviewing Alex Wilson: 2009 draft pick closest to the bigs - Fire Brand of the American League

Just something to read while drifting off to sleep after turkey time.

Latest buzz from the MLB offseason - FOX Sports

Source: Red Sox interested in Duchscherer — 3:26 p.m.

Apart from their interest in Toronto ace Roy Halladay, the Red Sox are checking on a long list of possible pitching upgrades.

Justin Duchscherer, an All-Star as recently as 2008, is one of them. The Red Sox are interested in Duchscherer as a starting pitcher, one major-league source said Wednesday. The right-hander didn't pitch in the majors at all this year — in part because of clinical depression — and is now a free agent.

Duchscherer pitched out of the A's bullpen from 2004 through 2007, before moving into their rotation in 2008. He went 10-8 with a 2.54 ERA in 22 starts during what was his second All-Star season.

Duchscherer underwent hip surgery in 2008 and arthroscopic surgery on his throwing elbow this March. He has been on the disabled list five times in the past four years.

MVP voting confirms Utley as most underrated - Circling the Bases

Ungrateful BBWAA members.

Daydreaming for Adrian Gonzalez...Again - Yawkey Way Academy

After the jump, lots of stuff at the bottom of the Filter.

It's like the fat dripping off the delicious turkey!

The 5 Free Agents I Want In Red Sox Nation - Bleacher Report

YOU WILL HAVE COAL AND LIKE IT. Also, stay out of my way on Black Friday, you poor, confused consumer.

The Bay State: Signing Jason Bay Should Be the Boston Red Sox Priority - Bleacher Report

The other issue is the one I hate most: The Red Sox aren't willing to spend the money on Jason Bay because they are looking for better value. If the Red Sox were a small market team turning out young new talent every year, then I wouldn't have a problem with it.

But they spent $50 million just to talk to Dice-K, so give me a break.

Not even close to being the same.

Come To Think Of It: Will Red Sox Have Happy Hollidays Or Halladays? - Bleacher Report

Hollidays, but at a great discount, please.

Ellsbury, Sox can swipe TYIB Awards - redsox.com

Sure, it's not exactly an objective award.

Links, comments, what part of baseball you're most thankful for, etc. Reminder: don't comment under the influence of turkey - always use a designated commenter.

11/25 - Spreading Ideas

bs.uf15bosox9bears23 — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 06:33:03 -0000

Funny to see how similar opinions are starting to form on separate sites. Of course, some sites form the opinions more in the posts, rather than the comments. Could be a function of how the sites are set up though. Anyways, here's two quick, random links:

Rising star, prospect win Boston honors - redsox.com

Buch and Lavarnway are the best. Anyone have issues with these awards?

Projected WAR and Contract Values for Free Agent Position Players - BtB

Interesting - Beltre is projected almost equal with Figgins. Oh, and Holliday is far ahead of Bay (yes, UZR issues, but still).

Now I can show you how other sites are coming to the same conclusion as we have.

Will the Sox Acquire Adrian Beltre to Replace Lowell? - Fire Brand of the American League

Wow, that's a lot of writing. Pretty much consolidates all the stuff we've been saying.

Working out the Beltre Theory - Yawkey Way Academy

So it appears everyone agrees: this isn't an easy decision - especially when there's this option:

Report: Tigers' Miguel Cabrera Available Via Trade, Red Sox Listed as Prime Candidate - NESN.com

We discussed this shortly in the Mauer MVP thread, but here's the official story.

Miguel Cabrera? No thanks - Extra Bases

The Tigers are owned by pizza magnate Mike Ilitch and have a pile of money. If Cabrera is being shopped, it's not for budgetary reasons. It's because they decided they would be better off without him. That should give teams plenty of pause.

Oh snap.

Comparison shopping sluggers: Miguel Cabrera and Mark Teixeira - Boston Herald

Okay... and your point is?

