Three games want so badly to pleasure you tonight. Let down your guard, America, and let in the joy.

(Games listed in order of likely awesomness. NERD scores in parentheses.)

Minnesota (7) at Texas (8) | 8:10pm ET
Starting Pitchers
Twins: Francisco Liriano (10)
151.1 IP, 9.81 K/9, 2.97 BB/9. .350 BABIP, 53.8% GB, 2.9% HR/FB, 3.00 xFIP

Rangers: Cliff Lee (10)
174.2 IP, 7.78 K/9, 0.57 BB/9, .301 BABIP, 40.3% GB, 6.0% HR/FB, 3.28 xFIP

Notes
• Because you and I have never met — and because we’ve definitely never heart-to-hearted our respective world views over a couple-few glasses of white zin — I don’t exactly know what you’re looking for out of life. A home in a nice school district? A sweet yacht and stuff? I don’t know. Anyway, I’m guessing one thing you don’t mind — especially since you’re the sort of enthusiast to point his internet browser this way — is a clash between the American League’s two best pitchers. That’s what this game features. In other words: boo-yah.
• You don’t need to care even one lick about the Mariners to read Jeff Sullivan’s writing at Lookout Landing. You just have to wanna say bonjour to a prose style equal parts masculine and magical. Anyway, Sully (as no one should ever call him) is so good, he can even make you care about the whole Colin Cowherd-Cliff Lee thing.
• Question: Who will start in center for the Twinkers? The Shadow knows! (And Ron Gardenhire, too, probably.) (And also maybe Parker Hageman.)

Arizona (9) at San Diego (10) | 6:35pm ET
Starting Pitchers
DBacks: Ian Kennedy (5)
151.0 IP, 7.63 K/9, 3.34 BB/9, .277 BABIP, 36.4% GB, 12.4% HR/FB, 4.44 xFIP

Pads: Kevin Correia (5)
132.2 IP, 6.85 K/9, 3.87 BB/9, .298 BABIP, 49.1% GB, 14.2% HR/FB, 4.22 xFIP

Notes
• When you talk about Carson Cistulli, you’re talking about a guy who’s shocked to learn that Ian Kennedy’s thrown 151 innings this year. Go, you guy.
• When you talk about Carson Cistulli, you’re also talking about a guy who’s pretty surprised that Kevin Correia — who calls the giant, cavernous, and salty-aired Petco Park his home — currently sports an inflated HR/FB rate. Even curiouser is this next thing. Correia at home: 76.0 IP, 16.2% HR/FB. Correia on the road: 56.2 IP, 11.5% HR/FB.
• Chris Denorfia is repping Wheaton College* pretty hard these days. Line: 238 PA, .289/.354/.483 (.317 BABIP), .360 wOBA, 134 wRC+, 1.8 WAR. Also, he appears to’ve taken over center field duties with Tony Gwynn Jr. out of commission.

*Sorry. I meant THE Wheaton College.

If I Had My Druthers
• There’d be a book called Correia on the Road.
• Correia on the Road would be “a largely autobiographical work based on the spontaneous road trips of Correia and his friends across mid-century America.”
• Oh yeah, and Kevin Correia would’ve also time-traveled here from mid-century America.

Saint Louis (5) at Washington (6) | 7:05pm ET
Starting Pitchers
Cards: Chris Carpenter (6)
184.1 IP, 6.98 K/9. 2.49 BB/9, .275 BABIP, 50.9% GB, 10.7% HR/FB, 3.80 xFIP

Nats: Jordan Zimmermann (10*)
(2009) 91.1 IP, 9.07 K/9, 2.86 BB/9. .339 BABIP, 43.5% GB, 12.2% HR/FB, 3.39 xFIP

Notes
• This marks Zimmermann’s season debut — a kinda exciting thing, when you consider what he was able to do last year before succumbing to arm troubles and, eventually, Tommy John surgery. Here’s Zimmermann’s line through four Triple-A starts: 17.0 IP, 12 K, 3 BB, 0 HR, 2.32 FIP. The K numbers don’t appear to be there yet, but the control seems to’ve returned. Anyway, we’ll see.
• Ryan Ludwick was traded to the San Diego Padres on July 31st. Here’s Jon Jay’s line since then: .324/.378/.397 (.393 BABIP). That’s about a .353 wOBA. With something closer to a .325 BABIP, however, that’s more like a .300 wOBA. I bet Jay’s true talent lies somewhere above that (and I hope it does, as he’s on my fantasy team), but it’ll be interesting to see how things play out.
• If you didn’t read Dave Cameron’s piece about Ryan Zimmerman last week, (a) that’s kind of embarrassing and (b) do it by clicking here. Here’s what he says: were he to start a franchise, he’d very likely do it with Ryan Zimmerman — a.k.a. the same exact Ryan Zimmerman you can watch in this game.

