Baseball Musings http://www.baseballmusings.com/ click here.]]> en-us Copyright Baseball Musings 007 pinto@baseballmusings.com Mon, 16 Mar 2009 20:37:32 -0500 noBaseball,blogsA podcast about Major League BaseballA podcast about Major League BaseballDavid Pintopinto@baseballmusings.comDavid Pinto New RSS Feed http://www.baseballmusings.com/archives/031392.php If you read Baseball Musings via RSS, with the move to WordPress there is a new feed. Please change your readers to http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Baseballmusingscom.

]]> ]]> Mon, 16 Mar 2009 20:37:32 pinto@baseballmusings.com (David Pinto) New Look Coming http://www.baseballmusings.com/archives/031391.php We're in the process of porting the blog from Movable Type to WordPress. My goal is to have the new look in place later today. My apologies for the lack of updates today.

]]> ]]> Mon, 16 Mar 2009 08:51:16 pinto@baseballmusings.com (David Pinto) Team Offense, Arizona Diamondbacks http://www.baseballmusings.com/archives/031390.php Chris Young

Chris Young
Photo: Icon SMI

The series on team offense continues with the Arizona Diamondbacks. I plug the probable lineup from CBSSportsLine into the Lineup Analysis Tool, and fill in the numbers with Marcel the Monkey projections. For pitchers, I used the DBacks 2008 numbers. The results:

  • Best lineup: 4.78 runs per game
  • Probable lineup: 4.53 runs per game
  • Worst lineup: 4.29 runs per game
  • Regressed lineup: 4.36 runs per game

The Diamondbacks scored 4.44 runs per game in 2008.

I almost get the feeling Ralph Houk is managing this team. Ralph liked to lead off with his second baseman, no matter how high or low or player's OBA. Felipe Lopez only fits the role of a leadoff man in that he has no power. Melvin compounds the mistake with Chris Young batting second. He projects to post the lowest OBA on the team. Given this poor top of the order, I'm not surprised the probable lineup ranks halfway between the best and worst lineups the Diamondbacks might assemble.

The saving grace of the team is their power. While they don't have an outstanding slugger, seven of the players project to good slugging percentages. What they lose in failing to get on base they make up somewhat in moving the batters who do get on around the bases.

Plus, there's a good chance that Marcels underestimate some of these hitters due to their youth. Upton, Drew and Young are all on up slope of their careers. Unless Eric Byrnes returns, none of the starting eight will have a seasonal age of 30 in 2009. With everyone either in or approaching their prime, the offense just might catch lightning in a bottle, much like the Rockies did two years ago.

Other teams in this series:

Please donate to the Baseball Musings Pledge Drive.

Buy Diamondbacks opening day tickets.

