The Best of FanGraphs: January 2-6, 2018

Each week, we publish in the neighborhood of 75 articles across our various blogs. With this post, we hope to highlight 10 to 15 of them. You can read more on it here. The links below are color coded — green for FanGraphs, brown for RotoGraphs, dark red for The Hardball Times and blue for Community Research.

TUESDAY, 1/2
What You Can Expect From a Player Claimed Off Waivers, by Carson Cistulli
Following the Mariners’ December waiver claim on Cam Perkins, Carson investigated what we might expect from such players. Spoiler: something maybe sometimes.

On Drew Smyly, Michael Pineda, and the History of Signing Injured Free-Agent Pitchers by H.W. Linwood
Over the holiday break, community member H.W. Linwood wondered how injured free-agent pitchers fare with their new teams, and if this year’s trio might buck the trend.

WEDNESDAY, 1/3
MLB Teams Have Learned to Wait on Free Agents, by Travis Sawchik
This free agent market has moved at a glacial pace, and it isn’t just because of funky factors like Shohei Ohtani and next year’s looming mega-class. Travis explores the systemic concerns that may shift free agency later in the calendar going forward.

The Physics of Carry at Dodger Stadium, by David Kagan
Inspired by all those home runs hit in L.A. during the World Series, David asks whether the ball really is carrying at Dodger Stadium more than it used to.

Somebody Please Math This To Me, by Brad Johnson
When your valuation of Seattle’s new outfielder diverges from consensus, are you so out of touch, or is it the children who are wrong? Brad begs your indulgence (and help) to answer an age old question.

THURSDAY, 1/4
Dodgers Grab Zach Britton Lite in Three-Team Deal, by Travis Sawchik
The Very Tepid Stove heated up just a bit, and Travis looked at the interesting arm the Dodgers got back.

Managers’ View: What Role Does Speed Play in Today’s Game, by David Laurila
Continuing his dispatches from the Winter Meetings, David asked several managers their opinion of the value of speed in today’s game.

Adam Wainwright, Luke Weaver and Passing the Torch, by Eno Sarris
Eno unpacked Adam Wainwright’s influence on his young rotation mate.

FRIDAY, 1/5
Finding Reasons to Doubt Luke Weaver, by Alex Chamberlain
Alex finds reasons to doubt all the Luke Weaver hype.

Where Scott Boras Could Be Right About Eric Hosmer, by Craig Edwards
Craig finds a few “semi-reasonable” cases for Eric Hosmer, One Hundred and Fifty Million Dollar Man.

Farewell for Now, by Paul Swydan
Our dear friend Paul says goodbye as he sets off on his next adventure…

Getting to Know You, by Meg Rowley
… while I say hello as I begin mine.

First, Person: A Life on the Edge of the Game, by John Paschal
Despite his protestations, John’s first-person piece about his experience as an umpire was something we very much wanted to read.