News and Information
FanGraphs
If you’re a baseball fan and you have no discovered FanGraphs yet, then you aren’t really a baseball fan. Easily the best site on the interwebs for up-to-date baseball statistics and hard-hitting analysis from some of the industry’s best writers. They even have a handy little glossary for all those stats you may not have heard of or need brushing up on. Not sure what wOBA is, yet you see if everyday on ol’ RBO? No worry, FanGraphs has you covered.
Daily Visits: Probably 20-30 depending on the day
MLB Trade Rumors
Ridiculously indispensable website. Up-to-date news and analysis on every single transaction in Major League Baseball. Everything from Joey Votto’s new extension, to the trading of Chris Stewart to the Yankees, to the DFA of Justin Sellers; it’s all there. They also provide original material and analysis for the major moves and they’re often close to dead-on when predicting extensions and arbitration figures. Seriously, this site is unparalleled.
Daily Visits: 5-10.
Baseball Prospectus
In terms of modern baseball statistics and analysis, Baseball Prospectus is simply the best. Hell, they were one of the first. Many writers and analysts once employed by BP have gone on to work in baseball front offices, including most recently Mike Fast who was hired by the Houston Astros as a Pitch F/X expert. The amount of stats and metrics the good people at this site have invented is nothing short of astounding and we, as baseball fans, are much, much better off for it. They do everything from dense statistical analysis, to in-depth scouting, to just plain off-the-wall.
Daily Visits: 2-3
Brooks Baseball
The internet’s best source for Pitch F/X data by far and away. The recently-added player cards will blow your mind-holes with unmatched data that you simply won’t find anywhere else. Want to know how much movement Jonny Venters’ sinker has? They have the answer. Want to know just how fast Stephen Strasburg’s fastball realy is? They have that too. Want to find out how often Josh Tomlin throws his fastball for strikes and how little it’s whiffed upon? It’s all there.
Daily Visits: 2-3
Texas Leaguers
Another Pitch F/X goldmine that also has comprehensive data on hitters. Easy-to-read and easy-to-use interface and more information than you can handle.
Daily Visits: 1
Baseball Reference
The first and most comprehensive stats and info database for every person who’s ever played professional baseball.
Daily Visits: 5
NBC Hardball Talk
Craig Calcaterra and his crew post more news than any other baseball website on the net. If it happened within the 92 seconds, those guys have a post or two on it. There’s not a morsel of information that gets by them, ever.
Daily Visits: 10
CBS Eye On Baseball
The recently hired Dayn Perry (also infamously of FanGraphs) makes this baseball news site a regular stop on my daily rounds
Daily Visits: 3-5
Cot’s Baseball Contracts
Now a part of the Baseball Prospectus family, Cot’s has everything you need to know about every player’s contract situation.
Daily Visits: 2-3
MLB Depth Charts
have you ever found yourself wondering who that extra infielder on the Pittsburgh Pirates is? Wonder no more, MLB Depth Charts has all the answers along with some solid analysis sprinkled in.
Daily Visits: 2-3
Hot Baseball Opinions
Getting Blanked
The main baseball blog on TheScore.com. Canada’s most read and influential baseball blog, led by Dustin Parkes and Drew Fairservice, always has something insightful to say about the goings-on in Major League Baseball.
Drunk Jays Fans
Also on TheScore.com’s network, Drunk Jays Fans has been a fixture in the Blue Jays fan experience since forever. Czar Andrew Stoeten likes to swear a lot, so you can see why we like him.
Over The Monster
The home of our own Matthew Kory looks at Red Sox-related issues and does so with swathes of awesomeness.
Lookout Landing
Like OTM, LoL is an SB Nation joint and is led by the talented Jeff Sullivan. They often focus on issues pertaining to the Seattle Mariners.
Crashburn Alley
A Phillies-centric ESPN Sweetspot blog led by Bill Baer, accomplished author and esteemed gentleman.
McCovey Chronicles
Yet another SB Nation joint, this one looks mainly at the San Francisco Giants.
House of the Bluebird
Our own Matt writes for this Blue Jays-centric haven of information.
DRays Bay
An excellent place for intelligent Rays talk
Podcasts
Up and In: The Baseball Prospectus Podcast
Kevin Goldstein and Jason Parks host the best baseball podcast on the internet. It’s prospect heavy so if you’re into that, it’s definitely your bag.
ESPN Baseball Today
Eric Karabell, Keith Law and Mark Simon host a surprisingly excellent podcast for the WorldWideLeader. They’re progressive, stats-oriented and fun to listen to.
