A Tiered MLB Hall of 200 - Left Field

The explanation for all of this is here.

Catchers.
First Basemen
Second Basemen
Shortstops.
Third Base

Inner Circle
Barry Bonds (1986-2007, Giants) WAR 167.8 OPS+ 182 PA 12606 (WAR/PA .0133)
Ted Williams (1939-60, Red Sox) WAR 117.55 OPS+190 PA 9788 (.0120)
Rickey Henderson (1979-03, A's) WAR 120.8 OPS+127 PA 13346 (.0091)

Middle Circle
Manny Ramirez (1993-2011, Red Sox) WAR 78.65 OPS+154 PA 9774 (80)
Carl Yastrzemski (1961-83, Red Sox) WAR 86.4 OPS+ 130 PA 13992 (62)
Tim Raines (1979-2002, Expos) WAR 75.05 OPS+123 PA 10359 (72)
Pete Rose (1963-86, Reds) WAR 78.35 OPS+ 118 PA 15890 (49)
Ed Delahanty (1888-1903, Phillies) WAR 69.9 OPS+152 PA 8400 (83)
Lance Berkman (1999-2013, Astros) WAR 57.45 OPS+144 PA 7814 (74)

Outer Circle
Willie Stargell (1962-82, Pirates) WAR 55.6 OPS+147 PA 9027 (62)
Ducky Medwick (1932-48, Cardinals) WAR 54.8 OPS+ 134 PA 8143 (67)
Fred Clarke (1894-1915, Pirates) WAR 64.3 OPS+ 133 PA 9838 (65)
Ryan Braun (2007-,Brewers) WAR 54.05 OPS+ 135 PA 7199 (75)
Bob Johnson (1933-45, Athletics) WAR 53.65 OPS+ 139 PA 8050 (67)
Billy Williams (1959-76, Cubs) WAR 60.4 OPS+133 PA 10519 (57)
Albert Belle (1989-00, Indians) 50.05 OPS+ 144 PA 6676 (75)
Al Simmons (1924-44, Athletics) WAR 58.95 OPS+ 133 PA 9518 (62)
Matt Holliday (2004 -18, Cardinals) WAR 51.15 OPS+ 132 PA 7981 (64)

Last Out
Jose Cruz (1970-88, Astros) WAR 56.7 OPS+120 PA 8931 (63)
Jesse Burkett (1890-1905, Spiders) WAR 55.85 OPS+ 140 PA 9620 (58)

On Deck
Justin Upton (2007 – Diamondbacks) WAR 40 OPS+120 PA 7064 (57)

Center field is here.

October, 2016 Athlete of the Month

September is here.

Corey Kluber. Runners-up: Andrew Miller, Candace Parker, Javier Baez

January-Von Miller
February-Lionel Messi
March - Buddy Hield
April-Breanna Stewart
May - Klay Thompson
June - LeBron James
July-Serena Williams
August-Michael Phelps
September - Lamar Jackson
October - Corey Kluber

10 months down - 2 to go in the race for 2016 Athlete of the Year.  

Tendown, October 30, 2016

Tendown 247 is here. This is Tendown 248



Here's the millenial projection.  Good luck down the road, GOP.

1. The Piece You Read This Week.

 In 1974, young liberals did not perceive financial power as a threat, having grown up in a world where banks and big business were largely kept under control. It was the government—through Vietnam, Nixon, and executive power—that organized the political spectrum. By 1975, liberalism meant, as Carr put it, “where you were on issues like civil rights and the war in Vietnam.” With the exception of a few new members, like Miller and Waxman, suspicion of finance as a part of liberalism had vanished.

Over the next 40 years, this Democratic generation fundamentally altered American politics. They restructured “campaign finance, party nominations, government transparency, and congressional organization.” They took on domestic violence, homophobia, discrimination against the disabled, and sexual harassment. They jettisoned many racially and culturally authoritarian traditions. They produced Bill Clinton’s presidency directly, and in many ways, they shaped President Barack Obama’s.         

            

The result today is a paradox. At the same time that the nation has achieved perhaps the most tolerant culture in U.S. history, the destruction of the anti-monopoly and anti-bank tradition in the Democratic Party has also cleared the way for the greatest concentration of economic power in a century.

2. The 3rd Debate

 Chris Wallace was a stylistically credible moderator. The Fox News host kept both Trump and Hillary Clinton on topic, more or less, and he even asked a couple of follow-up questions.

But when it came to the austerity issues that have so clearly shaped the 2016 presidential race, Wallace got the substance all wrong; and, in so doing, he maintained the agonizingly low standards for economic discourse that have always characterized forums organized by the lamentable Commission on Presidential Debates.

Wallace’s questions about economics and fiscal policy featured wrongheaded recitations of false premises that were every bit as absurd as the Republican nominee’s repetition of discredited claims about “rigged” elections.

3. It's not a campaign - it's hat sales.

4. 

5. Black Jeopardy and How to think About the White Working Class

here.

here.

6. So hard to be on the same side with these people.

In mid-to-late 2016 a new form of political commentary emerged... pic.twitter.com/2xVbzT1IZu

— Will 🐋 Menaker (@willmenaker) October 28, 2016

7.

