Breaking Balls

Breaking Balls: There Is No Divide

by Derek Zumsteg 1/20

Real-world examples show us that we use scouting and performance analysis together all the time.

Breaking Balls: Have Faith

by Derek Zumsteg 9/30

Peter Angelos might have swung the greatest business deal in the world's history. Derek Zumsteg explains it all.

Breaking Balls: A Game of Numbers

by Derek Zumsteg 9/27

Baseball, like every other field of athletics, is better today than it was in the past. Derek Zumsteg explains why.

Breaking Balls: More on Greatness

by Derek Zumsteg 9/15

Yesterday, it was Barry Bonds. Today, Derek looks at the performance of another 40-year-old who just keeps getting better.

Breaking Balls: Barry, Barry Good

by Derek Zumsteg 9/14

Derek Zumsteg tosses out some numbers and some insight on Barry Bonds, as the greatest hitter of all-time nears the 700-homer milestone.

Breaking Balls: Oswalt vs. Schmidt

by Derek Zumsteg 9/13

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.

Breaking Balls: Mariners vs. Indians, 9/8/2004

by Derek Zumsteg 9/09

Wednesday night at Safeco Field, two teams playing out the string moved one day closer to the offseason. Derek summarizes the evening.

Breaking Balls: Another Unenforced Rule

by Derek Zumsteg 9/08

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.

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.

Breaking Balls: Buying an Import

by Derek Zumsteg 9/06

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.

Breaking Balls: OGTWB ‘Bag

by Derek Zumsteg 9/02

Derek Zumsteg answers reader mail on his Occasional Guide to Winning Baseball series. Poker and thinking like an idiot featured prominently.

Breaking Balls: Out of Center Field

by Derek Zumsteg 9/01

The Mariners' move to scrap the center-field landing at Safeco Field may have some nasty unintended consequences. Derek Zumsteg takes a closer look.

Breaking Balls: The Great Ichiro

by Derek Zumsteg 8/30

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.

Breaking Balls: Feedback on the Rules

by Derek Zumsteg 8/26

Readers contribute more thoughts in the aftermath of Derek's article on the rule changes baseball should consider.

Breaking Balls: Derek’s Guide to Winning Baseball, an Occasional Series: Part 3

by Derek Zumsteg 8/25

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.

Breaking Balls: Derek’s Guide to Becoming a Fan Favorite

by Derek Zumsteg 8/24

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.