October 15, 2008
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Rich Barbieri John Barten Sal Baxamusa John Beamer Brian Borawski John Brattain Craig Brown Matthew Carruth Derek Carty Alex Eisenberg Mike Fast David Gassko
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Chris Jaffe Josh Kalk Chris Neault Dave Studeman Steve Treder Bryan Tsao Tuck! John Walsh Geoff Young And here's the full roster.
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About Steve TrederSteve Treder has presented papers to the Cooperstown Symposium on Baseball and American Culture, and to the SABR Annual Convention. His articles have been published in Nine: A Journal of Baseball History and Culture, as well as in The National Pastime. A lifelong San Francisco Giants’ fan, he is Vice President for Strategic Development for Western Management Group, a compensation consulting firm headquartered in Los Gatos, California.Choose year: 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 Steve Treder's ArticlesThe 10 most interesting Rule 5 draft picks, 1903-1940October 14, 2008Yes, that's right, the annual Rule 5 draft goes way-y back. And it's remarkable who some of its alumni have been. The Virtual 1972 Houston Astros (Part 2)October 07, 2008Just how good would this offense be? Just good enough to establish the all-time National League record for team OPS+, that's all. The virtual 1972 Houston Astros (Part 1)October 03, 2008Everything's bigger in Texas, or so they say, and apparently that includes the talent-squanderings ... Superduperswingmen (Part 3: 1950-1970)September 23, 2008Think swingmen are just a bunch of journeymen? Think again, my friend. This week's crew includes six ERA champions, three Cy Young Award winners and a Hall of Famer. The 10 worst No. 9 hitters since 1957September 16, 2008We've seen the worst of the best, but it was clear all along that we were heading toward the worst of the worst. And—oh, my. The 1970 San Diego PadresSeptember 09, 2008Remember the logo, with that slightly deranged-looking friar gleefully and wildly swinging that big bat? Here's the one season in which it was a perfect fit. Superduperswingmen (Part 2: 1930-1950)September 02, 2008The flexible flingers make their way through the era in which the model of relief pitcher deployment began to fundamentally change. The 10 worst No. 8 hitters since 1957August 26, 2008Or, how to make the worst of a bad situation. 24-karat diamond-writing gems (Volume 3)August 19, 2008Come on, relax. Get those ice cubes tinkling in that long tall glass, find a cool shady spot for that lawn chair, and give yourself over to the delight of the wonderfully written baseball word. Superduperswingmen (Part 1: 1900-1930)August 12, 2008Steve shines the spotlight on the "Put me in, Coach!" class of pitchers. The ten worst No. 7 hitters since 1957August 05, 2008You think you've seen some bad stuff on these lists before? Better put on that hazard suit and oxygen mask now; we're starting to get into the seriously deep muck. The most powerful-hitting middle infielders of all timeJuly 29, 2008Yes, it's a Ripken thing, but it's so much, much more than that. Bob Kennedy (Part 2)July 22, 2008The remarkably voluminous second act of a career that was a case study in doing well, but doing not quite well enough to find the spotlight. Bob Kennedy (Part 1)July 15, 2008Not every extraordinary career includes stardom ... The 10 worst No. 6 hitters since 1957July 08, 2008Who'll we find at the bottom of this foul barrel? Here's a hint: We've seen him in these parts before. Superdupersubs (Part 4: 1990-2007)July 01, 2008Climb aboard the final car in the Superdupersub train, and meet everyone from Bobby Bo to Super Joe, from Bip to Cat, from F.P. to Jolbert, and of course both Loretta and DeRosa. The Virtual 1980 Oakland Athletics (Part 2)June 24, 2008What might have happened with the best of young and old in green and gold? The Virtual 1980 Oakland Athletics (Part 1)June 17, 2008How much talent took flight in the Oakland diaspora? The 10 worst No. 5 hitters since 1957June 10, 2008Who'll head the list of fizzling fifth-slot fiascos? Superdupersubs (Part 3: 1971-1989)June 03, 2008Rub-a-dub-dub! Here they are for the '70s and '80s, everyone up to and including the Psycho. Book Review: Center Field ShotMay 27, 2008Don't touch that dial! Stay tuned for Treder's take on a tome about teams on the tube. The 10 worst cleanup hitters since 1957May 20, 2008These guys couldn't tidy things up with a mop, a bucket, a gallon of Mr. Clean and a hundred rolls of Bounty. Daddy WagsMay 13, 2008He wasn't the greatest player of all time, but the Colorful Hall of Fame has him inner-circle. Superdupersubs (Part 2: 1941-1970)May 06, 2008It isn't just any sub, after all, who's dressed up like a million dollar trooper, trying hard to look like Gary Cooper. The 10 worst No. 3 hitters since 1957April 29, 2008If the heart of your order