The Red Sox score this series: Diamond Zero. For the Yankees, The Beat Goes On.

With the NHL lockout the LA Kings won't be playing any hockey soon. Listening to Goodenow and Bettman about the lockout, this beat goes on and on to the extent that now they're just switchin' to glide.

http://me.woot.net
MatO,

That last clause is a real stretch.

What the hell does "switchin' to glide" mean anyways? I don't understand classic rock.

As for Rogers buying the SkyDome, rock on. However, as much as I like Staples (I worked at Business Depot for some time), I'm wary of a naming deal. Staples SkyDome? The Staples BusinessDome? SkyDome, brought to you by Staples and Rogers? The SkyDome Experience featuring Staples?

The StapleDome: When That Roof Closes, It Stays Closed.

Jim, if you're around, I admire the heck out of our optimism. I have to say, trying to find a silver lining in what happened between the end of 2003 and now, is a hard job. I don't in fact agree that *any* of what you raised, with the exception of the development of Dave Bush, is a positive feature of the 2004 season. But it's nice to see that hope is far from dead!

What the hell does "switchin' to glide"

To me it means not doing anything. Just gliding along. But it's rock and roll so it can mean anything you want.

If Rogers does in fact (a) buy the Dome and (b) pour $20-$25 million in renovations into it, it'll be a very strong indication that they take their Blue Jays investment seriously, and that they're making a concerted effort to improve the fans' ballpark experience and general attitude towards the team. Full marks for the attempt, and here's hoping it succeeds.

http://www.prosportsdaily.com/mlb/mlbrumors.html
Just a site I thought you guys would be interested in. Contains all the rumours for each team. Updated daily. COMN

http://me.woot.net
Oh, and Moffatt, I have some serious qualms about your spelling in these lyrics.

You wrote "You said to ring you up if I was in Toronto," but it's clearly sung "You said to ring you up if I was in Tarana." I would have also accepted "Trana."

You wrote "You said to ring you up if I was in Toronto," but it's clearly sung "You said to ring you up if I was in Tarana."

That's how everyone in Toronto says it. Tarana. Sometimes Trawna.

If Rogers does in fact (a) buy the Dome and (b) pour $20-$25 million in renovations into it, it'll be a very strong indication that they take their Blue Jays investment seriously

It certainly would be. I don't even need the renovations! (Well, a couple would be nice). It would shut be up about the franchise being in imminent trouble, though. For a couple of months, at least. :)

That should say shut *me* up.

That should say shut *me* up.

I hear a jangly Rolling Stones guitar riff in my head.

http://www.tomatonation.com/vinetoday.shtml
Congratulations to the Hardball Times; Sars of Tomato Nation (COMN) gave it a couple of plugs today. It always makes me well up when websites I admire get together.

http://me.woot.net
That's how everyone in Toronto says it. Tarana. Sometimes Trawna.

Yeah, that's what everybody in Trana says everybody in Trana says. I've never said or heard it, though. Maybe it's a native-Torontonian thing.

"T'raunuh" (silent 'h') is the way I hear it pronounced most often, but I'm just splitting hairs.

When Gibby became manager he gave Woodward the starting shortstop position, it was a vote of confidence, etc., etc. But then something happened, even before Adams was called up. Woody played most of August, through the 28th. Gomez played the 29th, Woody the 31st, then Gomez played sept 1, 2 and 3. Woody played the 4th and then Adams was in place. So there was a preliminary indication that Woody was losing the job before Adams showed up.

Adams played most of September but look at the AB's for the other SS from Sep 1 to the end of the season:

Woody 17 AB's
Gomez 31 AB's
Menechino 46 AB's

It looks to me like Gibby lost faith in Woddy too? Did anyone hear any talk of this?

Staples SkyDome? The Staples BusinessDome? SkyDome, brought to you by Staples and Rogers? The SkyDome Experience featuring Staples?

I think The Staples SkyDome is alright. Id also accept Staples Field at SkyDome.

Spencer mentions that Sequea could be a backup middle infielder should the Jays lose Woodward, Gomez and Menechino to free agency. I don't expect to see Woodward and Gomez back, but I would be highly surprised to see Menechino go.

