Baseball Analyst archives

Index for “Baseball Analyst”
Nos. 1-40, 1982-1989

Read Rob Neyer’s introduction of the Baseball Analyst archives.

Click on an issue below to download the text-searchable PDF file.

Special thanks to Bill James and Phil Birnbaum for making these files available.

Index compiled by Stephen Roney, Charles Pavitt, Pete Palmer, Cliff Blau, Bill Deane, Dan Heisman and Barry Mednick.

Issue 1-June 1982

• Introduction
  by Bill James, p. 1
• Ballpark Effects on the Production of Infield Errors and Double Plays
  by Paul W. Schwarzenbart, p. 2-7
  Using data from the NL from 1972,3,6,8,9, and 80, presents home/road rates and ratios for infield and outfield errors and double plays and analysis of the results
• The Distribution of Runs Scored
  by Dallas Adams, p. 8-10
  Using data from 1967-76 from both leagues, presents % of games teams score a given number of runs from 0 to 19+. Teams are lumped into 11 groups based on average runs per game. A graph presents the same data as the table. 2 formulas are given to predict the distribution of runs for any team given its average scoring rate. One is for 5 or fewer runs in a game, the other for 6 or more.
• Nolan Ryan’s Fifth No-Hitter
  by Tom Jones, p. 11
  Account from box score of the 9/26/81 game
• Wins and Losses For All Players
  by Mark D. Pankin, p. 12-14
  Describes a method of assigning wins and losses to pitchers and hitters. No statistics or actual examples given. Wins are given only to players on winning team and vice versa.
• Home Runs – A Matter of Attitude
  by Robert Kingsley, p. 15-20
  Examines the reasons more home runs are hit at some parks than others, using Atlanta Fulton County Stadium and Busch Stadium for illustrative purposes. Concludes 3 main factors are physical dimensions, climate, and hitter attitude. Statistics given for home and road homers for and against Braves and Cardinals for 1976, 7, and 8.

Issue 2-August 1982

• Introduction
  by Bill James, p. 1-2
• Some Patterns of Age and Skill
  by Dallas Adams, p. 3-9
  Data presented for all non-pitchers who finished their careers between 1901 and 1968. Gives data for each age from 16 to 46:total games, % of games, number of players, games per player, number of players playing 95 or more games, and % playing 95 or more games. Next table gives same data for Hall of Famers included in table 1. Table 3 gives same data for catchers included in table 1. Much of these data are presented in graph form, too.
• Ballpark Effects on Fielding Performance:Further Evidence
  by Craig Wright, p. 10-12
  Uses NL data from 1976-80 to compare double play rates on grass versus artificial turf. Speculates that ground balls are more prevelent on grass fields and thus the effect on fielding average is slightly less than the effect on errors.
• Run Production by Batting Order Position
  by Dick O’Brien, p. 13-14
  For 1981, presents RBI by batting order position and % of RBI by batting order position. Also same info given for pinchhitters and other subs. Compares actual RBI performance for a select group of number 3 and 4 hitters to their expected RBI. Detailed comments on Steve Garvey and Dave Winfield.
• Clutch Hitting
  by Dick O’Brien, p. 15-16
  Gives average runs per HR for each batting order position and compares % for each to cleanup slot. Based on players with at least 100 HR up to 1974. Gives runs per HR for about 3 dozen sluggers.
• In Search of the “True” Slugging Percentage
  by Jim Morrow, p. 17-19
  Presents formula for runs produced based on average number of runs scored and driven in per each type of hit as well as walks. Its correlation with actual runs is slightly less than slugging averaage’s.
• The Effects of Overwork on Young Pitchers
  by Dallas Adams, p. 20
  Concludes that overworking rookie pitchers significantly shortens their careers. Presents table innings pitched in each of first four years for 3 groups based on number of games pitched as rookie.

Issue 3-October 1982

• More on the “True” Slugging Percentage
  by Jim Reuter, p. 2-6
  Responding to an article by Jim Morrow in the previous issue, and measuring the value of home runs and doubles in “true” slugging percentage.
• Batting Average Comparisons
  by Ward Larkin, p. 7-13
  Studying batting average in different eras.
• Comment on “Effects of Overwork of Rookie Pitchers”
  by Ward Larkin, p. 11
  Responding to an article by Dallas Adams in the previous issue.
• Effects of Overwork on Rookie Pitchers, Part II
  by Dick O’Brien, p. 14-15
  Studying if age has any effect on the conclusions made in Dallas Adams’ article in the previous issue.
• Player Development Study
  by Craig Wright, p. 16-19
  Responding to a 1981 study by Bill James on farm systems and the value of their performance, and the effect of the Major League Scouting Bureau.
• Comment on Larkin, “Batting Average Comparisons”
  by Bill James, p. 20
  Responding to Ward Larkin’s article on page 11 of this issue.

Issue 4-December 1982

• Introduction
  by Bill James 2-3
• Measuring Relief Performance
  by John Billheimer, p. 4-12
  Evaluates relief pitchers in 1981 according to Prorated ERA (PERA) which charges relievers for a share of inherited runners they allow to score, and Slips (similar to blown saves.) Gives stats for teams and individuals.
• Some Additional Aspects of the Distribution of Runs Scored
  by Dallas Adams, p. 13-16
  Updates article from Issue 1 with data from 1977-81. Also discusses probability of scoring a given number of runs in an inning or per out.
• Commentary on prior article
  by Bill James, p. 17
  Compares actual # of times Yankees and A’s scored a given # of runs in an inning to theoretical results using Adams’ formulas.
• A New Look at “Hard Luck” Pitchers
  by Mark Lazarus, p. 18-22
  Gives team errors behind starting pitchers for 1982. Also breaks down overall errors by position and for left/right handed pitchers.
• Thoughts on Isolated Power
  by Jim Reuter, p. 23-24
  Introduces Adjusted Isolated Power (AIP) which equals slugging average minus batting average divided by (1 minus batting average.) Also equal to extra bases per out. Gives top 20 career leaders and top 10 for first 4 20 year periods of this century.