is looking like this, it's time to stock up on the digitalis. Filling the Mickey Vernon gaps (Volume 4)April 22, 2008The good-but-might-have-been-better batters have been away for a while. It's time we got caught up. Superdupersubs (Part 1: 1901-1940)April 15, 2008A sub is fine. A supersub is better. But to be the very best of subs is, yes, to be a superdupersub. The 10 worst No. 2 hitters since 1957April 08, 2008Sometimes, No. 2 really does kind of mean "No. 2" ... Book review: Ed BarrowApril 01, 2008He was a smart, strong bulldog of a man, and Steve finds his biography to be no less commanding of respect. Grrr! Five Questions: San Francisco GiantsMarch 25, 2008Or, as one prominent Bay Area figure used to put it, cool is a rule, but sometimes bad is bad. Off-season blockbusters: March (Part 2: 1981-2002)March 18, 2008Steve rounds up the top training-season trades of recent decades, involving Sarge, Mr. Scoop, Slammin' Sammy and a tremendous Edmonds catch. Off-season blockbusters: March (Part 1: 1893-1978)March 11, 2008Think spring training over the years hasn't been much of a season for big trades? Think again, my friend. The ten worst leadoff hitters since 1957March 04, 2008Set the table? These guys couldn't find the dining room with a map, a compass, a GPS unit, and Rickey Henderson holding their hands. Offseason blockbusters: February (Part 2: 1968-2008)February 26, 2008Something about this month seems to get some of the very biggest stars packed off in trades. Hall of Famers Carlton and Carew are dealt here, along with more recent heavyweights named Clemens, Griffey, A-Rod and Santana. Offseason blockbusters: February (Part 1: 1893-1957)February 19, 2008This month's first batch of hot deals goes from Buck and Cy to a double shot of Mickey McD, and of course includes a visit with Jake Fournier—no, that's Jack Daubert—no ... wait ... whatever. The vintage baby pictures quiz (Volume 3)February 12, 2008Aww ... weren't they cute? A 1971 time capsule unearthedFebruary 05, 2008So who was it whose writing survives in faded ink on yellowed brittle paper? Offseason blockbusters: January (Part 2: 1969-2008)January 29, 2008This menu offers an unhealthy portion of mistake moves, including the Staub and Sandberg dishes, as well as the super-sized screw-up otherwise known as the Glenn Davis trade. Amid all this, how does the Swisher sendoff stack up? Offseason blockbusters: January (Part 1: 1894-1965)January 22, 2008We're ready for the new year's first review of colossal shakeups from new years past, from Wee Willie to Rocky. Re-imagining the Big Zone Sixties, revisited: Part 3January 15, 2008The adjusted view of the elite hitting stars of the mid-1960s yields five, count 'em, five 50-plus home run performances within a four-season span, including a new National League record. Re-imagining the Big Zone ‘60s, revisited: part twoJanuary 08, 2008Round two of Steve's reconsideration of the decade runs the gamut from The Toy Cannon and Little Looie to Dr. Strangeglove and Hondo. Re-imagining the Big Zone Sixties, revisited: part oneJanuary 02, 2008What if they hadn't ordered up a super-sized strike zone in the 1960s? Offseason blockbusters: December (Part three: 1982-2007)December 28, 2007Steve's tour of the dealin' days of December completes the circuit, from "Five for One" Hayes to Cabrera, Tejada and Haren Offseason blockbusters: December (Part two: 1963-1981)December 18, 2007The latest batch of holiday-season humdingers features quite a few of the lopsided variety. The stolen property inventory includes the names Robinson, Otis, Ryan, Singleton, Randolph and Hendrick. Offseason blockbusters: December (Part 1: 1899-1960)December 11, 2007In this hefty batch of deals from holiday seasons past, big names abound, from Wagner to Maris, with appearances along the way by Big Six, Ol' Pete, The Rajah, The Beast, and The Big Cat. Filling Lou’s shoesDecember 04, 2007You woulda thunk that the most powerful organization in the annals of the sport might not settle for ... well, some interesting choices ... Offseason blockbusters: November (Part three: 1992-2007)November 27, 2007Steve's review of November deals arrives at the present day, and includes several likely Hall of Famers, including two Pedro appearances. Offseason blockbusters: November (Part two: 1966-1981)November 20, 2007In an unusually busy era of November deals, we encounter two trades involving managers, plus the McDowell and Morgan bombshells detonating on the same day. Offseason blockbusters: November (Part one: 1895-1964)November 13, 2007The opening chapter of notable November swaps takes us from Sliding Billy to Dr. Strangeglove. 