You know the drill by now. Go read this stuff, it’ll be fun…

• Win Shares per Inning Pitched “The list includes all pitchers with at least 2000 IP through 2004.” Best active: Pedro Martinez (#3 overall), Roger Clemens (#9). Worst active: Terry Mullholland (#385 out of 387), Jamie Moyer (#379). Fascinating stuff here from Cyril Morong.
• The Great Debate (Baseball America). “For the first time since the great ‘Moneyball’ debate began two years ago, we have gathered two longtime scouts and two statistics experts to discuss all the great issues in this arena: the risks of high school pitchers, the use of minor league statistics, plate discipline as a tool and much more.” (via Athletics Nation.) Of course, this debate has been going on a lot longer than two years. Good to see the two sides discussing their points of view with each other. Much more constructive than dismissing the other’s efforts. Highlights include the issue of downsizing scouting departments, the nature of pitching prospects, perceived internal communication problems among so-called “Moneyball” teams, examining a player’s past vs projecting his future, where statistical analysis of performance is headed, and more. This is a terrific read.
• The Sneaky Pitch (The New Yorker). A look at the knuckleball and those who throw it. (via Baseball Zeitgeist.)
• Devil Rays Sign Gonzalez (Transaction Guy). Former Padre Alex S. Gonzalez is Tampa Bay’s new third baseman. Sucks to be the Rays.
• Two years ago today in this space… Buddy Carlyle returns to North America, Oliver Perez pitches in the Mexican Pacific League, Pedro de los Santos ages and becomes Freddy Guzman. And of course Sickels 1996 and Win Shares.