Issue 5-February 1983

• Introduction
  by Bill James, p. 2
  Philosophies of publication and plea for material.
• Effect of Batting and Pitching Changes on Team Change In Won-Lost Record
  by Dick O’Brien, p. 3-5
  Examination of 1969-82 teams which improved or declined by at least five games from one year to the next. Were they effects of improvements/declines in hitting, pitching, or both? Are the results different when separated by teams in hitters or pitchers parks?
• Home Park Factors
  by Jim Reuter, p. 6
  General formula to adjust a players statistics based on his home park.
• Balls and Strikes
  by Pete Palmer, p. 7-8
  Examination of pitch-by-pitch data from 1974-77 post-season series. What is the effect of the ball-strike count on a batters batting, on-base, and slugging averages? How can this data be used to evaluate strategies such as pitch-outs, sacrifices, or swinging at 3-0 pitches?
• Some Further Aspects of the Distribution of Runs Scored
  by Dallas Adams, p. 9-20
  Continuation of an article in the previous issue. Examines the probabilities of teams scoring and/or winning based on score, inning, and number of outs. Includes many equations, tables, and graphs.

Issue 6-April 1983

• Ballpark Effects on Fielding Statistics — American League Parks
  by Paul W. Schwarzenbart, p. 2-5
  Follow-up to article in issue #1. Uses various data between 1972-80 to examine the effect of different AL parks on errors (by both infielders and outfielders) and double plays. Key point of discussion is the effect of grass vs. turf fields.
• Quality Versus Quantity
  by Dan Heisman, p. 6-9
  What is the effect of quantity (i.e., career value) vs. quality (peak value) in Hall of Fame voting? In actual value to a players team? Includes examination of the best five years of 31 past and present stars. Editors comment on p.20.
• Team Won/Lost Percentage as a Function of Runs and Opponents Runs
  by Dallas Adams, p. 10-12
  Follow-up to articles in previous issues. Uses 1967-76 game scores to determine teams probability of winning based on number of runs scored and allowed. Includes tables and equations.
• Adjusted Home Park Factor
  by Pete Palmer, p. 13-16
  Computation of home park effect, with commentary on Reuters article in previous issue. Includes table showing home/road data in runs and home runs for 1977-82. Editors comment on p. 20.
• Evaluating Pitchers Performances
  by Cuthbert Magnolia, p. 17-19
  Tongue-in-cheek article with serious formulas for rating starters and relievers, by comparing them with pitchers in their league and on their team.

Issue 7-August 1983

• New Editors Notes
  by Jim Baker, p. 2
  Introduction from publication’s new editor, and plea for material.
• Letter
  by Mrs. B. Kwandrie, p. 3, 8
  Letter to the editor, apparently fictitious and created to encourage real letters to the editor.
• Run Production By Batting Order Position — Part II
  by Dick O’Brien, p. 4
  Follow-up to article in August 1982 issue. Examination of 1978-82 boxscores to reveal individual runs scored and RBI by position in the batting order.
• On the Probability of Hitting .400
  by Dallas Adams, p. 5-7
  Examination of the probability of an individual batting .400 for a season, based on the league batting average. Includes graphs.
• A Trend Analysis of Batting Averages
  by Gary T. Brown, p. 8-17
  Examines league batting averages over the years, illustrated by graphs. Offers explanations for changes over the years, and projections for the future.
• The Chalmers Award Born Anew!
  p. 13
  Announcement of a mythical MVP-type award sponsored by the publication, and voted on by the readers.
• Assigning Relative Values To Relief Wins, Losses and Saves
  by John Schwartz, p. 18
  Offers an alternative method of rating relievers weighting wins, losses, and saves based on the frequency of each.
• Distribution of Runs
  by Pete Palmer, p. 19-20
  Analyzes the distribution of runs, citing many previous studies on this subject. Examines 1980-82 AL data in testing formulae, and illustrates the effect random chance can have on statistics.

Issue 8-October 1983

• Editor’s Note
  by Jim Baker, p. 2
  Satirical “tabloid” style story about 1983 World Series
• Letter from Dallas Adams
  p. 4
  Discussing distribution of runs scored and team scoring efficiency
• Introducing Project Scoresheet
  by Bill James, p. 5-6
  Proposes the organization which collected play-by-play data for all games for several seasons.
• Scoring Sequences
  by Barry L. Mednick, p. 7-8
  Based on 3 weeks worth of games by the Giants and A’s. Gives % of time a given offensive event was associated with a run.
• On Handedness and Pitchers’ Fielding
  by Warren Johnson, p. 9-14
  Gives range factors for 1982 ERA title qualifiers and discusses the reasons for differences between leagues and right/lefties. Range factor used here is changes accepted per batted ball out.
• Pitchers’ Range Factors
  by Clem Comly, p. 15
  Gives leaders and trailers for 1982 and period 1974-82. Range factor used here is chances accepted per 27 batted ball outs.
• Power Hitters Strikeout/Home Run Ratios
  by Dick O’Brien, p. 16-17
  For the period 1920-82 and 1970-82, for all players driving in at least 100 runs in a season, groups hitters by strikeout/hr ratio. Gives percentage of total for each of 6 groups. For the latter period, gives k/hr ratio for two other groups-those with at least 20 HRs but fewer than 100 RBIs and those with at least 20 HRs but fewer than 70 RBIs. These two groups had higher ratios than the first group.
• On Foul Balls
  by David Aceto, p. 18-19
  Discusses the theoretical effect on batting averages of foul outs. No actual data given.
• The Left Handed Hitter’s Advantage
  by John Schwartz, p. 19
  Gives the distance between home and the other bases that must be run by left and right handed hitters. Lefties have a 5% advantage running to first.
• Humorous review of fictional film about Max Patkin
  by John Borkowski and Jim Baker, p. 20

