Rubbing Mud

Rubbing Mud: Maximizing Kepler’s Development

by Matthew Trueblood 11/21

Image credit: USA Today Sports

Where is Max Kepler's place in the Minnesota Twins universe?

Rubbing Mud: Whit Merrifield’s Power$

by Matthew Trueblood 11/13

Image credit: USA Today Sports

This is the perfect time for Kansas City general manager Dayton Moore to pounce on a great trade offer.

Rubbing Mud: Paul Molitor, the Twins, and The Twelve$

by Matthew Trueblood 9/28

Image credit: USA Today Sports

Paul Molitor does not have a magical presence, but the Twins are still hoping he has ... something.

Rubbing Mud: The Slider Revolution Has Spun the Cubs Into the Ground$

by Matthew Trueblood 9/27

Image credit: USA Today Sports

Are the Cubs falling behind the innovation curve?

Rubbing Mud: Sliders Have Overtaken Sinkers (and What it Means)$

by Matthew Trueblood 9/20

Image credit: USA Today Sports

Pitching is radically different than it was just a few years ago.

Rubbing Mud: Balancing Urgency and Confidence in Cleveland$

by Matthew Trueblood 9/14

Image credit: USA Today Sports

No team had an easier path to the playoffs, but are the Indians ready to make a run in October?

Rubbing Mud: PADE In Full$

by Matthew Trueblood 9/11

Image credit: USA Today Sports

Defense has carried the Diamondbacks this season.

Rubbing Mud: Alex Anthopoulos, TINSTAAPP, and a Giant Rubber Band$

by Matthew Trueblood 9/10

Image credit: USA Today Sports

Alex Anthopoulos is doing what he does, and the Braves are better for it.

Rubbing Mud: El Mago’s Latest and Greatest Trick

by Matthew Trueblood 8/30

Image credit: USA Today Sports

Javier Baez is changing our understanding of what a ballplayer can do.

Rubbing Mud: San Diego Spoilers$

by Matthew Trueblood 8/24

Image credit: USA Today Sports

While they wait for prospects to arrive, the Padres are also playing the ultimate spoiler role.

Rubbing Mud: Edwin Jackson Threads the Needle$

by Matthew Trueblood 8/21

Image credit: USA Today Sports

How the much-traveled 34-year-old got his groove (or tunnel) back in Oakland.

Rubbing Mud: The Dog Days Are Over, But Not For The Cubs$

by Matthew Trueblood 8/16

Image credit: USA Today Sports

The next four weeks may be Joe Maddon's greatest challenge yet.

Rubbing Mud: Ronald Acuna Drops the Hammer$

by Matthew Trueblood 8/15

Image credit: USA Today Sports

Ronald Acuna is on fire, putting the full magnitude of his potential on display at age 20.

Rubbing Mud: Edwin Diaz Can’t Get No Relief$

by Matthew Trueblood 8/14

Image credit: USA Today Sports

Edwin Diaz may set the all-time saves record, but will he break down under the strain of a heavy workload?

Rubbing Mud: The Most Unpredictable Pitcher in Baseball$

by Matthew Trueblood 7/31

Image credit: USA Today Sports

Seattle isn't doing this by accident.

Rubbing Mud: Joakim Soria, Slider Monster

by Matthew Trueblood 7/26

Image credit: USA Today Sports

Joakim Soria added a new wrinkle to his game at age 34, and it's paying off in a big way.