Teams like the (payroll ranking) Marlins (30), Rays (29), Athletics (28), Twins (24) and Diamondbacks (23) have always interested me as someone who studies baseball. They are winning despite having some of the lowest payrolls in MLB. These are the top ten reasons that they are succeeding. Check out my interview with Pat Listach, the Manager of the Iowa Cubs, on Micah Hoffpauir at the Vine Line’s Cubs Club Blog.
10. Bomb Droppers
This doesn’t apply to all the teams because power does come late for many young hitters and most of these teams are extremely young, but for the more developed teams like the Marlins who are second in the NL and the Diamondbacks who are fourth, the home run is a major part of how they score runs with low team batting averages.
9. No overpriced fading former stars
Without black holes in their lineups, i.e. players that can’t be released because of hefty contracts and are worth nothing on the trade market (Carlos Delgado), they can use their free money on locking up their young talent to long term contracts (Evan Longoria), being able to afford players they trade for (Dan Haren) or in player development (B.J. Upton). Now they can go after free agents where need-be and make a real run at the World Series (like the Marlins and Diamondbacks do).
8. They win at home
All these teams play extremely well at home and by winning at home they make it less important to win on the road, which can be very tough for many young teams.
7. Have developed players in system or traded for top prospects
Instead of trying to buy World Series through free agencies or through trading away young talent, these teams have taken the time to develop their draft picks (Tampa Bay, Arizona) or trade for other teams top prospects (Florida, Oakland). This way they can use the five years of arbitration before they can get a free agency contract. This is key for these low budget teams if they don’t decide to sign their young players to long-term “cheap” contracts (Longoria, Hanley Ramirez).
6. They score despite bad batting average
Without a ton of firepower these teams have shown they can put up enough runs to win. The Twins rank fourth, the Rays rank fifth and the A’s rank sixth in runs scored in the AL. Also the Diamondbacks and Marlins rank third and sixth in the NL. Now these are not huge rankings but they are scoring enough to win games, which is all that matters.
5. They get on base
These teams do not hit the ball very much, but they have made those hits count because they increase their scoring chances by getting on base. The Athletics are first in the AL in walks, while Tampa Bay is fifth in OBP. Arizona has also separated itself by ranking third in the NL in walks.
4. They win in their own division
Every team but Oakland has a winning record in their division and teams like the Diamondbacks have absolutely dominated their division, separating themselves from everybody else in it. By winning in your own division you not only get a win but push the teams you beat even farther back making the division title even more likely
3. Limiting free base runners
The next two are the most important thing that these teams have learned to do…pitch. They do not let runners on for free, or in other words via the walk or HBP. Minnesota is first and Oakland is third in the AL in walks given up, while Tampa Bay is first in HBP. While in the NL Arizona gives up the fewest walks. All these teams don’t hit for high averages and need to keep the other teams out of as many scoring chances as possible (runners), so by limiting free bases these teams decrease the chances of runs allowed and increase their chances of winning.
2. Don’t allow runs
Because of this trend these low budget teams do not give up a ton of runs. Tampa Bay is fifth and Oakland is third in AL ERA, while Arizona is second in the NL. By decreasing the number of runs allowed these low budget teams can still win without top-level talent on offense. Or in other words without scoring a ton of runs.
1. What separates the Rays from the rest: Fielding
What makes the Rays the best team in the AL? They field the ball. Tampa Bay has committed the fewest errors in the major leagues. They do not make mistakes that put base runners on and advance others on the base paths. Their solid fielding ability is what the other low budget teams need to emphasize in order to make that next step that the Rays have.
Monday, June 9, 2008
Friday, May 30, 2008
Down on the Farm: Pat Listach on Micah Hoffpauir
Throughout the season, Vine Line Online will speak with players, managers and front-office personnel in the minor-league system. Today, "Down on the Farm" checks in with Pat Listach, manager of the Iowa Cubs, about what he expects to see from Micah Hoffpauirin Chicago. Keep coming to the blog for reports, player profiles, interviews and stories during the week.
