baseball
Sabermetric analysis of all things baseball - on-and-off the field. Barry Bonds fan club.
John Jay’s Amanda Gisonni Let’s Others do the Talking - Especially Her Uncle
About seven years ago on Easter, I suddenly learned my niece Amanda was something of a natural as a pitcher. Dinner finished, we all went to a nearby park and got a look at the 10 year old prodigy. Not bad, but all I had to do was sit on her fastball to sure up my place as the best softball player in the family. As I made my way to Yorktown last week to see her on the hill for John Jay High School, I still wait for another chance to let her know where we stand in terms of our common lineage.
By Rich Monetti8 years ago in Unbalanced
Best MLB Lineup of the 2010s
Major League Baseball has had an influx of superstar-level talent in the past decade. Most teams have a superstar or two, with a lucky portion having an entire ensemble of game-changing talents. With so much skill in the league, debates about which players are best, and what the perfect lineup would be are frequent and intense.
By Jesse Kinney8 years ago in Unbalanced
Top 10 Baseball Gloves for Pitchers
There isn;t much fielding equipment you need when you are playing baseball. That's why having the right glove is crucial to your success. You can focus all your energy on searching for the perfect design for whatever position you play because gloves are created differently to benefit certain spots on the diamond. Baseball gloves for pitchers are not the same as fielders gloves, and for good reason.
By Connor Brighton8 years ago in Unbalanced
Top Switch-Hitters of All Time
Hitting a baseball from one side of the plate is hard enough, but batters who can mash from both sides of the plate belong in a special kind of group. To be able to switch-hit is so incredibly valuable that many players on this list are in the Hall of Fame.
By Rob Gordon8 years ago in Unbalanced
Worst MLB Free Agent Signings of All Time
Aside from winning the World Series or beating a sworn rival, I'm not sure anything in baseball is as exciting as free agency. This is especially true when there is a lot of talent on the market, and you're unsure if your team will make a big move or not. It keeps you alert and on the edge of your seat the entire offseason. As soon as you hear your team signed one of those stars, you're excited, for like a minute.
By Connor Brighton8 years ago in Unbalanced
Worst MLB Teams to Win the World Series
Winning the World Series is the epitome of every baseball team. Seasons are filled with teams that seem destined for greatness or disappointment, only to surprise everyone. Some of the best teams, like the 2001 Seattle Mariners, won a record 116 games but lost to the New York Yankees in the ALCS. Then there are teams like the 2015 Kansas City Royals, who mastered the small-ball game, counting on clutch singles and stolen bases to win the World Series. It shows that there are many different factors that win ball games. Some of the worst teams have been victorious because of this. Here are the worst MLB teams to win the World Series.
By Dave Schneider8 years ago in Unbalanced
Former Somers Pitcher Provides Bio-Mechanical Clinic to Keep Young Arms Healthy
Even though former Somers High School standout pitcher Dan Zlotnick believes the premium on velocity has undone many major league pitchers, he’s all for elevating the mercury at home plate. He just knows there’s a right way to do it and a wrong way. But the clinic he’s providing at the Somers Sports Arena doesn’t quite have an eye on getting ahead of lofty Major League downfalls and aspires to enable kids to keep bringing it home. “We want them to stay healthy because that’s the biggest thing that gets them out of the game,” says the 2009 Somers grad.
By Rich Monetti8 years ago in Unbalanced
Most Beautiful Ballparks in the US
There are 30 different Major League ballparks between the US and Canada. While each ballpark has its own geological features and amenities, some are in need of a major renovation, such as Tropicana Field in Tampa. But then there are the ballparks that stick out because of their craftsmanship and homage to the community. In the late 1990s, new stadiums like Chase Field in Arizona were geared towards a more modern approach. While the swimming pool in right field is a nice touch, Chase Field is now aging poorly with structural issues. Stadiums are now being built with a more classic, retro design to capture the intimacy and essence of a baseball game. Developers like Populous have tried to make ballparks smaller, relying more on views and amenities, getting fans closer to the action. These are the most beautiful ballparks in baseball.
By Dave Schneider8 years ago in Unbalanced
My 2018 MLB Season Predictions for the National League
The 2018 MLB season has started yesterday and 30 teams all have the hope of playing deep into October and win a world championship. The offseason was made with some significant moves and some teams come into the new season with big aspirations. Who will come on top this year? Who will disappoint? It's now time for my 2018 MLB season predictions. Let's continue with the National League.
By Jean-Philippe Fournier8 years ago in Unbalanced
It's Time for Byron Buxton to Break Out as a Star
When Byron Buxton was drafted second overall by the Twins in 2012, Minnesota's future got extremely brighter in a heartbeat. Buxton has extremely loud tools in all aspects of the game. He can run, hit for average, field, hit for power, and he's got a cannon in the outfield.
By Quinn Allen8 years ago in Unbalanced
Best Opening Day Performances in MLB History
Baseball players and fans long for Opening Day. In addition to being the first day of the regular season, it's also the beginning of careers and rookie debuts. Some Opening Day performances are unforgettable, setting the tone for the rest of the season. It doesn't matter how well a team plays in Spring Training, once Opening Day hits, it's game-time. Here are some of the best Opening Day performances in MLB history.
By Dave Schneider8 years ago in Unbalanced
My 2018 MLB Season Predictions for the American League
The 2018 MLB season is just around the corner! In two days, a new season of baseball will start and 30 teams will all have the hope of playing deep into October and win a world championship. The offseason was made with some significant moves and some teams come into the new season with big aspirations. Who will come on top this year? Who will disappoint? It's now time for my 2018 MLB season predictions. I will start today with the American League.
By Jean-Philippe Fournier8 years ago in Unbalanced
