vance_the_cubs_fan

I think you are forgetting someone... I hated the inclusion of Puckett, who didn't belong, because it opened up so many arguments for guys like this. Belle simply didn't last long enough in my eyes to be included. 10 full seasons isn't long enough? I like him for the hall, I wonder how that 147 career OPS+ stacks up. So, I guess you don't think Koufax belongs either. He only had ten full seasons as well.

If Georgia "exposed" LSU, then what is LSU doing to the Canes?

Ok, I just got here and this thread is over 10 pages. Cliff Notes version, please.

That was an exciting game. My nephew wanted to leave at half time, but I made him stay. He was glad we did. And then listening to LSU game on the radio as we drove home. Geaux Tigers!

There's more to odds making than just who the oddsmakers see as most likely. The amount of money being wagered on either side of the line can affect the line just as much as any predictive ability of the oddsmakers.

The thing is, an essay map needs to be incorporated into the paper somehow, and most essay maps really require three major points. The A's were the obvious choice and Boston because of the Bill James hiring and how they went on to win the World Series, but then there's no other obvious team that's been successful. The Braves seemed logical because they understand the value of their farm system, EqA, etc. I'll probably do Indians now that it's been mentioned, that one slipped my mind but it's a good example. By the way, I don't think I can be considered lazy for this paper...I'm been working on it for quite some time and I've posted a couple of topics on these forums already asking for advice. Also, is it lying? The Braves have been successful and I'm sure sabermetrics have been a part of it. The Braves success is probably more due to excellent scouting rather than a focus on sabermetrics. If you recall in Moneyball, Beane reduces his risk by drafting college players. That is one of his primary facets of success. The Braves do just the opposite. They target high schoolers that they believe their player development people can mold into all-star caliber baseball players. I'm not saying the Braves don't rely on statistics as they have an incredible front office, but they are many teams that are more sabermetric than the Braves in their approach. In fact the amount of money placed into the Braves scouting and player development is contrary to the sabermetricians view of the draft. I'm pretty sure the Braves would draft players based on the scouting tools rather than the stats put up in college. The Braves would have never drafted Jeromy Brown. Including the Braves as an example is not showing intellectual integrity. I understand the essay map, and you might get away with it because your teacher may not have an intricate knowledge of baseball, but if a student handed in that paper to me with the Braves as an example and with the knowledge I have on the subject, I would deduct a large number of points.

I wonder what kind of package it would take to get Zito? Somehow, I think Beane is going to aim for Pie.

Steve Phillips on ESPNnews listed the following problems in the Tejada for Ramirez + Clement deal. 1. There's a difference of 22 million dollars between the salaries. 2. The Orioles are still reluctant to trade Tejada within the division. Phillips thinks these two hurdles will keep the deal from getting done. The drama continues...

I heard ESPN say that USC was going for a "three-peat" again. Attention, they are not. They are going for a repeat...but there is no "threepeat."

I have a feeling that the Manny + Clement deal for Tejada will go down if the Red Sox will eat some salary of either Manny or Clement.

I'll proof it for you on January 4th. I'm on vacation right now. :mrgreen:

I'd inquire about any of Drew, Kent and Lowe. Either of those players could fit our needs depending on the right package.

Link Reese could play 2b or SS for the Marlins. Borowski adds a veteran presence to the bullpen.

I think Clemens has said he'd only pitch for the Astros, Yankees, Red Sox, or Rangers.

Link

Ballot for Alex Fernandez is now up.

Ballot for Gary Discarcina is now up.

Ok, try to keep from laughing while you vote no.

Baltimore should make the deal with Boston and see if they can get Boston to pick up some of Clement's contract. They could then trade Clement to a pitching starved team. If I were them, I'd also turn around and trade Ramirez for Milledge and a pitcher.

Link

Bob Klapisch makes a case for Gossage.

Tim Kurkjian makes a case for Sutter.

Jim Caple makes a case for Blyleven here.

I doubt Giles is going to be traded. While they got Renteria, Boston is paying some of his salary, so his cost to the Braves is around 6 million per. With Chipper restructuring, I think they are fine. Had they signed one of the big dollar closers, they may have needed to trade him, but as it stands now, they should be able to fit him within the 2006 payroll.