February 9, 2010
Order Now Get "The world champ of baseball annuals." The Hardball Times Baseball Annual 2010 features articles by THT's staff as well as Bill James, Tom Tango and Craig Wright and contains much, much more. Please support THT and use this link to purchase the Annual.  Get the fantasy book that everyone's raving about! Edited by THT Fantasy's Rob McQuown and Michael Street, and featuring our own Matt Hagen on prospects. Shipping now from ACTA! 
Pat Andriola
Rich Barbieri John Barten Brian Borawski Craig Brown Evan Brunell Chuck Brownson Kevin Dame Joshua Fisher David Gassko Jeremy Greenhouse Brandon Isleib Chris Jaffe Max Marchi Bruce Markusen Dan Novick Harry Pavlidis Alex Pedicini Jeff Sackmann Nick Steiner Dave Studeman Steve Treder Bryan Tsao Tuck! Geoff Young John Brattain And here's the full roster.
Or you can search by:
Gear up for baseball season with Chicago White Sox tickets and New York Yankees tickets. LA Angels tickets, Houston Astros tickets, and Atlanta Braves tickets are hot sellers! You can get Boston Red Sox tickets, San Diego Padres tickets or Chicago Cubs tickets for your favorite baseball fan. Coast to Coast Tickets has the best MLB tickets like Minnesota Twins tickets, LA Dodgers tickets, Milwaukee Brewers tickets, New York Met tickets and St. Louis Cardinals tickets. Find premium Chicago Cubs tickets and other Chicago tickets at JustGreatTickets.com. Chicago Cubs Tickets Chicago Tickets  All content on this site (including text, graphs, and any other original works), unless otherwise noted, is licensed under a Creative Commons License. |
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: 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 Steve Treder's ArticlesClick here to view an RSS feed of this writer's articles. THT Live: Cubaball 2010January 26, 2010Historic Comparables (Volume 2)January 25, 2010Matthew and Steve are back, this time with a passel of pitcher pairings, from Pennock-Pettitte to Dickson-Darwin. The virtual 1956 New York Yankees (Part 2)December 14, 2009It's time to get our kicks with the might-have-been Yankees of '56. The virtual 1956 New York Yankees (Part 1)December 08, 2009Think the Eisenhower-era Bronx Bombers couldn't have been much better? Think again. The virtual 1961 Cleveland Indians (Part 2)August 18, 2009In which we witness the unloading of some very big lumber near the Lake Erie shore. The virtual 1961 Cleveland Indians (Part 1)August 11, 2009What if Frankie hadn't been quite so frantic in Cleveland? THT Live: Warren’s WizardJuly 15, 2009Great news: I was wrongJuly 14, 2009The 2009 Giants are a good ball club. Who knew? THT Live: The Vi flies foreverJuly 06, 2009Historic comparables (Volume 1)June 09, 2009Discover the distant-decade dopplegangers. Don McMahon (Part 3)June 02, 2009Let's catch up with this most congenial big fellow as he continues to chuck heaters past hitters well into his 40s. Backstopping and roaming wide (Part 3: 1970-2008)May 26, 2009Get acquainted with this most unusual breed of catchers, right up to the most current cohort. Don McMahon (Part 2)May 19, 2009We're ready for round two with this memorable heavyweight. Backstopping and roaming wide (Part 2: 1935-1970)May 12, 2009It's time for round two with the most peculiar of defensive hybrids. Don McMahon (Part 1)May 05, 2009Let's see, how to describe him ... the pitching equivalent of roast beef and potatoes. Nothing fancy, nothing complicated, but substantial, satisfying, and just doggone good. THT Live: Strasburg live!May 02, 2009Backstopping and roaming wide (Part 1: 1890-1935)April 28, 2009Come along with Steve as he explores the most extraordinary of all defensive versatility. The Branch Rickey Pirates (Part 6: 1954-1955)April 21, 2009In his 37th and final season as a big league GM, did The Mahatma go out with a bang, or a whimper? The Branch Rickey Pirates (Part 5: 1953-1954)April 14, 2009Onto the fourth year of his five-year rebuilding plan, was Mr. Rickey ready to show any progress? Any? The Branch Rickey Pirates (Part 4: 1952-1953)April 07, 2009How did The Mahatma go about cleaning up the mess of his own making? The Branch Rickey Pirates (Part 3: 1951-1952)March 31, 2009As an art historian might say when discovering Michelangelo's unfortunate "Dogs Playing Poker" period ... what was that all about? Five questions: San Francisco GiantsMarch 30, 2009Maybe it's just that they got rid of the wrong Barry ... The Branch Rickey Pirates (Part 2: 1950-1951)March 17, 2009It's year one for Mister Rickey in Pittsburgh. What kind of a start does he pull off? The Branch Rickey Pirates (Part 1)March 10, 2009Shining a light into the lone dark alley of The Mahatma's long and brilliant career. Casimir