Given's Menechino's connection to J.P. and his status as an arbitration-eligible player, I'd be shocked to see him non-tendered after the great season he had.

You guys are far too clever. The song was The Kings The Beat Goes On' which was more often than not followed up by the song was Switchin' To Glide when played on the radio (I believe it was released as a Double-A side but I'm not sure about that). Both songs was credited to "Diamond-Zero" as it was written by David Diamond and Mister Zero.

Now. Who gets the prizes and how much do they get?

"T'raunuh" (silent 'h') is the way I hear it pronounced most often

Me too. The only people I've ever heard call it To-Ron-To are Japanese Tourists. Even then there's very little emphasis on the "n".

Marty York's sources tell him that JP is in serious contract talks with FA ....Greg Zaun and Frankie M.

As for Rogers buying the SkyDome, rock on. However, as much as I like Staples (I worked at Business Depot for some time), I'm wary of a naming deal.

I think the new name will be "Rogers Field at Staples SkyDome" - a spin-off of Rogers Field at Air Canada Centre when the Arena Football League's Toronto Phantoms were around. Some sponsor names for arenas and ballparks are cool like the Corel Centre, Tropicana Field, and the Air Canada Centre but the worst has to be National Car Rental Centre in Florida, the home of the Panthers.

Spencer mentions that Sequea could be a backup middle infielder should the Jays lose Woodward, Gomez and Menechino to free agency.

Then why would they take Sequea off the 40 man roster yesterday?

Some sponsor names for arenas and ballparks are cool like the Corel Centre, Tropicana Field, and the Air Canada Centre but the worst has to be National Car Rental Centre in Florida, the home of the Panthers.

And some inspire neat nicknames like "The Garage" (GM Place) or "The Doghouse" (PetCo). But yeah the National Car Rental Centre sounds awful so does The Gaylord Entertainment Centre (home of the Predators) and HSBC Arena (Sabres).

Some sponsor names for arenas and ballparks are cool like the Corel Centre...

Living in Ottawa for the past eight years, I think that's the first time I've ever read/heard that statement.

Of course, anything is better than US Cellular Field or National Car Rental Centre. If I had to pick a favourite of the blatant corporate names, I guess they would fall into two categories:

Classics:
Wrigley Field
Busch Stadium

Newbies:
Ford Field
Safeco Park (probably because I have no concept of a "Safeco")

Rogers Field at Staples SkyDome

Personal peeve: no stadium without grass has any business putting the word "Field" in its name. I'm looking at you, Tampa Bay.

Whatever they call the place, it'll still be known to all as the Skydome -- you can't hang a sign on a 15-year-old building whose name is already well-established and expect people to start using a new moniker five times as long. The Air Canada Center works because that was the original name of the building; had they tried to christen the "Air Canada Maple Leaf Gardens," it would never have worked.

Whatever they call the place, it'll still be known to all as the Skydome -- you can't hang a sign on a 15-year-old building whose name is already well-established and expect people to start using a new moniker five times as long.

I agree, but it hasn't stopped them in the past. No one who's followed NFL football for more than 3 years calls it Invesco. It's Mile High Stadium. But they're still required to call it Invesco in all TV and radio broadcasts so I assume they did the research and thought the advertising would be worth it anyway.

Then why would they take Sequea off the 40 man roster yesterday?

Because no one is likely to waste a 40 man roster spot on an unproven player who is projected to be a backup infielder. They're a dime a dozen and normally the more valuable backup infielders have veteran experience, ala Chris Gomez.

Rogers Field at Staples SkyDome

Regardless of the actual name, it will acquire a nickname, like The BOB in Arizona. And here is where I feel strongly the Cheer Club MUST step in and back the nickname "The Stapler" and get the stadium painted red.

If you've never seen Office Space, disregard the above graf.

If you've never seen Office Space, disregard the above graf.

I can picture an enormously long sign by the Cheer Club already: "Tha-tha-tha-that's uh uh uh uh that's my stapler..."

http://me.woot.net
I work in probably the least Office Space-like high-tech company on Earth, but I still lust for the Red Stapler.

Never thought I'd see that in a stapler ad: "It puts the "fun" back in the "functional!""

Joe, great link. They had me at "long-term stapling integrity."

