by Wally Every time I catch a glimpse of Detroit's Justin Verlander pitching, I can't help being reminded of Nolan Ryan. What a treat it is to watch him throw a baseball and whiff a batter just about every inning! But it's a combination of things that make me think of the Ryan Express. At 6'5", 225 lbs, he's got about the same build as Ryan. He's got a smooth, yet … [Read more...] about Is Verlander the new Ryan Express?
baseball
Guarrera to the rescue as MCC blanks GCC
By Paul Casey Gotham ROCHESTER, NY -- Gavin Guarrera (Webster, NY/Webster-Thomas) planned to spend his Sunday afternoon with the comfortable responsibility of keeping a score book. Instead he took advantage of an opportunity for revenge. With Shawn Corrigan (Rochester, NY/Rush-Henrietta) leaving after just two-thirds of an inning pitched, Guarrera was pressed into … [Read more...] about Guarrera to the rescue as MCC blanks GCC
As if We Needed Any More Evidence That Wins and Losses Are Flawed Statistics
Dan "Chas" McCloskey The old school types were up in arms over the fact that Felix Hernandez, and his 13-12 won-loss record, won the American League Cy Young Award last year. One of them actually went so far as to use some ridiculous argument about the morale of a pitcher's teammates when he takes the mound, and that when players make great defensive plays behind one … [Read more...] about As if We Needed Any More Evidence That Wins and Losses Are Flawed Statistics
Buckner’s Bolero
By Dan "Chas" McCloskey Not to try and create any competition for the Chinchillas as the musical darlings of this site, but a couple of obscure musicians--one of whom has toured as a sideman with R.E.M.--recently released their second set of tunes celebrating our national pastime. Less than three years ago, Steve Wynn and Scott McCaughey teamed up for Frozen Ropes and … [Read more...] about Buckner’s Bolero
Most Productive Offensive Players in Baseball History
By Dan "Chas" McCloskey Last week on the Pine, Wally showed an interest in an advanced statistical analysis of the most productive offensive players in baseball history. Of course, I took the idea and maybe got a little carried away with it. But, I'll try to be brief. I decided to base this analysis on the metric that I'm most familiar with, Wins Above Replacement … [Read more...] about Most Productive Offensive Players in Baseball History