24-karat diamond-writing gems (Volume 2)November 06, 2007It's November. Time to snuggle up and savor a few of the very finest nuggets of baseball writing from years past. The Value Production Standings: 2005-2007October 30, 2007The 2007 season is complete (though way too soon for Rockies fans), and Steve brings his examination of farm system performance up to the moment. Great platoons: 1990-2007October 23, 2007We complete the parade of the most productive lefty-righty pairings, marching past the reviewing stand, and discover a startling trend amid the final ranks. Offseason blockbusters: October (Part two: 1970-1992)October 16, 2007It's Round Two of the biggest October talent swaps, in which we encounter Tony C., Frantic Frankie, Willie Mac, Mr. Bonds the Elder, and Jack the Ripper. Offseason blockbusters: October (Part one: 1907-1970)October 09, 2007With the postseason in full swing, the Hot Stove League hasn't yet begun. But that stove is warming up. It's not too early to start talking about trades. All too forgOttenOctober 02, 2007Let's see how you do on Steve's four-question test on the greatest underrated player in history ... The Value Production Standings: 2002-2004September 25, 2007As Steve's survey of farm system production nears the present day, he finds a couple of expansion franchises making rapid progress, and some long-established organizations enduring deep frustration. Great Platoons: 1979-1989September 18, 2007It's time again to visit our sometimes hittin', sometimes sittin' friends. They're all here: Bull, The Hit Man, Rance & Garth, Lenny & Mookie, and Spanky & Junior. And, of course, Death to Flying Things. Book review: The Fade-awaySeptember 11, 2007Steve finds a whole lot to like in a new baseball novel you probably haven't heard about yet. The Value Production Standings: 1998-2001September 04, 2007In this turbulent period, the two biggest-winning teams in modern history get there with very different levels of farm production, while a third franchise struggles mightily despite tremendous talent development. Great platoons: 1966-1978August 28, 2007Come hang with Bubba, Duke and Boots. And Boomer, and Downtown. And—of course—Superjew! The homeruncentricity trifecta: 1989-2007August 21, 2007Follow the trifecta trail with Steve, winding through a lush meadow of homeruncentricity, leading to parched desert of homeruncentricity famine. The homeruncentricity trifecta: 1970-1988August 14, 2007Ominously towering over the city of New York, swatting away airplanes as though they were toys ... yes, that was the mighty Kong. The homeruncentricity trifecta: 1869-1969August 07, 2007All-er-nuthin', not just one way, not just two, but three full ways ... that's the trifecta! The vintage baby pictures quiz (volume 2)July 31, 2007Steve's pulled that old shoebox full of snapshots down from the top shelf in the guest room closet ... time to figure out who those little tykes were! 20 the spiky wayJuly 24, 2007Any garden-variety 18- or 19-game-winner might stumble into a 20-win season. But win 20 while never else reaching as many as 15? That's impressive! The Value Production Standings: 1994-1997July 17, 2007It's woe to the 'Spos, Jays and Bucs, and glee to Chiefs Wahoo and Nokahoma. Bring on the mid-90s! Great platoons: 1950-1965July 10, 2007Lefty, righty, loosey, tighty, it's time for wholes greater than sums of parts. The Phelps hypotheticals (Volume 2)July 03, 2007Check in with Buckshot, Lacy, Dusty and several others who coulda been stars, but for the opportunity. Rewriting history: What if the Braves had signed Willie Mays?June 29, 2007Two baseball historians, THT co-founder Matthew Namee and Steve Treder (who has been writing for THT since our inception), play with history. 24-karat diamond-writing gemsJune 26, 2007Like turning a double play, turning a baseball phrase can be a thing of beauty and wonder. The Value Production Standings: 1990-1993June 19, 2007Into the 1990s, is the American League finally, really, actually catching up? Great Platoons: 1914-1948June 12, 2007From Smokey Joe to The Mad Russian, they served by sometimes hitting, sometimes sitting Filling the Saberhagen gaps (Volume 3)June 05, 2007The what-might-have-beens of some swingmen, some southpaws, Bobo and Lefty. Delving into the Dalkowski depthsMay 29, 2007There are fastballs. There are great fastballs. Then there are the fastest fastballs any human has yet thrown. And there is success, a distinctly elusive thing altogether. The Value Production Standings: 1986-1989May 22, 2007We complete the 1980s. More than a decade into the free agency era, was farm system production still a key to sustained success? Filling the Mickey Vernon gaps (Part 3)April 17, 2007Steve examines another dozen careers that had unusual valleys amid the peaks. The Value Production Standings: 1981-1985April 10, 2007Into the 1980s, will the National League be able to sustain its long-held advantage in Win Share Production? Here’s to You, Bill KirwinApril 03, 2007Steve asks the THT family to raise a tankard (of your finest dark beer, if at all possible) in honor of one of the greatest contributors to baseball scholarship, even if you've never heard