Some sites don't really come up with new stuff, and then some sites find random ideas that actually might work:

Have Homicidal Tendencies, Will Travel - Surviving Grady

Hmm... interesting. Not sure where'd he fit, but it's definitely worth looking into if we somehow manage to need MORE players.

After the jump, some coaching staff items, a bit of alarming news, and trying to get everyone caught up.

For Red Sox, a Ray(s) of Inspiration - Full Count

Interesting to see how coaching staffs evolve.

Tim Bogar braces for the hot seat - Full Count

Catcher Luis Exposito Leads Five Red Sox Prospects in Arizona Fall League - NESN.com

The Blue Ribbon panel, 9 years later - Inside the Book

I've actually never heard of this. Sounds like it'd be a fun read for traveling, which is what I'll be doing today.

Source: Red Sox in on FA’s Scutaro, Escobar, R. Soriano - Boston Herald

NOOOOOO!!! The last two, sure, but NOT Scoots.

Cornering Some Offense in Boston - Sox Tea Party

At this point, it’s the general consensus that the Red Sox need a left-fielder, a shortstop and another power-hitting corner infielder. The hope is that the Red Sox will find a away to bring back Jason Bay and then move on to finding a legitimate bat at either first or third base. As for shortstop? Most fans I talk with are content with bringing back Alex Gonzalez, although I read a lot of other posts online that are against it, due to his low OBP.

Hahaha - good to see the opinion has presence.

Sox announce spring schedule, prices - Extra Bases

Tek Won't Catch Wake - Fenway West

Odd. I wonder why.

Falling to the Bottom of the Filter

Are the Smart Guys Hinting at Something? - YFSF

People are catching on!

Sox will think deeply about adding starters - The Boston Globe

No surprise.

Why Jason Bay Should've Accepted the Boston Red Sox' $60 Million Offer - Bleacher Report

He has been a crowd-pleaser and one of the best players on the Red Sox. His salary for 2009 was reported as $7.8 million, according to ESPN.com. It would be hard to support a claim that he be paid twice what he made when he batted .267 with 36 homers and 119 RBI, being among the league leaders in the latter two categories.

I don't support resigning Bay, but that's some faulty logic right there.

Feet of Clay: Boston Red Sox Should Part with Clay Buchholz - Bleacher Report

If that stops Eckstein [sic] from pulling the trigger, Red Sox Nation should initiate a coup d’etat.

Buchholz is a very talented pitcher, yes, and I would love to see him dominating opposing hitters in a Boston uniform. But why would the Red Sox choose an unproven prospect over an established slugger?

Oh, please, don't...

Comments, links, etc. Also, special request: If you want to say something about a specific link, rather than a general idea, don't be afraid to go to the source to voice your opinion. If you do, it'd be awesome if you could drop OTM's name, especially if you are expressing a view that you may have picked up by participating in OTM; it would keep the offseason fresh if we had a stream of new ideas coming in from other sites.

11/24 - Opinions Can Be A Pain

bs.uf15bosox9bears23 — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 04:29:31 -0000

Okay, so I lied about the Filter being daily this week. Yes, I realize this situation's stupid. Let's move on to the links, shall we? As an experiment, I'm not going to say much about most of the links - except these:

This Dirt Is Free - A Red Sox Fan From Pinstripe Territory

Not completely relevant, but I figure that some people are going to want to be on the lookout for this. Doesn't bother me too much, but I don't own a blog and I don't see most advertisements anyways. That's more of an aesthetic choice than a political one though - I don't enjoy explaining the presence of certain ads to anyone that glances over my shoulder. However, there is a political aspect to blogging that I'd love to discuss:

ESPN is a bunch of morons

I don't particularly like Mr. Simmons's work. Most of it isn't entertaining, to me. But that doesn't mean I think that ESPN should be able to control what he can and can't say. (Yeah, I know, the stupid kid is ranting about stuff that he's not old enough to understand, but just bear with me.)

