Baseball Prospectus 2007

[JET15]

I know it's been out for a while, but can I throw in a gripe about the Baseball Prospectus 2007 book?

 

They should include right/left splits somewhere in their stats tables for hitters and pitchers. They talk about them enough in the player editorials. It's just too important to not include.

 

Also, their website has a player profile graph. I guess I'd rather see those numbers than the "Comparables". The Comparables just don't mean much to me. I'm a numbers guy and I know those are based on comparable numbers, but they just don't do it for me. I'd rather see a line of those numbers that they graph for the player profile. Like for Dessens: K: 23%, BB: 82%, ISO: 55%, BABIP: 38%, GB/FB: 70%

 

I don't know if those are the exact numbers. I'm just trying to read the graph

[sbrylski]

I also want to say I disliked the Baseball Prospectus Handbook. I won't be buying it again.

[JET15]

I guess I still like BP, I just wish they'd switch a few things up. I was wondering what others thought, what they'd propose changing, or what journals are preferred.

 

The BP editorials are pretty entertaining. Some really crack me up. Like Sheffield's:"number 11 on his back so everyone could be doubly sure who he looks out for" or Youkilis: "the Greek God of Walks"

 

Most are dry and sarcastic and some are brutal like Wise's: "we should avoid calling his offspeed pitches, since generally you need on-speed pitches to make the term apt".

[patrickgpe]

the book is good for what it is. Yes there are sarcastic about players and they are obviously full of themselvs, but where else can you get that much information for about 20 bucks.

[sbrylski]

but where else can you get that much information for about 20 bucks.

 

99% of that book's information can be found on the internet for free, I believe. I regret purchasing it.

[patrickgpe]

stats I agree. The articles and projections are at least entertaining though. It is your choice to purchase what books you want at the start of the year, i will continue to buy the bp and the minor league analyst like the last 2 years though.

[rluzinski]

Anyone get the Hardball Times book this year? Last year's version was excellent but I haven't gotten around to getting this one. It has more studies and the like in it.

[sbrylski]

I got the Hardball Times book and really enjoyed it. Maybe that's what wrecked the BP book, because I got it two weeks later with high hopes. This was my first year purchasing either.

 

I'd give the Hardball Times book a 7, while the BP book gets a 2.5.

[brettac1]

BP is an acquired taste, I guess. I have all of them but two, I think. I read them cover to cover, usually, but I have neglected this year's so far. Personally, I love the sarcastic player comments, especially when they rip on players that I can't stand. Like the Willie Bloomquist VD one from a couple years ago.

[JET15]

Quote:

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99% of that book's information can be found on the internet for free, I believe

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A lot of the stats in BP are pretty much just on the BP web site and are locked down by subscription, so I don't think it's anywhere near 99%. If you drink the BP koolaid you want either the book, an online subscription or both