Issue 9-December 1983

• Editor’s Note
  by Jim Baker, p. 2
• Review: “The Hidden Game of Baseball”
  Book Review
• The Best Fielding Second Baseman Since 1925
  by Dan Finkle, p. 4-8,19
  Mazeroski,Bill; Schoendienst,Red; Doerr,Bobby; Gordon, Joe; Trillo,Manny; Critz,Hugh; Gehringer,Charlie; Melillo,Oscar; Fielding; Second Baseman; Fielding Index; Double Plays; Errors
• The Worst
  by Joe Ferrere, p. 9
  On John Gochnaur
• Functions for Predicting Winning Percentage from Runs
  by Charles Hofacker, p. 10-16
  Won-Lost Record;Run Production;Pythagorean Projection
• Assists versus Strikeouts
  by Barry Mednick, p. 17
  Assists;Strikeouts;Range Factor
• An Analysis of Win Percentage
  by Bill Deane, p. 18-19
  Carlton, Steve;Guidry, Ron Won-Lost Record;Wins Above Team;Pitcher Performance Percentage

Issue 10-February 1984

• Old Baseball Pie
  by Mike Ross, p. 2-3
  Recipes;Humor
• A Critique of “The Best Fielding Second Basemen since 1925”
  by Dick O’Brien, p. 4-5
  Fielding; Second Baseman;Double Play
• The Contenders During the Pressure Month – September
  by Jack Carlson, p. 6-11
  1983;Pennant Race
• Minors 1983:Pitcher’s or Hitter’s Leagues
  by Larry Smith, p. 12
  1983;Minor Leagues
• A Comparison of Baltimore’s September Pennant Drive With Their Performance During the Rest of the Season
  by Barry Mednick, p. 13-14,17
  1983;Pennant Race;Baltimore Orioles
• The Difference Between Night and Day
  by Paul Schwarzenbart, p. 15-17
  Day/Night
• Commentary on Schwarzenbart’s “Night and Day”
  by Bill James, p. 18
  Day/Night
• A National League Rating System
  by Joe Levy, p. 19-20
  Ratings;Evaluations

Issue 11-April 1984

• Mays vs. Aaron: A New Look
  by Bill Deane, p. 4-6
  Statistics: “Production”; “Star”; “SuperStar”; Home/Road HR comparison Topics: Comparing Aaron and Mays career stats in many categories
• The Best Fielding Third Basemen Since 1925
  by Dan Finkle, p. 7-9; 20
  Consecutive years of selection; Range, DP; Fly Ball, and Misplay Index; Overall Index Named Person(s): Buddy Bell, Mike Schmidt, Brooks Robinson, Ron Santo, Eddie Mathews, Sal Bando, Clete Boyer, Rodriguez, Ken Keltner, Kamm, Whitney; Harland Clift, Graig Nettles Comparing modern 3rd baseman on a variety of fielding stats
• Statistical Procedures for Baseball Research I: Correlation and Simple Regression
  by Charles Pavitt and Elaine M. Gilby, p. 10-15
  Correlation Computations for Pitchers Named Person(s): Steve Carlton, Bob Knepper, Phil Niekro, Rick Rhoden, Steve Rogers, Dick Ruthven, Tom Seaver, Mario Soto, Bob Walk, Bob Welch Using correlation and linear regression to find the relationship between baseball stats
• Minor League Effects on Major League Pitching Performances
  by Terry Bohn, p. 16-17
  Table of Poor, Average, and Star Pitchers with Below AAA and “AAA” stats compared Looking for patters as to whether minor league success for pitchersindicated success at the major league level
• On the Importance of Getting the Leadoff Batter on Base
  by Chuck Waseleski, p. 18-19
  Red Sox and Opponents 1983 Runs Scored (Number and Frequency) vs. Whether batter reached first; Runs in a game vs. number of innings the leader batter got; Base Reached by Leadoff Batter vs. Number of Runs Scored. Looking at how teams performed in runs scored vs. how the leadoff batter performed

Issue 12-June 1984

• The Metrodome and Home Runs
  by Terry Bohn, p. 4
  Metrodome; Home Runs;Park Factor
• Is Artificial Turf More Offensive?
  by Robert S. Smith, p. 5-10
  Artificial Turf; Park Factor
• The Pythagorean Theorem and Twenty-Two Recent Managers
  by David F. Hoppes, p. 11-13
  Weaver, Earl;Lasorda, Tommy;McNamara,John Managers;Pythagorean Projection
• Four-Decade Candidates for 1990
  by Daniel Greenia, p. 13
  Four-Decade Players;Longevity
• When Games End and What That Tells Us
  by Clem Comly, p. 14-17
  Simulations;Line Up;Pinch-Hitting;Run Production
• Criteria for Hall of Fame Selection
  by Dan Rappoport, p. 18-20
  Hall of Fame;Runs Batted In