]]> ]]> Mon, 16 Mar 2009 08:15:18 pinto@baseballmusings.com (David Pinto)noChris Young Photo: Icon SMI The series on team offense continues with the Arizona Diamondbacks. I plug the probable lineup from CBSSportsLine into the Lineup Analysis Tool, and fill in the numbers with Marcel the Monkey projections. For pitchers, I used the DBacks 2008 numbers. The results: Best lineup: 4.78 runs per game Probable lineup: 4.53 runs per game Worst lineup: 4.29 runs per game Regressed lineup: 4.36 runs per game The Diamondbacks scored 4.44 runs per game in 2008. I almost get the feeling Ralph Houk is managing this team. Ralph liked to lead off with his second baseman, no matter how high or low or player's OBA. Felipe Lopez only fits the role of a leadoff man in that he has no power. Melvin compounds the mistake with Chris Young batting second. He projects to post the lowest OBA on the team. Given this poor top of the order, I'm not surprised the probable lineup ranks halfway between the best and worst lineups the Diamondbacks might assemble. The saving grace of the team is their power. While they don't have an outstanding slugger, seven of the players project to good slugging percentages. What they lose in failing to get on base they make up somewhat in moving the batters who do get on around the bases. Plus, there's a good chance that Marcels underestimate some of these hitters due to their youth. Upton, Drew and Young are all on up slope of their careers. Unless Eric Byrnes returns, none of the starting eight will have a seasonal age of 30 in 2009. With everyone either in or approaching their prime, the offense just might catch lightning in a bottle, much like the Rockies did two years ago. Other teams in this series: Texas Rangers (see this entry for a full explanation of this system). Chicago Cubs Boston Red Sox Minnesota Twins Detroit Tigers Chicago White Sox Cleveland Indians New York Mets Philadelphia Phillies New York Yankees Baltimore Orioles St. Louis Cardinals Florida Marlins Tampa Bay Rays Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Atlanta Braves Milwaukee Brewers Colorado Rockies Pittsburgh Pirates Please donate to the Baseball Musings Pledge Drive. Buy Diamondbacks opening day tickets.David PintoChris Young Photo: Icon SMI The series on team offense continues with the Arizona Diamondbacks. I plug the probable lineup from CBSSportsLine into the Lineup Analysis Tool, and fill in the numbers with Marcel the Monkey projections. For pitchers, I used the DBacks 2008 numbers. The results: Best lineup: 4.78 runs per game Probable lineup: 4.53 runs per game Worst lineup: 4.29 runs per game Regressed lineup: 4.36 runs per game The Diamondbacks scored 4.44 runs per game in 2008. I almost get the feeling Ralph Houk is managing this team. Ralph liked to lead off with his second baseman, no matter how high or low or player's OBA. Felipe Lopez only fits the role of a leadoff man in that he has no power. Melvin compounds the mistake with Chris Young batting second. He projects to post the lowest OBA on the team. Given this poor top of the order, I'm not surprised the probable lineup ranks halfway between the best and worst lineups the Diamondbacks might assemble. The saving grace of the team is their power. While they don't have an outstanding slugger, seven of the players project to good slugging percentages. What they lose in failing to get on base they make up somewhat in moving the batters who do get on around the bases. Plus, there's a good chance that Marcels underestimate some of these hitters due to their youth. Upton, Drew and Young are all on up slope of their careers. Unless Eric Byrnes returns, none of the starting eight will have a seasonal age of 30 in 2009. With everyone either in or approaching their prime, the offense just might catch lightning in a bottle, much like the Rockies did two years ago. Other teams in this series: Texas Rangers (see this entry for a full explanation of this system). Chicago Cubs Boston Red Sox Minnesota Twins Detroit Tigers Chicago White Sox Cleveland Indians New York Mets Philadelphia Phillies New York Yankees Baltimore Orioles St. Louis Cardinals Florida Marlins Tampa Bay Rays Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Atlanta Braves Milwaukee Brewers Colorado Rockies Pittsburgh Pirates Please donate to the Baseball Musings Pledge Drive. Buy Diamondbacks opening day tickets.Baseball,blogs Lastings Impression http://www.baseballmusings.com/archives/031389.php Chico Harlan presents Lastings Milledge in his own words. Milledge is talking about the Mets here:

You know, there's always a thing where, Oh, rookies have to be here 2-1/2 or three hours before stretch. No. I'm not gonna be here three hours before stretch. If you're here and you get your work in, it shouldn't matter how early you're at the field. You know what you need to do. That's fine. You don't have to be at the park three, four hours before the park if you don't want. You don't see nobody clocking in three or four hours before they have to show up to work. So, I mean, some people feel like they have to get here to read the newspaper or do crossword puzzles or get their mind ready. I feel like I come to the park, I have 45 minutes of stuff I have to do to get prepared for practice and get ready for the game. Five minutes might be watching videos. Fifteen minutes might be going in the cage. And then getting whatever other work I need.

Basically, Milledge didn't want to go through the initiation of being a rookie. He may very well be right, but it didn't sit well with the veterans.

]]> ]]> Mon, 16 Mar 2009 08:09:09 pinto@baseballmusings.com (David Pinto) Pledge Drive Update http://www.baseballmusings.com/archives/031388.php The Baseball Musings Pledge Drive is up to $2295 through the first two weeks of donations. With 16 days to go, continuing that pace would make this the best pledge drive in the history of Baseball Musings.

Peter Gammons donated $500 and is now listed under patrons in the side bar. Peter's reasons for giving?

I use it every day, I use the day-to-day database ten times a day during the season...and you find the most unusual links.

Rob Neyer joined Peter with a $100 donation. There are small donors however, and Josh Levitt is one of them. Here's why he gave $5:

I am far from a rich guy and I don't have much to give in comparison to other people. But I check baseball musings several times during the day and I appreciate all the hard work you do on the site. Baseball Musings has quickly become my go to site for baseball information and analysis. I thought it was important to show my appreciation for your hard work and passion in anyway I could.