KwietniewskiMarch 03, 2009If only changing one's luck were as easy as changing one's name. The virtual 1965-68 Washington SenatorsFebruary 24, 2009Oh, yeah, they were bad enough in real life. But that performance may actually have been their best-case scenario. The Sunset LeagueFebruary 17, 2009Spanning a vast Southwest landscape, it was vibrantly colorful, fleeting but amazing. Bats right, throws left: The best players in major league historyFebruary 10, 2009It doesn't make any sense, but nobody seems to have explained that to this tiny band of rugged individualists. You can probably guess who's been the best. But who else is on the list? BL, TR (Part 5: The best left-handed hitting shortstops in major league history)February 03, 2009The most exclusive club we've yet visited features tales of strikeouts, caught stealings, lawsuits and frostbite. It also includes some of the most underappreciated talent of all time. BL, TR (Part 4: The best left-handed hitting second basemen in major league history)January 27, 2009That a population comprising, at most, about one second baseman in five should include both of the very best at the position is quite strange. But there it is. BL, TR (Part 3: The best left-handed hitting third basemen in major league history)January 20, 2009The left turns at the hot corner include quite a few of the position's very best, and one in particular who's never been recognized as such. BL, TR (Part 2: The best left-handed hitting catchers in major league history)January 13, 2009Let's meet the best of the southpaw-swinging backstop minority. Bats left, throws right (Part 1)January 06, 2009It's a phenomenon with which we're all familiar, but as Steve admits, just how often do we really think about it? And—seriously—it is kind of weird. The Virtual 1916-1925 Boston Red Sox (Part 3: 1923-1925)December 23, 2008Catch up with Steve and Matthew as they complete their virtual decade with the robust Red Sox. The Virtual 1916-1925 Boston Red Sox (Part 2: 1920-1922)December 16, 2008When we left our virtual Bosox, they were just about to decide to keep that guy named Ruth. Let's find out if that would have had any impact. The Virtual 1916-1925 Boston Red Sox (Part 1: 1916-1919)December 09, 2008Instead of "No, No, Nannette," let's play "No, No, Harry." Steve and Matthew team up to explore the most dramatic of virtual landscapes. The 10 most interesting Rule 5 draft picks, 1981-2007December 02, 2008Joe the Plumber? Big deal. We've got not one but two Joe the Baptists, plus something wild, and, of course, the so-far-second-greatest Rule 5 pick ever. The THT interview: Terry KennedyNovember 25, 2008Bob Kennedy's boy pays THT a visit, and shares stories of growing up around big leaguers and following his dad's footsteps to devote a lifetime to the game. The 10 most interesting Rule 5 draft picks, 1967-1980November 18, 2008It was an unusually rich period for intriguing Rule 5 cases. We meet a Cy Young Award winner, a couple of MVPs, The Most Underrated Player in Baseball History and a space cadet. Glittering fragmentsNovember 11, 2008See beyond their puny size, their insignificance in the sea of important achievements. Perceive instead their intrinsic beauty. The 10 most interesting Rule 5 Draft picks, 1941-1966November 04, 2008Steve's update of the draftee honor roll includes Fritz, Joe, Moe and Bo. Snuffy StirnweissOctober 28, 2008This obscure 1940s ballplayer with the funny name scaled a towering peak. Superduperswingmen (Part 4: 1970-2008)October 21, 2008Steve's spotlight on swingmen features Donald Duck, Dr. Death and all the rest right up to the present day. And it raises the essential question: Did you love The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon? THT Live: The holy grail of minor league statsOctober 20, 2008The 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. THT Live: Ten Essential Baseball Books: The SequelApril 30, 2008The 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. THT Live: Jordan’s BestApril 19, 2008Superdupersubs (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. THT Live: New discovery regarding baseball’s originMarch 16, 2008Off-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. THT Live: Bill Kirwin: 1937-2007December 12, 2007Offseason 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 THT Live: Amy, Amy, Amy ...March 12, 2007The 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. THT Live: Right and Wrong With MLB TodayDecember 15, 2006Smoothing 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. THT Live: Errata: Non-Batting BattersFebruary 23, 2006Non-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. Click here to return to the home page. | ||||