Issue 13-August 1984

• Letter-comment on “Statistical Procedures for Baseball Research I: Correlation and Simple Regression”
  by Dan Rappoport, p. 4-5
• Letter
  by Charles Pavitt, p. 5
  On Double Plays
• Dan Greenia’s Freak Show: Stealing Contribution
  by Dan Greenia, p. 5
  On Stolen Bases
• Some Comments on the Benefit of Getting the Leadoff Batter on Base
  by Charles Hofacker, p. 6,16
  Leadoff; Run Production
• “The Natural”: Strictly Artificial
  by Chris Martens, p. 7
  Review: “The Natural”
• Joe D And The Halo Effect
  by Bill Deane, p. 8-9
  DiMaggio, Joe
• The Righetti Decision – A Historical Perspective
  by Art Springsteen, p. 10-16
  Righetti, Dave; Relief Pitcher
• One Adjustment to the Range Factor
  by Tim Marcou, p. 17-19
  Range Factor

Issue 14-October 1984

• Base on Balls Abstract, Part I
  by Craig Wright, p. 4-9
  Table of Dodger stats for the three years they scored more than 100 runs more than any other team in the league (’49; ’50; ’53); Table of league offensive stats broken down by top, middle and lowest players in unintentional BB. Plate Appearance Distribution for Bases Empty (not-leading off), Leading Off an Inning, Runners in Scoring Position, and Men on First Only vs. Hi/Med/Lo BB men for 1983. Several other tables with similar distribution information showing value of the BB, affect of BB ability to do “what is most valuable in a situation”; clutch-situation ability, comparing individual players in Late-Inning Pressure situations, etc. Table of “Situational Stats for ’83 AL players with 400+ PA separated into non-intentional BB average into three equal groups” Research of Walk Values (de-bunking myths about BB, etc.)
• Unforgettable Dizziness
  by Mike Kopf, p. 10-11, 17
  Review of G.H. Fleming’s book, “The Dizziest Season” (about 1934 NL St. Louis)
• Batter’s Offensive Wins and Losses
  by Neil Munro, p. 12-17
  Runs Created Formulas; 1920 AL Leaders in Offensive Wins; 1993 NL and AL Leaders in Offensive Wins Above .500; Career Leaders in Offensive Wins Minus Offensive Losses; Season Leaders in Offensive Wins Minus Offensive Losses. Using Runs Created to convert to Offensive Winning Percentage; Calculating the Number of Outs in a Game. Notes: Some nice OW% info, including historical; discussion of outs.
• Distribution for Players’ Offensive Performance Statistics
  by Charles Hofacker, p. 18-20
  Formula for performance deviating from League Mean; Figures: Frequency Polygon for HR/AB, frequency of players with a certain percentage of HR, Frequency Polygon for H/AB, frequency of players with a certain BA, Frequency Polygon for 1B/AB, frequency of players with a certain percentage of 1B/AB. (Based on 1982 season? – not clear) Named Person(s): Ward Larkin (10/82 Baseball Analyst) Topics: Determining the relative frequency of certain events (and what is the curve – normal, etc.?) Notes: mostly mathematical; comparing large amounts of data with theoretical curves.

Issue 15-December 1984

• Base on Balls Abstract, Part II
  by Craig Wright, p. 4-18
  Walks in Career Context
  – 4A) 24 Individual Tables of (Walk Ave/League Walk Ave) by Age
  – 4B) Summary Charts for groups of 10 (Lo, Med, Hi) of (Walk Ave/League Walk Ave) by Age
  – 4C) Tables with 1982 and 1983 offensive stats (AB, H, BA, etc.) for sets of players with different walk frequencies
  – 4D) Table comparing two similar players who came up at age 20 but one walked more, and how they did in their 1st 3 seasons
  – 4E) 8 Tables of (Walk Ave/League Walk Ave) by Age, 4 each for careers with rising BB% and steady BB%
  – 4F) Summary Charts for the 2 sets of 4 each given in 4E for (Walk Ave/League Walk Ave) by Age, and for (HRC%/ HRC% of league)
  – 4G) Table of Pete Rose’s performance in years when he walked frequently vs. other years
  – 4H) Table of Ernie Whitt’s performance in years when he walked frequently vs. other years
• Largest Metropolitan Areas with No Local Major League Baseball
  by Daniel Greenia, p. 10
  Table of Metropolitan population of largest areas without ML Teams (shows teams within 50 miles); also lists 4 smallest areas with teams. Large Markets without Teams; Small Markets with Teams
• Hall of Fame Candidates
  by Daniel Greenia, p. 18
  Top 3 in HR, RBI, BA, R, H, SL%, G, TB, BB who are not in the HoF, though eligible. Highest ranking players in offensive categories who are not in the HoF but eligible.
• Some Further Aspects of the Distribution of Runs
  by Dallas Adams, p. 19-20
  On Home Team’s Probability of Losing when the game enters extra innings and on Home Team’s Probability of losing when it enters the bottom of an extra inning trailing by “I” runs or tied 8. Topics: Probabilities of a team winning (or losing) in extra innings (follow-up on Feb 83 Baseball Analyst paper by Adams)