I'm far too modest to suggest that I'm fully deserving of the cuttlefish and the points :-) (I've never heard the two songs played separately)

BTW I'm also not complaining about the fact that I didn't get any cuttlefish or points for correctly identifying that Queen song a while back (even though I had to look it up).

MatO, I'm not too modest -- ask anyone here -- to point out I beat you by a full two minutes.

Me too. The only people I've ever heard call it To-Ron-To are Japanese Tourists

I didn't know that Murray Eldon was a Japanese Tourist! And who could forget the brilliant theme song to "Tarana Rocks"? Ah, I miss the old Midweek Metal Mania.

Who actually says the city's full name, anyways? "Tee-Owe" is just about all I ever hear.

Loving the Swingline link...

MatO, I'm not too modest -- ask anyone here -- to point out I beat you by a full two minutes.

Yeah. But you got the songwriters not the band. I thought someone had done a cover version (Diamond Zero).

Terry Francona was just on The Score, and he announced that Curt Schilling won't start game 5. The starter will be Derek Lowe, barring a rainout. Schilling will be reevaluated, to see if he could pitch later (if the series gets to that point)

I think Minute Maid park is the worst name. I like to think of Clemens as a Minute Maiden.

Isn't it a gamble for Francona to assume he'll need a Game 5 starter at this point?

If Bronson Arroyo, Wakefield and Lowe are pitching games 3 4 and 5, I don't think the Red Sox need to worry about whether or not Schilling can make it back for game 6 or 7.

the Cheer Club MUST step in and back the nickname "The Stapler" and get the stadium painted red

I'm not letting Milton burn my ballpark down!

The starter will be Derek Lowe, barring a rainout.

It actually says a lot for Boston's depth that a pitcher with Lowe's history of excellence is their fifth starter.

I'd also accept Staples Field at SkyDome

The Field of Staples?

Brown's line from his last start against the BoSox in Fenway, three weeks ago: 0.2IP, 6H, 4ER. He's since had good starts against such offensive powerhouses as the Blue Jays and Twins, going 5 and 6 innings respectively. I'd point out that against a Twins lineup that is vastly inferior to the BoSox, he gave up 8 hits in 6IP with only 1K. Bronson's been putting up solid starts recently, giving up just three hits in six innings to the Angels, who can certainly mash.

The Yankees fourth starters haven't been great all year either, which seems to suggest to me that it's not a leap to say that Boston could take the next two.

As a landed immigrant in the Nation, I've gotta hold on to what I can...

http://www.sportsnet.ca/mlb/article.jsp?content=20041014_114811_4420
COM

http://www.sportsnet.ca/mlb/article.jsp?content=20041014_114811_4420
oops...
COMN**

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/columns/story?id=1898324
COMN for a little blurb at ESPN about Rios; it's fairly positive, but not much new that we didn't know before.

Couple of comments:

1) I have no problem with Corporations buying the naming rights to the Dome if it means a higher payroll.

2) I found this BLOCKBUSTER trade rumour in Baseball Weekly. Regardless of if there is any truth to it, I think it makes a great debate. Who would you rather have, Mark Tiexiera or Vernon Wells.

In my opinion, if it means Hinkse is gone, I'm all for it.

The Wells/Teixera rumour was kicked around here on a threada couple of days ago.

My boss, who sadly is a Cardinals fan, on the Tex/VW trade rumours: "Texas badly needs a center fielder? Are you kidding?" As he points out, Laynce Nix is a real teacher's pet in DFW, while Gary Matthews Jr. is one of the finest fielding outfielders I have ever seen. That's a nice combination.

How about Adrian Gonzalez for Miguel Batista? Or Gonazlez and Chan Ho park for Ted Lilly?

The Wells/Teixera rumour was kicked around here on a threada couple of days ago

Under what heading? I'm interested in what people had to say.

I think it was in one of the roundups -- if I remember right, the consensus was that the rumored deal was good for Toronto and bad for Texas and also very very unlikely.

The one rumor had Wells, Hinske and a pitching prospect going for Teixera and Mench.

