July 31, 2011

John Agnello assumes the lead by virtue of Brian Wilson’s hot July in the NL saves category, edging out Dan McCloskey by one HBP. Three other entrants (Jason Z., Sid H., and Amy G.) complete our five-way tie with 6 points, but lag behind John and Dan by several beanballs.

Although Cleveland’s acquisition of Ubaldo Jiménez has frozen the former Colorado ace’s assets in three NL pitching categories, trade deadline activity has had little effect on our Pool stats so far. Heath Bell’s name will be hefted about for a few more hours today, so check up on www.mlbpool.blogspot.com for the latest trade updates and other Pool-related info.

July 24, 2011

No major changes since our last update, as Dan holds on to his perch atop the MLB Predictions Pool leaderboard. Our top ten’s been shuffled around a bit, with Cole Hamels (NL W) and Brett Gardner (AL SB) allowing Aaron Smith and Amy Gill to sneak into the second and third spots, respectively.

Albert Pujols seems to be heating up, with 4 HR and 10 RBI since the All-Star break. Troy Tulowitzki is also on a tear, although his teammate Carlos González just hit the DL with a bruised right wrist.

We’ll keep our eyes open as trade rumors continue to swirl, paying extra attention to news containing keywords “Ubaldo” or “Heath.” Remember that players traded across leagues only maintain statistics from their original designation, with the exception of HBP totals. Check www.mlbpool.blogspot.com for more frequent updates and other Pool-related information.

Congrats to Bert Blyleven and Roberto Alomar on this weekend’s HOF induction.

July 13, 2011 (All-Star Break)

The AL won the Home Run Derby, the NL won the All-Star Game, and two categories out of twenty are generating more than half the points in our 2011 MLB Predictions Pool. If not for Roy Halladay’s innings and Michael Bourn’s steals, our current point average of 3.35 (our lowest update since May) would be well under the Mendoza Line.

Have no fear! We’re still well above our usual pool numbers for the All-Star Break, and we’re scoring higher than ever in HBPs. Studly seasons by Adrián González, Justin Verlander, and Clayton Kershaw have helped Dan McCloskey to the top of our list, although nine other entrants only trail by one category-point. We may be scouring the disabled list for answers as often as the boxscores, with several of our more popular player choices in shaky physical condition.

Remember that players traded across leagues only maintain statistics from their original designation, with the exception of HBP totals. Check www.mlbpool.blogspot.com for more frequent updates and other Pool-related information.

July 8, 2011

July 4, 2011

2009 Pool champion John Agnello hops to the top spot for our 4th of July update, thanks in part to Mariano Rivera’s blown save yesterday. Three entrants trail John by only two HBP, including our co-founder Dan McCloskey.

Heath Bell amassed five saves in one week at the end of June, and has joined Brian Wilson and three other relievers atop the NL category. Pool fave Tim Lincecum pitches today but trails stealth pick Clayton Kershaw by 16 Ks.

Look for another update before next week’s All-Star break, and check www.mlbpool.blogspot.com for freshest Pool info.

July 1, 2011