SB Nation User Blog: mrmetaa

Momentum in Baseball

mrmetaa — Thu, 21 May 2009 18:32:45 -0000

Hello,

I am a frequent reader (usually once a week), a sabermetric novice, and a passionate baseball fan.

I recently got into the debate with a very smart baseball friend of mine over the subject of momentum in baseball. We are both stubborn, and we are both persistant in our argument.

My personal opinion is that there is momentum in baseball on the individual and short term level, but over the long run as a team, everything balances and goes back to the point of whether the team is actually talented or not.

My friend goes by the belief that when a player says "the homerun in this inning was a real shot in the arm for the team." He believes momentum is a huge aspect of the game.

I have looked at a few fanposts (most notably one from 2005), online, and through various others sources, but can not find substantial evidence either way.

I was wondering if anyone could provide some insight on the subject. Good articles, arguments, and papers providing either statistical or empirical evidence would be awesome.

Thanks!

Poll

Is momentum an important aspect of baseball?

yes

20 votes

no

19 votes

39 votes | Poll has closed

Michael Brantley

mrmetaa — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 14:29:44 -0000

http://www.cleveland.com/sports/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/sports/122310904655540.xml&coll=2

I guess the CC trade is complete as the Indians have aquired Michael Brantley. Now the Indians have aquired Matt Laporta, Brantley, Zach Jackson, and Rob Bryson. Excellent for both teams in my opinion, even with the Brew Crew down 2-0.

What are all of your opinions on Brantley. It says that the Indians had the choice between him and Taylor Green. Who would you have chosen?

Poll

Michael Brantley or Taylor Green

Michael Brantley

71 votes

Taylor Green

60 votes

131 votes | Poll has closed

Kyle Davies

mrmetaa — Thu, 29 May 2008 18:19:54 -0000

When do you think the Royals will give Kyle Davies another shot in the big leagues?

I really liked this kid when he came up with Atlanta a few years ago. After showing some decent stuff, I thought he could at least be a #2 and a very good pitcher for the Braves. (Sickels rated him a B+ and the number 2 prospect way back when for the Braves.)

He has gotten beaten up since and was traded to the Royals for Dotel. Now in AAA Omaha, it looks like he is doing pretty well: 6-2, 2.06 ERA, and a .228 BAA. I know his 37 ks to 20 BBs is not impressive, but why don't the Royals give him a chance. Except for Mr. Grienke, the rest of the Royal staff is not impressive. And even if you want to let youngins like Hochever or Bannister develop, Davies has to be better than Brett Tomko.

Am I crazy to think this? Especially when it looks like the Royals are going to have another steller season (21-32), you might as well give this guy a chance. He is still only 24.

What are your thoughts on Mr. Davies?

Anyone else excited about tomorrow?

mrmetaa — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 05:24:52 -0000

Am I the only baseball junkie who is thrilled to see some live action tomorrow? I can't wait to turn on Mlb.tv and watch the Mets (hopefully) beat the Wolverines. Although I know no one will be in top gear, its my first look at the 2008 'Amazins, a season of high expectations. And who knows, maybe Umich will reverse their App. St. upset by beating the Mets.

We also have Detroit, Philly, and Florida playing.

Liriano or Hughes

mrmetaa — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 03:38:40 -0000

I was debating this with a friend of mine, but I was wondering what the minorleagueball.com consesus would be. I chose Fracisco Liriano because although he had his recent surgery, his upside is as good as anyone. Before his surgery, he was the best pitcher in the game.

Compare stats:

http://www.baseball-reference.com/l/liriafr01.shtml

http://www.baseball-reference.com/h/hugheph01.shtml

Poll

Liriano or Hughes

Hughes

95 votes

Liriano

138 votes

233 votes | Poll has closed

RIP Joe Kennedy

mrmetaa — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 18:17:02 -0000

I do not know too much about Kennedy as a person, but 28 is too young. Truly a shame as another member of the baseball family is lost.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3124303
"Major league pitcher Joe Kennedy died early Friday morning while at home with his family in Florida, agent Damon Lapa confirmed to ESPN.com.