Issue 16-February 1985

• Letters
  p. 1-3
  Letter from Charles Pavitt responding to Dan Rappoport’s critique of his article in an earlier issue on correlation and simple regression. Also a fictional letter from Cuthbert Magnolia on various theories in “savvymetrics”.
• Base on Balls Abstract, Part III
  by Craig Wright, p. 4-10
  Table of Burt Shotton’s effect on his clubs’ SB, BB, p%; HR. Learning to Walk (Manager’s effect on clubs propensity to take BB)
• Percentage Baseball Reconsidered: Model and Method
  by Charles Pavitt, p. 11-16
  Tables of Offensive States (e.g. Runners on base vs. outs; Markovian matrix of which states can turn into which other states: “First Order Transition Matrix for On-Base Out/Situations” Playing the Percentages, Probablilities of Scoring Runs, Multi-Order Finite State Transition Model
• Meteors
  by Daniel Greenia, p. 16
  Table of players who have hit over 25% of their career HR in one 30+ HR season
• BA Comparison of Two Consistent Teams
  by Jack Carlson, p. 17-20
  Comparing 1984 Detroit Tigers and 1984 Pittsburgh Pirates Won-Loss vs. Runs Scored, Won-Loss by Run Differential, and Scoring by Inning

Issue 17-April 1985

• Review: “The 1985 Elias Baseball Analyst”
  by Jim Baker, p. 2
  A review from the editor of the new book “The 1985 Elias Baseball Analyst”
• Technique of Run Estimation by Game-Line Assembly
  by Bill James, p. 4-9
  Developing an alternative method of estimating the number of runs likely to result from the offensive contributions of any individual player.
• Notes on the Stolen Base: 1984 Ranger Games
  by Craig Wright, p. 10-14
  Assessing the run value of stolen bases and failed stolen base attempts by the Texas Rangers in 1984 games.
• The All-Time Most Valuable Players
  by Neil Munro, p. 15-19
  Developing a method to determine the cumulative voting results for MVPs since 1931 and selecting MVP all-star teams. Musial,Stan; Williams,Ted; Ford,Whitey; Most Valuable Player; Selection Process
• Letter
  by Dan Rappoport, p. 20
  Responding to Jack Carlson’s article in the previous issue. 1984; Pittsburgh Pirates

Issue 18-June 1985

• Comparing Statistics From Different Eras
  by Alden Mead, p. 4-9
  Era Comparison; Batting Average; Relative Batting Averag
• Pitcher Burnout(?)
  by Daniel Greenia, p. 9
  Martin, Billy; Fowler, Art; Pitchers; Complete Game
• Some Additional Comments on The Benefit of Getting the Leadoff Batter On Base
  by Dallas Adams, p. 10-12
  Leadoff; Run Production
• Quantity vs Quality: A Look at Linear Weights Per Game
  by Dan Heisman, p. 13
  Linear Weights
• Divergence of Won-Loss Records
  by Scott Segrin, p. 14-18
  Won-Lost Record; Relief Pitching; Scoring
• New Worlds to Conquer
  by Mike Kopf, p. 19-20
  Dollar Sign on the Muscle; Scouting; Review
• A Note to Fellow Sabermetricians
  by Scott Segrin, p. 20
  Elias Baseball Analyst; Review

Issue 19-August 1985

• Some Comments on the June Issue
  by Craig Wright, p. 4-5
  Martin, Billy; Fowler, Art; Pitchers; Complete Game; Era Comparison; Batting Average; Elias Baseball Analyst
• Comment on All-Time MVP
  by Dan Rappoport, p. 5-6
  Most Valuable Player; Selection Process
• A Report on the Accuracy of the Brock4 Career Projection Method
  by Dallas Adams, p. 7-13
  Career Projection; Brock4
• A Note About “Percentage Baseball Reconsidered”
  by Mark D. Pankin, p. 14-15
  Percentage Baseball; Markov Chain
• Six Phases of a Baseball Research Project
  by Dan Rappoport, p. 15
  Humor
• An Attempt at Determining Runs Batted In Efficiency
  by Terry Bohn, p. 16-17
  Run Batted In; Run Production
• Quantity vs Quality: A Look at Linear Weights Per Game
  by Dan Heisman, p. 18-19
  Linear Weights

Issue 20-October 1985

• Into the Baseball Mind’s Eye
  p. 2
  Humorous article from “X.X. Ludeman” on the end of the 1985 season
• Letters
  p. 4-5
  Letters from Dan Greenia, Craig Wright, L.W. Beach and Robert Johnson commenting on the previous issue.
• Freak Show: Strikeouts/Home Run: Good & Bad
  by Daniel Greenia, p. 6
  A list of the best and worst all-time career strikeout/home run ratios.
• Ground Ball Pitchers on Artificial Turf
  by Craig Wright, p. 7-11
  Debunking the myth that artificial surfaces are “deadly” to ground ball pitchers.
• Another Look At Ground Ball Pitchers on Artificial Turf
  by Craig Wright, p. 12-20
  The author discusses his research methodology in the previous article and on a similar Bill James study that appeared in the “Baseball Abstract Newsletter”