According to Google, over 20,000 unique visitors viewed this site so far in March. Five dollars from each of them would allow me to run this site for years. If you use the site the same way, as Peter and Josh, isn't it worth $5 a year? Few can afford $500, but 100 readers donating $5 each accomplishes the same goal. That helps buy the stats that keep the Day by Day Database and the Probabilistic Model of Range going. You can use PayPal or ClickandPledge. The latter allows you to use a credit card without signing up for an account.

 Online donation system by ClickandPledge

Thank you for reading and for your continued support!

]]> ]]> Mon, 16 Mar 2009 07:50:29 pinto@baseballmusings.com (David Pinto)noThe Baseball Musings Pledge Drive is up to $2295 through the first two weeks of donations. With 16 days to go, continuing that pace would make this the best pledge drive in the history of Baseball Musings. Peter Gammons donated $500 and is now listed under patrons in the side bar. Peter's reasons for giving? I use it every day, I use the day-to-day database ten times a day during the season...and you find the most unusual links. Rob Neyer joined Peter with a $100 donation. There are small donors however, and Josh Levitt is one of them. Here's why he gave $5: I am far from a rich guy and I don't have much to give in comparison to other people. But I check baseball musings several times during the day and I appreciate all the hard work you do on the site. Baseball Musings has quickly become my go to site for baseball information and analysis. I thought it was important to show my appreciation for your hard work and passion in anyway I could. According to Google, over 20,000 unique visitors viewed this site so far in March. Five dollars from each of them would allow me to run this site for years. If you use the site the same way, as Peter and Josh, isn't it worth $5 a year? Few can afford $500, but 100 readers donating $5 each accomplishes the same goal. That helps buy the stats that keep the Day by Day Database and the Probabilistic Model of Range going. You can use PayPal or ClickandPledge. The latter allows you to use a credit card without signing up for an account. Thank you for reading and for your continued support!David PintoThe Baseball Musings Pledge Drive is up to $2295 through the first two weeks of donations. With 16 days to go, continuing that pace would make this the best pledge drive in the history of Baseball Musings. Peter Gammons donated $500 and is now listed under patrons in the side bar. Peter's reasons for giving? I use it every day, I use the day-to-day database ten times a day during the season...and you find the most unusual links. Rob Neyer joined Peter with a $100 donation. There are small donors however, and Josh Levitt is one of them. Here's why he gave $5: I am far from a rich guy and I don't have much to give in comparison to other people. But I check baseball musings several times during the day and I appreciate all the hard work you do on the site. Baseball Musings has quickly become my go to site for baseball information and analysis. I thought it was important to show my appreciation for your hard work and passion in anyway I could. According to Google, over 20,000 unique visitors viewed this site so far in March. Five dollars from each of them would allow me to run this site for years. If you use the site the same way, as Peter and Josh, isn't it worth $5 a year? Few can afford $500, but 100 readers donating $5 each accomplishes the same goal. That helps buy the stats that keep the Day by Day Database and the Probabilistic Model of Range going. You can use PayPal or ClickandPledge. The latter allows you to use a credit card without signing up for an account. Thank you for reading and for your continued support!Baseball,blogs Long Term Lester http://www.baseballmusings.com/archives/031387.php The Red Sox just emailed that Jon Lester signed a five-year deal. This was reported a while ago, but the contract was just finialized. Here's the story from the Boston Herald.

]]> ]]> Sun, 15 Mar 2009 12:20:44 pinto@baseballmusings.com (David Pinto) Stadium Pictures http://www.baseballmusings.com/archives/031386.php Bob Ruffolo got inside the new Yankee Stadium and post pictures of facility. I like the way they kept the look and feel of the old ballpark.

]]> ]]> Sun, 15 Mar 2009 12:17:16 pinto@baseballmusings.com (David Pinto) Lugo and Lowrie http://www.baseballmusings.com/archives/031385.php Julio Lugo will undergo arthroscopic knee surgery Tuesday to repair a torn mensiscus. The Red Sox are not sure of the severity of the tear, but Julio is unlikely to make opening day, handing the starting shortstop job to Jed Lowrie.

This is a great opportunity for Jed. If he plays well while Lugo is out, he may win the job permanently. Holding him back will be Lugo's contract, which pays him $9 million a year through 2010. (There is a vesting option for 2011, but it doesn't look like Julio will reach the 2400 PA needed.) It's possible that if Lowrie plays well, the Red Sox send Lugo back to the position until they can trade him.