When cartoons come to life. pic.twitter.com/eR33KHTggk

— Billmon (@billmon1) October 29, 2016

8. 

9. 

10.

Every time I think this decade can't possibly get any dumber, I read a phrase like "beach privilege." https://t.co/1EPgJwQJG3 pic.twitter.com/XJ3MzTh4u5

— Marty Beckerman (@martybeckerman) October 29, 2016

And one more...

That's all for this time.  I'll be back next time....if there is a next time....

Your pal,

Jim

A Tiered MLB Hall of 200 - Third Basemen

Through 2018.

The explanation for all of this is here.

Catchers.

First Basemen

Second Basemen
Shortstops.

Inner Circle
Mike Schmidt (1972-89, Phillies) WAR 108.5 OPS+ 147 PA 10062 (WAR/PA .0108)
Eddie Mathews (1952-68, Braves) WAR 91.7 OPS+ 143 PA 10100 (.0091)
Wade Boggs (1982-99, Red Sox) WAR 92.2 OPS+ 131 PA 10740 (.0086)

Middle Circle
George Brett (1973-93, Royals) WAR 90.1 OPS+ 135 PA 11625(78)
Miguel Cabrera (2003-, Tigers) WAR 79.45 OPS+ 148 PA 10236 (78)
Edgar Martinez (1987-04, Mariners) WAR 75.35 OPS+147 PA 8674 (87)
Chipper Jones (1993-2012, Braves) WAR 81.5, OPS+141 PA 10614 (77)
Adrian Beltre (1998-18, Rangers) WAR 84.65 OPS+116 PA 12130 (70)
Paul Molitor (1978-98, Brewers) WAR 80.2 OPS+122 PA 12167 (66)

Outer Circle
Scott Rolen (1996-2012, Phillies) WAR 71.35 OPS+ 122 PA 8518 (84)
Ron Santo (1960-74, Cubs) WAR 68.75 OPS+ 125 PA 9397 (73)
Dick Allen (1963-77, Phillies) WAR 59.55 OPS+ 156 PA 7315 (81)
Ken Boyer (1955-69, Cardinals) WAR 58.6 OPS+ 116 PA 8272 (71)
Graig Nettles (1967-88, Yankees) WAR 63.2 OPS+110 PA 10228 (62)
Buddy Bell (1972-89, Rangers) WAR 61.45 OPS+ 109 PA 10009 (61)
Brooks Robinson (1955-77, Orioles) WAR 66.45 OPS+ 104 PA 11782 (56)
Evan Longoria (2008-, Rays WAR 55.6 OPS+ 121 PA 7171 (78)
David Wright (2004-18) Mets) WAR 53.55 OPS+ 133 PA 6872 (78)

Last Out
Home Run Baker (1908-22, Athletics) WAR 51.35 OPS+135 PA 6667 (77)
Darrell Evans (1969-89, Braves) WAR 60.75 OPS+119 PA 10737 (57)

On Deck
Josh Donaldson (2010- Jays) WAR 45 OPS+ 136 PA 4476 (101)
Nolan Arenado (2013- Rockies) WAR 40.1 OPS+ 122 4357 (92)


Left Field is here.

A Tiered MLB Hall of 200 - Shortstops

Through 2018. 

The explanation for all of this is here.

Catchers

First Basemen

Second Basemen

Shortstops

Inner Circle
Honus Wagner (1897-17, Pirates) WAR 130.95 OPS+151, PA 11749 (WAR/PA .0111)
Alex Rodriguez (1994-16. Yankees) WAR 123.7 OPS+140 PA 12207 (.0101)
Cal Ripken (1981-01, Orioles) WAR 105.6 OPS+112 PA 12883 (.0082)

Middle Circle
Arky Vaughan (1932-48, Pirates) WAR 76.2, OPS+ 136 PA 7722 (99)
Barry Larkin (1986-04, Reds) WAR 76.1, OPS+116 PA 9057 (84)
Ozzie Smith (1978-96, Cardinals) WAR 82.3, OPS+ 87 PA 10778 (76)
Robin Yount (1974-93, Brewers) WAR 81.8 OPS+ 115 PA 12249 (67)
Alan Trammell (1977-96, Tigers) WAR 78.35, OPS+110 PA 9396 (84)
Derek Jeter (1995-2014, Yankees) WAR 74.5 OPS+115 PA 12602 (59)

Outer Circle
George Davis (1890-09, Giants) WAR 78.5, OPS+ 121 PA 10178 (77)
Bill Dahlen (1891-1911, Colts) WAR 78.1 OPS+110 PA 10405 (75)
Lou Boudreau (1938-52, Indians) WAR 63.65 OPS+120 PA 7024 (91)
Joe Cronin (1926-45, Senators) WAR 67.7 OPS+119 PA 8840 (77)
Luke Appling (1930-50, White Sox) WAR 73 OPS+ 113 PA 10254 (71)
Pee Wee Reese (1940-58, Dodgers) WAR 64.1 OPS+99 PA 9470 (68)
Ernie Banks (1953-71, Cubs) WAR 62.75 OPS+ 122 PA 10394 (60)
Jack Glasscock (1879-95, Blues) WAR 63.35, OPS+112 PA 7552 (84)
Bobby Wallace (1894-1918, Browns) WAR 64.65 OPS+ 105 PA 9612 (67)

Last Out
Troy Tulowitzki (2006-, Rockies) WAR 51.6 OPS+118 PA 5415 (95)
Nomar Garciaparra (1996-09, Red Sox) WAR 49.95 OPS+ 124 PA 6116 (82) 

On Deck


Third base is here.