Also Playing
These games are very likely playing at some kind of sporty channel near you.

pNERD = Pitcher NERD
tNERD = Team NERD
Game = Time and Average NERD for Game
* = Estimated NERD

This edition of One Night Only is brought to you by the unpopular imagination. Which, it’s kinda like the popular imagination, except with braces and stuff.

(NERD scores in parentheses. All times Eastern.)

Minnesota (7) at Texas (8) | 8:05pm ET
Starting Pitchers
Twins: Brian Duensing (6)
84.1 IP, 5.12 K/9, 2.03 BB/9, .249 BABIP, 53.6% GB, 6.3% HR/FB, 3.99 xFIP

Rangers: C.J. Wilson (3)
158.0 IP, 7.29 K/9, 4.04 BB/9, .257 BABIP, 49.9% GB, 5.3% HR/FB, 4.30 xFIP

Opening Statement
These are the same teams as last night. And, owing to tomorrow night’s matchup between nerdthrobs Francisco Liriano and Cliff Lee — well, it’ll probably be the same teams tomorrow night.

So sue me.

That said, there are some other sweet games tonight — which, you can see NERDed the eff out at the bottom of this document.

On C.J. Wilson’s NERD Score
It’s too low, probably. Here’re four reasons why I’m saying that:

1. NERD weighs xFIP pretty heavily. Wilson’s got a 4.30 xFIP, which is merely league-average-ish for a starter. But he also throws a cut fastball, which generally suppresses home runs at a better rate than the league-average of 11% HR/FB. Thus, his 3.66 FIP might actually be more representative of his talent here. Or, maybe 4.00 would be a fairer mark. In any case, it’s probably something lower than 4.30.

2. Wilson’s been crazy good this month — and crazy dominant in his last two starts. His line over those two starts (at Baltimore and home versus Boston) looks exactly like this: 16.1 IP, 20 K, 2 BB, 21 GB on 35 BIP (for a 60% GB rate, exactly). That gives Wilson about a 2.10 xFIP over his last two starts.

3. Wilson’s conversion from reliever to starter is still interesting as a narrative — especially if, as seems to be the case, he’s still figuring out what it means to be a starter.

4. While Wilson doesn’t have the nerd cred of a Brian Bannister or Max Scherzer, he appears to be a genuinely enthusiastic and thoughtful person — or, at least that’s what I’d guess from his Twitter feed. In the world I want to live in, thoughtful and enthusiastic people are successful.

On Denard Span, Jason Repko, and Center Field
The Twitters have recently served as a home to a number of Twins fans who’re saying they’d like to see Jason Repko take over for Denard Span in center field — at least on a temporary basis.

At first blush, it seems like a local, very enthusiastic fanbase overreacting to a run of bad luck on the part of one of their better players. Span has slumped lately, slashing .234/.280/.299 (with a .269 BABIP) during the month of August. His season numbers — .267/.336/.352, .296 BABIP, .317 wOBA, 98 wRC+, 2.2 WAR — really aren’t bad, although they’re underwhemling relative to last year’s .359 wOBA (122 wRC+).

Meanwhile, here’s what Repko’s done through 73 PA this season: .246/.319/.477, .283 BABIP .341 wOBA, 114 wRC+. His contact skills are poor, as his low batting average and 24.6% strikeout rate suggests, but otherwise he’s hit pretty well.

Span and Repko, The Remix (Featuring D.J. Parker Hageman)
In any case, I wanted to ask someone about this whole Span/Repko situation — someone who follows the Twins closely and is both (a) saber-friendly and (b) kinda foul-mouthed.

Viva la Parker Hageman of Over the Baggy.

To Hageman I posed this question: “Who should start center field in this game and why?”

Here’s what he said (minus some terrible comments about my mother):

With the Rangers’ CJ Wilson being one of the more lethal left-handed killers in the game, the Twins will certainly contemplate resting slumping center fielder Denard Span in favor of Jason Repko. Repko is very capable of spelling Denard, if for one night only.

Wilson has been one bad mofo against left-handed opponents this season. He’s viciously struck out 28% of all same-sided opponents faced while keeping them to a .105 batting average, currently baseball’s best in this split. That’s cold-blooded. Interestingly enough, Span has actually fared better against his southpawed-kin this year. Still, that is against human left-handers, not CJ Wilson.