What to expect when expecting Hoffpauir
Chicagoans have been expecting Hoffpauir to join the Cubs for some time now, and after a herniated disc sidelined Daryle Ward, Hoffpauir finally got his shot. The 28-year-old had a monstrous 2007 Triple-A campaign, hitting .319 with 16 home runs and 73 RBIs, but a knee injury cut his season short, limiting him to only 82 games. Unfazed, the lefty followed that up by posting even better numbers in spring training. After a stint on the DL early this season, he continued to hit: In nine games for Iowa this year, Hoffpauir hit .324 with 3 home runs and 12 RBIs.
Count Pat Listach, the manager of the Iowa Cubs, as a believer that Hoffpauir will continue to mash in Chicago.
"He's going to hit." Listach said. "He's been a really good hitter the last few years, and I think he's going to hit up there as well. He is going to provide some power from the left side of the plate."
Hoffpauir's hitting skills are proven, but some still question whether he is ready to play a major-league outfield after taking up the position this year. However, Hoffpauir has shown his Triple-A manager that he is more than ready for the challenge.
"You know what, he's a good athlete," Listach said. "He gets good jumps on the ball, he's not a blazer, and he doesn't have great speed. But he gets good jumps, and he makes the plays. If he gets to the ball, he catches it. He has no problem with that. He looks like a natural out there to be honest."
Spending six years in the minors has been tough on Hoffpauir, and he is ready to make a name for himself at the major-league level. Listach and his staff have worked hard with Hoffpauir to make this next step and are glad the 2002 13th-round pick is finally getting a chance.
"He's a great kid," Listach said. "I couldn't be happier for him. He's really earned it, and he's worked hard and has battled through some injuries. He's finally there, and he's playing good. He got a couple hits [the other day]. So we are really happy for him."
Hoffpauir recorded his first major-league start (in leftfield) and base hit on May 21 in Houston. The hit, a double down the leftfield line was the first of two for the game. Since being called up on May 18, the Texas native has gone 5-for-11, and he recorded his first RBI last night, pinch-hitting in the eighth inning. Hoffpauir looks to be comfortable with his new surroundings and seems to be catching the eyes of everyone he plays around.
-- Zach Martin
What to expect when expecting Hoffpauir
Chicagoans have been expecting Hoffpauir to join the Cubs for some time now, and after a herniated disc sidelined Daryle Ward, Hoffpauir finally got his shot. The 28-year-old had a monstrous 2007 Triple-A campaign, hitting .319 with 16 home runs and 73 RBIs, but a knee injury cut his season short, limiting him to only 82 games. Unfazed, the lefty followed that up by posting even better numbers in spring training. After a stint on the DL early this season, he continued to hit: In nine games for Iowa this year, Hoffpauir hit .324 with 3 home runs and 12 RBIs.
Count Pat Listach, the manager of the Iowa Cubs, as a believer that Hoffpauir will continue to mash in Chicago.
"He's going to hit." Listach said. "He's been a really good hitter the last few years, and I think he's going to hit up there as well. He is going to provide some power from the left side of the plate."
Hoffpauir's hitting skills are proven, but some still question whether he is ready to play a major-league outfield after taking up the position this year. However, Hoffpauir has shown his Triple-A manager that he is more than ready for the challenge.
"You know what, he's a good athlete," Listach said. "He gets good jumps on the ball, he's not a blazer, and he doesn't have great speed. But he gets good jumps, and he makes the plays. If he gets to the ball, he catches it. He has no problem with that. He looks like a natural out there to be honest."
Spending six years in the minors has been tough on Hoffpauir, and he is ready to make a name for himself at the major-league level. Listach and his staff have worked hard with Hoffpauir to make this next step and are glad the 2002 13th-round pick is finally getting a chance.
