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RotoWire.com

The shocking thing about the Rotowire redesign is that good looking can be so disorienting.

The site now looks somewhat organized, which is a plus, though in my 10 minutes visiting the new site I can’t say I’m happy with it. None of us, I think, change easily. I’m sure this will pass.

The other shocking thing is that forefront in the new design are Rotowire’s articles and newswire news. Secondary are the individual player updates that are the main reason I visit the site.

This so flies in the face of my experience, I want news updates long before I want news analysis, I fear this is a terrible mistake. But both RotoTimes and RotoWorld have made similar adjustments, so I may be in the minority. No matter what I think, in the new Rotowire design authorial voice and analysis wins.

Curious.

All the so-called news that’s fit to recap

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MLB Trade Rumors

I may well have recommended this site at some point, maybe even recently, but while reading it this morning I was reminded again what a great idea it was to collect all the trade rumors in one place. In part the idea works because Tim is a witty writer who does a nice job laying out the various discussions, chattering and possibilities. As we approach the July 31 trading deadline teams hoping not to be hurt by ML deals, and teams in the first waiver position hoping to be helped can stoke the fires all day (and night) long at this site.

An interview with Jim Brosnan

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SoCal Sports Observed

Jim Brosnan’s Long Season is a great baseball book, highly recommended to everyone who has an interest in the game. This gentle interview with Brosnan has a grace and good will about it that is awfully appealing, without being soft or nostalgic. My favorite part is when Brosnan names Willie Mays his toughest out, then recalls a game he struck him out three times. Retrosheet jocks should be able to retrieve the date. I like the memory. (Thanks to Bruce.)

Viva El Birdos

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A St. Louis Cardinals Blog

Excellent if rambling post about Chris Carpenter—who I suggest might be back this year in this week’s column, filed mere hours before the bad news surfaced—and Tony La Russa, who has been a bit grumpy.

Ask Rotoman

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The Official Site of Major League Baseball

If pressed should teams rely on pitching, or cling to hitting? I think the answer (pitching) is clear. Especially if you can sing for Santana, Dump Carpenter (this post comes after the story was written), and stand by Brad Penny. At least until he fades.

Good luck into the second half.

Translated Home Run Numbers Good Til the Last Drop

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Baseball Prospectus

Clay Davenport and Will Carroll put together translated season-by-season home run stats for all of modern baseball history and demonstrate that Babe Ruth really was the greatest. There is a nice twist, however, one that seems very satisfying at first, but the explanation about how it came about makes me want to learn more about the project before throwing all my support behind it.

But even if you shouldn’t say this stands as decisive evidence, it sure feels right.

Mid-Season Marks for NPB Grads

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RotoRob

Guide contributor and Asian baseball specialist Tim McLeod does a nice job surveying the Japanese players in the US thus far this season.  I’m curious how the gaijin are faring in Japan this year, Tim, if you need an idea for a followup.

Rickey’s back … again

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ClassicAthletes.com
It’s hard to argue with the enthusiasm. Welcome back, Rickey! I’m rooting for you.

Does this set up a rivalry with Don Mattingly across town? Probably not, but it would be fun and unseemly if it did.

Starting A Keeper League

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Roto Authority Fantasy Baseball

Very nice intro to a subject that should be of interest to all serious roto players. I especially like the relationship tips, which are key to establishing a long-term league that works.

Getting Better All the Time

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Baseball Musings

The Royals’ offense is getting better. That’s what this chart says. If we believe the still relatively new management has a chance to get it right, this is a reason to hope that in the future the Royals will suck less.

More importantly, it’s a reason not to assume that the Royals will lie down when facing your pitchers. Right now this isn’t a bad offense.