Issue 21-December 1985

• Casey Studied Further
  by Jim Baker, p. 2
  A humorous look at what happened to the fictious Mudville teammates in “Casey At The Bat”
• Freak Show: Won-Lost % of Expansion Teams
  by Daniel Greenia, p. 4
  A chart looking at the win-loss records of expansion Teams since 1961
• A Response to Mark Pankin’s “A Note About ‘Percentage BB Reconsidered’”
  by Charles Pavitt, p. 5
  The author responds to Mark Pankin’s critique of his article in an earlier issue.
• Changes in Productivity as Players Age
  by Bill James, p. 6-13
  Studying a defined group of players and identifying the changes that take place in their performance as they age.
• Additional Fielding Statistics from Play-by-play Data
  by Clem Comly, p. 14-17
  Using play-by-play from 1983 Phillies home games, the author looks at pitchers versus the running game, infielders’ and outfielders’ range factors and other interesting studies that could now be done as Project Scoresheet expanded its data and scope.
• Armchair at the Bedside
  by Mike Kopf, p. 18-20
  Review: “The Armchair Book of Baseball”

Issue 22-February 1986

• Letter
  by Craig Wright, p. 2
  The author and frequent “Analyst” contributor discusses his decision to leave the Texas Rangers.
• Synchronicity and the Double Play
  by Dick O’Brien, p. 4, 20
  Questioning the possible overuse of “the double play strategy” by managers.
• Observations on the Stolen Base
  by Craig Wright, p. 5-9
  Using 1984 data from Project Scoresheet, the author studies stolen bases, broken down by league, pitcher handedness, attempts and pickoffs.
• Peripheral and Identifying Characteristics of Ground-Ball and Fly-Ball Type Pitchers
  by Bill James, p. 10-16
  Developing new ways to classify ground-ball and fly-ball pitchers, using ratios released in the “Elias Baseball Analyst”.
• Run Estimation by Game-Line Assembly
  by Mark D. Pankin, p. 17-20
  Offering corrections to Bill James’ article in the previous issue on estimating run production.

Issue 23-April 1986

• Letter
  p. 2, 18, 19, 20
  Fictional letter to the editor from “Manny Mannitillo”
• Some Reflections on the “Iorgy of Recrimination”
  by Mike Kopf, p. 4-8
  The author reflects on his experience at Game Six of the 1985 World Series, and makes an impassioned appeal to all Project Scoresheet participants.
• The Baseball Batting Sequence Problem
  by Jess Boronico, p. 9-17
  Taking a further look at how batters should be arranged in the lineup, in response to a study that says they should be arranged by order of decreasing production.

Issue 24-June 1986

• Run Production and Run Prevention Correlated to Wins
  by David F. Hoppes, p. 4-6
  Won-Lost Record; Run Production
• Bias in Infielding evaluation 1: Pitching Handedness
  by Charles Pavitt, p. 7-11
  Fielding;Pitcher Handedness;Total Chances
• The Size and Nature of The Platoon Differential
  by Tom Hanrahan, p. 12-16
  Platoon Differential
• Ball Park Elevation and Humidity as Factors in Home Run Production
  by Dick O’Brien, p. 17-18
  Home Runs;Park Factor;Weather;Elevation;Minor Leagues
• Reaction To Dick O’Brien’s Article
  by Bill James, p. 19-20
  Home Runs;Park Factor;Weather;Elevation;Psychology;Minor Leagues

Issue 25-August 1986

• Computers and the Ballgame
  by Tony Formo, p. 2-5
  Computers
• Why Right-Handed Hitters are Better High-ball Hitters and Left-Handed Batters are Better Low-ball Hitters
  by Dick O’Brien, p. 6-7
  Platoon;High Ball Hitter; Low Ball Hitter;Hitting
• Some Random Thoughts on Baseball and Ballplayers
  by Mike Kopf, p. 8-10
  Gossage, Goose;Kroc, Joan Comiskey Park;Owners;Books;Humor
• How Long Do Players Spend in the Minor Leagues?
  by Bill James, p. 11
  Minor Leagues
• Some Thoughts on Project Scoresheet
  by Tony Formo, p. 12-14
  Project Scoresheet

Issue 26-October 1986

• Cloudland Revisted
  by Dick O’Brien, p. 2-5
  Strikeouts; Run batted in
• Batting Leadoff For St.Louis: George Foster
  by Timothy Morway, p. 6-7
  Coleman, Vince Leadoff;Line Up
• Percentage Baseball Reconsidered: 2. Preliminary 1984 Findings
  by Charles Pavitt, p. 8-19
  Baseball;Markov Chains;Project Scoresheet;Run Production

Issue 27-February 1987

• Tip O’Neill: Estimating His 1887 RBIs
  by Dallas Adams, p. 2-3
  O’Neill, Tip Run Batted In;Linear Weights
• A Look at ‘Turf’ Teams and ‘Turf’ Players: 1983-1986
  by Sandy Sillman, p. 4-7
  Turf;Park Factor
• The Implications of Leadership Research on Baseball: 1. Past Research
  by Charles Pavitt, p. 8-11
  Managers;Managerial Change;Management
• Some Relief Pitching Statistics from 1986
  by Philip Meneely, p. 12-20
  Relief Pitching;1986;Pitching Staffs;Inherited Runner;Holds;Saves

Issue 28-March 1987

• Scoring From First on a Double or Second on a Single
  by Dallas Adams, p. 8-10
  Base Running;Run Production
• Why Making Double Plays is an Important Part of Fielding Skill
  by Dan Finkle, p. 10-13
  Double Play;Fielding;Fielding Index
• Suggestions for Areas of Research
  by Bill James, p. 2-7
  Mattingly,Don; Aging;Hall of Fame;Iron Man;Minor League Leaders;Race
• Looking at the 1987 Rookie Crop
  by Bill James, p. 18-26
  1987;Rookies;Major League Equivalencies
• Hall of Fame and a New Historical Ranking of the All-Time Greats
  by Robert K. McCleery and Robert O. Wood, p. 14-17
  Hall of Fame;Ranking

