Breaking Balls: There Is No DivideBack to Archives | Baseball Prospectus Home
Breaking Balls column archives.
January 20, 2005
Breaking Balls: There Is No Divideby Derek Zumsteg
Real-world examples show us that we use scouting and performance analysis together all the time.
September 30, 2004
Breaking Balls: Have Faithby Derek Zumsteg
Peter Angelos might have swung the greatest business deal in the world's history. Derek Zumsteg explains it all.
September 27, 2004
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
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
Breaking Balls: Barry, Barry Goodby 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
Breaking Balls: Oswalt vs. Schmidtby 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
Breaking Balls: Mariners vs. Indians, 9/8/2004by 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
Breaking Balls: Another Unenforced Ruleby 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
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
Breaking Balls: Buying an Importby 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
Breaking Balls: OGTWB 'Bagby 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
Breaking Balls: Out of Center Fieldby 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
Breaking Balls: The Great Ichiroby 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
Breaking Balls: Feedback on the Rulesby Derek Zumsteg
Readers contribute more thoughts in the aftermath of Derek's article on the rule changes baseball should consider.
August 25, 2004
Breaking Balls: Derek's Guide to Winning Baseball, an Occasional Series: Part 3by 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
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
Breaking Balls: The Best Commissioner of All-Timeby 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
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
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
Breaking Balls: The Bizarro Dusty Bakerby 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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