"He's a great kid," Listach said. "I couldn't be happier for him. He's really earned it, and he's worked hard and has battled through some injuries. He's finally there, and he's playing good. He got a couple hits [the other day]. So we are really happy for him."
Hoffpauir recorded his first major-league start (in leftfield) and base hit on May 21 in Houston. The hit, a double down the leftfield line was the first of two for the game. Since being called up on May 18, the Texas native has gone 5-for-11, and he recorded his first RBI last night, pinch-hitting in the eighth inning. Hoffpauir looks to be comfortable with his new surroundings and seems to be catching the eyes of everyone he plays around.
-- Zach Martin
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Top Ten Foreign Born Chicago Athletes (Current)
Chicago is full of foreign born studs and these are the top ten...
10. Israel Idonije
http://www.israelhighway.org/highway-images/football-player.jpg
Idonije was born in Lagos, Nigeria and has been killing people ever since. Need I say more?
9. Cubs Rookies
http://www.aolcdn.com/aolnews_photos/0f/02/20080428015509990013
Kosuke Fukudome and Geovany Soto have been playing lights out this year. Fuk has brought his Japanese game over to America and has filled the five-hole void nicely. Even though he doesn’t hit a ton of HR’s, he gets on base and seems to get the clutch hit every game. Soto, a Purto Rican, has separated himself as the best offensive catcher in the MLB. As a rookie he is just putting up stupid numbers and is playing a solid catcher as well.
8. Aramis Ramirez
http://i.a.cnn.net/si/2006/writers/em_swift/11/21/cubs.tribune/t1_aramis_si.jpg
This Dominican third basemen picks up the necessary base runners everyday. He is an RBI machine and has played a solid third base the last couple years. Plus he loves to fight cocks.
7. Carlos Marmol
http://z.about.com/d/baseball/1/7/v/4/-/-/cubs20.jpg
This Dominican is 100% lights out. When Marmol steps into the game, it is pretty much over. He has the ability to K anybody in the league. Oh and he has a 1.69 ERA and 46 K’s in 32 innings.
6. Patrick Sharp
http://www.nancarrow-webdesk.com/warehouse/storage2/2007-w46/img.75523_t.jpg
Oh Canada, thanks for our future. Unfortunately for the Hawks once Rose comes to Chitown hockey will become obsolete again.
5. Alfonso Sorianohttp://media.collegepublisher.com/media/paper736/stills/v351z49o.jpg
I had no idea where to put him on this list because of his streakiness, but this Dominican can literally become the scariest offensive force in the big leagues so being in the middle seems to fit his two sided offensive attack.
4. Jonathan Toews
http://www.fanatique.ca/images/_profils/image/90_jonathantoews3.jpg
As a rookie he led all rookies in goals…the sky is the limit with this Canadian and next year will be a big year for the Toews and the Hawks as they look to move from a young team to a consistent playoff team.
3. Luol Deng
http://www.jamati.com/online/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/deng.jpg
A member of the Dinka tribe of Sudan, he was raised in Great Britain and learned basketball from Manute Bol in Egypt…interesting, right? Anyway, until this year the Bulls have put their franchise hopes on his back and it will be interesting to see if he can turn into something special.
2. Javier Vazquez
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44080000/jpg/_44080971_javier_getty.jpg
I was shocked to see the lack of players from other countries on the Sox. Sure there are players like Cabrera, but he has not played up to his capabilities so Vazquez seemed like the only viable candidate. His 3.52 ERA and 5-3 record prove the he is the man. To add to that he has strucken out 67 and only walked 15 in 71.2 innings.
1. Carlos Zambrano
http://mydobber.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/02/CarlosZambrano.jpg
7-1 with a 2.47 ERA. Pretty good, right? Now that Brandon Webb has lost his second game in a row, Zambrano might have taken the lead in the NL Cy Young voting. The Venezuelan has dropped his K numbers but he is attacking the strike zone and limiting his walks, leading to a low ERA and high win percentage. And don't forget "Big Z" also drops bombs...he's just good.