For one, maybe it's the young and naive view that needs to be considered here; I haven't been around long enough to be corrupted into thinking money is the only thing that matters. That'd be why I tend to over-romanticize simple stuff like curfews - but I digress. To me, there isn't a thing in the world more valuable than my voice. Without it, I wouldn't be able to write this post. Without it, I wouldn't be able to further my education through questioning the material. Without it, I wouldn't be able to express my many, hormone-driven emotions, I wouldn't be able to share my faith, and I wouldn't be able to be the die-hard fan I am. In short, I wouldn't be me without my voice.

Unless Mr. Simmons shares my flair for the dramatic and decided to sign an iron-clad contract with Lucifer so that he could have his voice amplified, I don't see how ESPN can justify censoring someone who was simply defending himself. Even though he probably could have found a more intelligent way of doing it than name-calling via Twitter, Mr. Simmons was not in the wrong to speak his mind. It may be part of the conditions that he agreed to when he signed onto ESPN, but I'm sure an insanity plea wouldn't be that hard to make for Mr. Simmons' case.

And now, onto the other links: some interesting, in not confusing, stuff about different parks and their effects upon stats; a couple of takes on recent Sox news; and plans for MLB domination!

HR/FB Park Factors - THT

For those of us that get a kick out of the wind tunnel effect at New Yankee Stadium, here's some interesting data.

Is UZR park adjusted[?] - Inside the Book

Yeah, I got lost a lot during this, but maybe someone can explain some of the more technical stuff?

Type A label hurts free agents such as John Grabow, Juan Cruz - Sky Andrecheck

Terry Francona's Staff One of the Best in Baseball - NESN.com

Even After Rough Season, Jonathan Papelbon Still the Red Sox' Best Choice for Closer - NESN.com

JD Drew Undergoes Shoulder Surgery - Bleacher Report

Good job, sir. Basically what we've been saying around here for a while.

Trade Market: Righty Relievers - MLBTradeRumors.com

We REALLY should have traded MDC for Nick Johnson. And now he REALLY needs to be good.

Red Sox May Take a Step Back in 2010 To Take Two Steps Forward in 2011 - Bleacher Report

As long as we can fail spectacularly so that we can lose some of the bandwagoners.

Red Sox Don’t Need to Break Bank to Win 2010 World Series - NESN.com

Yes, this is a generally accepted and completely obvious fact. And?

David Ortiz Has No Desire to Be General Manager - Heidi Watney

Try to focus on what Papi is saying, gentlemen.

All-Aughts Team of the Decade RP5: Rich Garces - Fire Brand of the American League

All-Aughts Team of the Decade bench IF: Alex Cora - Fire Brand of the American League

I kid you not, Drugs.

All-Aughts Team of the Decade SP2: Curt Schilling - Fire Brand of the American League

Ben Cherington Is Underrated Difference-Maker for Red Sox - NESN.com

The replacement for Jed Hoyer gets a nice little biographical post.

How Sabermetrics saved my dissertation - THT

What does clinical psychology have in common with Sabermetrics? Quite a bit, as it turns out.

Awesome story.

NEW SEGMENT: ~~OMGOMGOMGIWantToCallItTheJedSectionButItWouldBeWeirdYou'llSeeWhatIMeanInASecond~~

Falling to the Bottom of The Filter

New Poll Question: Left Field Left-overs - Fire Brand of the American League

Umm... where's Cameron? Or at least the Ells (with a new CF) option? I guess not every Sox blog has explored these options.

Miguel Cabrera Reminds Us That Character Still Matters - NESN.com

So THAT'S why he got a 1st place vote!

Why The Red Sox Should Get Alfonso Soriano - Bleacher Report

So... the contract... not at all a bad thing?

Links, comments, and angry rants (just warn us if there's any NSFW language) are all appreciated.

11/21 - Controversies, Callups, and... Contract Offers?

bs.uf15bosox9bears23 — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 06:20:10 -0000

A couple of awards were announced this week, and a few remain for next week - when I should be able to produce a lot more content, since I'll have a week off from school. (Thank you, beyond-stupid school district.) Anyways, the first few links are about the recent controversies that have been occurring in baseball.