Meanwhile, the right-handed hitting Repko has been a wonderful spare part for the club. His output is a reflection of sample-sizing, as he is frequently a strikeout waiting to happen, but he has contributed when needed. What’s more is that he has supplied more ball-shagging abilities than the Kardashian sisters, giving the Twins an above-average defender in Span’s absence.

Resting Span in this contest would be the least sadistic thing to do. After all, considering he is suffering from a well-documented case of walk depression, sending him to the plate against Wilson would qualify as a form of abuse, right?

If I Had My Druthers
• There would be an actual movie called C.J. Wilson’s WAR.
• Tom Hanks would play C.J. Wilson in it.
• Colby Lewis would also play C.J. Wilson.

Also Playing
These games are very likely playing at some kind of sporty channel near you.

pNERD = Pitcher NERD
tNERD = Team NERD
Game = Time and Average NERD for Game
* = Estimated NERD

Today’s edition of One Night Only is gonna make you sweat.

Sorry about that.

(NERD scores in parentheses. All times Eastern.)

Tuesday, August 24 | Minnesota (7) at Texas (8) | 8:05pm ET
Starting Pitchers
Twins: Carl Pavano (6)
174.0 IP, 5.17 K//9, 1.50 BB/9, .285 BABIP, 49.6% GB, 9.1% HR/FB, 3.91 xFIP

Rangers: Colby Lewis (6)
155.0 IP, 8.94 K/9, 2.90 BB/9, .291 BABIP, 37.9% GB, 7.9% HR/FB, 3.86 xFIP

Opening Statement
I feel like you’re judging me because I picked this game. You’re like, “Oh, what, Colby Lewis pitches and you just automatically pick that game?!? Do you even know that there’re like twenty-nine other teams, Cistulli — and like, I don’t know, three-hundred other starting pitchers?”

Listen, okay: stop judging me with your judgments. Because, you know what? You know who else got judged with a lot of judgments? Jesus*. That’s who.

So, cram it.

*It occurs to me that you might think I mean Jesus of Nazareth. Actually, no; I’m talking about this guy Jesus I went to high school with. Great guy, but short. So a lot of people judged him on that. But he was really just like you. Unless you’re tall, I mean. In which case, he wasn’t like you at all.

Opening Statement, Version 2.0
This is just one of three games today with a Game NERD in the 7s. Here are the others:

• Florida (Josh Johnson) at New York Nationals (R.A. Dickey), 7:10pm
• Arizona (Rodrigo Lopez) at San Diego (Clayton Richard), 10:05pm

But Why I Picked This One
Because, I don’t care, I’m not gonna watch Rodrigo Lopez pitch.

But Why I Picked This One, Version 2.0
Because the Twins and Rangers are in first place.

And also, the Rangers almost no-hit the Twinkers last night.

And also, I SCREAM FOR COLBY LEWIS.

On Carl Pavano and the Moustache Situation
The internet has found out that Carl Pavano has a sweet moustache. “Which moustache?” maybe you’re asking (because this is your first time ever near a computer). This one:

Wait, that’s Hercule Poirot. This is what I mean:

Breaking News
I’m the sort of guy to get breaking news. So when I wanted to get a big story on these moustaches, I went to one of my trusted sources — i.e. Bryz of Off the Mark.

I was like, “Hey, Bryz: tell me something I don’t know about this whole moustache situation.”

He was like (and I quote):

Pavano took the field during his second-to-last start at Target Field to the tune of the Super Mario theme. Whereas Mario throws only one type of fireball, Pavario throws as many as four: two-seam fastball, Vulcan change (Pavario calls it a fosh), four-seam fastball, and a slider. Based on pitch type linear weights, these pitches are just as deadly as Mario’s fireball.

Pavano’s mustache has the ability to perform inception, causing you to want to grow a mustache. It’s certainly worked on Twins mascot T.C.

Good work, Bryz. Top shelf.

Finally, An Actual Fact
Minnesota is second in the majors in park-adjusted weighted runs above average (wRAA), and first in Batting-plus-Fielding WAR.

If I Had My Druthers
• Colby Lewis and Carl Pavano would make a second version of C+C Music Factory.
• This version wouldn’t be a band, at all, but an actual factory.
• Said factory would supply jobs to un- and underemployed Americans.

The Rest of Tonight’s Games
Are here:

pNERD = Pitcher NERD
tNERD = Team NERD
Game = Time and Average NERD for Game
* = Estimated NERD

Just three tiny hours ago, I submitted for the readership’s consideration a bigger, badder version of the NERD metric that I originally introduced back in June. Having come to something like a consensus on NERD for pitchers, it was clear that the American people were ready for more. They were ready — dumdumdum — for team NERD.

