Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Unbalanced.
Trusting “the Process”: Will Joel Embiid Ever Be What We Thought He Was?
For the third time in as many years, Joel Embiid has been sidelined by an injury to his lower extremities, and it was recently announced that he would indeed require another procedure. Although after a lengthy wait, but with such flourish this season (which was considered his “rookie” season) his health and subsequent time “under the knife” begs the question, will “The Process”, ever complete the process?
By Kenneth Wilson8 years ago in Unbalanced
Power to the Players? Measuring the Impact of the MLB’s New CBA
In baseball, there are two rule sets: the rules that govern how the game is played, and the rules that govern how the sport is run. The second set of rules is principally outlined the MLB CBA, or “Collective Bargaining Agreement”. Last December, the MLB and representatives from the MLBPA came together and drafted the newest CBA. This can be a contentious process, as the MLB and MLBPA generally have opposing goals, and as a result, one can observe concessions from both sides of the aisle.
By John Edwards8 years ago in Unbalanced
What the Last Few NBA MVP Award Recipients Have Taught Us About the MVP Award
Monday night marked the 1st annual NBA Awards Show, and I must say — I was rather impressed. Like most live productions, this was not without its flaws. However, considering that this year’s ceremony was the first go around and taking into account the crowd that the show was catered to, I would have to say it was successful.
By Kenneth Wilson8 years ago in Unbalanced
Why The NHL’s Response To Charlottesville Should Worry You
View on Twitter This was the statement issued by the Detroit Red Wings following the incidents surrounding the white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, VA over the weekend. A strong, almost threatening statement from one of the league’s most prolific franchises, and one that clearly states where they stand on the issues at hand. Following this statement was one issued by the league, saying,
By Kyle Vandenberg8 years ago in Unbalanced
Adrian Peterson Is Taking His Time, but Will New England Wait for Him?
Adrian Peterson is still a free agent. At an initial asking price of reportedly $8 million per year, is anyone surprised? This comes after Peterson had the worst season of his illustrious and undoubtedly HOF career, but he is nowhere near the guy that once rushed for 2,000 yards and carried a Vikings franchise. Peterson is hitting the trail, shaking hands, and figuratively kissing — well, not babies in hopes of gaining a job that resembles a decent salary. But will he get something he deems respectable? I can’t say on the monetary end of things but at this point in his career considering the money he has earned and accolades he has accomplished, isn’t it time to chase a championship?
By Kenneth Wilson8 years ago in Unbalanced
Don’t Look Now, but Sonny Gray Is Back
2016 was not kind to elite pitchers at all. Zack Greinke stunk. Dallas Keuchel struggled. And Sonny Gray, who is typically one of the best pitchers in the Majors, finished the season as one of the worst — going from 5.8 rWAR in 2015 to -0.5 rWAR in 2016.
By John Edwards8 years ago in Unbalanced
Unbalanced Trade Deadline Series: Gerrit Cole
We are in full swing this trade season! After the relatively surprising bombshell that was the Jose Quintana trade, the relative price has been set on starting pitching (pssst, it’s pretty high). While there are a bevy of names being floated out there, few on the trading block carry as much value as Gerrit Cole.
By Owen McGrattan8 years ago in Unbalanced
Mike Trout: Pull Hitting Monster
Surprise! Mike Trout is still the best player in baseball. He’s missed a month due to injury and is still a strong candidate to comeback and win the AL MVP award in a year when Aaron Judge is mashing everything into orbit and Jose Altuve’s hitting is more unbelievable than the fact that Houston’s mascot Orbit is supposed to be an alien (how is this an alien?!!?). Trout’s line this year is .328/.450/.719 with a 17.1% BB% and 20.4% K%, good for a 203 wRC+ over 240 PA. Given, we are not dealing with a full season of Trout but we are already seeing multiple changes in Trout’s approach at the plate.
By Owen McGrattan8 years ago in Unbalanced
The Dodgers: Kings of Weak Contact
The Dodgers have been the best pitching staff in baseball this year. They lead the league in fWAR amongst starting and relief pitchers, and they’ve been rolling through teams. They do all the things you would expect an elite staff to do. They strike out a great deal of batters (25.4% K%) and don’t walk many, either (7.1% BB%), giving them the third best K-BB% in the league.
By Owen McGrattan8 years ago in Unbalanced
It’s Time to Start Giving Zack Godley Your Attention
Earlier in a post I wrote as the D-Backs were looking more and more like legitimate contenders, I highlighted Zack Godley as someone who was having a good deal of success. The Arizona rotation is strong. Zack Greinke and Robbie Ray are great, but Zack Godley has continued to fly under the radar.
By Owen McGrattan8 years ago in Unbalanced
The Hero That Golden State Needed: The Three Sides To Every Story
There are plenty of phrases Warriors’ fans could have chanted after the re-signing of NBA Finals MVP Kevin Durant: the boys are back in town, the whole gang’s here, we are putting the band back together, etc. The point being, the reigning NBA champions are set for another run at a title. After a flurry of free agent movement, the dust has already seemed to settle in the Bay Area. The Champs have brought back every free agent piece of their own that they deemed important, and even some that were not their own (see Swaggy P).
By Kenneth Wilson8 years ago in Unbalanced