Let's Pick Some College Football Games, Oct 29 2016

I'm 31-31

Temple -7.5 Cin win
K St -6.5 Iowa St loss
OK St +3.5 WVA win
Baylor -3.5 Tex loss
SMU +2.5 Tulane win
Tenn -13.5 SoCar loss
Missouri -4.5 UK loss

3-4
34-35

The 100 Best Players in the NBA: 2016-17

Real world projection, not a fantasy list, 100 best NBA players for the 2016-17 season; it's a combination of multiple advanced metric calculations.


1. S.Curry PG GSW
2. R.Westbrook PG OKC
3. J.Harden PG Hou
4. L.James SF Cle
5. K.Durant SF GSW
6. K.Leonard SF SA
7. A.Davis PF NO
8. D.Green PF GSW
9. K. Lowry  PG  Tor  
10. D.Cousins PF Sac

11. D.Jordan C LAC
12. C.Paul PG
13. P.George SF Ind
14. P.Millsap PF Atl
15. N.Jokic PF Den
16. D.Lillard PG Port
17. KA Towns PF Minn
18. J.Wall PG Wash
19. K.Love PF Cle
20. J.Butler SF Chi

21. K.Walker PG Charl
22. R.Gobert C Utah
23. B.Griffin PF LAC
24. K.Porzingis PF NY
25. A.Drummond C Det
26. A.Horford  PF Bos  
27. D.Favors PF Utah
28. R.Rubio PG Minn
29. K.Irving PG Cle
30. C.Anthony SF NY

31. G.Antekounmpo SG Mil
32. I. Thomas  PG  Bos
33. J.Crowder  SF  Bos
34. K.Thompson SG GSW
35. E.Bledsoe PG Pho
36. M.Conley PG Mem
37.   H.Whiteside C Mia
38. B.Lopez C Brook
39. P.Gasol C SA
40. N.Batum PG  Charl
 
41. G.Monroe C Mil
42. G.Dieng C Minn
43. L.Aldridge PF SA
44.   G.Dragic PG Mia
45. G.Hayward SF Utah
46. CJ McCollum SG Port
47. M.Gasol C Mem
48. J.Valanciunas  C Tor
49. M.Williams PF  Charl
50. D.Green SG SA

51. M.Smart PG  Bos
52. N.Mirotic PF Chi
53. A.Bogut C Dall
54. D.Gallinari SF Den
55. C.Parsons SF Mem
56. M.Plumlee C Port
57. E.Davis C Port
58. D.Nowitzki PF Dall
59. T.Ariza SF  Hou
60.   S.Ibaka PF Orl
 
61. O.Porter SF  Wash
62. A-F. Aminu PG Port
63. P.Patterson PF Tor
64. R.Covington SF Phi
65.   A.Gordon SF Orl
66. R.Hood SG Utah
67. M.Gortat C Wash
68. C.Capela C Hou
69. M.Ginobli SG SA
70. K.Faried PF Den

71. K.Olynyk PF Bos
72. D.DeRozan SG Tor
73. T.Harris SF Det
74. G.Hill PG Utah
75. J.Teague PG Ind
76. J.Noah C NY
77. A.Johnson C Bos
78. R.Lopez C Chi
79. C.Zeller C Charl
80. J.Holiday PG NO

81. C.Aldrich C Minn
82. D.Howard C Hou
83. S.Adams C OKC
84. T.Thompson C Cle
85.   N.Vucevic C Orl
86. W.Mathews SG Dall
87.   E.Fournier SG Orl
88. K.Korver SG Atl
89. L.Deng SF LAL
90. J.Nurkic C  Den

91. P.Mills PG SA
92. R.Hollis-Jefferson SG Brook
93. B.Marjanovic C Det
94. A.Iguodala SF GSW
95. Z.Pachulia C GSW
96. R.Rondo SG Chi
97. T.Young PF Ind
98. K.Caldwell-Pope SG Det
99. N.Noel C Phil
100. J.Sullinger PF Tor

2016 NFL Super Contest Picks, Week 8

I'm a disasterous 14-21

NO +2.5 win
Jax +3 loss
SD +5.5 loss
Ind +2.5 loss
Cle +3 push

1-3-1
15-24-1

A Tiered MLB Hall of 200 - Second Basemen

Through 2018.

The explanation for all of this is here.