10. Israel Idonije
http://www.israelhighway.org/highway-images/football-player.jpg
Idonije was born in Lagos, Nigeria and has been killing people ever since. Need I say more?
9. Cubs Rookies
http://www.aolcdn.com/aolnews_photos/0f/02/20080428015509990013
Kosuke Fukudome and Geovany Soto have been playing lights out this year. Fuk has brought his Japanese game over to America and has filled the five-hole void nicely. Even though he doesn’t hit a ton of HR’s, he gets on base and seems to get the clutch hit every game. Soto, a Purto Rican, has separated himself as the best offensive catcher in the MLB. As a rookie he is just putting up stupid numbers and is playing a solid catcher as well.
8. Aramis Ramirez
http://i.a.cnn.net/si/2006/writers/em_swift/11/21/cubs.tribune/t1_aramis_si.jpg
This Dominican third basemen picks up the necessary base runners everyday. He is an RBI machine and has played a solid third base the last couple years. Plus he loves to fight cocks.
7. Carlos Marmol
http://z.about.com/d/baseball/1/7/v/4/-/-/cubs20.jpg
This Dominican is 100% lights out. When Marmol steps into the game, it is pretty much over. He has the ability to K anybody in the league. Oh and he has a 1.69 ERA and 46 K’s in 32 innings.
6. Patrick Sharp
http://www.nancarrow-webdesk.com/warehouse/storage2/2007-w46/img.75523_t.jpg
Oh Canada, thanks for our future. Unfortunately for the Hawks once Rose comes to Chitown hockey will become obsolete again.
5. Alfonso Sorianohttp://media.collegepublisher.com/media/paper736/stills/v351z49o.jpg
I had no idea where to put him on this list because of his streakiness, but this Dominican can literally become the scariest offensive force in the big leagues so being in the middle seems to fit his two sided offensive attack.
4. Jonathan Toews
http://www.fanatique.ca/images/_profils/image/90_jonathantoews3.jpg
As a rookie he led all rookies in goals…the sky is the limit with this Canadian and next year will be a big year for the Toews and the Hawks as they look to move from a young team to a consistent playoff team.
3. Luol Deng
http://www.jamati.com/online/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/deng.jpg
A member of the Dinka tribe of Sudan, he was raised in Great Britain and learned basketball from Manute Bol in Egypt…interesting, right? Anyway, until this year the Bulls have put their franchise hopes on his back and it will be interesting to see if he can turn into something special.
2. Javier Vazquez
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44080000/jpg/_44080971_javier_getty.jpg
I was shocked to see the lack of players from other countries on the Sox. Sure there are players like Cabrera, but he has not played up to his capabilities so Vazquez seemed like the only viable candidate. His 3.52 ERA and 5-3 record prove the he is the man. To add to that he has strucken out 67 and only walked 15 in 71.2 innings.
1. Carlos Zambrano
http://mydobber.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/02/CarlosZambrano.jpg
7-1 with a 2.47 ERA. Pretty good, right? Now that Brandon Webb has lost his second game in a row, Zambrano might have taken the lead in the NL Cy Young voting. The Venezuelan has dropped his K numbers but he is attacking the strike zone and limiting his walks, leading to a low ERA and high win percentage. And don't forget "Big Z" also drops bombs...he's just good.
Down on the Farm: Pat Listach, Manager of the Iowa Cubs
Throughout the season, Vine Line Online will speak with players, managers and front-office personnel in the minor-league system. Today, "Down on the Farm" checks in with Pat Listach, manager of the Iowa Cubs, about the challenges of managing a Triple-A team. Keep coming to the blog for reports, player profiles, interviews and stories during the week.