]]> ]]> Sun, 15 Mar 2009 10:16:08 pinto@baseballmusings.com (David Pinto) Pledge Drive Update http://www.baseballmusings.com/archives/031384.php The Baseball Musings Pledge Drive is up to $2245 through the first thirteen days of donations. With 17 days to go, continuing that pace would make this the best pledge drive in the history of Baseball Musings.

Peter Gammons donated $500 and is now listed under patrons in the side bar. Peter's reasons for giving?

I use it every day, I use the day-to-day database ten times a day during the season...and you find the most unusual links.

Rob Neyer joined Peter with a $100 donation. Yesterday, the smaller donations starting coming in, as four of the five contributions were at the $5 level. According to Google, over 20,000 unique visitors viewed this site in March. Five dollars from each of them would allow me to run this site for years. If you use the site the same way, as Peter isn't it worth $5 a year? Few can afford $500, but 100 readers donating $5 each accomplishes the same goal. That helps buy the stats that keep the Day by Day Database and the Probabilistic Model of Range going. You can use PayPal or ClickandPledge. The latter allows you to use a credit card without signing up for an account.

 Online donation system by ClickandPledge

Thank you for reading and for your continued support!

]]> ]]> Sun, 15 Mar 2009 10:05:07 pinto@baseballmusings.com (David Pinto)noThe Baseball Musings Pledge Drive is up to $2245 through the first thirteen days of donations. With 17 days to go, continuing that pace would make this the best pledge drive in the history of Baseball Musings. Peter Gammons donated $500 and is now listed under patrons in the side bar. Peter's reasons for giving? I use it every day, I use the day-to-day database ten times a day during the season...and you find the most unusual links. Rob Neyer joined Peter with a $100 donation. Yesterday, the smaller donations starting coming in, as four of the five contributions were at the $5 level. According to Google, over 20,000 unique visitors viewed this site in March. Five dollars from each of them would allow me to run this site for years. If you use the site the same way, as Peter isn't it worth $5 a year? Few can afford $500, but 100 readers donating $5 each accomplishes the same goal. That helps buy the stats that keep the Day by Day Database and the Probabilistic Model of Range going. You can use PayPal or ClickandPledge. The latter allows you to use a credit card without signing up for an account. Thank you for reading and for your continued support!David PintoThe Baseball Musings Pledge Drive is up to $2245 through the first thirteen days of donations. With 17 days to go, continuing that pace would make this the best pledge drive in the history of Baseball Musings. Peter Gammons donated $500 and is now listed under patrons in the side bar. Peter's reasons for giving? I use it every day, I use the day-to-day database ten times a day during the season...and you find the most unusual links. Rob Neyer joined Peter with a $100 donation. Yesterday, the smaller donations starting coming in, as four of the five contributions were at the $5 level. According to Google, over 20,000 unique visitors viewed this site in March. Five dollars from each of them would allow me to run this site for years. If you use the site the same way, as Peter isn't it worth $5 a year? Few can afford $500, but 100 readers donating $5 each accomplishes the same goal. That helps buy the stats that keep the Day by Day Database and the Probabilistic Model of Range going. You can use PayPal or ClickandPledge. The latter allows you to use a credit card without signing up for an account. Thank you for reading and for your continued support!Baseball,blogs Team Offense, Pittsburgh Pirates http://www.baseballmusings.com/archives/031383.php Barry Bonds

The Pirates have not reached .500 since Barry Bonds departed for free agency.
Photo: Icon SMI

The series on team offense continues with the Pittsburgh Pirates. I plug the probable lineup from CBSSportsLine into the Lineup Analysis Tool, and fill in the numbers with Marcel the Monkey projections. For pitchers, I used the Pirates 2008 numbers. The results:

  • Best lineup: 4.42 runs per game
  • Probable lineup: 4.24 runs per game
  • Worst lineup: 3.90 runs per game
  • Regressed lineup: 4.18 runs per game

The Pirates scored 4.54 runs per game in 2008.

I find two things sad about this Pirates lineup. The first is that the spread between the best and worst lineups is small for an NL team, about 0.5 runs. The second is that even their best lineup is not predicted to score as much as the team did last year. Given the low prediction of runs per game, the lack of spread between the best and worst lineups shows that the team just doesn't possess much offensive talent.