Catchers

First Basemen

Second Basemen

Inner Circle
Rogers Hornsby  (1915-37, Cardinals) WAR 115.8 OPS+ 175 PA 9480 (WAR/PA  .0122)
Nap Lajoie (1896-16, Naps) WAR 107.8, OPS+ 150 PA 10461 (.0103)
Eddie Collins (1906-30, White Sox) WAR 114.6 OPS+ 142 PA 12046 (.095)

Middle Circle
Joe Morgan (1963-84, Reds) WAR 98.25, OPS+ 132 PA 11329 (87)
Bobby Grich (1970-86, Angels) WAR 80.5 OPS+ 125 PA 8220  (98)
Robinson Cano (2005-, Yankees) WAR 79.65 OPS+ 125 PA 9264 (86)
Lou Whitaker (1977-95, Tigers) WAR 80 OPS+ 117 PA 9967 (80)
Rod Carew (1967-85, Twins) WAR 77.75 OPS+ 131 PA 10550 (74)
Charlie Gehringer (1924-42, Tigers) WAR 76.3 OPS+124 PA 10245 (74)

Outer Circle
Roberto Alomar (1988-04, Blue Jays) WAR 75.6 OPS+116 PA 10400 (73)
Jackie Robinson (1947-56, Dodgers) WAR 61.9 OPS+ 132 PA 5804 (107)
Chase Utley (2003-18, Phillies) WAR 62.05 OPS+ 117 PA 7863 (79)
Ryne Sandberg (1981-97, Cubs) WAR 70.45 OPS+ 114 PA 9282 (76)
Willie Randolph (1975-92, Yankees) WAR 70.65 OPS+104 PA 9461 (75)
Jeff Kent (1992-2008, Giants) WAR 63.95 OPS+ 123 PA 9537 (67)
Frankie Frisch (1919-37, Cardinals) WAR 69.65 OPS+110 PA 10999 (63)
Joe Gordon (1938-50, Yankees) WAR 57.55 OPS+ 120 PA 6535 (88)
Ian Kinsler (2006-, Rangers) WAR 62.75 OPS+ 107 PA 8229 (76)

Last Out
Bobby Doerr (1937-51, Red Sox) WAR 60.75 OPS+ 115 PA 8028 (76)
Craig Biggio (1988-2007, Astros) WAR 64.05 OPS+ 112 PA 12504 (51)

On Deck
Dustin Pedroia (2006-, Red Sox) WAR 53.15 OPS+ 113 PA 6777 (78) 

Next up shortstop

A Tiered MLB Hall of 200-First Basemen

Through 2018. 

The explanation for all of this is here.

Catchers.

First Basemen

Inner Circle
Lou Gehrig (1923-39, Yankees) WAR 105.25 OPS+179 PA 9663 (WAR/PA .0109)
Albert Pujols (2001-, Cardinals) WAR 110.05 OPS+147 PA 12231 (.0090)
Jimmie Foxx (1925-45, A's) WAR 88.5 OPS+ 163 PA 9676 (91)

Middle Circle
Cap Anson (1871-97, White Stockings) WAR 95.45 OPS+ 142 PA 11331 (84)
Frank Thomas (1990-08, White Sox) WAR 84.05 OPS+ 156 PA 10075 (83)
Dan Brouthers (1879-04, Bisons) WAR 81.3 OPS+ 171 PA 7691 (.0106)
Roger Connor (1880-97, Giants) WAR 87 OPS+153 PA 8847 (98)
Jim Thome (1991-2012, Indians) WAR 81.6 OPS+ 147 PA 10313 (79)
Johnny Mize (1936-53, Cardinals) WAR 71.35 OPS+158 PA 7370 (97)

Outer Circle
Mark McGwire (1986-01, Athletics) WAR 68.65 OPS+ 163 PA 7660 (90)
Joey Votto (2007-, Reds) WAR 66.85 OPS+ 150 PA 7372 (91)
Jeff Bagwell (1991-05, Astros) WAR 75.55 OPS+149 PA 9431 (80)
Todd Helton (1997-2013, Rockies) WAR 66.8 OPS+133 PA 9453 (71)
Willie McCovey (1959-80, Giants) WAR 65.9 OPS+147 PA 9692 (68)
David Ortiz (1997-16, Red Sox) WAR 66.9 OPS+141 PA 10091 (67)
Rafael Palmeiro (1986-05, Rangers) WAR 73 OPS+ 132 PA 12046 (61)
Eddie Murray (1977-97, Orioles) WAR 69.95 OPS+ 129 PA 12817 (55)
Hank Greenberg (1930-47, Tigers) WAR 54.4 OPS+158 PA 6098 (89)

Last Out
Keith Hernandez (1974-90, Cardinals) WAR 63.25 OPS+ 128 PA 8553 (74)
Jason Giambi (1995-2014, A's) WAR 61 OPS+ 139 PA 8908 (68)
Will Clark (1986-00, Giants) WAR 60.1 OPS+ 137 PA 8283 (73)
John Olerud (1989-05, Jays) WAR 64.4 OPS+ 129 PA 9063 (71)


On Deck
Paul Goldschmidt (2011-Diamondbacks) WAR 48.4 OPS+ 141 PA 5390 (90)

Second base is next..

