Guests: Craig Edwards, FanGraphs
Joey Mellows, Baseball Brit
A jam-packed episode as Josh and Jim discuss the merit of RBIs, and if Jose Abreu reaching 100 is still a significant milestone.
Craig Edwards of FanGraphs joins the show for the first time to discuss the correlation between MLB Payrolls and a team’s winning percentage.
Joey Mellows, known as Baseball Brit on Twitter, is on a once-in-a-lifetime trip visiting every MLB stadium and being at a game in 162 days. He shares his amazing experience and why he prefers Guaranteed Rate Field over Wrigley Field.
P.O. Sox Questions:
Following up on this morning's post. What do you feel are the redeeming qualities of GRF? I feel the completely circular concourse is a plus. Also the combo of car/public transit access.
— Yoan DeBrinsky (@House_423) August 26, 2019
Any chance we see Stiever in Chicago by the break next year? He’s already at 140 IP this year, so they shouldn’t really have to manage his workload much
— Mike Lox (@mike_lox) August 25, 2019
Why do the WS refuse to move position players around the field? I don’t know why Yolmer could only play 3rd last year and only 2nd this year. Why Moncada the opposite. Good teams have flexibility and it can save teams when an injury occurs.
— Pete Chapman (@PeteCha56613119) August 25, 2019
Presented by SeatGeek
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Even without accounting for a boost in income from increased fan interest or the new TV deal, this team should be able to carry a $140M payroll.
Cleveland has been doing that for the last couple years while having similar attendance numbers to the White Sox and playing in a smaller media market. The Sox really need to start taking advantage of the fact that they are a Chicago team in a division of small-to-medium market teams and throw some money around.
28.3 in committed salary, what a joke
It’s only a joke if they don’t leverage the financial flexibility they’ve build up like they can and should.
Thank you Josh for the Baseball Brit interview-his story is the envy of most American baseball fans. The fact that he was unimpressed with the Cub-icle was an added bonus.
I completely agree that Timmay’s hit profile does not work as an corner OF bat. Nothing wrong with a SS who provides 2-2.5 fWAR per year. Not a star, but a solid contributor.
PS- Would positioning have anything to do with those poor defensive metrics?
I think it was Karko who pointed out before that Moncada’s range might be stealing some balls from Anderson and impacting his defensive metrics.
Do the metrics Josh cited filter for positioning/shifts?
I recall some of Eaton’s bad CF #’s being attributed to Sox’ philosophy on how shallow OF’s “should” play.
Good question about the metrics factoring in shifting. I’ll have to look into that and report back.
The White Sox have been doing alright with players somewhat (if that makes any sense!?). They’re just being cautious. It has been to their detriment in the past. Moving Moncada seems self-defeating. They’ve “apparently” revealed a switch hitting, offensive threat!? Sure there’s holes. He’s still learning. He’s been a breath of fresh air!
Anderson leaves something to be desired so far. Amazing talent. TE6 should be his moniker though. Too much athleticism to be so erratic. I know his range gives him more plays. Nonetheless, his performance on routine plays bothers me. He’s barley a shortstop. All the tools. Nearly none of the execution (defensively). No patience. Apparently has excellent contact skills to be hitting to the average he’s been retaining all season. I am a fan of that approach. Still, his walk rate could obviously improve.
They’re just too filled with hikes to go on forever. Best Wishes everyone!
Too many “holes.” My bad.