Actually, the latest word out of Texas suggests that Wells will be acquired for Adrian Gonzalez, Laynce Nix and a pitching prospect.
There seems to be sufficient smoke to suggest that the 2 teams are talking but whether they can fire themsleves up and get something done is another question.
On the possible trade of Wells I can only add that in mid-September I saw a stat page showing that he was 3rd last among AL regulars in number of pitches seen per at bat. I doubt that there was much change in the last 2 weeks so it seems safe to say he was among the worst in this department. Not exactly the type of player JP would like. I would not be at all surprised if he is moved during the off season.

The same Laynce Nix who struck out 113 times in 371AB?

He'll be a Jay under J.P. when hell freezes over.

http://www.battersbox.ca/archives/00002511.shtml
COMN for the roundup where the last round of chatter about this one was.

Question: Can teams actually make trades now or do they have to wait until after the World Series?

Does anyone know if the Jays are focusing on OBP anymore? Based on this year's stats...yada yada yada...

I'm not to concerned about the # of pitches per at bat, Nomar led the majors in least pitches per plate appearance when he won the batting title. As long as his OBP and SLG are good, I don't think it matters.

Also you can't undervalue his defence.

If he is dealt in that rumoured deal, the Jays offense will finish dead last next season (it may already).

I hear a jangly Rolling Stones guitar riff in my head.

No, you hear a chunky Rolling Stones guitar riff in your head. The Byrds, Tom Petty - they were jangly. Keith Richards rips off the low E string, tunes to open G - and its chunky.

Gosh, now I'm splitting hairs.

Then why would they take Sequea off the 40 man roster yesterday?

They think they can get away with it, that no one will grab him.

blatant corporate names, I guess they would fall into two categories:

You notice your classic corporate names are the names of people? Phil Wrigley and Gussie Busch were people before they were corporations. Or ballparks.

I liked Jetform Park in Ottawa. I just thought it sounded cool.

It's funny now, while the ballpark is no longer called Jetform, you can still see exactly where the words "Welcome to Jetform Park" were, as the paint apparently faded quite a bit around where the letters used to be.

My thouhts on the trade rumour: Maybe JP expects that should Carlos leave, VW's production in TOR will go down, lowering his value so a couple of above average bats could help the team more than Vernon. How do you guys feel would Texeira do in Toronto? Same problem w/out protection than Vernon or is Vernon just perticulary keen for slumping w/out protection because he swings at "everything"?

BTW: A Germna tourist like myself also says TO-RON-TO.

While not having Carlos in the line-up will reduce Vernons run production, I don't think it will have a great effect on his OBP and SLG.

If anything this will reduce the cost to keep Vernon beyond his current contract.

I think Teixeira would put up similar numbers to last year. While Texas is more of a hitters park, he did hit more home runs on the road than at home. Also he missed some time due to injury and started of the season slowly. Toronto is also somewhat a hitters park.

You notice your classic corporate names are the names of people? Phil Wrigley and Gussie Busch were people before they were corporations.

Just like Bill Tropicana, Bob Safeco, Jose Comerica, Jim U.S. Cellular, and Harry Petco.

Isn't 'protection' in a batting order one of those conventional wisdom myths?

I would be more than willing to trade Wells if it meant acquiring Teixeira, but I would NEVER do it just to get Gonzalez (10-15 homers), Nix (Adam-Dunn-like strike outs) and a (shudder) Texas pitcher.

No, you hear a chunky Rolling Stones guitar riff in your head. The Byrds, Tom Petty - they were jangly. Keith Richards rips off the low E string, tunes to open G - and its chunky.

Here's a segue. We're speaking of "Start Me Up" not "Satisfaction" or "Gimme Shelter". By that time in the Stones' career, neither jangly nor chunky works for me as a description of the guitar sound. I'd say corporate pop. Don't get me wrong, it's a good tune, but it wasn't a wild thing that moved me.

There seems to be sufficient smoke to suggest that the 2 teams are talking but whether they can fire themsleves up and get something done is another question.