Listach_Pat.jpgSince Opening Day, Chicago has made 11 transactions with its Triple-A affiliate, the Iowa Cubs. That is the equivalent of roughly one transaction every four games. The Cubs have had to deal with inconsistent play and injuries, and they have used the I-Cubs as their very own Hans Brinker, the legend who plugged leaks with his thumbs as they appeared. For Iowa manager Listach, the amount of moves can be daunting, but he does everything he can to get his players ready for their chances at the big leagues.
"We have a lot of player movement already, and I think for the most part [our] players are major-league ready. It's our job as a staff down here to make sure they are ready when they go to Chicago," Listach said. "We are not too concerned about winning in Iowa but making sure they get their repetitions in and get their work in so that they are ready when Lou Piniella and his staff up there call for them."
Listach managed at Double-A Tennessee last year and has changed his philosophy a little to better coincide with more experienced players, but he maintains the basics are the same.
"We are still teaching fundamentals and teaching them how to play the game and how to prepare for the game." Listach said. "[But] when you look around and you have a team with Sean Marshall, Rich Hill, Sean Gallagher and Kevin Hart, you approach things a little differently because they've been in the major leagues and they know what they need to do to get back there. [My role is] just being available for them to get their work in."
Even so, long bus rides and years of minor-league play can wear down any seasoned ballplayer, especially at the Triple-A level, where most of the players are in their fourth or fifth seasons. But Listach sees the ivy, red brick and green scoreboard as enough incentive for his players to continue to work hard.
"We've got some three and four o'clock in the morning wakeup calls, and we have to do some things different as far as getting work done on those travel days because everybody's exhausted." Listach said. "[But] at one point we counted that 17 players out of the 24 had been in the major leagues. ... It's pretty easy to motivate when they can see the light at the end of the tunnel."
-- Zach Martin
Listach_Pat.jpgSince Opening Day, Chicago has made 11 transactions with its Triple-A affiliate, the Iowa Cubs. That is the equivalent of roughly one transaction every four games. The Cubs have had to deal with inconsistent play and injuries, and they have used the I-Cubs as their very own Hans Brinker, the legend who plugged leaks with his thumbs as they appeared. For Iowa manager Listach, the amount of moves can be daunting, but he does everything he can to get his players ready for their chances at the big leagues.
"We have a lot of player movement already, and I think for the most part [our] players are major-league ready. It's our job as a staff down here to make sure they are ready when they go to Chicago," Listach said. "We are not too concerned about winning in Iowa but making sure they get their repetitions in and get their work in so that they are ready when Lou Piniella and his staff up there call for them."
Listach managed at Double-A Tennessee last year and has changed his philosophy a little to better coincide with more experienced players, but he maintains the basics are the same.
"We are still teaching fundamentals and teaching them how to play the game and how to prepare for the game." Listach said. "[But] when you look around and you have a team with Sean Marshall, Rich Hill, Sean Gallagher and Kevin Hart, you approach things a little differently because they've been in the major leagues and they know what they need to do to get back there. [My role is] just being available for them to get their work in."
Even so, long bus rides and years of minor-league play can wear down any seasoned ballplayer, especially at the Triple-A level, where most of the players are in their fourth or fifth seasons. But Listach sees the ivy, red brick and green scoreboard as enough incentive for his players to continue to work hard.
"We've got some three and four o'clock in the morning wakeup calls, and we have to do some things different as far as getting work done on those travel days because everybody's exhausted." Listach said. "[But] at one point we counted that 17 players out of the 24 had been in the major leagues. ... It's pretty easy to motivate when they can see the light at the end of the tunnel."
-- Zach Martin
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Down on the Farm: Oneri Fleita on Kevin Hart and Rich Hill
Throughout the season, Vine Line Online will speak with players, managers and front-office personnel in the minor-league system. Today, "Down on the Farm" checks in with Oneri Fleita, Cubs Vice President of Player Personnel, about how Kevin Hart and Rich Hill will find their ways back to Chicago. Keep coming to the blog for reports, player profiles, interviews and stories during the week.