A Tiered MLB Hall of 200-Catchers

The explanation for all of this is here.

Through 2019.

Catchers

Inner Circle
Johnny Bench (1967-83, Reds) WAR 78.1  OPS+ 126  PA 8674  (WAR/PA .0090)
Gary Carter (1974-92, Expos) WAR 72.9 OPS+ 115 PA 9019 (.0081)
Pudge Rodriguez (1991-2011, Rangers) WAR 82 OPS+ 106 PA 10270  (.0080)

Middle Circle
Bill Dickey (1928-46, Yankees) WAR 62.95 OPS+ 127 PA 7065 (89)
Gabby Hartnett (1922-41, Cubs) WAR 62.75 OPS+ 126 PA 7297 (86)
Carlton Fisk (1969-93, Red Sox) WAR 71.55 OPS+ 117 PA 9853 (73)
Mike Piazza (1992-2007, Dodgers) WAR 61.55 OPS+ 142 PA 7745 (79)
Yogi Berra (1946-65, Yankees) WAR 64.35 OPS+ 125 PA 8359 (77)
Buck Ewing (1880-97, Giants) WAR 58.85 OPS+ 129 PA 5772 (102)

Outer Circle
Mickey Cochrane (1925-37, Athletics) WAR 53.9 OPS+ 129 PA 6207 (87)
Joe Mauer (2004-, Twins) WAR 61.2 OPS+ 124 PA 7960 (77)
Joe Torre (1960-77, Braves) WAR 56.85 OPS+ 129 PA 8802 (65)
Gene Tenace (1969-83, A's) WAR 47.95 OPS+ 136 PA 5527 (87)
King Kelly (1878-93, White Stockings) WAR 54.7 OPS+ 139 PA 6457 (85)
Buster Posey (2009- Giants) WAR 47.8 OPS+ 128 PA 5153 (93)
Jorge Posada (1995-11, Yankees) WAR 54.2 OPS+ 121 PA 7150 (76)

       Brian Downing (1973-91, Angels) WAR 53.5 OPS+ 122 PA 9309 (57)
      Ted Simmons (1968-88, Cardinals) WAR 52.35 OPS+ 118 PA 9685 (54)

Last Out
Charlie Bennett (1878-93, Wolverines) WAR 45.2 OPS+ 119 PA 4310 (105)
Thurman Munson (1969-79, Yankees) WAR 46.25 OPS+ 116 PA 5905 (78)


On Deck
Yadier Molina WAR 52.35 OPS+ 98 PA 7655 (70)
Russell Martin WAR 46.4 OPS+ 101 PA 6648 (70) 



First base is next.

Tendown, October 23, 2016

246 is here. This is Tendown 247.

Incidentally - told you so.

1. So, this doesn't have much subtext.

2. And then this.

3. 

4. 

5.

America's slow but very real decline into a fascist state as told by the Milwaukee Bucks logo pic.twitter.com/UTVsEyq3kg

— Baʿal Don't Lie (@ThomasAwful) April 9, 2016

6. 

7. 

8.

An act of Hillary-protecting censorship at @ThinkProgress: in 3 acts, starring John Podesta and @NeeraTanden pic.twitter.com/9I0O2gTrRa

— Glenn Greenwald (@ggreenwald) October 19, 2016

9. 

10. 

and one more...

That's all for this time.  I'll be back next time...if there is a next time...

Your pal,

Jim

2016-2017 NBA Wins Prediction

Each of the last two seasons I've predicted Warriors/Cavs finals (in my MLB picks before this season I picked a Cubs/Indians World Series) and I'm doing it again this year.  Here are my 2016-17 NBA wins total predictions; if I see a play above the Vegas line I'll indicate.

Post season update -- You're welcome.

East
1. Cleveland 56
2. Toronto 50
3. Boston 48
4. Detroit 43
5. Charlotte 43
6. Chicago 42
7. Washington 40
8. Atlanta 39 (under 43.5)  WIN

9. Indiana 38 (under 45.5)  WIN
10. Orlando 37
11. New York 35 (Under 40) WIN
12. Miami 34
13. Milwaukee 33
14. Philadelphia 27 (over 23.5)  WIN
15. Brooklyn 25 (over 21.5)  LOSS

West
1. Golden St. 67
2. San Antonio 53
3. Utah 49
4. LAC 48 (under 54) WIN
5. OKC 48
6. Houston 46
7. Portland 46
8. Minnesota 42

9. Denver 41
10. Memphis 38 (under 43.5) WIN
11. Sacramento 36
12. New Orleans 36
13. Dallas 36 (under 39.5) WIN
14. Phoenix 30
15. LALakers 24
 
Once again, Warriors v. Cavs in the NBA Finals.

Let's Pick Some College Football Games, Oct 22 2016

I'm 29-30

Wyo -4.5 Nev win
Col +2.5 Stan  win
Miss St -2.5 UK loss

2-1
31-31

2016 NFL Super Contest Picks, Week 7

I'm 12-18

Niners +2 loss
NYJ pick win
Eagles +2.5 win
Steelers +7 loss
Jags -1 loss

2-3
14-21

Forever Giants: 2016 San Francisco Giants Year 59 (Franchise Year 134)

2015 is here.