of him. The Virtual 1966 San Francisco Giants: Part 2March 27, 2007Just how special was the 1960s Giants' pat hand? Five Questions: San Francisco GiantsMarch 21, 2007They do have 24 other players on the roster in addition to you-know-who ... but do they add up to a competitive team? The Virtual 1966 San Francisco Giants: Part 1March 20, 2007What if the Giants of that era hadn't been quite so efficient at frittering away their talent? The Vintage Baby Pictures QuizMarch 13, 2007Some nice-looking kids, and how they grew The Phelps Hypotheticals: Part 1March 06, 2007What if the Ken Phelpses hadn't stood in line behind the Henry Cottos? Minor League Workhorses: 1976-1980February 27, 2007The late '70s prove to be a period of remarkable stability in the usage patterns of minor league aces. The Value Production Standings: 1976-1980February 20, 2007Free agency starts eating the farm crop Walt BondFebruary 13, 2007Hemingway put it so: "All stories, if continued far enough, end in death, and he is no true-story teller who would keep that from you." Filling the Saberhagen Gaps (Part 2)February 06, 2007The U-turns have been straightened, the potholes filled. It's time to hit Saberhagen Road! The HBP Explosion (That Almost Nobody Seems to Have Noticed)January 30, 2007Does it sometimes seem to you that batters are getting hit by pitches more often than they did 15 or 20 years ago? Guess what: They are. A lot more often. The Value Production Standings: 1971-1975January 23, 2007Into the 1970s, we encounter the largest value production difference yet seen between National and American League organizations. Filling the Mickey Vernon Gaps (Part 2)January 16, 2007Steve's been busy with the spackle and the putty knife again ... The Virtual 1946-1949 St. Louis Cardinals (Part 2)January 09, 2007Steve has patched the holes in the Redbirds' wings. It's time to see how they fly! The Virtual 1946-1949 St. Louis Cardinals (Part 1)January 02, 2007How might the late-1940s Redbirds have maintained their early-decade dynastic ways? Cue the Jackson 5: it's easy as one-two-three ... The Value Production Standings: 1966-1970December 26, 2006In this month's check of the competition between farm systems, we encounter the all-time single season record for organizational Win Share Production. Smoothing the ‘80s and ‘90s (Part 4)December 18, 2006Steve's inquiry into the follow-the-bouncing-ball scoring conditions of the 1980s and 1990s concludes with examination of the very best talents of the era. Smoothing the ‘80s and ‘90s (Part 3)December 12, 2006This time we see the impact of the fluctuating 1988-2000 scoring conditions on the game's great players—but not quite the very greatest, yet. Smoothing the ‘80s and ‘90s (Part 2)December 05, 2006It's time for Round Two in the look at how individual player stats were shaped by the conditions impacting MLB offensive production from 1988 through 2000. Smoothing the ‘80s and ‘90s (Part 1)November 28, 2006It was a long and winding run-production road from 1987 to 2001. In the first of a three-parter, Steve examines how differently things might have looked had the path, reaching the same destination, been a little straighter Out of OaklandNovember 21, 2006Speaking of Curt Flood, Steve examines the extraordinary baseball talent produced by Flood's home town. Book Review: A Well-Paid SlaveNovember 21, 2006Not until nearly four decades after Curt Flood spoke truth to power did his first biography appear, but this year we've been treated to two. Steve provides his perspective on the second. The Value Production Standings: 1961-1965November 14, 2006The competition for talent production enters the expansion era, and the National League's edge grows stronger than ever. Minor League Workhorses: 1971-1975November 07, 2006Where were you in '72? Here we'll find out what minor league aces were up to. Filling the Saberhagen Gaps: Volume IOctober 31, 2006Beginning with Bret himself, with such a Mickey Vernon-esque career. Filling the Mickey Vernon Gaps: Volume IOctober 24, 2006Steve takes a close look at some good players who might very well have been even better. The Value Production Standings: 1956-1960October 17, 2006In this chapter, the Yankees and the Dodgers continue to prevail, while the rapidly accelerating influx of players of color has a distinct impact. The Virtual 1954 Cleveland Indians: Part TwoOctober 10, 2006Like a luscious Cabernet to a dry-aged ribeye, we bear witness to the perfect marriage of magnificent pitching to fabulous hitting. The Virtual 1954 Cleveland Indians: Part OneOctober 03, 2006A team that goes 111-43 couldn't plausibly have done much better than that ... could they? Fun with Who’s Who: 1942September 26, 2006So often, it's the simplest pleasures that are among the sweetest. The Value Production Standings: 1951-1955September 19, 2006In the second installment of the series, Steve compares the production of the