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Breaking Balls column archives.

January 20, 2005

Premium Article Breaking Balls: There Is No Divide

by Derek Zumsteg

Real-world examples show us that we use scouting and performance analysis together all the time.

September 30, 2004

Premium Article Breaking Balls: Have Faith

by Derek Zumsteg

Peter Angelos might have swung the greatest business deal in the world's history. Derek Zumsteg explains it all.

September 27, 2004

Breaking Balls: A Game of Numbers

by Derek Zumsteg

Baseball, like every other field of athletics, is better today than it was in the past. Derek Zumsteg explains why.

September 15, 2004

Breaking Balls: More on Greatness

by Derek Zumsteg

Yesterday, it was Barry Bonds. Today, Derek looks at the performance of another 40-year-old who just keeps getting better.

September 14, 2004

Premium Article Breaking Balls: Barry, Barry Good

by Derek Zumsteg

Derek Zumsteg tosses out some numbers and some insight on Barry Bonds, as the greatest hitter of all-time nears the 700-homer milestone.

September 13, 2004

Premium Article Breaking Balls: Oswalt vs. Schmidt

by Derek Zumsteg

With apologies to Roger Clemens, the younger aces of the Houston and San Francisco staffs could decide the NL wild-card race. Derek Zumsteg looks at who has the edge.

September 9, 2004

Premium Article Breaking Balls: Mariners vs. Indians, 9/8/2004

by Derek Zumsteg

Wednesday night at Safeco Field, two teams playing out the string moved one day closer to the offseason. Derek summarizes the evening.

September 8, 2004

Premium Article Breaking Balls: Another Unenforced Rule

by Derek Zumsteg

Despite not showing up for their scheduled start on Monday against the Yankees, the Devil Rays won't have to forfeit the game. Derek Zumsteg disagrees with that decision.

September 7, 2004

Premium Article Breaking Balls: Pitch to Him!

by Derek Zumsteg

It's one thing if a manager believes that intentionally walking Bonds is the best strategy to winning a game. And the game is close. I think the intentional walk is a bad strategy anyway, but I can respect that we have different opinions (me and the manager). But if a team is out of contention, or it's a blowout, they should pitch to Bonds. If baseball is a sport, and it is, it's only sporting to let him hit if the outcome of the game isn't in question.

September 6, 2004

Premium Article Breaking Balls: Buying an Import

by Derek Zumsteg

There's a new Cuban defector on the market, and he's going to cost a pretty penny to sign. Derek Zumsteg examines the history of Cuban free agents, and concludes that your favorite team might be better off passing.

September 2, 2004

Premium Article Breaking Balls: OGTWB 'Bag

by Derek Zumsteg

Derek Zumsteg answers reader mail on his Occasional Guide to Winning Baseball series. Poker and thinking like an idiot featured prominently.

September 1, 2004

Premium Article Breaking Balls: Out of Center Field

by Derek Zumsteg

The Mariners' move to scrap the center-field landing at Safeco Field may have some nasty unintended consequences. Derek Zumsteg takes a closer look.

August 30, 2004

Premium Article Breaking Balls: The Great Ichiro

by Derek Zumsteg

Derek Zumsteg weighs in on Ichiro Suzuki, whose two-month hot streak has produced staggering numbers and a reason to watch Mariner baseball this year.

August 26, 2004

Premium Article Breaking Balls: Feedback on the Rules

by Derek Zumsteg

Readers contribute more thoughts in the aftermath of Derek's article on the rule changes baseball should consider.

August 25, 2004

Premium Article Breaking Balls: Derek's Guide to Winning Baseball, an Occasional Series: Part 3

by Derek Zumsteg

Ever wonder, when you see a manager make a terrible move, if he has a grander plan? Derek Zumsteg sees method behind the madness, and explores.

August 24, 2004

Breaking Balls: Derek's Guide to Becoming a Fan Favorite

by Derek Zumsteg

Why does Willie Bloomquist get to have all the fun? Derek Zumsteg writes in with a handy-dandy guide to becoming an MLB ballplayer, and a fan favorite to boot.

August 23, 2004

Premium Article Breaking Balls: The Best Commissioner of All-Time

by Derek Zumsteg

You might think that Derek Zumsteg would be furious about Bud Selig's contract extension. But that doesn't mean that he doesn't understand it.

August 20, 2004

Breaking Balls: Derek's Guide to Winning Baseball, an Occasional Series: Part 2

by Derek Zumsteg

How do you confound your opponent's expectations? It's a simple answer with some complicated ramifications. Derek Zumsteg explains it all for you.

August 19, 2004

Premium Article Breaking Balls: Stop the Moose Goose!

by Derek Zumsteg

Derek Zumsteg's latest mission: To deploy military force into Safeco Field and eradicate the Moose Goose.

August 18, 2004

Premium Article Breaking Balls: The Bizarro Dusty Baker

by Derek Zumsteg

The Mariners have watched a string of players leave the organization and immediately play better for a new one. Derek Zumsteg examines the phenomenon.

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