Pittsburgh has no power outside of the heart of the order, and none of their 3-4-5 hitters are projected to slug over .500. The top OBA on the team comes in at .346, which wouldn't make a good leadoff man on most teams. The team is going to make a lot of outs, and they can't fall back on power to make up for some of that. Unless the pitching is fantastic, the Pirates are headed for another losing season. Call it the curse of Barry Bonds.

Other teams in this series:

Please donate to the Baseball Musings Pledge Drive.

Buy Pirates opening day tickets.

]]> ]]> Sat, 14 Mar 2009 19:29:27 pinto@baseballmusings.com (David Pinto)noThe Pirates have not reached .500 since Barry Bonds departed for free agency. Photo: Icon SMI The series on team offense continues with the Pittsburgh Pirates. I plug the probable lineup from CBSSportsLine into the Lineup Analysis Tool, and fill in the numbers with Marcel the Monkey projections. For pitchers, I used the Pirates 2008 numbers. The results: Best lineup: 4.42 runs per game Probable lineup: 4.24 runs per game Worst lineup: 3.90 runs per game Regressed lineup: 4.18 runs per game The Pirates scored 4.54 runs per game in 2008. I find two things sad about this Pirates lineup. The first is that the spread between the best and worst lineups is small for an NL team, about 0.5 runs. The second is that even their best lineup is not predicted to score as much as the team did last year. Given the low prediction of runs per game, the lack of spread between the best and worst lineups shows that the team just doesn't possess much offensive talent. Pittsburgh has no power outside of the heart of the order, and none of their 3-4-5 hitters are projected to slug over .500. The top OBA on the team comes in at .346, which wouldn't make a good leadoff man on most teams. The team is going to make a lot of outs, and they can't fall back on power to make up for some of that. Unless the pitching is fantastic, the Pirates are headed for another losing season. Call it the curse of Barry Bonds. Other teams in this series: Texas Rangers (see this entry for a full explanation of this system). Chicago Cubs Boston Red Sox Minnesota Twins Detroit Tigers Chicago White Sox Cleveland Indians New York Mets Philadelphia Phillies New York Yankees Baltimore Orioles St. Louis Cardinals Florida Marlins Tampa Bay Rays Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Atlanta Braves Milwaukee Brewers Colorado Rockies Please donate to the Baseball Musings Pledge Drive. Buy Pirates opening day tickets.David PintoThe Pirates have not reached .500 since Barry Bonds departed for free agency. Photo: Icon SMI The series on team offense continues with the Pittsburgh Pirates. I plug the probable lineup from CBSSportsLine into the Lineup Analysis Tool, and fill in the numbers with Marcel the Monkey projections. For pitchers, I used the Pirates 2008 numbers. The results: Best lineup: 4.42 runs per game Probable lineup: 4.24 runs per game Worst lineup: 3.90 runs per game Regressed lineup: 4.18 runs per game The Pirates scored 4.54 runs per game in 2008. I find two things sad about this Pirates lineup. The first is that the spread between the best and worst lineups is small for an NL team, about 0.5 runs. The second is that even their best lineup is not predicted to score as much as the team did last year. Given the low prediction of runs per game, the lack of spread between the best and worst lineups shows that the team just doesn't possess much offensive talent. Pittsburgh has no power outside of the heart of the order, and none of their 3-4-5 hitters are projected to slug over .500. The top OBA on the team comes in at .346, which wouldn't make a good leadoff man on most teams. The team is going to make a lot of outs, and they can't fall back on power to make up for some of that. Unless the pitching is fantastic, the Pirates are headed for another losing season. Call it the curse of Barry Bonds. Other teams in this series: Texas Rangers (see this entry for a full explanation of this system). Chicago Cubs Boston Red Sox Minnesota Twins Detroit Tigers Chicago White Sox Cleveland Indians New York Mets Philadelphia Phillies New York Yankees Baltimore Orioles St. Louis Cardinals Florida Marlins Tampa Bay Rays Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Atlanta Braves Milwaukee Brewers Colorado Rockies Please donate to the Baseball Musings Pledge Drive. Buy Pirates opening day tickets.Baseball,blogs Hip to Play http://www.baseballmusings.com/archives/031382.php Mike Lowell and Chase Utley are both recovering well from their hip surgeries. Lowell played Friday night, hit a home run and started a double play in the field. Chase Utley played in a minor league intrasquad game. So far, so good for both.

In a related item, Alex Rodriguez is off crutches and will start working in a pool.