farm systems in the early 1950s, in which, among other things, the Organization that Branch Built II finally eclipses the Organization that Branch Built I. Enlivening the Mid-1970s: Part TwoSeptember 12, 2006After all these years, the burning question remains: do you like Piña Coladas, and getting caught in the rain? Enlivening the Mid-1970s: Part OneSeptember 05, 2006Come on, now: do a little dance. Make a little love. Get down tonight! Mid-Season Blockbusters: AugustAugust 29, 2006It's the final installment of Steve's examination of the biggest mid-season trades, in which we encounter Turkey Mike, Mad Dog, and, um, The Village Idiot. The Virtual 1930 Giants: Part TwoAugust 22, 2006So just how extraordinary could the Giants' lineup have been in The Little Napoleon's final years as manager? The Virtual 1930 Giants: Part OneAugust 15, 2006Steve considers how the team that hit for the highest average of the 20th century might plausibly have hit vastly better than that. Minor League Workhorses: 1966-1970August 08, 2006It's time for Steve's update on the Bush League Heavy Chuckers! The Value Production Standings: 1946-1950August 01, 2006Join Steve for the opener of what will be a long-term recurring series analyzing exactly how productive each organization's farm system has been. Mid-Season Blockbusters: July (Part Two: 1997-2006)July 25, 2006Bringing us right up to date, from the White Flag to DePodesta's Derring-Do to Sulking Shea. Mid-Season Blockbusters: July (Part One: 1896-1996)July 18, 2006It's time to take our first look at the biggest trades from the month of July. Book Review: The Team that Changed BaseballJuly 11, 2006Steve gives us his take on another new book focusing on Roberto Clemente and the Pittsburgh Pirates. Examining the Relief of RelievingJuly 04, 2006Steve takes a close look at the very different rates of effectiveness pitchers demonstrate when working out of the bullpen, as compared to when starting. Mid-Season Blockbusters: June (Part Three: 1975-2005)June 27, 2006Just under the wire to meet the deadline, here are the big shakeups in the most recent months of June. We encounter a Midnight Massacre, a Midnight Masterpiece, and a Montreal Misstep. Mid-Season Blockbusters: June (Part Two: 1949-1969)June 20, 2006The '50s and '60s were a very active period for trading around the June 15 deadline. Frantic Frankie Lane was in his heyday, and of course there was George Weiss and his friends in Kansas City ... The 1942 Philadelphia PhilliesJune 15, 2006Steve takes a look at back at the nadir of the Phillies franchise Mid-Season Blockbusters: June (Part One: 1919-1946)June 13, 2006It's time to begin our look back at the most memorable deals of Junes past. There have been so many, it's going to take us three weeks to see them all! Minor League Workhorses: 1961-1965June 06, 2006In the fourth installment of the occasional series, Steve takes another look at the most-worked pitchers in the minor leagues. In this period, we find the minor leagues dramatically consolidating and reorganizing, and its ace pitchers worked more carefully than ever before. Review: Neyer’s Big Book of Baseball BlundersMay 30, 2006Did Neyer bobble the blunder bible, or has he handled it handsomely? Mid-Season Blockbusters: May (Part Two: 1960-2003)May 23, 2006The biggest May trades consummated within the past five decades include some very big names, including The Baby Bull, The Terminator, Neon Deion, and Byung-Hyun. Mid-Season Blockbusters: May (Part One: 1922-1959)May 16, 2006It's time for the first of a two-installment look at the biggest deals that have gone down during months of May past. Book Review: ClementeMay 09, 2006Steve's take on the newly published biography of Roberto Clemente isn't quite a thumbs-up. Franchises at Birth: The Expos and the Padres (Part Three: 1975-1980)May 03, 2006In the concluding chapter, the Padres briefly surpass the Expos as the more successful expansion team. Briefly. Franchises at Birth: The Expos and the Padres (Part Two: 1971-1974)April 25, 2006This time, Steve's tour of the early years of the Expos and Padres takes us through the early 1970s. Watch out for the streaker! Franchises at Birth: The Expos and the Padres (Part One: 1968-1970)April 18, 2006Steve looks at the early days of the Expos and Padres. Mid-Season Blockbusters: AprilApril 11, 2006Steve takes his first in what will be a monthly look this year at the deals, deals, deals that teams have swung during seasons past. No mention as to whether zero-money-down, zero-percent-interest-for-the-first-six-months offers have been accepted. Rocky NelsonApril 05, 2006Come along with Steve on a tour of one of the more remarkable baseball careers you'll ever see. Please pardon the cigar smoke and the tobacco juice. Five Questions: San Francisco GiantsMarch 24, 2006It will almost certainly be the final season for Barry Bonds, and just as certainly not the most