Back to the Works of Bill James

 BASEBALL ABSTRACT NEWSLETTER

Number 1

Methods of evaluating minor league performance

Major league equivalents of minor league records for 1984 rookies

Number 2

Changes in various performance statistics over the course of a season

Project Scoresheet

Forecasts for Bret Saberhagen and Mark Gubicza careers

Letters and responses: Indians trading philosophy, 200-inning pitchers, home-field advantage

Special Issue No. 1

Overview of amateur draft since 1965, including:

Methods:

1. Value Approximation Method

2. Estimated value of each draft pick

3. Definition of player value

 

Conclusions:

1. Relative value of high vs. low draft picks

2. Chances of drafing superstars/stars/regulars

3. High school vs. college players

4. Pitchers vs. position players

5. Relative value of position players

6. Effectiveness of draft as leveling force

7. Rate of return for draftees by state

8. Best and worst drafts ever

9. Relative draft success of all major league organizations

Number 3

Team-by-team review of 1984 season to date

Number 4

Major stories of seasont to date: Chicago Cubs, Detroit Tigers, various players

Postseason predictions for various potential matchups

Letters: gay ballplayers, blocked pitches by catchers, reasons for Mets' surpising performance, Spike Owen

Number 5

Review of 1984 season for San Diego Padres, Chicago Cubs, Detroit Tigers, Chicago White Sox

 

Number 6

Compilation of statistical notes about players on various teams

Number 7

Team-by-team analysis of 1985 rookies

Number 8

Review of insugural Elias Baseball Analyst

Clutch hitting: analysis of performance with man on first, late inning pressure situations, leading off, runners in scoring position; discussion of why fans believe in clutch hitting

Special Issue 2

The Joe Moore Salary Arbitration Case

How salary arbitration works, based on a hypothetical Joe Moore arbitration case in 1937:

1. General discussion of the arbitration process

2. Examples of documents presented to arbitrator: Joint Exhibit 1 with player salaries, player's submission, club's submission

3. Explanation of how arbitrator would analyze case, likely decision