Issue 29-April 1987

• What Type Team Spells R-E-L-I-E-F Best
  by Russ Eagle, p. 2-5
  Relief Pitching;Saves
• A New Framework for Assessing Individual Offensive Performance
  by David Smyth, p. 6-8
  Run Production
• The Further Adventures of Clutch Hitting
  by Dick O’Brien, p. 9-11
  Clutch Hitter
• The Effect of Relief Pitchers on Aggregate Batting Averages
  by Robert E. Shipley, p. 12-20
  Relief Pitching

Issue 30-June 1987

• Improving the Runs Created Formula
  by David H. Robinson, p. 2-6
  James,Bill;Johnson,Paul; Runs Created
• Miracle Teams and Long Shots:What are the Odds?
  by Sandy Sillman, p. 7-10
  Miracle Teams;Odds
• Some Comments on Charles Pavitt’s “Bias in Fielding Evaluation 1: Pitcher Handedness”
  by Dallas Adams, p. 11
  Fielding;Pitcher Handedness;Pitcher Fielding
• All-Time Greats Consensus
  by Daniel Greenia, p. 12
  Rankings
• Implications of Leadership Research on Baseball 2: Current Theory
  by Charles Pavitt, p. 13-16
  Manager;Leadership
• On the Innaccuracy of the Pythagorean Equation at Extreme Scoring Ratios
  by Dallas Adams, p. 17-18
  Pythagorean Projection;Offensive Winning Percentages
• Strikeout-to-Walk Ratios and Winning Records
  by Russ Eagle, p. 19-20
  Strikeout-to-Walk Ratio

Issue 31-August 1987

• Similarity Scores Among the All-time Greats
  by Robert K. McCleery and Robert O. Wood, p. 2-6
  Similarity Scores;Hall of Fame
• On Batting Order
  by Doug Bennion, p. 7-11
  Line up;Run Production
• Bias in Infielding Evaluation 2: Pitching Handedness and Strikeout Tendencies
  by Charles Pavitt, p. 12-15
  Fielding; Pitching; Strikeouts
• Late Home Run Hitters
  by Stephen Roney, p. 16
  Home Run; Age
• Using a Baseball Simulator Program to Calculate Batter Runs Created
  by Dallas Adams, p. 17-20
  Ruth, Babe; Runs Created;Run Production;Computer Simulations;Offensive Winning Percentage

Issue 32-October 1987

• Hitter Controlled or Pitcher Controlled
  by Bill James, p. 1
  Thoughts on trying to calculate to what extent each area of run production is controlled by hitters or pitchers.
• A Preliminary Review of Outside Influences on Rich Ashburn’s Fielding Statistics
  by Bruce H. Garland, p. 3-8, 11
  Studying the defensive abilities of Richie Ashburn and the effects of his home ballpark, Connie Mack Stadium; his teammates, including Del Ennis; the National League averages at the time; and other factors.
• 1987: How the East Was Won
  by Russ Eagle, p. 9-11
  Studying how the St. Louis Cardinals created their runs on their way to the 1987 NL East division title.
• Pitcher’s Defensive Wins and Losses
  by Neil Munro, p. 12-17, 20
  Trying to determine the number of defensive wins and losses that a pitcher contributes to his team over the course of a season.
• Formulas: Awards
  by Tom Hanrahan, p. 18-20
  Proposing new formulas for predicting who might win postseason awards, including Most Valuable Player; Cy Young Award; and Manager of the Year.

Issue 33-December 1987

• Alternatives for Career Projection
  by Bill James, p. 2-4
  Seeking alternatives for career projection systems over the previously used 1Brock.wk1 system and developing a “target-oriented” system.
• The 1988 Hall of Fame Ballot
  by Robert O. Wood, p. 5-9
  Looking at the eligible candidates and predictions for the 1988 National Baseball Hall of Fame ballot.
• Research in Progress
  by Bill James, p. 10-15
  Reporting on the accuracy and improves of the author’s 1Brock.wk1 career projection system.
• Sending the Runner
  by Doug Bennion, p. 16-20
  Studying the wisdom of sending a runner from first base on a full count with zero or one outs.

Issue 34-February 1988

• Run/Opposition Run Connection
  by Bill James, p. 1-3
  Run Production;1987;Score
• Sustained Illusions in Platoon Effects
  by Bill James, p. 3-4
  Platoon
• Markov Chain Models: Theoretical Background
  by Mark D. Pankin, p. 5-10
  Markov Chain Model; Expected Runs
• On The Relief Pitcher’s ERA Advantage
  by Phil Birnbaum, p. 11-16
  Hernandez,Willie; Quisenberry,Dan; Righetti,Dave; Henke,Tom; Relief Pitcher; Earned Run Average; Expected Runs; Pitching Changes
• Home Run Miscellany
  by Stephen Roney, p. 17
  Homeruns;1987:Age
• Hitter Control vs Pitcher Control
  by Russ Eagle, p. 18-20
  Pitching;Batting