At the risk of overstimulating the home audience, who are likely still reeling from this morning’s announcement, I’d like now to discuss what these new advances in NERD technology — what they do for the One Night Only game previews I’ve taken to posting in these electronic pages.

Really, the differences won’t be huge-huge. It’s my solemn vow always to write (or, at least, try to write) in a prose style equal parts G.K. Chesterton and Mickey Avalon.

But there will be one difference, and it’s kinda awesome. Regard:

pNERD = Pitcher NERD
tNERD = Team NERD
Game = Time and Average NERD for Game
* = Estimated NERD

What you see there is all of today’s games, graded via NERD scores. Under the column labeled pNERD, you got your pitchers’ NERDs; under tNERD, you got your teams’ NERDs; and under Game, you got both the time of the game (Eastern) and the average of both pitchers’ and teams’ NERD scores. That last number, if everything is working correctly, should give you a sense of how appealing the game in question ought to be.

I intend to provide such a list in these pages everyday, Monday through Thursday, and then a weekend edition on Fridays. (I also might not do that, on account of how Sloth’s strong strength.)

In any case, were I you, I’d probably watch that Yankers-Blue Jays game tonight. Morrow is awesome for a bunch of reasons that are probably obvious; the Toronto offense hits a lot of home runs; and Ivan Nova will be making his first career major league start.

Barring that game, there’s the Twins-Ranger game. Derek Holland (NERD: 5) was originally slated to start for Minnesota, but now it’s Rich Harden. Will he throw even one strike? Tune in to find out!

This is a post introducing and explaining NERD scores for teams. I’m including the results first and then the background, methodology — all that junk — second.

Curious as to what NERD is? The short answer is: it’s a number, on a 0-10 scale, designed to express the “watchability” of teams for those of the sabermetric persuasion.

For more information, consult the index right after the results.

The Results
Here are the results for team NERD:

Read the rest of this entry »

Yesterday, in these electronic pages, I suggested that a daily feature might be an appropriate addition to the site. In particular, I noted that, owing to the pretty serious amount of content we’re generating here these days, it might make sense to include a digest of the previous day’s posts.

What follows represents a second attempt at the daily feature. Mostly what’s different is, per Joe Tetreault’s advice, I assigned each of the previous day’s articles to subject headings (which, in some cases, I took liberties in defining).

Moreover, if I’ve done it correctly, these links should bring you directly to the relevant portions of this post:

Yesterday at FanGraphs
Notable Tweets
One Night Only: Weekend Edition

As yesterday, feel free to make suggestions in the comment section, which I’ll read with bated breath.

Yesterday at FanGraphs
File Under: Current Events, Ruminations On
Roger Clemens Indicted; Steroid Era on Trial by Alex Remington

File Under: Draft Coverage, Present Day
2010 Draft Review: AL West by Bryan Smith
2010 Draft Review: NL West by Bryan Smith

File Under: Draft Coverage, Past Day
First Round Compensation (Part One) by R.J. Anderson
First Round Compensation (Part Two) R.J. Anderson

File Under: Player Analysis, Game-Specific
Just Octavio Being Octavio by Jack Moore

File Under: Player Analysis, General
Niese a Nice Find for the Mets by David Golebiewski

File Under: Transaction Analysis, Ad Hoc
Brad Hawpe Hits Free Agency a Few Weeks Early by Joe Pawlikowski

File Under: Transaction Analysis, Ex Post Facto
Free Agent Signings That Worked by Dave Cameron

Notable Tweets
From AnswerDave Syzyn Wyldmyn: “I’m in Rawjah Clemens’ jury box.”

From KenTremendous: Seems like Roger Clemens is in the twilight of his “not-in-jail” career. http://es.pn/boRvZT

Read the rest of this entry »

In case the reader hasn’t noticed, FanGraphs has a lot more daily content now than it did even last year at this time. Like, a lot more.

It can be overwhelming sometimes — even for those of us who write for the site. Seriously, a guy can leave his computer for a quick nap, wake up an hour or two later, and return to find, like, seven more articles to be read.

To help contend with this bane to our collective nerdom, I’m thinking it might make sense to experiment with a “daily feature” that includes, among other things, a digest of the previous day’s posts.

What else would it include? Well, I don’t entirely know. Probably the One Night Only game previews that critics are calling “a tour-de-force,” for one. Maybe notable tweets? Maybe a graph of the previous day’s most curious game?

