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....................Recently there's been chatter that Valve the company behind the massively popular gaming service Steam has been considering getting into the hardware business. Specifically, there have been rumors that the company has been toying with the idea of creating a proper set-top console which could potentially pose a threat to the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. Valve co-founder Gabe Newell even recently told Penny Arcade: "Well, if we have to sell hardware we will."
At a glance that would simply be interesting fodder for a gaming forum debate, but we've uncovered information that suggests that not only has Valve been secretly working on gaming hardware for the living room, but that the company is actively pursuing a strategy which would place Steam at the center of an open gaming universe that mirrors what Google has done with Android. Backing up that concept, in the same interview we quote above, Newell says that Valve doesn't really want to do hardware on its own, stating, "We'd rather hardware people that are good at manufacturing and distributing hardware do [hardware]. We think it's important enough that if that's what we end up having to do, then that's what we end up having to do."
........................Apparently meetings were held during CES to demo a hand-built version of the device to potential partners. We're told that the basic specs of the Steam Box include a Core i7 CPU, 8GB of RAM, and an NVIDIA GPU. The devices will be able to run any standard PC titles, and will also allow for rival gaming services (like EA's Origin) to be loaded up.
Part of the goal of establishing a baseline for hardware, we're told, is that it will give developers a clear lifecycle for their products, with changes possibly coming every three to four years. Additionally, there won't be a required devkit, and there will be no licensing fees to create software for the platform.
We're hearing that a wide variety of USB peripherals will be compatible with the boxes, though it will likely ship with a proprietary controller. It's possible that the controller will even allow for swappable components, meaning that it can be reconfigured depending on the type of game you're playing. Think that sounds odd? Well Valve filed a patent for such a device last year.
Interesting times ahead...The most interesting piece of this puzzle may be related to that statement. According to sources, the Steam Box isn't intended to just clash with current gaming consoles. Rather, Valve wants to take Apple and its forthcoming new Apple TV products head-on. Newell has clear questions about Apple's strategy, telling the The Seattle Times "On the platform side, it's sort of ominous that the world seems to be moving away from open platforms," adding that "They build a shiny sparkling thing that attracts users and then they control people's access to those things."
The Steam Box could be unveiled at GDC, though we're also hearing that the company may wait until E3 this year to show off what it's been working on.
One thing is for sure, however: if these rumors turn out to be correct, there could be a whole new kind of battle for control of your living room happening in the near future. Of course, much of this is pieced together from a variety of sources, and there could be moving parts which we can't see. Some of this information could change.
We've reached out to Valve for comment, and will update the post with any new information we receive.
I've heard rumors too, that Steam is going to adopt their interface for controllers too... now imagine a PC, like an HTPC, that is just there to play games. Like a console. Might cost a bit more, but the games are less expensive... so in the end, it's not a problem. And FULL backwards compatibility to ANY game, too. A gaming console PC, with which you can do whatever you please. That'd be quite awesome, indeed. Put out a new model every year, keep the price low-ish (Ipad pricing, I'd say, for which you can buy a very capable PC indeed, though not an i7 system, I'd think), and you got yourself some HEAVY competition to the consoles.
I've always wondered, why there was never a push into these fields. I mean, Dell does sell gaming PCs for example. But there was never any real synergy with game makers or game sellers at all. And it's not like Steam and others haven't been around for a while, either.
In any case... why not? No more "wait for next gen to support feature X" or "the games of today are getting stale". It's always "current hardware", like it used to be on PC. And with "standardized" hardware, game makers can profile their games better, too. Say you got 2012s machine, set everything to "full", or you got the 2010 machine, set everything to medium... All the hastle of PC gaming GONE in an instant.
Though... I don't have any REAL hopes that this succeeds... not sure why, but I don't think it will. Though I'd want it to.
Kept you waiting
I'd sure give it a shot I mean Alienware now has that slim HTPC thing
PSN: CptnAmerica
Twitch: CptnAmeric4
If I wanted this, I would just build a miniature PC to my own specs.
The interesting part might the proprietary controller that can be modified to suit the game...
Steam + convenience of a console. I'm with it. Though I much rather Valve made a deal with Sony, Nintendo or MS (lulz) and brought Steam in it's full glory to one of those consoles.
When MAC launched we had MAC games section and icons and etc. Just imagine MAC is a PS4 or a WiiU icon. Steam showed it can adopt easily to a new format.
Anyway as I said, whatever way it happens, I am with it. I really can't stand PC gaming lately so any way to enjoy Steam another way is 100% welcome by me.
Last edited by masteratt; 03-04-2012 at 05:52 AM.
That's the point of such a system. I know "we" can configure these systems with ease, but most other cannot or don't want to. The biggest argument against PC gaming is ALWAYS complexity. Configuring drivers, games, controls... if all that is gone with such a system, that's already a big step towards "pc as a gaming console". Steam already provides driver updates (unless you use a laptop, which AMD (and probably NVidia) fuck up with their "vendor opt out" program) and it should make updating them as easy as updating Steam or the games (similar to console firmware upgdates). Also, standardize the controller interface (i.e. use DXInput and map all buttons 360-ish, as it is currently done) and provide a WELL made controller interface for Steam. That last point is my main argument for using a "steam PC as a console", at the moment, as you always have to use a mouse or keyboard for controlling the Steam interface. This should've been included a LONG while ago... but I am with Valve on "release when it's ready", because shoving a buggy update down customers throats can have PRETTY severe effects on your reputation.
I've long used XBMC for watching video and livetv at home. You can configure your Linux box to automatically login the "xbmc user" and start it... basically providing a full interface for controlling XBMC. This should be an option for Steam, too.
It can all be soooo easy, yet soo hard^^
Kept you waiting
The only thing that I could see making this an option that many gamers will consider is if it offers some sort of advantage. PC games just do not have the exclusives the consoles enjoy which have all become household names. Valve isn't going to jump into the fold with a bunch of PC games and the few they make and be any sort of challenge to any of the 3 established names. In addition, none of those games are optimized for their box if they're just playing PC games. So, it's very likely that when the next round of consoles from the big 3 launch, you'll see better performance on them. It then would defeat the purpose of PC gaming in the living room, as the box just won't be powerful enough to fit in a small case and sell cheap enough to compete with the closed architecture systems. It may outperform some of the systems on some games, but it'll be PS3 syndrome. Too close to make taking the plunge worthwhile for the average gamer. All it'll take is a couple failed lens of truth comparisons, and Valve's box will start to struggle. There just aren't enough big budget AAA PC exclusives to justify it for mainstream gaming, so it's left with relying on it's specs/features. We know that PC games never take full advantage of the systems that they run on due to it's open architecture, so I see them having a few issues matching performance with those specs. You're taking a system that probably couldn't to 1080p60 on every PC game currently available and putting it against closed architecture systems that, while they may not be more powerful on paper, will certainly have some performance advantages due to the optimization that having a closed system allows for.
Should valve start porting games to their box, then it would be a different story, but I don't think they have the resources to do it and I doubt many third party devs are going to invest much time in such a new concept, so I wouldn't expect them to show much interest at first either. Even Valve themselves are saying they would rather someone else do it and just let them port steam to their platform. They've already experimented with Sony. however, a conflict of interest takes place when you are trying to sell games on a console that makes it's money selling games. Valve ultimately wants to make money on those games, but they'd have to find a console manufacturer willing to let them handle the software end of things. Apple would have been the candidate, but they're too wrapped up in closed systems (which Valve even commented on), so that leaves them to go at it alone.
It's an interesting experiment, but I just don't see this thing getting off the ground. It'll be a PC gamer's toy for the living room, not much more.
Last edited by frosty; 03-04-2012 at 09:20 AM.
Apparently, Kraptaku has some prototype pics and info. The concept is interesting, and there's probably a big demand for such a product.
On the other hand, there are rumours on PlayStation 4 that claim it'll essentially sport PC hardware. Could Sony actually build something related to Valve or whatever? After all, they've integrated Steam on PS3 to some extent already.