Issue 35-April 1988

• The Effect of Being Traded on Batting Performance: More Academic Baseball Research
• by Charlie Pavitt, p. 2-3
  Murcer, Bobby Trade;Review;Psychology;Experience
• By the Stars
  by Bill James, p. 4-5
  Astrology;Similarity Scores
• Independent Situations and Baseball Statistics
  by Dan Heisman, p. 6-7
  Clutch Hit;Game-Winning RBI;Victory-Important RBI;Pressure
• Are Hall of Fame Standards Declining?
  by Bill James, p. 8
  Hall of Fame Selecting
• Rabbit Ball Revisited
  by Joe Mangano, p. 9-14
  Rabbit Ball;1987
• Reflections of a Megalomaniac Editor: Managerial Changes
  by Bill James, p. 15
  Review;Managerial Change
• Reflections of a Megalomaniac Editor: Ballpark Elevation and Humidity
  by Bill James, p. 15
  Park Factor;Weather;Elevation
• Reflections of a Megalomaniac Editor: Effect of Being Traded on Batting
  by Bill James, p. 16
  Trade;Review
• Reflections of a Megalomaniac Editor: Independent Situations
  by Bill James, p. 16-18
  Clutch Hit;Pressure;Review
• Reflections of a Megalomaniac Editor: Rabbit Revisited
  by Bill James, p. 18-20
  Rabbit Ball;Review;Balata Ball;Dead Ball;Lively Ball

Issue 36-June 1988

• Baseball’s Hall of Fame Voting System
  by Robert O. Wood, p. 2-5
  Hall of Fame Selecting
• A Brief Look at Left-Handed Pitching Effectiveness
  by Dick O’Brien, p. 6-7
  Left-Handed Pitcher
• Lefties vs Lefties: As Time Goes Bye
  by Tom Locker, p. 8-9
  Platoon;Left-Handed Batter
• Debunking a Pitching Clichè
  by Dallas Adams, p. 10-11
  Run Production;Pitching
• Note on “Lefties vs Lefties”
  by Bill James, p. 11
  Rookies;Platoon;Left-Handed Batter
• Predicting Team Performance: Beyond Pythagorean
  by Robert Cramer, Robin Ellins and David Lutz, p. 12-14
  Pythagorean Projection;Run Production;Winning
• Response to Cramer, et al
  by Bill James, p. 15
  Run Production
• Adventures in Computer Simulations
  by Gary Fletcher, p. 16-20
  Lineup;Simulations;Run Production

Issue 37-August 1988

• Introduction, with comments on Heisman, “Independent Situations”
  by Bill James, p. 1-2
  Pressure Situations;Baseball Abstract
• Ballpark Effects on Home Runs
  by Robert K. McCleery and Robert O. Wood, p. 3-6
  DiMaggio,Joe;Dawson, Andre
• Late Home Run Hitters Revisited
  by Stephen Roney, p. 7-8
  Home Runs;Age
• Leadoff Man and His Effect on the Lineup
  by Gary Fletcher, p. 9-11
  Line Up;Runs Created;Leadoff;Simulations
• Why Everyone Wants Lefty Pitching
  by Dick O’Brien, p. 12-13
  Left-Handed Pitcher
• Thirty-Homer Guys: A Four Part Study
  by Bill James, p. 14-20
  Canseco, Jose;Kingman,Dave; Home Runs;Similarity Scores

Issue 38-October 1988

• Player Win Averages: An Extended Book Review
  by Paul R. Pudaite, p. 2-7
  Player Win Averages;Run Production;Clutch Hitter
• Predicting Ws and Ls from Runs Scored and Allowed
  by Willie Runquist, p. 8-9
  Soolman;Cook,Earnshaw Win-Loss Record;Pythagorean Projection
• Response to “Predicting Ws and Ls from Runs”
  by Bill James, p. 10
  Soolman;Cook,Earnshaw Win-Loss Record;Pythagorean Projection
• Fred McMullin: An Underrated Crook?
  by Mike Kopf, p. 11
  McMullin, Fred; Chicago White Sox;Black Sox;1919 World Series
• Peer Comparison System
  by Andy Spark, p. 12-15
  Comparison
• Intra-season Statistical Trends
  by Dallas Adams, p. 16-18
  1987;Statistics
• Hall of Fame Note
  by Bill James, p. 19-20
  Hall of Fame Selecting

Issue 39-December 1988

• An Addendum to Bruce Garland’s Preliminary Review Of Outside Influences on Rich Ashburn’s Fielding Statistics
  by Bill Carr, p. 2-3
  Ashburn, Richie;Roberts, Robin Outfield;Fielding
• Breaking in a Catcher
  by Tom Hanrahan, p. 4-6
  Catcher;Earned Run Average
• Pitcher Run Average
  by Doug Bennion, p. 7-10
  Earned Run Average;Pitcher Run Average;Run Potential
• Racism in Baseball: Offensive Performance
  by James R. McNesby, p. 11-15
  Racism
• Parity: A New Look
  by Robert K. McCleery and Robert O. Wood, p. 16-20
  Parity; Law of Competitive Balance;Luck;Expansion

Issue 40-February 1989

• Clutch Situations
  by Tom Hanrahan, p. 2-3
  Run Production;Base Situation;Run Potential;Clutch Hitter
• How I Screwed Up
  by Gary Fletcher, p. 4-5
  Runs Created;Simulations
• Validating Simulation Programs: Some Benchmarks
  by Kenneth McLain, p. 6-7
  Runs Created;Simulations;Run Production
• Home Field Advantage Revisted
  by Jim Heg, p. 8-13
  Home Advantage;Win-Loss Record;Pythagorean Projection
• On Why Teams Don’t Repeat
  by Phil Birnbaum, p. 14-20
  Win-Loss Record;Luck;Talent;Whirlpool Principle;Plexiglass Principle