serene. Steve considers what's likely in store for the bulky one and his Giants. Ode to the ‘80sMarch 07, 2006It was 20 years ago today, and there was a very diff'rent style of play ... The Pennant Porch Pie-in-the-FaceFebruary 28, 2006Sometimes a good idea turns out badly. And sometimes, well, the idea just isn't so hot. Non-Batting Batters: A HistoryFebruary 21, 2006Steve shines a light on the furthest dark recess of the end of the bench, and reveals those scrubeenies who spend days, weeks, or even months between chances to bat. Pinch-Hitting Specialists: A HistoryFebruary 07, 2006Take a look with Steve as he focuses on a rarely heralded but highly difficult bench role. Goodbye, DadJanuary 31, 2006Steve bids farewell to someone who taught him a thing or two, including how to be a baseball fan. Minor League Workhorses: 1956-1960January 24, 2006In the third installment of his occasional series, Steve examines the workloads of minor league ace pitchers in the late 1950s. He finds that it was a period of rapid and dramatic change. America, Racism and the Negro Leagues Baseball MuseumJanuary 17, 2006Come along with Steve as he visits a treasure trove of baseball history and American history, and considers it within the larger perspective. THT Interview: Jim BoutonJanuary 10, 2006In a THT exclusive, Steve has a long chat with the pitcher, author and enterprising businessman, and "Bulldog" shares his perspectives on steroids, stadiums, knuckleballs, U.S. foreign policy and, most controversially, chocolate chip cookies. .361 in ‘61January 03, 2006Steve takes a close look at that other guy who made history with his bat in 1961. Franchises at Birth: The Royals and the Brewers (Part Three: 1975-1980)December 28, 2005Join Steve as he completes his examination of the second generation of American League expansion teams. For fans of happy endings, this one should be a boat-floater. Franchises at Birth: The Royals and the Brewers (Part Two: 1971-1974)December 20, 2005At the end of their second seasons, the Royals and freshly relocated and renamed Brewers were dead even, near the bottom of the American League West. Let's see how they fared over the ensuing four years. Franchises at Birth: The Royals and the Pilots/Brewers (Part One)December 13, 2005It's time for another look at ball clubs fresh out of the expansion womb. Cutting the umbilical cord, making their way from the delivery room—all right, that's enough of that. It's time to pound that Budweiser, men! Third Base: The Crossroads, Part FiveDecember 06, 2005In the final installment of the series, Steve contemplates the the long and varied list of prominent outfielders—a few of them, very, very prominent—who might have been third basemen instead. And he offers his thoughts on What It All Means for the future of The Crossroads. Third Base: The Crossroads, Part FourNovember 29, 2005This time Steve considers many on the long and diverse list of players who spent little or no major league time at The Crossroads, but might have, and perhaps even should have. We encounter a Beast, a Baby Bull, and a Boomer, as well as a Rajah, a Rino and a Rico. Third Base: The Crossroads, Part ThreeNovember 22, 2005This time, Steve considers the long list of partial-career third basemen. Including a Killer, a Pepper, and a Chipper. And, of course, Bill Tuttle. Third Base: The Crossroads, Part TwoNovember 15, 2005In the second installment, Steve compares and contrasts all of the most prominent third-base-primary major leaguers since Jimmy Collins, including the Ken Keltner Line, as well as whoever it was who played third base for, you know, Pittsburgh in 1960. Third Base: The Crossroads, Part OneNovember 08, 2005Let's go down to the crossroads. Fall down on our knees. And consider who treads upon the well-traveled dirt of The Hot Corner. Pete Rose, the BallplayerOctober 26, 2005Every once in a while, it's important to forget all the rest of that stuff for a minute, and remind ourselves what a terrific baseball player Pete Rose was. The WindowbreakersOctober 20, 2005Steve explores one of the most unusual and unpredictable team performances in major league history. Board up those windows! Player-Seasonal Notation, 1946-2005October 13, 2005Steve concludes his examination of batting history, as viewed through the conversion of team and league stats into an individualized form. Player-Seasonal Notation: 1893-1945September 27, 2005Take a close look with Steve, using Player-Seasonal Notation as the lens through which to examine the ever-changing character of major league run production. Player-Seasonal Notation: Part OneSeptember 20, 2005Steve introduces us to his favorite method of converting team stats into a more understandable and useful form. Minor League Workhorses: 1951-1955September 13, 2005In the second installment of a series, Steve examines the most-worked pitchers at all levels of the minor leagues, this time from 