One thing it probably won’t be is a link-a-thon to other sites. For two reasons: (1) Rob Neyer, et al., already do that really well, and (2) I can’t read that much about baseball.

In any case, what follows very probably doesn’t represent a final draft, either in terms of content or form. If you have any suggestions as to what you’d like to see, feel free to use the comment section to that end. (Also, if you’re a psychiatrist and have any explanations as to what the frig is up with Pat Misch, please use the comment section for that, too.)

Yesterday at FanGraphs
The Draft That Keeps on Giving
In which computerbot R.J. Anderson looks at the Rangers’ unusually useful 2007 draft.

One Night Only: Yer Darn Tootin’ It’s a Pennant Race
In which yours truly waxes disgusting about the day’s better games.

Expanded Four Factors: Do It Yourself (1.0)
In which Jackie Moore invites you to get all DIY up in this piece.

2010 Draft Review: AL Central
In which prospect maven Bryan Smith talks about boyz to men. Metaphorically speaking.

FanGraphs Chat – 8/18/10
In which our Full-Time Employee wanders among the unwashed.

Derrek Lee to the Braves
In which fellow paesan Pat Andriola considers the relative merits of Derrek Lee and Troy Glaus.

The Reds Are Past the Point of Placating Veterans
In which Joe Pawl is all about Paul Janish.

NPB Prospects You Should Know
In which Patrick Newman quoths the phrase “Fat Ichiro” — but not in the dirty way this time.

2010 Draft Review: NL Central
In which prospect maven Bryan Smith sings a verse very similar to his first.

Jay Bruce and Batted Ball Distance
In which Jeff Zimmerman gets super graphic (with the average distance of Jay Bruce’s batted balls).

The Franchise Player
In which our Full-Time Employee tries to start something with Ryan Zimmerman.

Cubs Bring Back Pitching For Lee
In which Jackie Moore advises you to remember this name: Robinson Lopez.

Another Neglected Red
In which Joe Pawl sings the praises of All-Joyer Chris Heisey.

Carlos Quentin’s Drop Off Continues
In which Matthew Carruth informs you that Quentin’s WAR since 2008 is, like the industry leader of built-in refrigerators, sub-zero.

Notable Tweets
Baseball Division
From jonahkeri: Lance Cormier is the Armando Benitez of Chan Ho Parks.

Open Division
From TheKevinButler: I traded all the way up from a red paper clip into this job.

One Night Only: New York (NL) at Houston | 8:05pm ET
Starting Pitchers
Metropolitans: Pat Misch (N/A)
150.2 IP, 5.91 K/9, 1.43 BB/9, .299 BABIP, 49.1% GB, 4.6% HR/BIA 3.43 FIP (Triple-A)*

Space Team: Bud Norris (10)
99.2 IP, 9.75 K/9, 3.88 BB/9, .350 BABIP, 43.5% GB, 12.9% HR/FB, 3.75 xFIP

*Minor league GB and HR/BIA numbers courtesy of StatCorner. MLB average is 6.5% HR/BIA.

Read the rest of this entry »

Today’s edition of One Night Only is brought to you by the Midwest.

“The Midwest: We might be overweight, but we had fun getting this way.”

(NERD scores in parentheses.)

Wednesday, August 18 | Chicago (AL) at Minnesota | 8:10pm ET
Starting Pitchers
Pale Hose: Gavin Floyd (7)
151.0 IP, 7.39 K/9, 2.68 BB/9, .314, BABIP, 51.1% GB, 7.1% HR/FB, 3.68 xFIP

Twinkers: Francisco Liriano (10)
146.1 IP, 9.84 K/9, 2.83 BB/9, .350 BABIP, 54.0% GB, 2.0% HR/FB, 2.94xFIP

MVP?
Here are some things that might interest ye. The first thing is Joe Mauer’s line through July 24th: .295/.365/.435. Now here’s Joe Mauer’s line since then: .516/.588/.750.

“But Carson,” maybe you’re saying, “not only is that a small sample, but his BABIP is over like .500 in that time.” To which I reply: “Hey, how bout you take a trip to Cram-It Ville, and cram it.”

“But Carson,” maybe you’re continuing to say, “Cram-It Ville isn’t even a real place.” To which I reply, again: “Yeah, actually you’re right. Sorry, I just got carried away.”

FYI, here’s Mr. Joe Mauer’s current season line now: .331/.404/.486, .381 wOBA, 141 wRC+, 4.2 WAR. That’s from a catcher, friends.