When it comes to sports trade rumours, where there is smoke, there is usually a bunch of columnists with too much time on their hands. If you don't believe that, persuse prosportsdaily.com and see how many columns are simply writers' conjecture about trades that might happen. One headline said "Baltimore could sign Delgado"... but the only "proof" the writer used was that Delgado was a free agent and the O's needed offence. He didn't even have a quote from a baseball source saying that Delgado was a possible target. Of course the O's could sign Delgado, theoretically so could the Cubs or the Twins or the Expos.
And those same sorts of articles appear in papers all over North America everyday thanks to lazy writers. Unfortunately most readers simply scan the article or headline and assume what the writer said is based in fact, when it is usually pure fiction.

I call the Stones guitar sound jangly because it always sounds not-quite-tuned. So not jangly in the sense of Byrds-jangly.

And isn't Harry Petco the punchline to a joke I heard once?

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=3560
Will Carroll's playoff health report is very interesting. COMN.

We're speaking of "Start Me Up" not "Satisfaction" or "Gimme Shelter".

Granted - and "Gimme Shelter" really is jangly by comparison - "Start Me Up" is still Keith riffing on a five-string Telecaster tuned to an Open-G. Like "Brown Sugar". Just not as good. Not bad corporate pop, but still...

I think of it as chunky because its a chordal riff, whereas "Satisfaction" is a single note riff.

We get jangly riffs from those Rickenbacker 12-strings that McGuinn and Petty loved so much.

it always sounds not-quite-tuned.

There's a very good reason for that. :-)

Actually "All Down the Line" goes beyond "not quite tuned" into "blatantly out of tune" territory.

He's Keith Richards, he can do these things...

There's a very good reason for that.

Yes, yes.

Don't know why, I'm just not much of a Stones fan.

I was about to post that Wells for Nix, Gonzalez and a prospect was a steal for TO and that they must be the ones throwing in the pitching prospect, not Texas. Perhaps I was overreacting.

Now that I think about it, if you're going to trade Wells, I think you need to get back a proven producer.

I'm just not much of a Stones fan.

I understand and forgive.

And what the hell. They've basically been coasting on their past glories for, like, thirty years....

Great link Joe

Bold head-turning design and legendary performance - the star of any office space.

Thank god I don't have one ... it's likely to get promoted before I am.

I know that this will cause many people to doubt my judgement or commentary on many things in the future, but I also do not like Led Zepplin.

I also do not like Led Zepplin.

Over-rated.

Since this Wells for Teixeira thread is going again... does anyone have a clue as to why Texas is paying so much for him this year? Given it is just his 2nd year in the majors he couldn't be arbitration elgible yet (unless he spent a year or two on the DL). Is he on a multi-year deal?

Hmm. Just found out why. Seems he signed a $9 million contract as a draft pick, $4.5 as a bonus with the other $4.5 spread out over the contract life. The contract was signed in 2001 from what I can find and was for 4 years (2001-2004 I'd think).

Is he good enough to replace Delgado? Maybe. Had a higher OPS this year but it is his 2nd year so it is very hard to predict. Should be interesting to see if there is a fire here.

I'm not sure Teixeira for Wells is that great for the Jays. While I love the idea of suddenly having an excellent young power hitter at 1B, this trade would result in an outfield of Cat-Rios-Johnson (with Gross as your fourth OF), or some such. In other words, an average-fielding outfield with below-average OPS.

Now if the Jays still had Werth...

If anyone is looking for a laugh this evening, check out the Funniest Primer thread of all time. The madness begins at post #17.

.... or you expand the trade to include Kevin Mench (for Chacin?).

I don't like Wells for Teixeira at all. This is not because I doubt Teixeira's phenomenal talent, as much as it is due to my respect for Wells' ability. In terms of being a CF, he is one of the best in the league both offensively and defensively. Teixeira plays 1st or 3rd, and I don't know how well, but I have never heard he is a contender for the gold glove (admittedly, this does not make it untrue, just that I have never heard it). Not to mention he brings the baggage of his agent, while Wells is locked up longterm. As well, 1st base is a position that is supposed to be relatively easy to fill, at least in the short term. Throw in the fact that Wells seems like a fine person to boot (I am not assuming anything about Teixeira, just why fix what ain't broke), and has become one of the faces of the Jays, and I don't like that trade at all.

Funny, I dislike the Stones, but I love Led Zeppelin. "Satisfaction" has got to be the most overrated song of all time. Well, maybe "Smells like Teen Spirit.."

