For more on BaseRuns. What I decided to do was run numbers based on teams baseruns projected record (over 162 games) versus their "real" projected records based on current winning percentage. Since most teams have about 30 games left we probably won't see too big of a swing, but I'm curious if some of these teams regress (or progress) over the next month and some.  In fact when the season is over I plan to review the numbers just to see which pair of numbers worked out.

Here are the numbers we need to worry about:

Obviously some teams have been bitten by the injury bug -- San Diego has been nearly devoured by the damn thing -- which makes their projected records a bit off if (when) they get healthy. A team like Boston for instance, without Mike Lowell and possibly J.D. Drew are probably less likely to match their production thus far this season than say the Chicago Cubs who aren't missing any key components right now. I'm not quite sure what to expect, but which of the two methods do you think will result in more accuracy?

Hopefully everyone doesn't mind a somewhat off-topic post every now and then...

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Percival's problems have become persistent, but perhaps it's just as well that they're part of the landscape as the team considers its options for the postseason roster. Salas has had his own issues to deal with, starting out with visa problems and the elbow trouble that kept him from getting in gear until almost two months into the season. He's been outstanding for the Bulls, however, allowing just 45 baserunners in 44 2/3 IP while striking out 53, and only two homers despite pronounced fly-ball tendencies. He's virtually Balfouresque when it comes to right-handers, having limited them to hitting just .160/.217/.173 in the International League, proof positive that his moving mid-90s heat is still as nasty as ever; he hasn't been too shabby against lefties for that matter (.238/.297/.321), but the still-development nature of his off-speed stuff suggests that Joe Maddon will have to pick his spots for the converted infielder.

I don't recall hearing about Salas having elbow trouble, but per Christina Kahrl he apparently did. Also since when do the Rays have relievers worthy of being used as measures for good things? Stokesian relievers were a thing of hte past, now we have Balfouresque? I suppose it's better than death by a thousand paper cuts -- Danys Baez old motto.

I would be doing them an injustice without pointing out that the best source for Rays minor league news and analysis is now online. Kevin Gengler and Doug Milhoan run a pretty impressive site including daily updates.

So, the defense and pitching won another game. Garza was gold, the defense was excellent ( <3 Ruggiano) and Carlos hit another homerun. That about covers it, although the strikeouts versus David Purcey are a bit concerning.

I read The Big Lead on a daily basis and I found this pretty laughable. First the list put they put forth was created by David Pinto, who does absolutely great work, but was focusing more on sabermetric connections than actual sabermetric front offices. I asked a scout (which is a sin for saber guys) to give me a list of teams he knew were saber. He responded with these teams: Arizona, Boston, Cleveland, Oakland, Pittsburgh, St. Louis, San Diego, Tampa Bay, Texas, and Toronto.

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The Dodgers are likely to claim Fuentes, along with the St. Louis Cardinals and Tampa Bay Rays, the two teams that pushed hardest to acquire him last month. If Fuentes is claimed, the Rockies can work out a trade or pull him back. They have made it known they want a premium young starting pitcher, which they consider more valuable than the two compensatory picks they would receive when Fuentes departs as a free agent.

I love the bold part.  The Rockies want a top pitching prospect instead of two picks in a crapshoot? Is there a team that would say  "Oh, no thank you sir, I'll take my two lotto tickets instead of my paycheck."?

StatCorner has added team stats back through 2003, take a glance at the 2007 pitching staff numbers against this year.  A summary:

2007/2008 tRA

Rotation: 4.91/4.42

Bullpen: 5.70/4.12

Hat tip to Sternfan for bringing this to my attention.

Another former Astro under Gerry Hunsicker is now in the Rays minor league system. First it was Hector Gimenez who is attempting to find his once promising days sidelined by injuries and now....Carlos Hernandez. You may recall Hernandez season with the Astros in 2001 when he made 21 starts and threw over 100 innings. Well apparently the southpaw has had some shoulder issues, and after missing 2007 signed with the Rays. He's thrown 20 dominating innings for Vero Beach and as a 28 year old may find himself with Montgomery or Durham to begin next season.

I'm not going to expect him to ever reach the majors with us, but I found it interesting none the less.