Danny Frigging Valencia
Yesterday, Tim Dierkes of MLB Trade Rumors briefly speculated that the Twins might claim Brandon Inge off waivers, if and when he (i.e. Inge) is placed there by his current team, the Detroit Tigers. Dierkes went on to suggest that the Twinkers might be fine with young Danny Valencia manning third for the duration of the season.

As it might for you, too, it made me curious about Valencia’s performance thus far. Here’s what I found: .329/.375/.419, .354 wOBA, 123 wRC+, 1.6 WAR, 168 PA.

Because you’re a nerd, you’re also very likely wondering about his (i.e. Valencia’s) luck, and you’re right to do so, as Valencia’s BABIP currently stands at .385. That number will probably regress. How far, is the question.

In any case, using Jackie Moore’s Four Factors, we can say this much: all other things being equal, Danny Valencia with a .350 BABIP brings his wOBA down to .330, a .325 BABIP means a .310 wOBA, and .300 BABIP equals a .290 wOBA.

Given his batted-ball profile, which is pretty typical actually, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him move more towards the last of those sets of figures.

Notes from Erik Manning, Owner-Operator of Pale Hose Pariah
• You can heap all sorts of superlatives when it comes to the White Sox pitching rotation. They are solid from top to bottom, even after losing Jake Peavy for the season. For all the attention that the Brothers Roy or Wainwright-Carpenter get, Danks-Floyd arguably have been the best 1-2 punch in baseball. Floyd is also the poster boy of xFIP. Behold: April ERA – 6.49, xFIP 4.06. May – 5.63, 4.10, June – 2.58, 3.28, July 0.80, 3.28, August 3.92, 3.93.
• Jim Thome has a .409 wOBA. The White Sox DH’s have averaged a .307 wOBA. It’s a dead horse in Sox-o-sphere, but… angry eyebrows. >:(
• I’ve seen this print on a t-shirt, and I want one.

Top Secret Information
This game is what we in the industry refer to as “one-a spicey meat-a-ball.” That’s as much as I’m allowed to say, however.

If I Had My Druthers
This game would be an actual spicy meatball, and I’d eat the frig out of it.

Other Games
TEX (Derek Holland, N/A) at TB (James Shields, 8) | 1:10pm ET
Why won’t you let Derek Holland be great, America?

COL (Jason Hammel, 8) at LAD (Hiroki Kuroda, 8) | 10:10pm ET
Carlos Gonzalez, plate discipline: 4.7% BB, 23.4% K.

As Erik Manning is all-too willing to remind us, defensive prodigy Peter Bourjos recently made his major league debut, pushing Angels’ incumbent center fielder, Torii Hunter, over to right in the process.

In their most recent Prospect Handbook, Baseball America calls Bourjos’ defense “game-changing,” and the numbers agree: per Total Zone, Bourjos was worth +76 runs in 360 games started in center field 2006 to 2009.

The question remains, though: of what value is Bourjos to the more aesthetically oriented baseball enthusiast?

In what follows, I hope to provide something like an answer, as I critique each of the eleven videos at Bourjos’ MLB.com highlight reel.

[Note: links to each video are available by clicking on the title of said video. Dates of action are in brackets.]

Bourjos Makes the Basket Catch [04.01.10]
The grainy resolution of the video makes it impossible to regard “Basket Catch” as anything but what it is: the early work of a talented, but immature, highlight-maker. By that criteria, however, it’s a success. Even in this first effort, we see a theme that will recur throughout Bourjos’ corpus — namely, his ability to make the difficult appear effortless.

Bourjos Scores to Win It [04.02.10]
An underwhelming clip from a player still very much experimenting with his voice. Here we see — what? — Bourjos scoring from third on a shortstop Chin-lung Hu’s error, which error occurs with two outs in a tie game. If anything, this work is more about the latter’s identity. “Who is Hu?” one asks. “Perhaps not a major league shortstop,” another is forced to answer.

Bourjos’ Game-Tying Double [04.02.10]
“Game-Tying Double” is the third installment in Bourjos’ spring training triptych, and the first in which we see him at the plate. Like “Scores to Win It,” Bourjos’ contribution is only interesting when considered within the context of the game — a game which, as the title suggests, he ties — as opposed to any sort of conspicuous display of genius from Bourjos. This is a piece whose interest is limited only to aficionadi of his work.

Bourjos’ Strong Throw [08.04.10]
Like a sunrise exploding over the crystalline horizon of the Arctic’s icy plains, Bourjos’ first true mature work is almost too dazzling to behold. This highlight announces Bourjos’ arrival. We see his trademark range as he tracks the ball almost from straight-away, or even right-, center field; the quick release and accuracy (if not strength) of his throwing arm; and, finally, Scott’s reaction, a provocative mixture of disappointment and awe.

