MLB

Ask Rotoman at mlb.com

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Fantasy 411

This week we ponder the possible demise of Johnny Damon, and decide he’s not done yet, while Matt Kemp is probably not here. Yet.  And we survey the list of likely talent to be traded at the deadline this year, and I hope set some single-league hearts a racing.

Athletic Supporters

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More On Milton Bradley

I haven’t seen anything new on this story, but this well-reasoned analysis and a comment indicating that Bradley and Bob Geren had words (at least), all seem to make more sense than the A’s original story.

Why would the A’s keep the story quiet? To keep Bradley’s trade value up, a move that seemed to pay off when they dealt him to Kansas City. But Bradley, who must be steamed (and who has been on the DL three times already this year), told the Royals he was hurt and the savvy Royals backed out of the deal.

For a Bradley owner who will lose him if he ends up in the NL this was a particularly cruel and troublesome turn of events.

Don Mossi: Baseball Player

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Positive Ape Index

It seems that Mossi was a pretty good pitcher who happened to have amazingly angular ears. The link here is to a site that Don and his family might find offensive, because he had rather distinctive features, but explains why he’s suddenly the subject of some art.

I’m also going to try to remember to have a sense of humor about the way some schmoes might depict how I look. Since it’s nothing I can control.

Categories MLB

Viral gastroenteritis: Signs and symptoms – MayoClinic.com

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What Josh Hamilton Has

I got curious about the prognosis for gastroenteritis after it soundeed like he was ready to play Monday, but—as Rotowire put it—”suffered a set back during batting practice.” So, here are some disgusting detail to mull over as he heads to the DL.

Also note that a person with a long history of drug use and an impaired immune system is more likely to have a strong reaction to the virus than someone with a healthy immune system.

Various A’s Minutaie

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Athletics Nation

I didn’t know about the Player to be Named Later rule, which is good reason to credit this story. At least we don’t have to worry about Brad Halsey being the guy named. Whew.

But I’m not being cranky about that. It’s funny that it’s Halsey, but it’s good to learn new things.

I’m not so sure about the notion of riding the hot hand between the major and minor leagues. While there has to be an advantage to roster flexibility, if only to rotate in the healthiest players you have, I have a hard time believing that anyone can predict that a hot minor league hitter should be promoted because he’s hot.

Hot streaks occur, I think it’s safe to say, generally because in small sample sizes players can get an inordinate number of favorable matchups. Or because in a small sample a player gets lucky. I believe Bill James showed early on that a player’s recent past results had no bearing on his immediate future results. Unless the next at bat, like the last two, is coming against Jae Seo or Jeff Weaver.

I still spend a lot of time in bars arguing this one, so there is money to be won and superstition to be debunked. Sure, there are hot streaks, but by the time you recognize one it’s probably over.