The Carpenter Travesty - Wezen-Ball

Excellent satire. Ironically, the BBWAA got almost as mad about Law and Carrol as the sabermetric community gets when the rest of the writers mess up awards.

The Current State of Baseball Economics - Fire Brand of the American League

Good breakdown of how the arguments are being made. So sad that the game has become so corrupted, too.

McAdam: Yankees won’t bid on Bay/Hollliday - The Bottom Line

Didn't someone report this about Teixeira last season? Just saying', doesn't mean much.

Theo Epstein, Here's My Christmas List - Bleacher Report

I really hope this is one of those lists where you demand a load, and expect Santa/(I'm ignorant of what fictious person is supposed to deliver gifts in other religions, I'm sorry)/Theo to get you one or two.

Of course, that strategy never really worked out for the greedy little bugger version of me from years past; I usually ended up with a nice pack of socks, maybe a new toy car or something. Best lesson I learned: When you ask for books, you end up getting a lot more of your wish list. Basically, I blame the commercialization of a holiday for my nerdom.

Red Sox call PawSox manager Johnson up - The Providence Journal

Wait, what's Tito going to call him? Johnsie?

After the jump, some rumors and catching up on course work for our sabermetrics course.

Red Sox inquire about Holliday, A. Beltre, M. Gonzalez, R. Ankiel - Clubhouse Insider

Interesting. Obviously there's Holliday, but the rest may not have been totally expected. Beltre may be an option if we can find a way to lose Lowell's contract (sorry Mike), and Gonzalez would be a good lefty reliever. Ankiel would be a decent 5th outfielder, I guess - below average D, below average bat.

Adrian Beltre and Rick Ankiel? What's Up With The Boston Red Sox? - Bleacher Report

I'd be fine if the Red Sox signed Ankiel. It's the potential Beltre acquisition that I don't like.

Both seem like bad ideas, but I'd be less opposed to Beltre than Ankiel. If we sign Beltre, for the right price, that means found a way to get someone to take Lowell, and we didn't give up a bunch of prospects for AGon, meaning we got a good bat elsewhere. Beltre is a great defender and has a decent bat, so he could give good value on days when Youk has to play 1st - he'd be effectively replacing Kotchman, but giving better defense at a tougher position, and allowing Youk to give us maximum defensive value. Actually, Beltre seems like a pretty good idea, once we get out from under Lowell...

Déjà Vu: Mike Lowell May Be on Boston Red Sox's Trading Block - Bleacher Report

If either one is acquired in a trade, the Red Sox would move incumbent first baseman Kevin Youkilis to third base on a permanent basis.

Sound familiar?

It certainly does to Mike Lowell.

I want to do the easy thing and blame the money involved and call it a "business decision", but it's still amazing how a sport that can be so individual at times still manages to make the decision to split up a team so difficult. Mikey did so much for us, when we were expecting so little from him. We accepted him in order to get Beckett cheaper, and then he proceeded to be an offensive force for a few seasons and helped us win a World Series. If he had been healthy in 2008, we might have made the World Series for a second consecutive season. Alas, now we're looking for ways out of the contract we signed him to after he locked up the World Series MVP.

Now, for a complete change in tone, EDUCATIONAL MATERIAL!!!

Runs Created: A First Step - Intro to Sabermetrics 101

Time to catch up on the lessons I haven't been able to share with y'all. Some people think that baseball isn't as important as traditional school subjects, for some reason.

Linear Weights: The Positive and Negative (Runs) - Intro to Sabermetrics 101

BaseRuns: The Ultimate in Run Estimation (so far) - Intro to Sabermetrics 101

Last two links are boredom killers:

Peter Gammons and Gordon Edes: Five questions on the Boston Red Sox - ESPN Boston

Two well known reporters answering common questions. Too bad they give really common answers.