PSN ID: VGAficionado
This will make more games on PC, especially Steam play with a 360 pad, so I for one completely approve.
http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/help-reverendburn - Funny cool youtuber getting kicked out his home before xmas.
They don't? ... I disagree in so far that I'd say that yeah, it doesn't have Uncharted or Gran Turismo... but it has MORE than enough to make that difference up. And since there's NOBODY stopping you making PC games like consoles makers sometimes tend to do (esp. with indie games, see Nintendo and Team Meat currently). Current PC exclusives target a VERY different group of gamers, too... but that's because PC has become less prominent, and niche games don't work on consoles. If PC becomes a prominent platform yet again, there's NO question there'll be new and awesome exclusives, too.
Hmmm... yes and no. Given that my PS3 era PC (bought in March 2007 with hardware from 2006) for 900 still plays ALL console to PC ports at higher than console resolution and settings, I tend to disagree. BUT it was also 50% more than PS3 at launch. So it's only partially fair to compare that. Though I do tend to buy pricier stuff for my PCs, as I put emphasis on stuff other than games, too... I probably could've shaved off some 100 bucks off that price (cheaper mainboard, mostly) and still have the same performance. Same goes for the PSU, which was also pricier than it could've been (and which broke down some time ago, due to dust buildup and negligence).Valve isn't going to jump into the fold with a bunch of PC games and the few they make and be any sort of challenge to any of the 3 established names. In addition, none of those games are optimized for their box if they're just playing PC games. So, it's very likely that when the next round of consoles from the big 3 launch, you'll see better performance on them.
Not really. First of all, if Valve does design and build these systems themselves (with an OEM, of course), there are ENOUGH dials to make this system small, yet powerful. Current laptops are several times as powerful as current consoles, yet smaller and they include a freaking keyboard, touchpad, battery and screen (external PSU, though). Now, I am not saying I'd want laptop hardware inside Valves box, but there are enough ways to make a PC small, yet powerful. You assumption (and I agree) is probably, that they take off the shelf parts and put them in a box. But looking at several HTPC cases in which you can fit muATX boards, they aren't much bigger than a PS3 Slim (including an internal PSU). And in most cases, they even offer an additional PCI slot, in which you could fit a DVB-S card or whatever and use that PC for watching freaking TV (not some dvb-t bullshit PS3 offers).It then would defeat the purpose of PC gaming in the living room, as the box just won't be powerful enough to fit in a small case and sell cheap enough to compete with the closed architecture systems.
Wait what? Are you suggesting that people (i.e. mainstream, casual and whatnot) actually care for or read these comparisons? And do you think that such a box would really look worse than any console version out there? At THE WORST, PC versions of console to PC ports look as good as the console versions. And that's with using VERY old or VERY slow hardware, which this system won't have. Even current low end GPUs (say Llano) are overpoweringIt may outperform some of the systems on some games, but it'll be PS3 syndrome. Too close to make taking the plunge worthwhile for the average gamer. All it'll take is a couple failed lens of truth comparisons, and Valve's box will start to struggle. There just aren't enough big budget AAA PC exclusives to justify it for mainstream gaming, so it's left with relying on it's specs/features.
anything the consoles can produce, let alone mid or high end (and I expect mid-end for the Valve Box) GPUs.
And, haven't we, more or less, concluded that exclusives don't matter? I mean, look at last years Xbox sales. They had virtually NO exclusive whatsoever, yet it outsold PS3 by a considerable margin in the US. Valve box doesn't NEED these high sales, either, as ANY gaming capable PC can play Steam games. ANY FREAKING PC that has viable hardware. Plus, you have BC with ANY Steam game out of the box, too... there's no "oh you have Valve Box 2012, you cannot play Valve Box 2010 games anymore" like most consoles. ANY game you bought WILL run in YEARS to come. And due to open source programmers, this trend is bound to continue for a long while. For a LONG while.
Yeah, like PS3 games are all handy dandy 1080P, let alone 720P with good framerates, good filtering and whatnot. Now, it's true that games made for consoles tend to be optimized for said hardware (often, ports to PS3 suck balls, too, see Bayonetta or GTA4). With PC, you cannot do that. But it also allows for aformentioned BC argument. Since the hardware is abstracted, you can run any software on any hardware. If I would built a PC with an RSX equivalent today, there's no way any game ported from PS3 to PC would run on it in any good performance, simply because of said optimization. Now if Valve puts out "Valve Box 2012 has this hardware", all developers can target these specs for their games (not optimizing). So there's no problem with badly running games or whatever on these boxes.We know that PC games never take full advantage of the systems that they run on due to it's open architecture, so I see them having a few issues matching performance with those specs. You're taking a system that probably couldn't to 1080p60 on every PC game currently available and putting it against closed architecture systems that, while they may not be more powerful on paper, will certainly have some performance advantages due to the optimization that having a closed system allows for.
Optimizing onto a closed box takes you further, no question, but it's not a magical spell that makes all shortcomings go away. Just look at stuff like MW3, which needs to lower the framebuffer resolution to something not far from ancient PAL, and upscale it to 720P... Even low end PC hardware of today easily "outplays" a PS3 or 360. Next year when PS4 might come out, based on a GPU from ~today, Valve Box next year could have a mid end GPU from next year which is probably twice as fast as the GPU in PS4 (it doesn't always work like that, but with PS3, it was easily doable, but RSX was also a bit of a hag).
Now all that comes down to price and how Valve might acquire hardware and such... highly speculative.
I think you are oversimplifying here. The point of this box isn't intended to be a "pc gamers toy", but rather to enable current console gamers to play PC games with the same ease they play console games. And that it should achieve. And when ALL games are easily 20% cheaper than any console game, offer MUCH more, not just better graphics, but modding (easy modding with Steamworks, too), full resolution 3D gaming, full BC, play ANYWHERE (take your games onto your laptop and play them on the go!)... it's a VERY good argument to switch over. Plus, all the free to play games not available on consoles, the PC exclusives (hey yeah... there's still WoW, SWTOR, CIV5... all the indie games NOT on consoles...) and the ability to download ALL Steam Games there are... not just the ones "Sony" or "MS" seems fit... and don't come at me with arguments like download sizes... The Witcher 2 is 20GB, too. XPlane is 10 DVD9s currently and can be downloaded, too^^It's an interesting experiment, but I just don't see this thing getting off the ground. It'll be a PC gamer's toy for the living room, not much more.
Kept you waiting
You're doing a lot of comparing today's systems to what valve's box would be, rather than what the next crop of systems are going to have. That will be Valve's competition should they choose to do this. If PS4 waits even 6 months later than Valve to release, and matches or exceeds it in hardware power, the purpose of this box to the general public will be greatly diminished. Again, PS4 will have 3 generations of high profile exclusives releasing on it. Games that have all become household names by now. If PS4 is pushing equal or greater power than the valve box, the purpose of buying a valve box will be defeated for the average gamer, especially when you factor in the added performance advantages of a closed system. Also, what happens if Microsoft decides to include an almost fully functional version of windows on Xbox 3? You wouldn't have steam probably, because I don't see MS letting go of Live!, but the PC game functionality would be there. If Valve ever proved the be a threat to MS, I could see them releasing a console that could play any windows game to counter them. With the added brand recognition of Xbox and games like Halo and Gears, Microsoft alone could crush Valve's box with a move like that.
I see PC gamers loving this, but I don't see it catching on to the mainstream. You aren't just going to turn 20 years of closed platform gaming on it's head overnight by releasing a PC in a tiny box. There are too many exclusive titles that people expect to be able to play on the other 3 systems. PC has it's exclusives, but it is a FAR cry from having the brand recognition that the other 3 consoles enjoy with their games. World of Warcraft and Sim-anything outstanding, there aren't that many PC exclusives that you could call a "household name".
Last edited by frosty; 03-04-2012 at 11:43 PM.
They are a software company, not hardware. Their greatest means of expanding their service and doing so with a sizable profit margin would be to release Steam on all next generation consoles.