]]> ]]> Sat, 14 Mar 2009 16:26:49 pinto@baseballmusings.com (David Pinto) If They Could Just Find Some Hitters http://www.baseballmusings.com/archives/031381.php The Dutch pitch another good game, but lose to Venezuela 3-1 in the second round of the WBC. The Netherlands hitters are just too weak to take advantage of a pitching staff that is delivering against major league competition.

One thing that's becoming clear; Blyleven should be some team's pitching coach. I like him as an announcer, but I get the feeling I would love him instructing pitchers.

]]> ]]> Sat, 14 Mar 2009 16:14:31 pinto@baseballmusings.com (David Pinto) Team Offense, Colorado Rockies http://www.baseballmusings.com/archives/031380.php Brad Hawpe

Brad Hawpe
Photo: Icon SMI

The series on team offense continues with the Colorado Rockies. I plug the probable lineup from CBSSportsLine into the Lineup Analysis Tool, and fill in the numbers with Marcel the Monkey projections. For pitchers, I used the Rockies 2008 numbers. The results:

  • Best lineup: 5.01 runs per game
  • Probable lineup: 4.78 runs per game
  • Worst lineup: 4.38 runs per game
  • Regressed lineup: 4.52 runs per game

The Rockies scored 4.61 runs per game in 2008.

The Rockies project to be a team that does a great job of getting on base. Of the eight position players, only Clint Barmes to have an OBA below .350. If Atkins and Helton stay healthy, I wonder if the Rockies will play Ian Stewart more at second base? That would give them eight hitters all way above the NL average in OBA.

I agree with the Lineup Analysis Tool that Hawpe and Ianetta should be batting higher. If Brad comes anywhere near that OBA, the Rockies are losing a lot of times on base batting him fifth. I'd simply move Brad to fourth and Chris to fifth and let Atkins clean them up with his power.

Barmes or not at second base, the Rockies should put a ton of runners on. The smallest amount of luck with runners in scoring position is going to lead to a big scoring year for Colorado.

Other teams in this series:

Please donate to the Baseball Musings Pledge Drive.

Buy Rockies opening day tickets (hosting the world champion Phillies).

]]> ]]> Sat, 14 Mar 2009 10:24:44 pinto@baseballmusings.com (David Pinto)noBrad Hawpe Photo: Icon SMI The series on team offense continues with the Colorado Rockies. I plug the probable lineup from CBSSportsLine into the Lineup Analysis Tool, and fill in the numbers with Marcel the Monkey projections. For pitchers, I used the Rockies 2008 numbers. The results: Best lineup: 5.01 runs per game Probable lineup: 4.78 runs per game Worst lineup: 4.38 runs per game Regressed lineup: 4.52 runs per game The Rockies scored 4.61 runs per game in 2008. The Rockies project to be a team that does a great job of getting on base. Of the eight position players, only Clint Barmes to have an OBA below .350. If Atkins and Helton stay healthy, I wonder if the Rockies will play Ian Stewart more at second base? That would give them eight hitters all way above the NL average in OBA. I agree with the Lineup Analysis Tool that Hawpe and Ianetta should be batting higher. If Brad comes anywhere near that OBA, the Rockies are losing a lot of times on base batting him fifth. I'd simply move Brad to fourth and Chris to fifth and let Atkins clean them up with his power. Barmes or not at second base, the Rockies should put a ton of runners on. The smallest amount of luck with runners in scoring position is going to lead to a big scoring year for Colorado. Other teams in this series: Texas Rangers (see this entry for a full explanation of this system). Chicago Cubs Boston Red Sox Minnesota Twins Detroit Tigers Chicago White Sox Cleveland Indians New York Mets Philadelphia Phillies New York Yankees Baltimore Orioles St. Louis Cardinals Florida Marlins Tampa Bay Rays Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Atlanta Braves Milwaukee Brewers Please donate to the Baseball Musings Pledge Drive. Buy Rockies opening day tickets (hosting the world champion Phillies).David PintoBrad Hawpe Photo: Icon SMI The series on team offense continues with the Colorado Rockies. I plug the probable lineup from CBSSportsLine into the Lineup Analysis Tool, and fill in the numbers with Marcel the Monkey projections. For pitchers, I used the Rockies 2008 numbers. The results: Best lineup: 5.01 runs per game Probable lineup: 4.78 runs per game Worst lineup: 4.38 runs per game Regressed lineup: 4.52 runs per game The Rockies scored 4.61 runs per game in 2008. The Rockies project to be a team that does a great job of getting on base. Of the eight position players, only Clint Barmes to have an OBA below .350. If Atkins and Helton stay healthy, I wonder if the Rockies will play Ian Stewart more at second base? That would give them eight hitters all way above the NL average in OBA. I agree with the Lineup Analysis Tool that Hawpe and Ianetta should be batting higher. If Brad comes anywhere near that OBA, the Rockies are losing a lot of times on base batting him fifth. I'd simply move Brad to fourth and Chris to fifth and let Atkins clean them up with his power. Barmes or not at second base, the Rockies should put a ton of runners on. The smallest amount of luck with runners in scoring position is going to lead to a big scoring year for Colorado. Other teams in this series: Texas Rangers (see this entry for a full explanation of this system). Chicago Cubs Boston Red Sox Minnesota Twins Detroit Tigers Chicago White Sox Cleveland Indians New York Mets Philadelphia Phillies New York Yankees Baltimore Orioles St. Louis Cardinals Florida Marlins Tampa Bay Rays Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Atlanta Braves Milwaukee Brewers Please donate to the Baseball Musings Pledge Drive. Buy Rockies opening day tickets (hosting the world champion Phillies).Baseball,blogs Junk Bonds http://www.baseballmusings.com/archives/031379.php The Red Sox, and it appears every other team, said no to Barry Bonds.