Tito Is Looking To Add Pitching - Boston Sports Pulse

Adding John Lackey would be perfect. The guy is a proven work horse and has shown that he can do it on the big stage playing well in the playoffs and winning a World Series in 2002. If you throw a rotation of Lester, Lackey, Beckett, Dice K, and Buchholz out there you all but eliminate the need to add a hitter beyond re-signing Bay. I am usually all for being conservative with money and winning through player development, but sometimes you don’t really have a choice. If it comes down to a couple million dollars a year, why not just pay the price and bring another World Series to Boston?

Because Lackey wouldn't guarantee us a World Series win. For the same price, we could get much more production. And we need money for the parade too, don't forget.

Links, comments, other discussions that you feel like starting, etc. I'll be back later, since I'll be hanging in Gainesville at the Swamp.

11/19 - My Bad, Tito is Awesome

bs.uf15bosox9bears23 — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 02:56:30 -0000

Terry Francona Hopes Red Sox Re-Sign Jason Bay - NESN.com

Of course. He's a player's manager, and he wants to support the guy who he thinks will be signed, right? I mean, he's one of those guys that believes heart and sportsmanship wins games...

Coaches Tim Bogar, DeMarlo Hale to Step Up Following Departure of Brad Mills - Terry Francona - NESN.com

Wow, he explains why "team chemistry" is a load of bull. Maybe I was wrong about Tito...

Our Manager is a Closet Stat Geek? - Yawkey Way Academy

Tito needs to talk about stuff like this more often - I was totally wrong when I said Tito was loyal to a fault. My bad. I really hope we get to see the saberfriendly Tito in action a lot more this season, so that we'll at least know what the thought process is if there's a controversial decision.

VORP v RARP - Inside the Book

Since ESPN has decided that VORP can be grasped by our feeble minds, you might as well find out how it compares to Baseball Prospectus's OTHER value stat.

What John Henry Can Learn From Belichick’s 4th and 2 - Fire Brand of the American League

Still, despite the loss, the second-guessing, and the media advocating for everything short of an all-out lynching of BIll Belichick, John Henry should use this occasion as an opportunity to learn something from Robert Kraft.

Since there's a couple Pats fans on here, this link will probably mean more to y'all.

After the jump, a look at the pay scale for the 2009 free agents, "modern" Moneyball, and some recognition for some of the most important Sox of the decade.

How much did the 2009 free agents sign for, per win?

Apparently 1 year deals ain't such a bad idea.

Defense and the Modern Moneyball - Yawkey Way Academy

Boston's Shortstop of the Future is Right Under Our Noses - NESN.com

Yay, the MSM has finally take a liking to Je- wait, what? Iglesias? How is he any sort of secret at this point?

Chone Figgins Could Add Explosive Dimension to Boston's Offensive Strategy - NESN.com

If you're going to make the argument, I'd recommend not using steals as your #1 support - it's been proven that they aren't nearly as valuable as most people think.

Jason Varitek Needs to Knuckle Down, Catch Tim Wakefield - NESN.com

Jason Varitek has come up with clutch hits and incredible defensive plays, he's called a record four no-hitters and he has maintained order in a clubhouse with personalities like Manny Ramirez and Carl Everett. However, if Varitek wants to make the most of his next -- and potentially, his final -- season of Boston baseball, then the captain is going to have learn how to catch the knuckleball.

Okay, not only is this factually wrong (he caught Wake when he first joined the Sox), it's also dumb. The argument of getting Vic rest should be used for Tek catching either Dice or Beckett, the two who "need" him.

All-Aughts Team of the Decade LF: Manny Ramirez - Fire Brand of the American League

What, you were expecting Bay or something? Oh, wait, Hermida's going to be our LF next season, so he'd obviously be a better choice.

All-Aughts Team of the Decade RP1: Mike Timlin - Fire Brand of the American League

Still have the urge to blindfold myself at the mention of his name, but that's not important.

All-Aughts Team of the Decade RP3: Alan Embree - Fire Brand of the American League

Closed out the 2004 ALCS, then proceeded to spiral into relative oblivion.

Comments, links, and general discussion to keep the irritable among us happy with new material would all be greatly appreciated.

