The Best of FanGraphs: October 31-November 4, 2016

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
Minors to Majors: Problems with Projecting Pitchers by Jeff Zimmerman
“I have found evaluating pitchers to be frustrating.” Jeff, writing the realest words he ever wrote.

TUESDAY
The Cubs Will Be Made or Broken by Their Bullpen by Nicolas Stellini
If you want to be technical, Nick’s FanGraphs debut was when he co-ran the World Series Game 5 live blog, but this was his first article on the site. Either way, please welcome Nick to the internet pages of FanGraphs!

Scouting the Scouting Directors, Part 1 by John LaRue
John does what he does best — create a visual that puts something complex into a clear light. Don’t forget to check out Part 2.

WEDNESDAY
Cubs-Indians: Game Six Notes by David Laurila
As he does every postseason, David was on the scene, compiling observations and reactions from those at the ballpark. I single out this edition for the note on the Cubs’ advance scouting team.

2016 End of Season Rankings: Second Base by Brad Johnson
Before you can look ahead, you need to look back. Brad and the RotoGraphs team do that here, and then speculate on the future here.

THURSDAY
Congratulations, Chicago Cubs: 2016 World Series Champions by Dave Cameron
They say a good picture is worth 1,000 words. And that is one good picture.

This Is How Dynasties Begin by Dave Cameron
Dave doesn’t think this Cubs’ World Series title will be an isolated event.

The Moment Before the Moment by Jeff Sullivan
This is the sort of piece that Jeff always does so well. Even if you remember the play in question vividly, this is a good read.

Ben Zobrist Will Not Be Underrated by the History Books by August Fagerstrom
It was certainly a long time, but the one-time utility player finally had his signature moment.

Cleveland’s Path to the 2017 Playoffs by Craig Edwards
It might not be paved in gold, but it is definitely paved. Craig walks you down.

Prospect Reports: San Diego Padres by Eric Longenhagen
Eric keeps hitting you over the head with these awesome prospect reports. You better recognize.

FRIDAY
The Game Plan: How the Indians Almost Won It All by August Fagerstrom
In his final piece for the site (you can read his farewell post here), August really drove home the point about how much we’re going to miss him. Nevertheless, we at FanGraphs are all overjoyed and excited for August as he takes the next step into what will surely be a very successful career.

The Postseason’s Quieter Pitching Revolution by Eno Sarris
Exemplary work by Eno that’s notable for the fact the words “Eno Sarris” and “quiet” appeared in the same headline. That’s got to be a first.

An Open Letter to Oculus VR by Frank Jackson
This is a really great idea from Frank, and I will now be disappointed if it doesn’t eventually happen.

The Future of the Angels by Michael Herring
Michael is really trying to be optimistic here. Well, he’s trying to try.