All 3 of them will be a mini-PC anyway and are guaranteed to have good sales (provided none of the 3 fuck up royally). If a specialized controller is their intent, then get with a 3d party peripheral maker and just launch a line of Steam branded controllers. I find the notion ironic anyway given that PC gamers always attest to the superiority of a KB/M over a game controller.
Hm... maybe I need to do some backtracking. PCGames Hardware had a supposed leak of the box, and it's quite small, and does indeed include laptop hardware. Though, I still think a lot of my points still stand.
And... MS was just a software maker, too, before the Xbox... if you ignore the input devices they made^^ Honestly, keyboard and mouse do have their advantages. Games like Command and Conquer control like ass on consoles. But, say Alan Wake, does control well on both. Thing is, if I want to play on my tv sitting on my sofa, keyboard and mouse are really not an option. That'd be quite uncomfortable.
Kept you waiting
My favorite option is a combination of the two. I haven't used it in a while, but back when I would play UT2004 I would hold my ps2 controller clone in my left hand, and my mouse in the right hand. L3 was use/enter, L1 jumped, L2 ducked, and I used the d-pad and select for optional buttons. All could be comfortably reached with my left hand. A navigation controller would be a perfect alternative. Then the mouse took care of the aiming, firing, and weapon switching.
I murdered everyone in that game using that setup. Analog control of all the vehicles made flying and driving perfect, and I had the speed and accuracy of my mouse as well. I would go on all kinds of insanely long killing sprees with that setup.
What would really be cool is if Sony made a move/mouse hybrid. Lay it on a mouse pad, and it's a laser mouse. Pick it up, it's a move. You can have mouse aiming while still being able to use gestures to do things like issue commands, etc.
Well... with that "hardware" maker, you investement couldn't gave gone wrong^^ This nothing more than a scam to get moneys^^
Kept you waiting
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Monday, August 02, 2010xWHIP leaders and losersA few weeks ago, I debuted the xWHIP calculator on the internet. Since, I have constructed an Excel sheet, with the invaluable help of Dave Studeman and Brian Cartwright, of the major leagues' xWHIP leaders and losers (minimum nine games started) using the xWHIP formula. This spreadsheet omits defensive adjustments; with 156 players in the sample, inserting them would be too labor intensive. To manually make the defensive adjustment from my xWHIP calculator formula, use the following formula: ((team UZR/team total IP)*the individual pitcher's IP)/0.49. This defensive adjustment assumes that all hits saved or allowed by a team's defense would be singles. The xWHIP tool is explained in detail in the link provided (see previous paragraph), but here's a quick recap. The xWHIP calculator is based on the notion that different batted ball in play (BIP) types each have a unique expected BABIPs (xBABIP). The four BIP types are ground balls (GB), line drives (LD), outfield fly balls (OFFB) and infield fly balls (IFFB). Per Gameday data, circa 2005-2010, xBABIP for each BIP-type is as follows:
Given that line drive rates for pitchers tend to normalize around 19 percent over large enough samples, my xWHIP formula is based on a normalized BIP format. xWHIP essentially keeps GB/FB and IFFB/OFFB ratios intact and applies them to an expected BIP distribution with a normalized line drive rate. xWHIP is very similar in theory to Derek Carty's DIPS WHIP, only the calculator itself also accords for defensive metrics. Any questions? No? Good. Now let's move on to the purpose of this post. Plugging all the relevant information into an Excel spreadsheet of starting pitchers with at least nine starts in 2010, I calculated the defensive independent xWHIPs of 156 major league players. I compared these player's xWHIPs to their actual 2010 WHIPs to determine which pitchers have the highest prospects for luck-based improvement/regression down the stretch. This data should aid all fantasy owners in need of WHIP-solidification or WHIP help down the stretch. It should be noted that the walk rate used for my xWHIP calculator is not merely BB or BB/9. The xWHIP formula in my spreadsheet uses a modified walk rate (mBB/9), which essentially subtracts intentional walks (IBB) and adds hit batsmen (HBP) to the cumulative walks total (BB). I have long advocated that WHIP be tabulated using a pitcher's modified walks total (BB-IBB+HBP); traditional walk rates are misleading in looking at a pitcher's actual control and WHIPiness (a new word I invented/copyrighted). Here, then, I present to you the (defense independent) xWHIP leaders (top 30): The elite xWHIP guys largely consist of the major leagues' top aces. Stephen Strasburg, Cliff Lee and Roy Halladay lead the way as the only three major league pitchers with an xWHIP below 1.10. You also see such expected names as Roy Halladay, Josh Johnson, Adam Wainwright and my boy Kris Medlen. However, there are plenty of surprising names in the xWHIP leaderboard: Vicente Padilla (1.21), Dallas Braden (1.26), and (most surprising to me) Jeff Francis (1.29 xWHIP). And of course, there are the xWHIP losers (bottom 30): At the bottom of this list, we find plenty of the major leagues' struggling pitchers: Rich Harden, Scott Kazmir, Ryan Rowland-Smith, Charlie Morton, Carlos Zambrano, etc. However, we also find a few semi-surprising names (given their 2010 successes), like Fausto Carmona (1.50 xWHIP) and C.J. Wilson (1.48 xWHIP) just outside the bottom 30). More or less, however, guys at the bottom of the xWHIP list also have terrible actual WHIPs. If you would like to see the full Excel spreadsheet of the xWHIP leaders and losers, click here. Otherwise, as always, post your love/hate in the comments. Posted by Jeffrey Gross at 2:13am (3) Comments Wednesday, August 04, 2010Roster Doctor on keeper tradesChris writes in: I'm in a 12-team mixed keeper league with the standard 5x5 roto scoring, with the exception of OBP instead of AVG. We can keep two players while surrendering the draft round they were selected in. I have: Buster Posey (Undrafted) Francisco Liriano (18th Round) Justin Upton (7th Round) Colby Rasmus (Undrafted) Stephen Strasburg (14th Round). I was given an offer of Ryan Braun for Posey. I need to trade away some of this talent because I'm in second place with a small chance at first. I don't want to finish the season with all of this keeper value unexploited. Whom do I keep? Trade? Undrafted players are kept by surrendering the last-round pick. Thanks. Roster: Geovany Soto C Ike Davis 1B Juan Uribe 2B Evan Longoria 3B Stephen Drew SS Justin Upton OF Colby Rasmus OF Jason Kubel OF Carlos Pena Util David Wright Util Michael Bourn BN Buster Posey BN B.J. Upton BN Dustin Pedroia DL CC Sabathia SP Francisco Liriano SP Francisco Rodriguez RP Ryan Franklin RP Alfredo Simon P Johnny Cueto P Drew Storen P Aaron Heilman P Zack Greinke BN Max Scherzer BN Stephen Strasburg DL Chris - I think you are absolutely right to look to sacrifice some of next season's value in order to win this season. Always do whatever it takes to win this season if you're in a position to capture the trophy. What you must decide (since I don't have the information) is where you are best placed to make up points on the leader. Braun could certainly help you, replacing Rasmus or Kubel in your outfield (note: if you're unable to pull off the trade, I'd think about playing Posey over Rasmus or Kubel or Soto now anyway, depending on the matchups). I'd just make sure that there are points to be had in your league in home runs or RBIs or maybe OBP. (Also, Pena is much better in your league, with OBP, obviously.) Another strategy you may want to consider instead, or in tandem, is to trade, say, Bourn to a distant rival for peanuts if that team is in a position to steal some points (all puns intended) from the first-place team. Your bench players can be helping you win by playing for other teams. (Actually, if you can really spare the starter, you could do the same with him, too.) Also, I'm guessing there are probably more than a few owners willing to consider trading this year's talent for next year's hopefuls. Braun is great, but you also have a decent-sized hole at first base. There are quite a few upgrades over Ike Davis, especially if you need help in OBP. Maybe you can pry loose Mark Teixeira or Miguel Cabrera, for instance, instead. You can still keep Davis in the lineup in the Util spot if you feel like it. Finally, if you had unfettered choice over which keeper to trade for a "Braun", I would choose Rasmus. Upton, even with his already high draft slot, should be worth enough next year to make keeping him pay off; and in any case, you'll need him for the rest of this season. Liriano