Rubbing Mud

Rubbing Mud: Global Trends in Pitches and Pitching

by Matthew Trueblood 7/23

Image credit: USA Today Sports

Taking a deeper look at the numbers inside the cat-and-mouse game between pitchers and hitters.

Rubbing Mud: The Hidden Relief Ace

by Matthew Trueblood 7/18

Image credit: USA Today Sports

Ryan Pressly might be the most underrated reliever in baseball. He might also be on the move soon.

Rubbing Mud: The Boricua Bonanza

by Matthew Trueblood 7/17

Image credit: USA Today Sports

Puerto Rican stars are taking over baseball. It's great for the sport and, hopefully, great for Puerto Rico too.

Rubbing Mud: Jacob deGrom’s Path Back to the Mountaintop$

by Matthew Trueblood 7/13

Image credit: USA Today Sports

Jacob deGrom enters the All-Star break with a 1.68 ERA, thanks in large part to a small adjustment.

Rubbing Mud: Problems in Pittsburgh$

by Matthew Trueblood 7/12

Image credit: USA Today Sports

Would a change at manager get the Pirates back on track or do their problems go much deeper than Clint Hurdle?

Rubbing Mud: There Is No Such Thing as a Free Screwup$

by Matthew Trueblood 7/06

Image credit: USA Today Sports

On the decision-making flowcharts of the Dodgers, Mariners, Yankees, and Cubs.

Rubbing Mud: Anderson Shines Bright in Dark Marlins Season$

by Matthew Trueblood 7/03

Image credit: USA Today Sports

Lost in another forgettable Marlins season is a rookie doing some very good things.

Rubbing Mud: Strength Of Schedule Check-In$

by Matthew Trueblood 7/02

Image credit: USA Today Sports

Using BP's Strength of Schedule report to help handicap the second half.

Rubbing Mud: Waiting for the Cubs’ Big Move$

by Matthew Trueblood 6/26

Image credit: USA Today Sports

Chicago seems set up to do something big, either next month or in free agency.

Manager in a Box: Dave Martinez$

by Matthew Trueblood 6/25

Image credit: USA Today Sports

What we know about the Nationals' rookie manager so far.

Manager in a Box: Aaron Boone$

by Matthew Trueblood 6/22

Image credit: USA Today Sports

What we know about the Yankees' rookie manager so far.

Manager in a Box: Alex Cora$

by Matthew Trueblood 6/19

Image credit: USA Today Sports

What we know about the Red Sox's rookie manager so far.

Manager in a Box: Gabe Kapler$

by Matthew Trueblood 6/15

Image credit: USA Today Sports

What we know about the Phillies' rookie manager so far.

Manager in a Box: Mickey Callaway$

by Matthew Trueblood 6/12

Image credit: USA Today Sports

What we know about the Mets' rookie manager so far.

Rubbing Mud: The Resounding Success of the 2018 Braves$

by Matthew Trueblood 5/23

Image credit: USA Today Sports

Atlanta's rebuild is way ahead of schedule and the rest of the NL East should be very worried.

Rubbing Mud: The Mini Powerhouse in Chanute, Kansas

by Matthew Trueblood 5/21

Image credit: USA Today Sports

Neosho County Community College and coach Steve Murry are producing MLB-caliber talents like David Bote and Matt Strahm.