My WAR calculation is a combination of Baseball-reference and Clay Davenport; I believe it to be the "best" WAR number available for historical comparison. 8 WAR is an MVP quality season.  The record is pythagorean adjusted for 162 games.

2016 (90-72)
C Buster Posey 5.6 
1B Brandon Belt 4.85 
2B Joe Panik 1.65 
SS Brandon Crawford 4.15 
3B Matt Duffy 1.1 
LF Angel Pagan 2.3
CF Denard Span .65 
RF Hunter Pence 2.3 
OF Gregor Blanco -.75 
3B Conor Gillaspie .85 
3B Eduardo Nunez 1
C Trevor Brown -.1
OF Jarrett Parker .45 
OF Mac Williamson .45
2B Kelby Tomlinson .6 
SP Madison Bumgarner 6.25 
SP Johnny Cueto 5.9
SP Jeff Samardzija 2.85
SP Jake Peavy -1.1
RP Derek Law 1.95
RP Hunter Strickland 1.4 
RP Santiago Casilla 1.25 (13.75) Last season

-One of the best teams in the first half, one of the worst in the second, it all came out on the wash as the Giants made (and won) the Wild Card game and then lost the NLDS in four games to the Cubs.  With a 90 win pythag+postseason appearance this is the 14th best regular season club in San Francisco history. Bumgarner cracks 30 career WAR, Posey nears 40. Giants say goodbye to Pagan, Blanco and the three remaining relievers with 3 World Series rings (Casilla/Romo/Lopez).  Starting third baseman Matt Duffy is also gone, dealt at mid-season for Matt Moore.  

Every San Francisco Giants Team Ranked by Pythagorean Record

Updated through 2019

Here's every regular season team in SFG history ranked by pythagorean record, normalized for a 162 game season.  I've included what happened to each of the teams which made the postseason, and included the best position player and pitcher on each team, as determined by regular season WARP (Davenport version) plus WAR (baseball-reference version).  Ranking is regular season only.

1. 1962 100 Lost WS to Yankees Best WAR+WARP position player/pitcher Mays 10.3 Marichal 3.3, Sanford 3.3.  Yup, the best team in SFG history wasn't the WS Champion, it was the first WS loser, the '62 team.  
2. 2002 98 Lost WS to Angels Bonds 12.35, Nen 3.65.  8 outs away and a 5 run lead. 
3. 1993 98 Bonds 11.5, Swift 4.5 103 regular season wins and didn't make the playoffs.
4. 2000 97 Lost in playoffs to Mets Kent 8.55, Hernandez 3.2. The missing great SFG team of recent vintage, the best regular season team in 2000, and bounced in the NLDS.
5. 2010 94 World Champions defeated Rangers Huff 6 Wilson 4.65. Your First Ever World Champion San Francisco Giants
6. 1987 93 Lost in NLCS to Cardinals Clark 4.75, Robinson 2.3. A wide open postseason in '87, the Twins are the worst WS winners in baseball history. 
7. 2003 93 Lost in NLDS to Marlins Bonds 9,75, Schmidt 6.35
8. 1967 93 Hart 5.6, Perry 5.75
9. 1961 93 Mays 8.65 McCormick 4.7
10. 1989 92 Lost WS to A’s Clark 9.85, Garrelts 3.65
11. 1998 91 Bonds 10.2, Nen 5
12. 1965 91 Mays 11, Marichal 9.75
13. 1959 91 Mays 7.7 Jones 5.55
14. 2016 90 Lost in NLDS to Cubs Posey 5.6, Bumgarner 6.15 
15. 1986 90 Davis 4.45, Krukow 3.15
16. 1968 90 McCovey 7.45 Marichal 6
17. 1963 90 Mays 10.5 Marichal 7.9
18. 2015 89 Posey 7.2, Bumgarner 6.2
19. 1969 89 McCovey 8.35, Marichal 8.1
20. 1964 89 Mays 10.75, Marichal 6.65
21. 2012 88 World Champions defeated Tigers Posey 8, Cain 5
22. 1971 88 Lost in NLCS to Pirates Mays 6.3, Marichal 2.9
23. 2004 88 Bonds 11.6, Schmidt 5.35
24. 2014 87 World Champions defeated Royals Posey 5.7 , Bumgarner 5
25. 1966 86 Mays 8.9, Marichal 9.55
26. 2001 86 Bonds 12.75, Ortiz 4.2
27. 1988 86 Clark 7.9, Reuschel 3.5
28. 2009 86 Sandoval 5.45, Lincecum 6.45
29. 1973 85 Bonds 7.3, Bryant 3.2
30. 1999 85 Kent 4.6, Ortiz 2
31. 1960 85 Mays 9.35 McCormick 6.2
32. 1958 84 Mays 10.5 Antonelli  4.5
33. 1978 83 Clark 6.3, Knepper 6.45
34. 1981 83 Morgan 3.1, Alexander 4
35. 1990 82 Williams 5.15, Brantley 4.3
36. 1972 82 Speier 7.5 Bryant 3.1
37. 1970 81 McCovey 7.05, Perry 7.55
38. 1994 81 Bonds 7.5, Jackson 2.15
39. 1997 80 Lost in playoffs to Marlins Bonds 8.5, Estes 4.05
40. 2011 80 Sandoval 6.05, Lincecum 4.9
41. 1983 80 Evans 5.05, Hammaker 4.65
42. 1982 79 Morgan 5.7, Minton 6.4
43. 1975 79 Speier 4.65, Montefusco 6.05
44. 2007 77 Bonds 4.2, Cain 4.1
45. 2006 76 Bonds 4.6, Schmidt 3.8
46. 1991 76 Clark 6.25, Wilson 2.45
47. 1977 75 Thomasson 2.25, Halicki 5.7
48. 2013 74 Pence 5.65 Bumgarner 4.6
49. 1980 73 Evans 4.9, Blue 5.15
50. 1979 73 Clark 3.3, Lavelle 3.5
51. 1992 72 Clark 5.5 Swift 4.6
52. 2019 71 Yastrzemski 2.65 Samardzija 3.35
53. 2005 71 Alou 3.75, Lowry 3.35
54. 1976 71 Murcer 2.25, Montefusco 6.6
55. 1974 71 Bonds 4.6, Barr 6.3
56. 1996 71 Bonds 9.85, Beck 2.35
57. 2018 70 Crawford 3.25, Bumgarner 2.8
58. 1984 69 Davis 4.9, Lavelle 2.9
59. 2008 68 Winn 4.35, Lincecum 7.2
60. 1995 68 Bonds 8.35, Leiter 1.35
61. 2017 67 Posey 4.7, Bumgarner 3.75
62. 1985 67 Davis 3.55, Krukow 3.6