Bourjos’ Strong Game [08.04.10]
“Strong Game” is essentially the extended, director’s cut of “Strong Throw,” featuring — in addition to the aforementioned throw — a single off of third baseman Joshua Bell’s glove, a steal of third, and an infield hit also in Bell’s direction. As with other director’s cuts, “Strong Game” (a) is longer and less even in quality than the original and (b) includes a narrative entirely ignored by the cleaner studio version. The narrative in question here is the tête-à-tête between rookies Bourjos and Bell — an encounter won easily by Bourjos.

Bourjos Runs It Down [08.05.10]
The play in question, though excellent, is almost entirely overshadowed by the encounter immediately afterwards between Bourjos and the man whose position he usurped, Torii Hunter. In a brave and refreshing gesture, though, “Runs It Down” totally forgoes the tired Oedipal narrative. Instead, we see the two men celebrating and equaled humbled by Bourjos’ gift. “Bravo, Bourjos. Bravo, humanity,” one is left saying.

Bourjos’ Running Catch [08.08.10]
No player on a field is more isolated, further from his teammates, than the center fielder: that’s the message of “Running Catch.” Here we see Don Kelly line (fline?) a ball to deep center, and see Bourjos — alone, and yet the focus of all attention — make a two-handed grab. For those unconvinced, the Howard’s Appliance and Big Screen Superstore Replay allows us to re-live the action, where we feel the loneliness of the short-distance runner even more piquantly.

Bourjos’ Squeeze Play [08.10.10]
Though still too young to abandon completely all attempts at offensive highlights, “Squeeze Play” serves merely to reinforce the notion that Bourjos’ best work is done on the other side of the ball.

Bourjos’ Diving Catch [08.13.10]
Besides representing yet another instance of Bourjos’ excellent range and body control, “Diving Catch” distinguishes itself for being the first of Bourjos’ highlights featuring a camera angle that allows the viewer to track Bourjos from contact to catch. We see in the replay of said catch, starting at about the 0:25 mark, that the young center fielder begins his path to the ball on contact. We leave duly reassured: Bourjos isn’t merely a showboater, but an instinctual fielder, too.

Bourjos’ Leaping Catch [08.13.10]
As Jonny Gomes is all-too capable of reminding us, not all leaping catches are made the same. Accordingly, the viewer must always question whether a great-looking play is actually a great actual play. As we saw in “Diving Catch,” such concerns are likely unwarranted with Bourjos. As such, we can enjoy “Leaping Catch” unfettered by such anxieties.

Bourjos Is Not Awarded Base [08.14.10]
Make no mistake: in and of itself “Not Awarded Base” is a disappointment — certainly a letdown from the dizzying heights of “Leaping” and “Diving.” But in the context of the Bourjosian oeuvre, it serves as a well-timed reminder: despite the prodigy’s already impressive resume, the Old Guard (and, specifiaclly, Joe West) is not so easily converted.

The editors of FanGraphs invite you to put the following in your pipe and smoke it.

Or just read it with your eyes. You choose.

(NERD scores in parentheses.)

Friday, August 13
Milwaukee (Yovani Gallardo, 9) at Colorado (Jorge de la Rosa, 9) | 9:10pm ET
• Casey McGehee entered Wednesday’s game versus Arizona batting .272. Entering play today, that number’s risen to .285 — mostly on account of he’s gone 9 for his last frigging 9. “But, Cistulli,” maybe you’re saying, “didn’t you even know that batting average is so 1997?” “Well,” I reply, “it also makes up about 80% of a player’s on-base percentage, so stick it.”
• Jorge de la Rosa currently sports a 5.01 ERA, but only a 3.73 xFIP. Impress your friends and/or enemies by reciting this loudly in a public place.
• If I had my druthers: We could all impress each other without even trying.

Toronto (Marc Rzepczynski, N/A) at Los Angeles Americans (Scott Kazmir, 2) | 10:05pm ET
• Hear me now and believe me whenever you want: this game isn’t being featured because of Scott Kazmir’s sweet pitching skills. Kazmir has below-average strikeout, walk, and groundball rates. No, the real pleasure will be watching Toronto, currently the only team with a collective ISO greater than .200 (specifically, .210), take massive hacks at Kazmir’s junk*.
• Jose Bautista hit his league-leading 36th dongpiece last night. Hear him roar!
• Ah, man: I love the Rze and so can you. Like Tom Cruise in a certain 1983 cinematic masterpiece, Marc Rzepczynski has all the right moves. He doesn’t qualify for a NERD score yet, but has a 3.41 xFIP against a 7.15 ERA. And he’s only 25. And even the vowels in his name are consonants.
• Peter Bourjos! Peter Bourjos! Peter Bourjos! (Yes, this is what passes for baseball analysis these days.)