The old baseball adage "It's harder to stay in the majors than get there" rings true even for successful players -- just ask Kevin Hart and Rich Hill.
Hart was a September call up last year and was a key ingredient in the Cubs playoff run. He posted a 0.82 ERA with 13 strikeouts in 11 innings. Hill also broke out in 2007, winning 11 games, leading the Cubs in strikeouts with 183, and ranking fifth in the National League in batting average against (.235). But both have struggled this year and were optioned to Triple-A Iowa to work out their problems.
Hart.jpgFor Hart, Fleita believes, it might have been an issue of familiarity.
"[Hart's] a young guy who was brought up and asked to throw out of the bullpen, and did a nice job," Fleita said. "But because of his lack of experience with irregular work, it was hard for him to stay in sync...."
Fleita believes the key to getting Hart back to Chicago is by getting him back in a familiar role as a starting pitcher, something that may even lead to other opportunities for the big righty.
"Hart has been put back [into the rotation], to get him back on track," Fleita said. "Putting him in the rotation gives us, as an organization and him individually, the opportunity to be a starter, should that need arise. And if not, it will give him the opportunity to get in sync so that the next time he comes up he will be back where he was last year throwing out of the 'pen."
Hill.jpgUnlike Hart, Hill was used as a starter, and instead of losing rhythm and routine, Hill seemed to lose trust in his pitches and thus his command.
"Hill has been sent [to Iowa] to gain a little confidence," Fleita said. "He struggled to throw strikes and is kind of retracing his steps. I don't think it will be a major overhaul. Sometimes players lose their confidence and get a little off track, but he threw here a couple nights ago and looks like he's right back where he was."
If that is the case then look for Hart and Hill to be back in Chicago soon, something that Fleita attributes to their team-first approach.
"The bottom line is that we are talking about two guys with great attitudes that care more about getting up there and helping us win than [they do about] themselves."
-- Zach Martin
The old baseball adage "It's harder to stay in the majors than get there" rings true even for successful players -- just ask Kevin Hart and Rich Hill.
Hart was a September call up last year and was a key ingredient in the Cubs playoff run. He posted a 0.82 ERA with 13 strikeouts in 11 innings. Hill also broke out in 2007, winning 11 games, leading the Cubs in strikeouts with 183, and ranking fifth in the National League in batting average against (.235). But both have struggled this year and were optioned to Triple-A Iowa to work out their problems.
Hart.jpgFor Hart, Fleita believes, it might have been an issue of familiarity.
"[Hart's] a young guy who was brought up and asked to throw out of the bullpen, and did a nice job," Fleita said. "But because of his lack of experience with irregular work, it was hard for him to stay in sync...."
Fleita believes the key to getting Hart back to Chicago is by getting him back in a familiar role as a starting pitcher, something that may even lead to other opportunities for the big righty.
"Hart has been put back [into the rotation], to get him back on track," Fleita said. "Putting him in the rotation gives us, as an organization and him individually, the opportunity to be a starter, should that need arise. And if not, it will give him the opportunity to get in sync so that the next time he comes up he will be back where he was last year throwing out of the 'pen."
Hill.jpgUnlike Hart, Hill was used as a starter, and instead of losing rhythm and routine, Hill seemed to lose trust in his pitches and thus his command.
"Hill has been sent [to Iowa] to gain a little confidence," Fleita said. "He struggled to throw strikes and is kind of retracing his steps. I don't think it will be a major overhaul. Sometimes players lose their confidence and get a little off track, but he threw here a couple nights ago and looks like he's right back where he was."
If that is the case then look for Hart and Hill to be back in Chicago soon, something that Fleita attributes to their team-first approach.
"The bottom line is that we are talking about two guys with great attitudes that care more about getting up there and helping us win than [they do about] themselves."
-- Zach Martin
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