Ells has a new jersey number. Two things: 1) Hahaha at anyone who thought he'd stick with 46 and...

bs.uf15bosox9bears23 — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:32:26 -0000

Ells has a new jersey number. Two things: 1) Hahaha at anyone who thought he'd stick with 46 and bought a jersey/shirt. 2) Anyone know the significance of the #2 for him, or is it just the first low number he could grab?

11/15 - Values, Defense, and Financial Planning

bs.uf15bosox9bears23 — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 09:08:49 -0000

Still trying to catch up. Hopefully, I'll have a short night of homework sometime this week and I can post a bunch of links. Anyways, here's a bunch of more recent links (I'll save the still-relevant ones from earlier this week for later).

First, since I promised it to ferret:

Criminals of WAR - THT

I'm guilty of several of these offenses. Good reminder that it's not the end-all stat.

And now, some fielding fun:

How the Gold Gloves Work - Inside the Book

Try to avoid puking.

2010 UZR Projections - Beyond the Box Score

And guess who's projected as the worst CF?

With the Jumping and the Diving and the Whole Thing - The Baseball Analysts

Web Gems counting, for giggles.

Why Jason Bay is still unsigned - Extra Bases

Kinda old, but it still applies; it's not like he's signed somewhere yet.

After the jump, money, plans, and the minor leaguers.

Most of the Money Has Already Been Spent - Fenway West

Depends if Theo really is planning to go up to the CBT, but even then, the majority of the budget has been eaten up.

The Red Sox Are Cheap Bastards. Acquire Jeremy Hermida Now Pursuing Hideki Matsui - Masshole Sports

Red Sox fans should be asking what the hell is going on? Lord knows Im baffled.

Just thought I'd sum up this link for y'all.

Report: Yankees Trademarked 'Yankees Suck' Chant In 1996 - The Onion

Someone with an education in intellectual property, can you tell me if acronyms are considered the same as the words they represent? Not completely related, just wondering if "MFY Suck" would count, when the MFY finally do this.

Pay the price for Gonzalez - Chad Finn's Touching All The Bases

Well written and pretty convincing.

Mariners launch new online matchmaking service for sharing season tickets - Mariners.com

Very well run club, and now that they have a good GM, the team should start catching up to the fans.

Trade Market: Closers - MLBTradeRumors.com

The Matsuzaka Plan takes shape - Extra Bases

Dusty got him to attend the Atheletes' Performance Institute. I'd imagine a short, angry man doesn't have that much trouble convincing people do things.

Here’s a thought: Votto, Harang to Boston? - Fire Brand of the American League

This idea sounds amazing now - but how much would it cost? It would push Vic to the bench on his off-days, but I'm not sure if that's a good or bad thing.

Hideki Matsui: An Ageless Talent - Arn Tellem - The Huffington Post

An agent has taken to the web to get his client signed; had to happen eventually. Now if someone would just publish the entire copy of one of Boras' small novels, we'd be entertained for weeks.

All-Aughts Team of the Decade C: Jason Varitek - Fire Brand of the American League

Damn, I thought Mirabelli had it locked up.

All-Aughts Team of the Decade SP5: Tim Wakefield - Fire Brand of the American League

And he'll only be on the team for one year next decade. That's going to be an emotional year for Timmeh, now that he's made it clear it will be his last. (Although I'd laugh if he manages to get the record this season by some crazy twist.)

Michael Bowden May Still Have Something to Offer Red Sox - NESN.com

Most people remember Bowden's short-lived stint with the Red Sox in 2009 by his performances against the Yankees, which included the good, the bad and the ugly. But no one's ability and talent should be judged on just three outings, even if they were against the world champions.

Well, duh.

A look at Red Sox prospect Casey Kelly - THT

Nothing groundbreaking, but a good look from outside OTM. Same goes for these two links:

Scouting Report : Jacoby Ellsbury - Bleacher Report

Scouting Report : George Kottaras - Bleacher Report

Interesting take on Kott's defense.