The cause of Kennedy's death could not immediately be determined, Lapa said.

Kennedy, 28, compiled a 43-61 record in seven major league seasons with the Tampa Bay Rays, Colorado Rockies, Oakland Athletics, Arizona Diamondbacks and Toronto Blue Jays.

A left-hander, Kennedy broke into the majors in 2001 with the Devil Rays. In three full seasons with Tampa Bay he made 72 starts, compiling an 18-31 record.

Since 2004, Kennedy had two stints each with Colorado and Oakland. He started the 2007 season with Oakland, was claimed off waivers in August by Arizona, then designated for assignment before being signed by the Blue Jays on Aug. 29.

Kennedy had a career 4.79 ERA, pitching 908 2/3 innings over 222 career appearances.

He made his last appearance in relief on Sept. 29 in a 5-3 win over Tampa Bay. "

All-Minor League Free Agent Team

mrmetaa — Sat, 03 Nov 2007 21:31:26 -0000

Here is a list of my all-minor league free agent team:

1.    Kenny Kelly-CF
2.    Gookie Dawkins-SS
3.    Jackson Melian-LF
4.    Jason Stokes-1b
5.    Joe Borchard-RF
6.    Lance Niekro-DH
7.    Jake Gautreau-2b
8.    Tony Blanco-3b
9.    Dane Sardhina-C

C: Ryan Christianson
UTL: Luis Montanez
UTL: David Espinosa
OF: Nic Jackson

SP: Matt Riley
SP: Jerome Williams
SP: Jesse Foppert
SP: Brandon Claussen
SP: Eric Dubose

SP: Dennis Tankersley
RP: Joe Torres
RP: Kenny Baugh
RP: Vladimir Nunez
RP: Brad Baker

CP: Chad Harville

P/OF: Rick Aasordian

Top Ten Reasons For Being a Mets fan

mrmetaa — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 18:51:45 -0000

Here's a piece I wrote for the radio I work at:

With the Mets out of the playoffs, we can put all our concentration on the hockey season, which recently played its first games on American!
The Mets are the franchise that brought you the sports clichés such as "you gotta believe" and "it aint over til its over." Karma is on our side.
The Mets have three outfielders in their farm system that have been called future all-stars (Lastings Millege, Carlos Gomez, and Fernando Martinez). Chances are that one will meet his potential (or be traded for a pitcher).
"Meet the Mets" is probably the greatest theme song in all of sports. It can convert even the biggest Yankee fan to a Mets maven.
Without Shawn Green or Tom Glavine, a lot of money has been freed up to spend on quality players not eligible for AARP.
Mr. Met is still the best mascot in baseball. And of course, when there is Mr. Met, his foxy wife Mrs. Met has to be near.
In 2009 a new stadium will open, replacing the dump currently known as Shea Stadium.
When worse comes to worse, at least we are not Cubs fans.
David Wright could have been MVP if the Mets made it to the playoffs and Jose Reyes has all the potential in the world despite a poor second half. Oh yeah, both are years from reaching their prime and are a great core for success.

And the number one reason for being a Mets fan next year: Armando Benitez is nowhere to be found amidst the Shea Stadium bullpen.

General Draft question

mrmetaa — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 21:33:01 -0000

I know this may sound like a silly question. I know that the first year player draft is known as the "Rule 4" draft, and the draft of certain players not protected from the roster during the winter meetings is known as the "Rule 5" draft. My question is, are there drafts for Rules 1-3? I know this may be a silly question, but I was just curious if there was a reason behind the numbers to the draft. Thanks

Ivy League Draft Prospects?

mrmetaa — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 12:17:57 -0000

I know the Ivy Leagues is not the same talent producing conference as it was 75 years ago, and it is no where close to having the talent as most other division conferences have. The Ivy's have produced a few good big leaders recently such as Mark Derosa and Chris Young (the pitcher), and B.J. Szymanski was a highly touted prospect coming out of Princeton. Is there anyone in this year's draft to keep an eye on? Last year I think 5 players from the Ivy Leagues were drafted.