Tendown, October 16, 2016

245 is here.  This is Tendown 246.

1. Enough with the Notrious RBG Stuff.

With more and more football players across the country refusing to stand for the national anthem before games, Justice Ginsburg called the protest “dumb and disrespectful.”



2. Clinton at Goldman

“There's nothing magic about regulations, too much is bad, too little is bad,” she told a Goldman Sachs symposium. “How do you get to the golden key, how do we figure out what works? And the people that know the industry better than anybody are the people who work in the industry.”

3. Taibbi.

The first symptom of a degraded aristocracy is a lack of capable candidates for the throne. After years of indulgence, ruling families become frail, inbred and isolated, with no one but mystics, impotents and children to put forward as kings. Think of Nikolai Romanov reading fortunes as his troops starved at the front. Weak princes lead to popular uprisings. Which brings us to this year's Republican field.

4. Yemen.

5. Remember, Hamilton isn't Real.

The show portrays Hamilton as a “young, scrappy, and hungry” immigrant (he was born on the Caribbean Island of Nevis, but qualified as a U.S. citizen when the Constitution was adopted), an egalitarian, and a passionate abolitionist. All of this is wrong, Gordon-Reed said.

“In the sense of the Ellis Island immigrant narrative, he was not an immigrant,” she said. “He was not pro-immigrant, either.

“He was not an abolitionist,” she added. “He bought and sold slaves for his in-laws, and opposing slavery was never at the forefront of his agenda.

“He was not a champion of the little guy, like the show portrays,” she said. “He was elitist. He was in favor of having a president for life.”

6. The Democrats are Driving me Bonkers.

come January, Democrats will continue to be the dominant political faction in the U.S. — more so than ever — and the tactics they are now embracing will endure past the election, making them worthy of scrutiny. Those tactics now most prominently include dismissing away any facts or documents that reflect negatively on their leaders as fake, and strongly insinuating that anyone who questions or opposes those leaders is a stooge or agent of the Kremlin, tasked with a subversive and dangerously un-American mission on behalf of hostile actors in Moscow.

7.

Congrats to the @Cubs, advancing to the #NLCS. #SFGiants

— SFGiants (@SFGiants) October 12, 2016

8.

9.

10. You Get one Free Article a Month from Harpers - Read This One.

And one more...

That's all for this time.  I'll be back next time...if there is a next time...

Your pal,

Jim

Best Players, Each Position, 2016 MLB Season

Using the best WAR calculation that exists, B-Ref+Davenport, these are the best players from the 2016 MLB season.