P.S. JP won't trade Wells.

P.P.S. I still think the Red Sox will win their series. I'm a pessimist though.

By 2007 or earlier, the Blue Jays will have the fewest strike outs of any team in major league baseball. Wells will be leading the way.

I'm still on the BBatista for Mench bandwagon.

P.S. JP won't trade Wells.

I can't agree with you there. This is a last place team, if someone blows JP out of the water then he'll trade Wells. He may not be looking to trade Wells, butI don't think it's impossible.

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=fanball-redskearnstogivehotc&prov=fanball&type=lgns
The Reds have decided to try Austin Kearns at the hot corner. COMN.

Put me down in the "not going take" camp. And something tells me its more to do with the general availability of outfielders as opposed to specifically wanting to open up a spot for Ryan Freel. Either way, I wouldn't do it.

P.S. JP won't trade Wells.

JP said in his season ending wrap up press conference there are no untouchables.

Even Doc could be traded if JP got offered a killer deal although he said trading Doc is "unrealistic"

I didn't say Wells was untouchable, I said he won't trade him.

Call it a prediction; he just won't (IMO)

http://www.baseball-reference.com/p/pondsi01.shtml
Ladies and gentlemen, your 2004 Toronto Blue Jays are up at Baseball-Reference.com. COMN for the excitment of seeing Simon Pond's 49 career ABs!

I should clarify.

Paul D said that trading Wells wasn't impossible. I agree.
Ron said that Wells wasn't untouchable. I agree.

I'm just saying that I don't think he's going to.

Ryan Lind from another thread: What do I do on a day off from work? Well, I calculate the ERA+ stats for Blue Jay pitchers, of course! These numbers aren't official, but I believe they are accurate.

Well, let's see:
Pitcher, Lind ERA+, B-Ref ERA+:
Bush, 135, 132
Lilly, 122, 120
Halladay, 118, 116
Batista, 104, 101
Towers, 97, 91
Miller, 82, 80
Hentgen, 72, 70

Very close, 2-3 off each time except for Towers. I don't even know how to calculate ERA+, "the ratio of the league's ERA (adjusted to the pitcher's ballpark) to that of the pitcher." Ryan, you win the following picture:


And Jobu would sure be mad if I told him Sparky was on the radio from 7 to 7:40. Good thing I didn't post that. ;) Hinske's on tomorrow, for those interested.

And in case you couldn't tell from the previous posts the 2004 stats are now available at baseball-reference.com.

http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/news/041014verlander.html
FYI. . . it looks like Justin Verlander (last year's #2 pick) may be heading back into the draft. COMN

Wow, with Townsend and Verlander both returning to the draft the number 6 keeps looking better.

And in case you couldn't tell from the previous posts the 2004 stats are now available at baseball-reference.com.

Er, yeah...I probably should have said all the stats were up; it's quite unlikely that ONLY the Blue Jays would be on the site. Also: I am glad to report that Loaiza is back to being terrible, and Chacin's career ERA+ is 190.

It's hard to see the Teixeira for Wells for a number of reasons:

1. Contrary to what some may think, JP does value defence. I doubt he'd trade a Gold Glove caliber centerfielder for a first baseman.

2. Unless Mench is included, the outfield power would be even worse than it was this year.

3. Vernon carries cost certainty farther forward than does Teixeira. This is probably the most important reason of all. I can't see trading Vernon's deal for a soon-to-be-arb-eligible client of Scott Boras.

I don't see this trade being all that desirable for Texas either. I have read the analysts' argument that the Rangers offence is actually their area of need due to park effects, but this is a club that had 2 pitchers throw more than 104 innings. I'm not buying the argument that the Rangers' staff is less of an area of need.

Did they just ask Bob Brenly about strategy?

OK, fine. In that case, I am here to answer all your questions about quantum mechanics.

"The Stapler"..

ANTHAIR SHEEGOS

Since there's no LCS thread, let me just say...

Beltran is so seriously jacking up the price of his contract next year.

I started a thread. Better late than never?

The reason my numbers are off is because my park factor was off. I have Skydome at 107 for Pitchers, while Bref has it at 105. I'm not sure why we calculated different PF's....I'll have to look at it more clocely. I probably just made a stupid error somewhere.

