Why, then, did Bechler die of heatstroke, during a half-mile run, in his first week in Spring Training?
Team Health Report: Detroit Tigers February 2003
On Sunday, heat illness claimed yet another victim in the world of sport, 23-year-old Oriole pitching prospect Steve Bechler. According to reports, he was a little over halfway through a run when he stopped and leaned against a fence. He was observed to be pale, disoriented and complained of nausea. He was taken to the…
Whenever “competitive balance” is debated, the debaters inevitably turn to published information about team payrolls to support their positions. This sounds straightforward. Unfortunately, “team payroll” is a fluid concept. The four most widely reported measures each use different methods and can lead to different conclusions.
The Baseball Prospectus staff responds to reader mail about Rick Peterson, Todd Zeile and more.
I get a lot of e-mail suggesting that baseball should use European-style relegation/promotion to encourage teams to compete. People suggest it to me in bars. I’ve read it in columns by otherwise sensible baseball writers. It is easily the most impractical idea anyone has proposed to solve some of baseball’s problems, and I am baffled by its continued popularity.
Team Health Report: Los Angeles Dodgers February 2003
The week in quotes from George Brett, Lou Piniella, Lenny Dykstra and more.
Rick Peterson: The goal is for every pitcher to master the delivery. We have a comprehensive program based on drills and throwing programs to teach that. The core of efficient delivery theory comes from the American Sports Medicine Institute (ASMI) lab of Dr. James Andrews. Last year, we had Tim Hudson and Barry Zito down to work with Dr. Andrews.
Team Health Report: Baltimore Orioles February 2003
The Cardinals and Padres will start the season without their closers. Here’s a look at the injuries.
Answering questions, overview of the league before spring training.
Early last week, ESPN.com published a column by Jayson Stark that proposed 20 rules changes for MLB, ranging from the cosmetic (“Toughen up the save rule”) to the crazed (“But add the designated fielder”). Now, I’m not going to talk in particular about Stark’s column today, except to say that I think many of his suggestions sound good until you give serious consideration to how they would affect the way the game is played.
Team Health Report: Philadelphia Phillies February 2003
Transaction analysis, January 24-February 9, 2003.