is actually turning in a quietly good season (after so much hubbub was made of him in the Spring Training, not enough is being written about how good a season he is actually having). And Strasburg, well, even with his recent DL stint, I think he'll be worth a 13th round pick next season. But if you get an owner willing to trade you even more than Braun for him, I would consider it. Right now, if I were drafting for next year, I'd peg him at no better than a sixth- to seventh-round pick. We know he is quality, but we don't know if he is quantity. Posted by Jonathan Halket at 4:47am (7) Comments How do we know we're right?I enjoy sticking my nose where I haven't been asked to, and I also enjoy not having to develop my own concepts for my column, therefore, I think you guys can anticipate what time it is. That's right, it's time for unsolicited commentary on the Card Runners-rooted discussion du jour from the other Derek! Seriously, I'd like to touch on some of the more abstract issues raised around identifying and claiming success for identifying breakouts that were raised in Derek Carty's post, and the comments section thereof, last week. The role of intuition in identifying breakouts Both Eric Kesselman and Chris Liss imply that deeply engaged baseball or fantasy baseball fans are subject to strong gut instincts about players that are difficult to put in the context of objective analysis. Somewhat surprisingly, I actually agree. By definition, a break out is a player who is redefining his past profile by making a quantum leap in terms of translating his skillset into production. So, while it is entirely reasonable to expect to be able to study development patterns and elemental metrics to identify those who are more likely to "break out," the spirit of what is happening in a break out – a player doing something he's never done before – is difficult to predict by betting on pattern and trends alone. But, before proceeding, it is important to ask what our intuition about certain players really is. In the outset of Blink, Malcolm Gladwell tells the story of an art curator who is unsure of the authenticity of a sculpture that would be highly valuable were it to be determined authentic. At this point, an accomplished artistic scholar views the piece and despite performing no tests, and without giving detailed reasons, determines the piece a fake. The owner of the sculpture brings in experts, and basically enacts the full CSI treatment, which generally points to the piece being authentic. Subsequently, new information is unearthed confirming the work as a fraud. (Forgive me if my retelling of this anecdote is a bit off, as it was many years ago that I read the book and have just realized, after attempting to reread it, that I must have leant it to somebody who never returned it.) The point Gladwell makes, and the predominant, recurring theme of the book, is that people are actually rather good at "thin slicing" very complicated, multi-faceted sets of information. I think this notion is generally applicable to the discussion at hand, but it does come with many caveats. For one, every Tom, Dick and Harry is not qualified to have these insightful intuitions. If Eric Kesselman has a strong intuition about a poker hand, or Chris Liss has a strong intuition about Ricky Romero, these are things that shouldn't be causally dismissed just because the objective evidence supporting the intuition is not entirely robust enough to support the claim. But, if some fly-by-night fan, analyst or leaguemate determines so-and-so is in for a sophomore slump, or Joe Prospect "has all the tools," these are not real intuitions. They're the messages inside fortune cookies. Second, these intuitions are relatively rare, very strong and their originators are uncharacteristically casual and committed to their prognostications. By general pre-ranking consensus, I over-drafted Nelson Cruz in just about every league I could. You know what? I didn't hesitate on that selection or experience buyer's guilt or remorse at all. There were other players who I rostered many times, but most of those were value plays. Nellie Cruz was me thin slicing. I simply drafted Cruz expecting him to blow many players drafted before him right out of the water. (Pro-rated, he has!) Third, we must be honest with ourselves about these intuitions. We can't fall victim to confirmation bias by constructing a revisionist history and we must recognize that these intuitions are not always foolproof. I have a few pitchers I feel this way about every year. This past year, one of those players was Jonathan Sanchez. Was I right? Kind of. Meanwhile, I was able to nab David Price in a few leagues too. Did I have the magic feeling about Price? No, I just thought that he had an extremely high ceiling, making him a wise gamble at the prices I paid. Last year, I owned Josh Johnson in every league I played in. But I'm far from perfect. I'll be the first one to tell you about the season (or two) I walked around with my chest out thinking I got over on everybody, and couldn't wait to see the league scratch their heads as they watched my John Patterson mow down the National League. Fourth, as both Derek and Mike Podhorzer note, we must examine our successes and determine whether they are really out successes within the context of our predictions. Right now, Cruz is hitting .330 and benefiting from stratospheric .370-ish BABIP. Cruz may well indeed go on to finish the season hitting comfortably above .300, but as high as I was on him, I don't think I could honestly take credit for predicting that. I say that for two reasons. One, we don't know if it is legitimate. He had a curiously low BABIP last year, and is sitting on a curiously high BABIP this year, so it is not really even clear who the real Nelson Cruz is as a hitter for average. Two, I wasn't anticipating a batting average above .300. When drafting him, I just simply said to myself, this is going to go 35/30, maybe even 40/30. Under the specific conditions above, I'm willing to respect and consider the divine intuition phenomenon, and not dismiss is outright simply because it may be difficult to present fully within the framework of a "business case." How do we know when we're right? When can we legitimately claim victory when it comes to predicting a break out? This is a very difficult question. In the comments section of Derek's article, Mike Podhorzer says: Tell me why you expected a player to perform the way he has that proves you "right" and then I will determine if you deserve credit or not based on your answer. But, even then, how do we know? Many voices in the fantasy community predicted this year would mark a break out in the power department for Billy Butler. What was the foundation of this hypothesis? Well, it sort of looked like this; Butler is beginning to enter his mid-20s and has showed promise and progress thus far in his development as a real threat at the plate. Last year, he had a fine season and hit a respectable 21 homers while posting a solid but unspectacular 11.8 HR/FB. He did hit 51 doubles, though, and it is reasonable to project that, at his age, Butler becomes stronger and converts more of those doubles to homers in 2010. He seemed to really find his power stroke in the second half of 2009 and we should expect this trend to continue and intensify in 2010. Sound about right? Well, what happened? Butler is hitting the ball almost exactly the same as he was last year. As I write this, his 2010 BABIP is identical to his 2009 mark. His LD/GB/FB distribution is within 1 percent of 2009 rates for each batted-ball type, and his HR/FB ratio is down by about a third. Let's imagine that the 30-homer pace Butler prediction came true, though. How would we know we were correct even if the performance fit our hypothesis? Basically, what would have happened would be the same thing that has happened, but in reverse. His batted-ball type distribution stays largely the same, as does his BABIP, but his HR/FB go up from about 12 to 16, instead of down to 8. Basically, with the exception of one column in a spreadsheet evolution, stagnation and devolution would look pretty similar in Butler's case. Further, we know this key column is prone to yearly swings. So, if Butler did appear to take this step forward, how are we to know that he won't take a step back the following year? At what point can you say this is the real Butler and I predicted this? It's very difficult to make these determinations as players are developing, which is when break outs are most likely. We have come to know who Albert Pujols really is, but the inverse side of that certainty is that we also know that Pujols is extremely unlikely to drastically over-perform or under-perform consensus expectations, which is what having a break out is really all about. My point here is that as the body of evidence mounts that enables us to more confidently ascribe any seasonal