The Best of FanGraphs: June 19-23, 2017
Each week, we publish north of 100 posts on 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.
MONDAY
Have the Rockies Found Answers at Altitude?, by Travis Sawchick
The must-read piece of the week!
Sizing Up the Buyers and the Sellers, by Dave Cameron
In the space of a week, the Mets apparently got added to the seller list.
Mets and Marlins selling. Phillies worst team in baseball. Braves still mediocre. If the Nationals don't win 100 games, they underachieved.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) June 23, 2017
Congress Finds Peace in the Church of Baseball, by Nathaniel Rakich
Nathaniel is always on hand for the Congressional Baseball Game. This year, it took on added significance.
TUESDAY
The Night Nolan Arenado Made History, by Craig Edwards
Not too many people have done what the Rockies third baseman did.
Anthony Rizzo Clearly Violated the Posey Rule, by Craig Edwards
I have a hard time caring about this because it seems pretty straightforward to me. Craig lays it out perfectly.
Quick Looks: Ross, Chapman, Fisher, & Kuhl, by Jeff Zimmerman
Jeff had some pretty damning evidence about Tyson Ross that looked immediately prophetic when he got lit up in his start just two days later.
WEDNESDAY
Introducing Hot Seat: Closers on the Way Out, by Jeff Zimmerman
With the Bullpen Report, Rylan Edwards’ Chacon Zone, and now this metric, RotoGraphs writers now have multiple ways — both subjective and scientific — to help you navigate the dangerous relief pitching waters of fantasy baseball season. Great stuff from Jeff.
Cuban Stats: Examining the Big Picture, by Isabelle Minasian
How have some Cuban hitters done during and after their time on the island? Isabelle explores.
Detroit’s Batted-Ball Readings Are Hot by Justin C
Did something change at Comerica Park this season? Justin paints some compelling evidence that it has. This will be interesting to track for the rest of the season.
THURSDAY
Freddie Freeman Might As Well Play Third Base, by Jeff Sullivan
While Jeff isn’t wrong, this idea would be a lot easier to square if the person being accommodated hadn’t nearly washed out of the majors a month or so ago.
The Rockies’ Road to Success on the Road, by Craig Edwards
Travis covered the Rockies at home, so Craig explored the Rockies on the road. Covering all the bases!
The Astros’ Grand Fastball Experiment, by Eno Sarris
Not just grand — good, great, grand and wonderful!
Twins Prospect Zack Granite on His Success at Triple-A, by David Laurila
Insert witty rock reference here.
FRIDAY
What the Rays Can (and Can’t) Learn from Local Minor-League Attendance, by Michael Lortz
The Rays are the only major league team in the area, but they still have plenty of competition.
Underthrown Pitches And The Pitchers Who Underthrow Them: Vol. 3 Sliders and Changeups, by Rylan Edwards
I’ve loved this series. Be sure to read the first two volumes as well.
Paul Swydan used to be the managing editor of The Hardball Times, a writer and editor for FanGraphs and a writer for Boston.com and The Boston Globe. Now, he owns The Silver Unicorn Bookstore, an independent bookstore in Acton, Mass. Follow him on Twitter @Swydan. Follow the store @SilUnicornActon.