]]> ]]> Sat, 14 Mar 2009 10:19:26 pinto@baseballmusings.com (David Pinto) Pledge Drive Update http://www.baseballmusings.com/archives/031378.php The Baseball Musings Pledge Drive is up to $2210 through the first dozen days of donations. With 18 days to go, continuing that pace would make this the best pledge drive in the history of Baseball Musings.

Peter Gammons donated $500 and is now listed under patrons in the side bar. Peter's reasons for giving?

I use it every day, I use the day-to-day database ten times a day during the season...and you find the most unusual links.

Rob Neyer joined Peter yesterday with a $100 donation. It's been an interesting pledge drive, as the site is receiving a number of big donations, but fewer small ones. Once again, I'd like to encourage the $5 donations. If you use the site the same way, as Peter isn't the site worth $5 a year? Few can afford $500, but 100 readers donating $5 each accomplishes the same goal. That helps buy the stats that keep the Day by Day Database and the Probabilistic Model of Range going. You can use PayPal or ClickandPledge. The latter allows you to use a credit card without signing up for an account.

 Online donation system by ClickandPledge

Thank you for reading and for your continued support!

]]> ]]> Sat, 14 Mar 2009 09:59:30 pinto@baseballmusings.com (David Pinto)noThe Baseball Musings Pledge Drive is up to $2210 through the first dozen days of donations. With 18 days to go, continuing that pace would make this the best pledge drive in the history of Baseball Musings. Peter Gammons donated $500 and is now listed under patrons in the side bar. Peter's reasons for giving? I use it every day, I use the day-to-day database ten times a day during the season...and you find the most unusual links. Rob Neyer joined Peter yesterday with a $100 donation. It's been an interesting pledge drive, as the site is receiving a number of big donations, but fewer small ones. Once again, I'd like to encourage the $5 donations. If you use the site the same way, as Peter isn't the site worth $5 a year? Few can afford $500, but 100 readers donating $5 each accomplishes the same goal. That helps buy the stats that keep the Day by Day Database and the Probabilistic Model of Range going. You can use PayPal or ClickandPledge. The latter allows you to use a credit card without signing up for an account. Thank you for reading and for your continued support!David PintoThe Baseball Musings Pledge Drive is up to $2210 through the first dozen days of donations. With 18 days to go, continuing that pace would make this the best pledge drive in the history of Baseball Musings. Peter Gammons donated $500 and is now listed under patrons in the side bar. Peter's reasons for giving? I use it every day, I use the day-to-day database ten times a day during the season...and you find the most unusual links. Rob Neyer joined Peter yesterday with a $100 donation. It's been an interesting pledge drive, as the site is receiving a number of big donations, but fewer small ones. Once again, I'd like to encourage the $5 donations. If you use the site the same way, as Peter isn't the site worth $5 a year? Few can afford $500, but 100 readers donating $5 each accomplishes the same goal. That helps buy the stats that keep the Day by Day Database and the Probabilistic Model of Range going. You can use PayPal or ClickandPledge. The latter allows you to use a credit card without signing up for an account. Thank you for reading and for your continued support!Baseball,blogs