Arghhh. All my data is the same as BRef's, yet I come out with a Pitcher's Park Factor of 107 and they come out at 105 (for SkyDome.)

Whyyyy? Can someone else here do that math?

I think you're using the 1-year park factor, while B-Ref is listing a 2-year factor (based on 2003 and 2004); for other years, B-Ref usually lists a 3-year factor.

D'oh! I knew it would be something obvious. Thanks, StephenT.

Couple things though:

1) Why are they doing two years and not three?
2) I still come up with a PPF of 1.06 :-(

Strike that second question, I was being an idiot (again.)

They'll change their 2004 PF to a 3-year factor next year when they have the 2005 data.

Another approach (that I like somewhat better) is "Bill James' five-year weighted Park Factors" (introduced on page 2688 of the STATS All-Time Major League Handbook, 2nd ed.). He gave a weight of 4 to the same year data and weight of 1 to each of the two previous and following years (dropping some of them if there was a park change). This is a compromise between the 1-year and multi-year averages. My own park factors for 2004 are a variant of this approach (50% this year, 50% of what I used last year).

I don't like the distinction between PPF and BPF (and James does not bother with it). If you look at them side by side, you'll notice that they are almost always within a couple points of each other. Given that the accuracy of park factors is probably at best a few points, I don't think it's a distinction worth making.

I'm not sure what data source you are referring to (the one that is the same as B-Ref's).

You know, it's great that Townsend and perhaps Verlander will be back in the draft next year but there is a little voice in my head that has no respect for talented ball players who waste a year of their career because they want an extra million dollars... but haven't proven themselves one bit in the pro ranks. If they are good enough to deserve $5 million to sign, then they'll make more than enough later on in their careers. Take a couple million bucks, set yourself up for life (even $2 million is a life changing amount) and get out on the $%#^&!! field.

Marc: I know. I just hope teams #1-5 pick these two guys, leaving the Jays with one of the other top picks (preferably someone they can sign without all the melodrama).

You know, it's great that Townsend and perhaps Verlander will be back in the draft next year but there is a little voice in my head that has no respect for talented ball players who waste a year of their career because they want an extra million dollars...

Amen. I'm almost positive that I saw a study once that showed players who holdout, re-enter the draft, or otherwise lose playing time end up losing money in the long run even if the team eventually caves to their demands. It was hockey related not baseball related but the theory should still hold.

I mean, suppose you hold out one year at the beginning of your career over a million dollars. You've just made your career one year shorter. Since free agency is based on time served and not age, that means one year of free agency money down the tubes at the tail end of your career. One year longer to wait until arbitration, one year longer to wait until free agency, and one year sooner retirement. Not to mention the impact that not playing might have on a player's development. And not to mention the character issues it brings up.

That's assuming you'll have a long and semi-prosperous career though. The majority of players drafted don't last more than a cup of coffee in the majors. From that perspective it is understandable if a 22 year old wants that extra million that could set him up even further for life.

I do agree that it's silly to do so at the expense of losing a year of experience and getting rusty. With the MLB recommended slot bonuses there should be fewer of these cases but you'll always have the hyped prospects near the top of the draft thinking the guidelines don't apply to them.

Except that most of the guys who hold our are among the top prospects (if they weren't, they wouldn't have any leverage in the negotiations). A lot of those guys are going to have some sort of major league career unless they are pitchers and they blow their arm out completely (and signing early might put a pitcher at slightly greater risk of an arm injury).

I found this BLOCKBUSTER trade rumour in Baseball Weekly. Regardless of if there is any truth to it, I think it makes a great debate. Who would you rather have, Mark Tiexiera or Vernon Wells.

The same article suggests the Cubs will let Garciaparra go as a free agent. Do the Jays have interest if he doesn't cost a draft pick? Do they have interest if he does? That would make Hudson or Adams a tradeable asset. If you would spend $8 million for Delgado would you offer it for Garciaparra? You probably couldn't afford another bat after that unless you move Hinske, Batista, or Wells.

Considering the cost concious Jays have Wells locked up at a fairly reasonable price and the Boras represented Texiera will be a FA soon, I doubt it.