Rays Index outlines the issues facing the Rays this offseason, inning by inning. The Rays’ biggest need is probably their bullpen (which, paradoxically, was their greatest strength this year. Such are the ways of the ‘pen.) and their trade chips include Jeff Niemann, Edwin Jackson and… Carl Crawford?

Albert Pujols won the National League Most Valuable Player award today, so there is some justice in the heart of the BBWAA. He received 18 first-place votes—Ryan Howard got 12 first place votes and Brad Lidge received the remaining two. In a surprise (at least to me), Ryan Braun came in third and Manny Ramirez […]

I’ve been so busy lately that I haven’t had time to indulge in one of my favorite winter pastimes: perusing the latest Bill James Handbook. But Rich Lederer has a review, and I feel pretty confident saying that you should buy yourself a copy.

Francisco Rodriguez’s agent claims that K-Rod hasn’t lost velocity, he just held back a little last year to improve his command. Jeff Sullivan picks that one apart.

Aaron Gleeman is worried about the depth of the Twins’ bullpen now that Pat Neshek has opted for Tommy John surgery. The result is a nice review of options in the free agent market. Jeremy Affeldt, anyone?

The authors of Fire Joe Morgan (who also are script writers for television) announced yesterday that they are calling it quits on their highly successful blog. Over the past few years Ken Tremendous, Dak, and Junior have done a fantastic job of exposing and criticizing bad sports journalism in a highly entertaining fashion. Some of […]

According to ESPN a second trade was agreed to today, this time between the Florida Marlins and Washington Nationals. The Nationals reportedly will receive Josh Willingham and Scott Olsen in exchange for Emilio Bonifacio and two minor league players Jake Smolinski and P.J. Dean. As is the case with the Holliday trade, nothing is 100 […]

You’re going to hear a lot about Matt Holliday’s Coorified batting stats as we wags debate the merits of this deal, but Dave Cameron (of the Fellowship Camerons) makes an important point. You shouldn’t just take Holliday’s road splits and assume those are a reflection of his actual talent. Everyone bats better at home, and […]

The first blockbuster trade of the offseason happened today as the Rockies have agreed to trade outfielder Matt Holliday to the A’s in exchange for closer Huston Street, lefty starter Greg Smith, and center fielder Carlos Gonzalez. So much for the A’s going into rebuilding mode considering Holliday will most likely be a one year […]

Dave Cameron, a some time contributor to The Hardball Times and super awesome writer over at USS Mariner and FanGraphs is up for a scholarship award based on his blogging. The winner is being determined by a vote and it only takes about 10 seconds to click twice. Please take a little time and help […]