performance to a player's "true talent" the less likely that player becomes to "break out." So, when we predict something and it comes true, we can't be so sure it wasn't due to luck. And, when we finally have enough information to establish a solid baseline for our predictions, the players have aged to the point where breakouts are unlikely. My approach when it comes to giving credit for predicting breakouts is a bit simpler. I don't really stress individual cases much at all. I determine a fantasy prognosticator's aptitude the same way I would a weatherman's (meteorologists? Are the TV weathermen actually meteorologists or just the TV-friendly spokespeople for the real scientists in the back room?). I look at somebody's track record. I presume that if your reasoning is sound, you will make more picks that turn out correctly. Sure, some might turn out correctly for the wrong reasons, but so too will some come out incorrectly despite being equally well thought out. It's certainly interesting to hear any particular analyst's in-depth opinions on the players they are particularly high or low on, but what really matters over the course of time is track record. Posted by Derek Ambrosino at 4:14am (6) Comments Thursday, August 05, 2010My dynasty rankings: The top players under age 25I have often been asked how the most recent crop of minor league up-and-comers compares with the best of the youngsters already in the majors. There's no better way to express my thoughts than to give you a black-and-white listing of the best players in baseball under age 25. 1. Evan Longoria / 3B / Tampa Bay. Longoria has some strong competition, but for my money, he's the best third baseman in baseball and the top fantasy pick at his position in every league format, let alone a dynasty league. 2. Justin Upton / OF / Arizona. It's hard to believe that Upton is still only 22 years old (for another week or so). Like Longoria, Upton sports the triple threat that creates a fantasy superstar: power, speed, and batting average. Longoria gets the slight No. 1 nod due to the position scarcity. 3. Jason Heyward / OF / Atlanta. Heyward and Upton sport comparable skill sets, and I would argue that Heyward has even more power potential. Heyward is in the midst of a fine rookie season, propelling him up this board, but he has further steps to take before anyone even dreams of taking him ahead of Upton. 4. Stephen Strasburg / SP / Washington. Strasburg has been a revelation, exciting the entire baseball universe. His only negatives (and it's more stigma than personal faults) are the long-term team surrounding him in Washington and the fact that injuries can derail a young pitcher's career more so than a position player. 5. Felix Hernandez / SP / Seattle. Hernandez quietly has a Hall of Fame career brewing and he's just 24 years old. He has the ability to be a Top-5 fantasy pitcher every year for the next decade. 6. Clayton Kershaw / SP / LA Dodgers. Kershaw is a special talent who seems to get better with each passing year. His command still comes and goes at times and may be the fault that ultimately keeps him one peg below Strasburg and King Felix. 7. Colby Rasmus / OF / St. Louis. Rasmus is another five-tool outfielder who is progressing nicely. But when all is said and done, I don't think he will have the career that Upton and Heyward will have. 8. David Price / SP / Tampa Bay. His command is a work in progress and he plays in the rough-and-tumble AL East, but I have no problems labeling Price an ace in this his first full year in the big leagues. 9. Yovani Gallardo / SP / Milwaukee. Gallardo doesn't have the velocity of the pitchers in front of him, but he gets his strikeouts with his fear-inducing curveball, one of the best in the business. He has the makeup of a long-term ace. 10. Carlos Santana / C / Cleveland. The leg injury notwithstanding, at this early stage I am projecting Santana to be a 30-home-run hitter in his prime, which is fantasy gold at catcher. His batting average and tremendous walk rate will be assets as well. 11. Tommy Hanson / SP / Atlanta. I have a lot of faith in Hanson being the next great Atlanta ace. After all, he did end the year No. 2 on my 2009 Top-100 list. With another step up in his development, he will be right there with the best pitchers in baseball. 12. Matt Wieters / C / Baltimore. I might be a bit thickheaded, but Wieters' early major league struggles aren't dissuading me much. I do have Santana ahead of him, however, which is noteworthy. But the potential to be a .300/30 hitter is still there. It's just much less of a sure thing. 13. Mat Latos / SP / San Diego. Petco is a pitcher's park, and Latos will take full advantage for as long as he can. He isn't just a product of his surroundings, however. He is a legit ace at just 22, with room to grow. I just worry about his injury history continuing to pile up. 14. Mike Stanton / OF / Florida. Stanton absolutely has a chance to be one of the best power hitters in baseball, but he is oh so young with much to prove. 15. Billy Butler / 1B / Kansas City. Butler appears to be a perennial .300 hitter, but the home run pop is still not all there. I am counting on it developing, however. 16. Carlos Gonzalez / OF / Colorado. I have never been a big Gonzalez fan, but wow, he has really taken off in 2010. I was thinking 15-20 home runs would be his prime maximum, and here we are in early August and he's thinking about 30. His walk rate is paltry and I'm not sold on the power being an annual mainstay, but give the young man credit. 17. Buster Posey / C / San Francisco. Posey, at times, has been hitting like a man possessed. But make no mistake, he is not the next Joe Mauer, and he has benefited from being able to split his defensive duties between catcher and first base. Full-time catching duties take their toll. 18. Madison Bumgarner / SP / San Francisco. Bumgarner got off to a slow start in 2010, but he quickly picked up the pace. I would say he has matured nicely this year. The future is bright, but there are more lessons to be learned. 19. Phil Hughes / SP / NY Yankees. The hype did not destroy Hughes. The Yankees may have found themselves a long-term ace who they don't need to pay $25,000,000 a year. Hughes isn't quite there yet, but his electric stuff sure is. 20. Jesus Montero / C / NY Yankees. With everyone else on this Top-10 graduating to the big leagues, that leaves Montero as my early favorite for No. 1 prospect in 2011. It's hard to believe considering his early struggles, but he has turned his season around and possesses superstar potential in his bat. Just missing the cut: 21. Andrew McCutchen / OF / Pittsburgh 22. Jay Bruce / OF / Cincinnati 23. Brett Anderson / SP / Oakland 24. Jeremy Hellickson / SP / Tampa Bay 25. Bryce Harper / OF / Washington 26. Johnny Cueto / SP / Cincinnati 27. Desmond Jennings / OF / Tampa Bay 28. Mike Moustakas / 3B / Kansas City 29. Brian Matusz / SP / Baltimore 30. Martin Perez / SP / Texas Posted by Matt Hagen at 1:06am (32) Comments Friday, August 06, 2010Waiver Wire: AL, Week 18No poignant introduction this week. Too busy moving. Hopefully you got my late night tweet earlier this week about Jeremy Hellickson in time to add/start him. I debated writing about Hellickson this week, but the Rays' starting rotation is full enough already and the frugal franchise is likely to keep him in the minors as long as possible. Hellickson may re-emerge on the Rays later in 2010 to be a postseason reliever, but is very unlikely to make more than one or two spot starts down the stretch. All stats current through at least Aug. 4. Jose Bautista watch (07/26-08/01): .500 AVG, 5 HR, 8 R, 13 RBI, 0 SB. His ownership is up 3 percent this week, to 86 percent, in Yahoo leagues. Yet another great week for Bautista's owners. Alex Gordon | Kansas City | 3B, OF | 18 percent Yahoo ownership YTD: .218/.306/425 Oliver ROS: .250/.352/.417 With a career line of .320/.437/.577 (1.014 OPS) in the minors with 48 homers and 69 doubles in 235 minor league games (1,061 plate appearances), Alex Gordon has little left to prove in the minors. However, with a career triple slash line of .248/.330/.416 (.746) in 357 major league games, he has plenty to prove to fantasy owners (and the infallible Dayton Moore). The former top prospect has destroyed Triple-A for his career (.315/.441/.560) and it should come as no surprise that he smashed its pitching to the tune of .315/.442/.577 upon a demotion earlier this year. Per Minor League Splits that kind of performance is worth a .258/.361/.444 (.805 OPS) major league equivalent line. Fittingly, since his re-reinstatement with the Royals on July 23, Gordon has an .808 OPS. Gordon's positives outweigh the negatives. Though neither Oliver nor MLS thinks that Gordon will hit for average, (despite a 4.7 career speed score, a 20 percent MLE line drive rate and a 19.5 percent career LD razte in the majors), Gordon knows how to draw a walk (14.6 percent minor league BB rate) and hist for decent power (.180 major league equivalent minor league ISO). With Alberto Callaspo shipped to the Angels, Gordon should get plenty of playing time and a chance to prove himself once and for all in 2010. Gordon, formerly a third baseman, has been playing left field since his demotion and call-up. One of the Royals' top prospects, Mike Moustakas (hitting .328/.380/.635 split between Double-A and Triple-A this year), is a third baseman and quickly on the rise through the Royals farm system. The Royals also have prospect Eric Hosmer (hitting .347/.418/.572 cumulatively between High-A and Double-A this season) training to play first and Billy Butler currently occupying time at 1B/DH. Plus, the Kila Whale, Kila Ka'aihue, is hitting .319/.463/.598 in Triple-A this season and has a first base/DH body type (though Kila may never be a playing time threat with Dayton Moore around). Hence, Gordon's future may be blocked at the hot corner (3B), the slow corner (1B) and everywhere in between (left field/DH, if Hosmer moves to the outfield). This means that Gordon's opportunity to prove himself in the majors is now (at least in Kansas City). Who knows what kind of incentive such an intangible can bring... especially when you are incredibly talented. Over the past seven days, Gordon has absolutely mashed, hitting .318/.375/.773 with three homers, five runs and six 6 RBI over 24 plate appearances. Given his minor league upside (.805 OPS!), Gordon is likely worth a roster spot considering the lack of depth at third base this season. (The league average third baseman has an OPS of .751 this season). Heck, he's even OF eligible. Recommendation: Gordon should be owned in all formats. Matt Capps | Twins | RP | 87 percent Yahoo ownership YTD: 2.64 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, 7.36 K/9, 2.08 BB/9 Oliver ROS: 3.90 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 7.2 K/9, 2.0 BB/9 For the hefty price of expendable catching prospect Wilson Ramos (see Mauer, Joe), Matt Capps is the new Twins closer. Though Jon Rauch had pitched well enough as the Twins' first half closer (2.97 ERA, 21/25 in saves opportunities), his peripherals tell a darker story (4.34 xFIP). xFIP of course is not the best metric to measure relievers—unlike starters, relievers get used in variable leverage situations and appear for limited innings against any given team in any given game, giving them an added layer of statistical noise. However, the 1.50 xFIP-ERA differential is too big to ignore. After a down season in 2009 (see HR/FB percentage), Capps has been strong in 2010. HIs 2.64 ERA is sexy, his 3.53 xFIP is enticing, and despite a 1.34 WHIP, Capps is 27-for-31 in save opportunities in high leverage situations (1.63 gmLI, top 25 among all MLB relievers with 20-plus innings pitched this season). In a Joe Nathan-less time for Minnesota, Capps is worth the FAAB bid by owners in need of saves this season in AL-only formats. However, due to the Nathan's expected return in 2011, Capps' post-2010 value in keeper leagues will be severely limited unless he's traded in the offseason. If you planned on keeping a reliever this offseason, Capps is not your man. Nonetheless, given Minnesota's history of longer-than-average leashes, Capps should make a strong splash for AL-only teams down the stretch. Sorry Rauch owners, but you knew that experiment was uncertain when you signed up. Recommendation: Capps should be owned in all formats. He is a top-15 closer. Coco Crisp | Oakland | OF | 6 percent Yahoo ownership YTD: .237/.309/.405 Oliver ROS: .255/.325/.377 Despite hitting only .191/.270/.292 in July, Coco Crisp was nonetheless quite valuable for fantasy owners (top 150 player in fantasy) last month. Why, you ask? Largely because he went 10-for-11 in stolen base attempts with 14 runs. Crisp was hurt most of the first half and came off the DL only June 22, so it is understandable that he's been flying under the radar the last 30 or so games. However, I am putting you on notice. Despite a less-than-inspiring .713 OPS, there are signs of inspiration in Crisp's limited 2010 showing. For one, he is currently posting a career high mark in ISO at .168. The statistically relevant plate appearance threshold of ISO for hitters is approximately 500 PA, so one should not read too much into Crisp's current power output. However, it indicates that he is hitting the ball well enough, despite the poor average. Crisp has a career BABIP of .305, which is well above his current .280 mark on the season. However, he has a career line drive rate around 19 percent, and he's clipping clippers at only 13.9 percent through his first 150 PA of 2010. LD percentage also becomes statistically significant for hitters around the 150 PA mark, so perhaps there are some concerns about Crisp's game. However, with a 9.5 speed score and increased 52.5 percent GB rate, Crisp is taking full advantage of his skill set. Per the THT xBABIP calculator, Crisp's current batted ball profile is worth a .327 xBABIP. Adjusting Crisp's current triple slash line (.237/.309/.405) to reflect his xBABIP, all the while pessimistically assuming that all additional hits would be singles, we get a much prettier .273/.340/.440 (.781 OPS) fantasy/real life line. Crisp has only a moderate steals history (career high mark of 28 set in 2007), but he's been running much more often and much more efficiently in the last few seasons. This is evidenced by two statistics. First, since 2008, Crisp has attempted a stolen base 32.15 percent of the time he's been on base, versus the 17.25 percent mark for his career. Second, he has been successful in 81 percent of his attempts since 2008, much higher than the 75 percent mark for his career. Though Crisp is hardly a spring chicken at age 31, he's been refining his speed-based game over the past few (injury riddled) seasons. If he can stay healthy, few players in the majors can rival Crisp's surprising wheels (9.5 speed score on the season). If Crisp can swipe 14 bags on the season with a .309 on-base percentage, just imagine his SB potential with a 34 percent OBP. His stolen base potential could be a difference maker down the stretch (again, assuming health). Recommendation: Crisp should be owned in all AL-only and fove-outfielder mixed league formats. He is a bench-worthy player (spot starter on Mondays/Thursdays) in 12-team, three-outfielder mixed leagues. Edwin Jackson | Chicago (AL) | SP | 52 percent Yahoo ownership YTD: 4.97 ERA, 1.49 WHIP, 7.00 K/9, 3.88 BB/9 Oliver ROS: 4.59 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, 6.6 K/9, 3.7 BB/9 Despite a relatively successful 2009 campaign, I was quite bearish on Edwin Jackson the fantasy (and real life) pitcher this offseason. At best, I pegged Jackson's upside at a 4.06 ERA mark with a 7.36 K/9 and horrible WHIP (in the 1.50 range). For the most part, he hasn't disproved my prediction. Over 141.1 innings pitched this season, Jackson has accrued a K/9 of 7.00 with a WHIP of 1.49. Of course the 4.97 ERA is well above my 4.06 projection, but that preseason ERA projection was Jackson's ceiling in my estimation. However, he has not been nearly as bad as his numbers might indicate. Jackson's poor luck has not come on the fly ball. His HR/FB mark of 10.5 percenty is not particularly unlucky, especially at Chase Field, which inflates the average HR/FB rate of its pitchers to 11.64 percent. Where Jackson has been unlucky has been on his percentage of runners scored. Logically, the more baserunners a pitcher gives up, the more runs he is likely to forfeit. Nonetheless, a pitcher's left-on-base rate tends to neutralize around 71.5 percent over time, fluctuating based on the defensive posture behind him. Jackson's 2010 mark is below the league average mark of 71.9 percent this season, at 68.3 percent, although the Diamondbacks are a top-five defensive team in baseball (per both team UZR/150 and collective UZR). Hence, Jackson's likely had some bad luck with some big innings. Further, he's had some bad luck on balls in play. While his career BABIP is .311, his BABIP this season is higher at .322. Per my updated xWHIP calculator formula (on version 1.3 now), Jackson's xWHIP is much lower than his actual season WHIP, at 1.39. Of course, this xWHIP projection is based on pitching in Chase Field in front of the Diamondbacks' elite defense. Following July 31, Jackson now pitches in the Cell (1.213 HR/FB park factor index, which is worse for pitchers than Chase Field's 1.058 mark) in front of the White Sox (negative team UZR). Needless to say, Jackson's xWHIP for the White Sox will be higher than 1.40 and likely closer to the 1.50 mark he's been posting thus far this season. Jackson's had a decent season buried under his bad luck. He's improved his groundball rate to his 2005-2006 level at 50.9 percent. Though he's regressed somewhat in control (3.03 mBB/9 [(BB-IBB+HBP)/IP*9] last