*And by “junk,” I mean his pitches, of course.

Saturday, August 14
San Diego (Mat Latos, 10) at San Francisco (Madison Bumgarner, 7) | 4:10pm ET
• Damn, Mat Latos, you’re only 23 and have one of the best xFIPs (3.56) among starting pitchers.
• Damn, Madison Bumgarner, you’re better than I thought you were going to be.
• Damn, Ryan Ludwick, who died and gave you a career 7.9 UZR/150 in right field?

Oakland (Trevor Cahill, 5) at Minnesota (Brian Duensing, 4) | 7:10pm ET
• Neither Cahill nor Duensing are real edge-of-your-seat exciting pitchers. Both are below average in terms of swinging-strike rates, and hence K/9. But they’re also pretty-really good at inducing grounders. On the season, Cahill is sporting a 56.4% groundball rate; Duensing, 52.4%. How many will they induce tonight?!? Tune in to find out!
• In case you didn’t hear, Oakland recently promoted prospect Chris Carter to the big club. I had the opportunity to see all 6’5″, 230 of Carter this spring when Triple-A Sacramento visited Portland, Ore. Here was my first thought: “I could totally take that guy.” Here was my second: “I must be pretty sauced right now.”
• If I had my druthers: I could totally take that guy.

Boston (Jon Lester, 9) at Texas (Colby Lewis, 6) | 8:05pm ET
• Lester has groundball rate of 54.3%. That’s surprising to me, and, because I’m not that special, I’m guessing it surprises you and you and you. How’s he doing it? Well, I asked the internet that question — specifically, StatCorner’s awesome scouting tool — and here’s what I found. (All pitches are graded on 20-80 scouting scale in each cat).

Pitch	%	Sp	K	BB	GB
FB	58%	93	70	60	75
SI	16%	89	80	65	50
CB	14%	77	65	45	70
CH	8%	85	60	25	75
Overall	--	--	70	50	75

What we find here is that, with the exception of Lester’s sinker, he’s getting near league-best groundball rates on all his pitches. Now you know!
• Colby Lewis is dynamic. That’s it: he’s just frigging dynamic.
• If I had my druthers: Someone would design a plane or something modeled after Colby Lewis’s dynamism.

Sunday, August 15
Cleveland (Justin Masterson, 8) at Seattle (Felix Hernandez, 10) | 1:05pm ET
• Fact One: Justin Masterson has 63.4% groundball rate.
• Fact Two: The Cleveland infield has had a whole lot of Jason Donald and Asdrubal Cabrera and Mark Grudzielanek and Anderson Hernandez and Jhonny Peralta and Andy Marte up in it.
• Fact Three: Literally, all those guys have negative UZRs. Yeah, it takes some time for UZR to stabilize, but that’s a bad trend, at the very least.
• Fact Four: Justin Masterson has a .347 BABIP against.
• You fill the blanks, America.

Baltimore (Jake Arrieta, 1) at Tampa Bay (Jeremy Hellickson, N/A) | 1:40pm ET
• He’s only pitched 14 innings, so whatever, but here are the (very impressive) nerd scouting numbers for Hellickson. (Again, per StatCorner, on the 20-80 scouting scale.)

Pitch	%	Sp	K	BB	GB
FB	51%	91	65	25	80
CH	27%	81	80	80	35
CB	18%	75	80	80	80
Overall	--	--	80	70	80

• Who’m I kidding? I’m just watching this so the computer-robot known as R.J. Anderson doesn’t freak out on me.
• If I had my druthers: R.J. would someday get his wish to become a real boy.

Milwaukee (Manny Parra, 7) at Colorado (Ubaldo Jimenez, 8) | 3:10pm ET
• Dear Future Self, Is Casey McGehee 18 for his last 18 now? What’s it like where you are? Do they have frozen yogurt still?
• Manny Parra is a lefty who throws 92-94 mph and has a killer split-finger pitch. He’s also someone who’s been cursed by God, as his career .352 BABIP-against confirms.
• Experiment: Sit at a sports bar and tell the dude next to you that Ubaldo Jimenez isn’t the best pitcher in the majors. Wait for his reaction.