C B.Posey SFG   5.6
    J.Lucroy Mil/Tex  4.8
    W.Ramos Wash  4.7
    Y.Molina StL 3.5
    JT Realmuto Mia 3.5
    Y.Grandal LA 3.5

1B A.Rizzo Chi 7.45
      F.Freeman Atl 6.9
      M.Cabrera Det 6.35
      J.Votto Cin 5.9
      P.Goldschmidt Ari 5.45

2B R.Cano Sea 7.3
      J.Altuve Hou 6
      I.Kinsler Det 5.7
      DJ LeMahieu Col 5.3
      B.Dozier Min 5.15
   
SS  F.Lindor Cle 5.85
      C.Correa Hou 5.1
      C.Seager LA 4.9
      J.Villar Mil 4.85
      A.Russell Chi 4.8
   
3B K.Bryant Chi 8.2 NL MVP
      K.Seager Sea 7.05
      N.Arenado Col 6.9
      J.Donaldson Tor 6.45
      M.Machado Bal 6.15
   
LF C.Yelich Mia 4.65
      R.Braun Mil 4.4
      S.Marte Pit 4.35
      Y.Cespedes NYM 4.05
       B.Gardner NYY 3.65

CF M.Trout LAA 9.2 AL MVP
      O.Herrera Phi 4.65
      C.Blackmon Col 4.5
      D.Fowler Chi 4.35
      J.Bradley Bos 4.35
   
RF M.Betts Bos 8.5
      A.Eaton CWS 6.4
      G.Springer Hou 5.65
      B.Harper Wash 3.25
      S.Piscotty StL 3.2
   
DH D.Ortiz Bos 5.55
       N.Cruz Sea 4.9
       E.Encarnacion Tor 3.65

SP N.Syndergaard NYM 6.6 - NL Cy
     M.Scherzer Wash 6.55
     J.Verlander Det 6.3 - AL Cy
     C.Martinez StL 6.3
     C.Kershaw LAD 6.25
     M.Bumgarner SFG 6.15
     C.Kluber Cle 5.75
     T.Roark Wash 5.7
     J.Cueto SFG 5.55
     J.Lester Chi 5.55
     J.Fernandez Mia 5.5
     J.Quintana CWS 5.35
     C.Sale CWS 5.2
     K.Hendricks Chi 5.2
     R.Porcello Bos 5
     M.Tanaka NYY 4.9
     J.Teheran Atl 4.85
     R.Hill Oak/LAD 4.55
     M.Fullmer Det 4.5
     D.Pomeranz SD/Bos 4.5
   
   
Relievers
Z.Britton Bal 5.4
A.Miller NYY 5.15
M.Melancon Was/Pit 5.05
A.Chapman NYY/Chi 4.3
K.Jansen LAD 4.15
A.Colome TB 3.65
B.Ziegler Ari/Bos 3.6
S.H Oh StL 3.55
J.Familia NYM 3.25
D.Phelps Mia 3.25





 

         

Let's Pick Some College Football Games, Oct 15 2016

I'm 25-26

Nwestern +4.5 Mich St. win
Neb -3.5 Ind win
Clem -17.5 NC St loss
Miami -7.5 UNC loss
Miss -7.5 Ark loss
Utah -9.5 Ore St loss
UNLV +8.5 Hawaii win
EMich +7 Ohio win

4-4
29-30

2016 NFL Super Contest Picks, Week 6

I'm an ugly 10-15

Cincinnati +8.5 loss
Miami +7.5 win
Sea -6.5 loss
Oak pick loss
NO +3 win

2-3
12-18

Tendown, October 9, 2016

Tendown 244 is here.  This is 245.

1. Evil.

2. Evil.  But also hilarious.

“Trump sniffing may have been a sign of the Holy Spirit coming out of him,” said Robertson on “The 700 Club.” “The Holy Spirit affects people in strange ways. Some people go into a frenzy, some people start laughing uncontrollably, some people bark like dogs. Apparently, Trump sniffs.”

3. Don't Talk to the Cops.

4. Kaepernick.

5. More Divisive than Kaepernick in NFL Locker Rooms - Trump

two NFC teammates—a right-leaning offensive lineman and a left-leaning linebacker—began to re-examine their friendship because of Trump.

They had known each other for four years. Their wives talked on occasion. Their kids sometimes played together. They sat next to each other in team meetings and went to dinner several times per month. They often joked that politics were off-limits because of their disparate viewpoints. Then, after their first offseason team workout in May, the lineman revealed he would be voting for Trump—and everything changed.

The linebacker, a Clinton supporter, began finding excuses for not going to dinner. The families stopped talking. When the lineman confronted his now former friend, he recalls receiving a blunt response: I can’t be friends with anyone who would vote for Donald Trump. I’m sorry.

✦ ✦ ✦

6.

7. 

8. UN Report on US Cops

9. the Atlantic

We believe in American democracy, in which individuals from various parties of different ideological stripes can advance their ideas and compete for the affection of voters. But Trump is not a man of ideas. He is a demagogue, a xenophobe, a sexist, a know-nothing, and a liar. He is spectacularly unfit for office, and voters—the statesmen and thinkers of the ballot box—should act in defense of American democracy and elect his opponent.

10. 

Nothing makes journalists as openly angry & scornful as when a candidate suggests US killing people is like other countries killing people.

— Glenn Greenwald (@ggreenwald) October 6, 2016

And one more...

that's all for this time...i'll be back next time...if there is a next time...

Your pal,

Jim

Let's Pick Some College Football Games, Oct 8 2016

I'm 22-23

Hawaii +3 SJ St.  win
Army +3.5 Duke loss
Vandy +2.5 UK loss
Fresno +9.5 Nev win
Stan -6.5 Wash St loss
Kansas +28.5 TCU win

3-3
25-26