1951 through 1955. We discover two 30-game winners, numerous 300-strikeout seasons and even a couple of 400-hits-allowed seasons! Not Just Any Bob MillerSeptember 06, 2005Steve takes a close look at a career that intertwined itself with others to a degree that few have. Sociology of the MLB Player: 1952August 30, 2005It's time for another up-close-and-personal look at the major league ballplayer, this time as of 1952. Come On, Baby! Let’s Do the Splits!August 23, 2005Strap on your miner's helmet and come along with Steve, exploring the priceless deposits of a marvelous baseball research website. Franchises at Birth: The Colt .45s/Astros and the Mets (Part Two)August 16, 2005When we left them last week, the Colt .45s were slowly but steadily beginning their trek into the treacherous wilderness, in a well-planned and organized manner. The Mets hadn't yet figured out how to put on their hiking boots. Let's see how the intrepid adventurers fared from that point! Franchises at Birth: The Colt .45s and the Mets (Part One)August 08, 2005In the second installment of a recurring series, Steve examines the creation of the National League's expansion teams of 1962. They may not have been successful, but they sure weren't dull. Book Review: Juicing the GameAugust 03, 2005Steve reviews this summer's blockbuster chronicle of "drugs, power, and the fight for the soul of major league baseball." Business of Baseball Report … as of 1954July 26, 2005Steve examines a frank description of the structure of the professional baseball business ... from half a century ago. Minor League Workhorses: 1946-1950July 20, 2005In the opener of a recurring series, Steve examines the workloads of minor league ace pitchers. Health advisory: those who are inclined to recoil in horror at the sight of high pitch counts and young arms should not view the following without medical supervision. Sociology of the MLB Player: 1940July 12, 2005Just how different from today's was the profile of the major-league ballplayer in 1940? Come along with Steve as he explores a treasure trove of data he excavated from a musty little used book shop in Cooperstown. Two True OutcomesJuly 05, 2005Three True Outcomes? Forget it. Real Men know that the only important things in the world are the Two True Outcomes. We don't need no stinkin' walks. Franchises at Birth: The Angels and the SenatorsJune 28, 2005In the first of an occasional series, Steve examines each of MLB's expansion franchises: how did they approach the challenge of constucting a roster, and how well or poorly did they pull it off? This time we look at the true pioneers, the Los Angeles Angels and the (new) Washington Senators. Casey at the OaksJune 21, 2005What in the world was George Weiss thinking when he hired Casey Stengel, that clown who had never achieved anything as a manager, to pilot the New York Yankees? This is what ... Me My Mo MudcatMay 19, 2005In response to a flurry of e-mailed suggestions of worthy names left out of our first pass ... Banana Fana Fo FudcatMay 17, 2005What's in a name? That which we call a Rosen by any other name would still be a Goody. Whither the Closer? Part TwoMay 10, 2005Steve, er, closes his four-part series focusing on modern bullpen usage -- how it came to be, and where it might be headed. And he (finally!) gets around to offering answers to those questions he's been dragging around for three weeks! Whither the Closer? Part OneMay 03, 2005Steve's examination of the modern bullpen has been through the LOOGYs: we're ready to bring on the Closer. A History of the LOOGY: Part TwoApril 26, 2005The skipper has called time, and is heading out to the mound. He's pointing to his left arm -- that's right, it's time for yet another LOOGY appearance. And this time, we'll be seeing not just the Hard-Core stuff, but the Really Hard-Core version! A History of the LOOGY: Part OneApril 19, 2005So you think you know your LOOGYs, do ya? Have you explored the Primordial LOOGY Ooze? Didn't think so. Come on, gear up. We're goin' in. The 1957 Kansas City AthleticsApril 12, 2005Okay, so they weren't very good. But they were, almost certainly, the most peculiar team of all time. Where Did Kong Go Wrong?April 05, 2005Steve finds that fateful fork in the road, at which Dave Kingman missed the sign to Cooperstown, and headed off for Mudville instead. Five Questions: San Francisco GiantsMarch 29, 2005Steve boldly projects the Giants' 2005 finish -- within, you know, a 40-win range, give or take. War BegoneMarch 08, 2005What if Teddy Ballgame had never missed a game due to military service? Or Joe DiMaggio? Or Hank Greenberg or Johnny Mize? Or anyone else? Find out here, in exquisite detail! The Williams-Santo Cubs: 1970-1973February 22, 2005We complete the saga of what might have been the most talented team ever to win nothing. If Hemingway had concocted a baseball story, it probably would have gone something like this. The Williams-Santo Cubs: 1966-1969February 15, 2005It's Chapter Two in the three-part tale of the team that rode quite a roller coaster. Leo the Lip is now at the controls: hang on tight! The Williams-Santo Cubs: 1961-1965February 08, 2005In the first installment of a three-parter, Steve chronicles the saga of the Chicago Cubs in one of the most interesting (though not ultimately successful) periods of their long history. Extra bonus points if you can keep track of all of the "head coaches." Drying Off the Spitty 1910s, Part 2: The CareersFebruary 01, 2005Del Pratt and Larry Doyle. Tilly Walker and Cy Williams. George Burns and George Burns. (No, not that George Burns.) They're all here! Check your spitter at the door and come on in. Drying Off the Spitty 1910s, Part 1: The SeasonsJanuary 25, 2005Steve takes a close look at the decade of the 1910s, and the transition between the Deadball and live ball eras. We see that there were quite a number of dazzling hitting performances obscured by spit, slime, scratches, and stains. The THT Interview: George Brunet’s Left ArmJanuary 18, 2005A Hardball Times exclusive. We catch up with a friendly old arm that's got quite a story to tell. The 1952 American LeagueJanuary 11, 2005Steve shines a light on a year that is little remembered today, but was chock full of odd and interesting events. Leveling the 1930s Playing Field, Part 2: The CareersJanuary 04, 2005Steve wraps up his adjusted-stat virtual history of 1931 through 1941, this time examining things from the perspective of the career achievements of the best players of the era. He encounters a few surprises along the way. Picture ThisDecember 30, 2004Would you buy this pitch? Really? May we appreciate some of the amazing true stories that are all around us. Leveling the 1930s Playing Field, Part 1: The SeasonsDecember 28, 2004Steve conducts the "careful scoring-environment context assessment" look at the achievements of the best players of the 1930s that he challenged himself to do last April. You might want to print this one out: it's mighty hefty! The Royals of Sir CedricDecember 21, 2004No other GM in the land was more bold and clever than he. May the great deeds of Sir Cedric be forever known to all! The Baseball Time Machine: Denny YoungDecember 14, 2004This excursion will be first-class all the way. We're taking a ride with the gentleman whose name itself has come to be the brand name that means Best: the Cadillac, the Tiffany, the Everest among all pitchers. Re-Imagining the Big Zone Sixties, Part 2: 1966-1968December 07, 2004Completing the two-parter, Steve gives us a look at how the 1966, 1967, and 1968 seasons might have been without the changed definition of the strike zone. Wow, '68 was really a low-scoring year. Re-Imagining the Big Zone Sixties, Part 1: 1963-1965November 30, 2004In the lid-lifter of a twin bill, Steve estimates the impact that the 1963-68 top-of-the-shoulder-to-the-bottom-of-the-knee rule book strike zone had on every player's and every team's numbers. Maybe it "really" wasn't as much of a pitcher's era as we might think. Of Fades, and Flops, and ZoiloNovember 23, 2004Come along with Steve on a journey into the strange and sad land of Fades and Flops. Be warned: if you like Happy Endings, this is no place for you to go. Strike Zone Dominance in Context (Dazzy and Pedro!)November 19, 2004Come along with Steve, as he explores a wonderful new database that catalogues how well (or badly) various pitchers have been able to dominate that imaginary three-dimensional rectangle. We gain a new appreciation of just why they were so Dazzled. The 1960s Dodgers: Two Parts Patience, One Part Creative InsanityNovember 10, 2004They may not have been the the Easternmost in quality, nor the Westernmost in flavor, but they were a very prudently run organization. Steve gives the Dodgers of Alston, Koufax, Wills, and Drysdale a tip of his black-and-orange cap. Cash in the Cradle: The Bonus BabiesNovember 01, 2004Steve examines the peculiar phenomenon of highly-paid teenagers taking their ease on major league benches. Got Them Giants’ Fan BluesOctober 04, 2004Well, the Giants have done it again this year They came up short at the very end I said, the Giants went and did it again this year Came up short at the very end Now, you hear what I say, my Giants' fans Sorrow and pain be our only friends The Baseball Time Machine: Greg RuthSeptember 29, 2004We'll be boarding by row number. Please completely remove your boarding pass from its envelope, and have it ready for the gate agent, along with your photo ID. In honor of Mr. Ruth, you are encouraged to smoke a cigar throughout today's flight! Of Spikes, and Flukes, and GrabarkewitzSeptember 22, 2004Steve takes a look at some of the most notable one-year wonder seasons of the past 70 or so years. Test your nerd power and take his trivia test! Click here to return to the home page. |