season, 4.08 mark this season), he's still inducing plenty of strikeouts (18 percent in 2009 and 2010) with an above-average swinging strike rate (9.6 percent). The results, however, a 4.23 xFIP, are still below the major league average (4.15). The move to the Sox does little to improve Jackson's value. Hence, just as in the offseason, I cannot give the stamp of approval for Jackson. He's not even much of a spec pick or back-of-the-rotation guy for a fantasy team (at least in my book). It baffles me why Kenny Williams got him, unless misled by the Nationals' supposed interest in him. Jackson is no John Danks or Gavin Floyd. Alas, that topic of conversation is for another day. Recommendation: Avoid Edwin Jackson in all formats (even AL-only). Clay Buchholz | Boston | SP | 82 percent Yahoo ownership YTD: 2.59 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 6.32 K/9, 3.73 BB/9 Oliver ROS: 3.71 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 7.0 K/9, 3.6 BB/9 Of all the pitchers in the junior circuit, Clay Buchholz is the one whose true ability I have the most difficulty assessing. When he debuted in 2007, his stuff was simply electric. Though he was pretty wild (3.97 BB/9) and did not induce many ground balls in his minute 22.2-inning stin, Buchholz struck out 25 percent of the batters he faced and tossed a no-hitter. He was likewise in 2008, punching out 20-plus percent of the batters he faced in 76 innings of work, though free passes were a problem (4.86 BB/9). Buchholz flashed an additional talent in 2008, one he had shown plenty oa f in the minors: worm burning (47.7 percent GB rate. In 2008 and 2009, Justin Masterson and Buchholz dominated the Red Sox farm system with plentiful strikeouts and ground balls to offset their walking ways. For his minor league career, Buchholz has a K/9 north of 10 and a groundball rate of 47.7 percent. Per Minor League Splits, his minor league record is worth a major league equivalent K/9 of 7.78 and a groundball rate of 47.3 percent. Those numbers seem solid enough to offset an MLB-equivalent 3.80 BB/9. In 2010, Buchholz seems to have put it all together. He has a 2.59 ERA, plenty of wins (11) and 1.23 WHIP. However, there are deeper signs of concern which indicate he is a sell high candidate. For one, Buchholz is continuing a trend of declining strikeouts in the majors. His swinging strike rate has been constant around 10 percent for his career (8.5 percent is the major league average), but he has whiffed barely 17 percent of the hitters he has faced over the past two seasons. Buchholz's strikeout rate has been below the major league average (~7) for two seasons running, with a 6.65 mark in 2009 and a 6.32 mark in 2010. The sabermetrician in me thinks Buchholz will regain his strikeouts long term—after all, SwStr% and K/9 are highly correlated. However, considering that we are now in August, I have my concerns about how Buchholz will perform for the rest of the season. His current xFIP is an Edwin Jackson-like 4.26, but the Red Sox have an elite defense (at least when healthy). Hence, I think that Buchholz can continue to post a high 3 ERA the rest of the way out. Though that kind of an ERA is well enough, given his hefty xFIP-ERA split (>1.50), I would consider moving Buchholz for a better player for your final run at the fantasy title as we approach September (and your league's trading deadline). I would not trade him in a keeper league, however. To the contrary, I would use the declining strikeouts and poor walk rate as leverage to buy low on him for future seasons. Recommendation: In all formats, Buchholz is a sell high candidate for 2009, but a buy low candidate in keeper leagues. J.P. Arencibia | Toronto | C | 2 percent Yahoo ownership YTD: .304/.360/.640 (AAA) Oliver ROS: .220/.259/.411 A few weeks ago, I took an extensive look at J.P. Arencibia. There is not much new to say about him (.242/.286/.477 MLE performance in Triple-A, per Minor League Splits), but with John Buck headed to the DL, the Blue Jays have promoted Arencibia to the majors. Fantasy teams that burst into flames when Carlos Santana went down last week (not that he was doing much, with a .232 average over the last 28 days ... unless you are in an OBP league (.378 OBP) should acquire Arenciba immediately. Recommendation: Arenciba must be owned in AL-only formats, should be owned in most mixed leagues. He has top 10 catcher upside. Luke Scott | Baltimore | 1B, OF | 44 percent Yahoo ownership YTD: .285/.350/.569 Oliver ROS: .256/.333/.483 Nothing about Luke Scott has changed, but he is still swinging a hot bat at the moment. Since returning from the DL on July 19, Scott has belted eight home runs while batting .333. Scott's 17 RBI and 11 runs over this 16-game span is also impressive. If you ignored me two weeks ago when I warned you Scott was ready to go on a tear, heed me now. Scott may have some hot thunder left in his bat and a short-term gamble is well worth the risk. He should not be available on the waiver wire of two out of every three leagues, but he is. Scott's dual eligibility is merely gravy on the mashed potatoes and owners in need of power should employ Scott's services immediately. Recommendation: Scott should be owned in all formats. Posted by Jeffrey Gross at 6:06am (12) Comments Waiver Wire: NL, Week 18Dan Hudson | Arizona | SP | 3 percent Yahoo! ownership YTD: 4.56 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, 6.85 K/9, 1.50 K/BB, 27.9 GB Oliver ROS: 4.03 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, 6.0 K/9, 2.18 K/BB After the Diamondbacks dealt Dan Haren for a package that was widely met with criticism, they traded Edwin Jackson for a package that included Dan Hudson, a deal that was much better-received. While Hudson moves from one hitter-friendly home ballpark to another, he should be aided by switching leagues. Hudson's pedigree immediately makes him a player of interest even in re-draft leagues. Those in dynasty and keeper formats should be especially stoked about the change of leagues. While the sample size is small, it should be concerning in the short term that Hudson's groundball rate stands at 27.9 percent, and he pitches in a home run-friendly home ballpark. On the promising end of the spectrum are his Triple-A numbers: 93.1 innings pitched, 3.47 ERA, 31 walks, 108 strikeouts and a more promising 40.7 GB rate, all good for a 3.67 FIP. Once Hudson makes the necessary adjustments to pitching to major league hitters, he should be of value in strikeouts, and post at least non-damaging ratios. Recommendation: Should be owned in most 14-team or larger mixed leagues. Should be owned in all NL-only leagues. Joel Hanrahan | Pittsburgh | CL | 23 percent Yahoo! ownership YTD: 3.40 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, 12.65 K/9, 4.79 K/BB, 35.8 GB Oliver ROS: 4.29 ERA, 1.39 WHIP, 9.2 K/9, 2.3 K/BB In the wake of Octavio Dotel being dealt from the Pirates to the Dodgers, Hanrahan closed the door on the first save opportunity that has presented itself since. It appears that unless he falters, he should be the closer with Evan Meek handling the eighth inning duties. Before inheriting the closer role, Hanrahan was of value and ownable in deeper leagues just based on his awesome strikeout rate. Now that he's in line to rack up saves, even poor teams like the Pirates provide save opportunities, and he has a chance to post top-15 closer numbers, so he's a necessary own in all leagues. Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues. Drew Storen | Washington | CL | 35 percent Yahoo! ownership YTD: 2.45 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, 7.64 K/9, 2.00 K/BB, 37.5 GB Oliver ROS: 3.87 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 4.6 K/9, 2.66 K/BB Coming into the 2010 season, Storen was the closer of the future for the Nats, and midway through the 2010 season he is also the closer of the now. All is not rosy for Storen; his walk rate is a bit high at 3.82 BB/9, he's currently striking out less than a batter an inning and his GB rate leaves something to be desired. Storen has been a bit lucky in posting his 2.45 ERA as his xFIP stands at 4.31. On the bright side, Storen uses a nice three-pitch mix with a show-me change-up, and is able to get a solid number of swings on pitches outside the strike zone at 33.6 percent. Saves are saves, so owners who need some should be willing to take some of the lumps that are likely to ensue for Storen until he's able to see an increase in his strikeout rate and/or a decrease in his walk rate. Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues. Jake Westbrook | St. Louis | SP | 8 percent Yahoo! ownership YTD: 4.58 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, 5.39 K/9, 1.78 K/BB, 54.4 GB Oliver ROS: 4.59 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, 5.1 K/9, 1.72 K/BB Remember Brad Penny circa 2009, post-Boston? Well Jake Westbrook fits the mold of this year's B-Penny version 2.0. Westbrook doesn't own an elite skill set, hence his wide availability, but he does enough well to keep an eye on him, and own him in deeper leagues. Westbrook pounds the strike zone (3.03 BB/9), induces tons of ground balls, and should even see a spike to his modest 5.39 K/9 switching leagues. Given the fact that his skill set already matches what Dave Duncan looks for in his pitchers (keep walks in check, induce ground balls), it seems unlikely he'll see a huge boost from the Duncan effect that has helped less talented scrap heap pitchers in the past. Those who are nearing their innings pitched limits and need some strikeouts should take a pass, but those without innings limits, or innings to burn, should keep an eye on Westbrook. He's got a chance to post useful ratios, chip in some strikeouts, and receive a large number of decisions (not necessarily wins given the volatility of them) based on his ability to work late into games. Recommendation: Should be owned in some 14-team mixed leagues. Should be owned in all NL-only leagues. Brett Wallace | Houston | 3B | 4 percent Yahoo! ownership YTD: .300/.417/.300 (12 plate appearances) Oliver ROS: .264/.332/.421 Once considered a blue chip prospect, Brett Wallace's status has faded a bit as he's once again been dealt, this time from the Blue Jays to the Astros. Wallace's value in fantasy will almost entirely hinge on whether he remains at third base or if he's shifted across the diamond to first base (where he's been playing to open his Astros career). Wallace's power potential appears to be mid-20s home run type, with a solid average, which puts him in Lyle Overbay prime territory, making him useful, but not a future fantasy star. Wallace's surface stats looked good in Triple-A this season, but what's hidden is that he played in an offensive-friendly home ballpark and league (Pacific Coast League). His Triple-A slash was .301/.359/.509, and his MLE was a disappointing .239/.277/.389. He's worth a look in deep leagues given the fact scouts like his bat, and while MLEs are helpful, sometimes it is beneficial to trust the tools and scouting aspect of prospecting. Recommendation: Should be owned in most 12-team mixed leagues using a MI. Should be owned in all NL-only leagues. Juan Francisco | Cincinnati | 3B | 0 percent Yahoo! ownership YTD: .143/.143/.143 Oliver ROS: No projection Juan Francisco is not likely to be a useful player this year in re-draft leagues unless Scott Rolen misses extended time. After being called up by the Reds, he is in this week's article as a heads-up to dynasty and deep keeper league owners. Francisco is still a free swinger, with 14 walks and 69 strikeouts in 269 Triple-A at-bats, but his power is legit with 16 home runs. He was also age appropriate for his level, just 23 years old, and should grow into even more power. Because he's a third basemen with pop, he certainly warrants owning in dynasty leagues where owners have an open roster spot or simply want to take a flyer on some youth. Francisco's Triple-A slash was .286/.326/.569 which was good for an MLE of .250/.279/.474. Recommendation: Should be watched in deep leagues in the event of Rolen missing time. Should be owned in deep NL-only leagues. Good speculative add in dynasty leagues for power. Rick Ankiel | Atlanta | OF | 5 percent Yahoo! ownership YTD: .262/.319/.456 Oliver ROS: .232/.290/.415 While it's easy to pick apart what Ankiel isn't, what Ankiel is a source for, when he's healthy, is home runs. He continues to walk less than owners would like, just a 7.1 percent walk rate and strike out too much at 32.0 percen. That said, his ISO sits at .194, which is solid, and only a few ticks below his .201 career mark. Further hurting Ankiel, however, is his continued inability to hit lefties, and his spike in ground ball rate this year (50.7 pedrcent this year compared to a 40.2 percent career mark). Ankiel's HR/FB is actually up a bit this year at 18.2 percent compared to 14.9 percent for his career. If he's able to turn some more of his ground balls into fly balls he could be a sneaky source of home runs. Those in leagues with daily lineup changes will also be able to minimize batting average damage by sitting him against leftiesa . Recommendation: Should be home run speculative add in 12-team mixed leagues or larger using five outfielders. Should be owned in all NL-only leagues. Ryan Ludwick | San Diego | OF | 67 percent Yahoo! ownership YTD: .281/.341/.476 Oliver ROS: .257/.324/.459 Now that Ludwick calls PETCO his home ballpark, he sees his fantasy value take a steep nosedive. Ludwick's value is largely derived from his ability to hit the ball out of the park while posting a decent batting average. Unfortunately for him, he's going to have a much more difficult time doing that now. One and a half years removed from a career year in 2008, in which 19.9 percent of his fly balls left the yard, Ludwick's true HR/FB rate appears to be 10.0-12.0 percent, a number sure to drop with his new digs. Because Ludwick hits so many fly balls, 48.0 percent this year and 47.7 percent for his career, he's still able to generate a useful number of home runs even with a mediocre HR/FB rate. Unfortunately for Ludwick, many more of his fly balls are likely to turn into outs in the spacious PETCO, which will not only hurt his home run total, but also likely significantly impact his batting average. Those who own Ludwick should probably try to sell him, as he's still ownable given his lineup spot in San Diego and with it the opportunity to post useful run and RBI totals, but not nearly as useful as prior to the trade. Recommendation: Should be owned in most 12-team mixed leagues or larger using five outfielders. Should be owned in all NL-only leagues. Posted by Josh Shepardson at 6:04am (6) Comments Tuesday, August 10, 2010Nick Swisher has real reasons to be happy


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Idol Eyes MSC008
Superstud Ryan Idol stars with Joey Stefano in a fantasctic scene, pluss Matt Gunther, Chris Stone and Michael White. With Buck Tanner, Steve Gibson and Rick Racer.
Scene 1
Scene 2
Scene 3
Ryan Idol (non-sexual role) recounts the romantic pairing of Steve Gibson and Rick Racer. As Ryan watches from the window, Rick slurps on Steve's cock. Before long the two men are sixty-nining...sucking each others cocks and playing with each others holes. Steve slides his cock deep into Rick's ass...eagerly and rhythmically fucking his partner. Steve keeps fucking Rick, making him take it in a number of positions. Steve nibbles Rick's feet and toes as he pounds Rick's ass. Finally the two studs face each other and stroke out their thick loads.
Scene 4
Ryan Idol (non-sexual role) describes a scorching moonlit scene on the pier. Leather-clad muscle stud Buck Tanner cruises shirtless Matt Gunther...whispering sordid nothings into Matt's ear. Matt drops to his knees and sucks Buck's huge cock and then Buck returns the favor. The two men suck and fuck each other, with Matt ending up pounding Buck's ass as Buck shoots his load.
Scene 5
Lifeguard Ryan Idol has been furtively watching and enjoying a lot of the beach dudes getting it on, and now he needs to get some ass himself. He hooks up with fellow lifeguard Joey Stefano for an afternoon of sucking rimming and fucking. Joey eagerly strips Ryan out of his speedo and starts sucking his cock. Ryan turns around so Joey can rim his hole. Finally Ryan can hold back no longer...and Joey's eager to get fucked...so Ryan slides his huge cock deep in Joey's ass. Pumping Joey's tight hole over and over until Ryan reaches his peak and covers Joey's back with his load.


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Chem.Insider Daily EMAIL NEWSLETTER
House Speeds Pipeline Approval
November 21, 2013 1:21 pm | by MATTHEW DALY, Associated Press | CommentsThe House has approved a bill to speed approval of natural gas pipelines, the third bill passed this week to boost energy production in the U.S.
Cleaning Up Chemicals In The Supply Chain
November 21, 2013 1:07 pm | CommentsIn creating consumer products composed of mixtures of chemicals -- baby lotion, shampoo, cleaners, laundry soap -- chemists seek ingredients that are effective and feasible, but don't consider the hazardous properties of these chemicals and the risks they pose to the people who use them.
California Edison Refuses To Refund
November 21, 2013 12:55 pm | by Associated Press | CommentsSouthern California Edison will challenge a recommendation that it refund $74 million to customers who were charged operating costs for the now-closed San Onofre nuclear power plant.
Power Plant's Future Worries Southern IL Residents
November 21, 2013 12:47 pm | by JIM SUHR, AP Business Writer | CommentsAs an effort continues to move Illinois away from coal-based energy, some here worry about the 36-year-old coal-fired plant's future — and the town that's reliant upon it.
IN Food Plant Reopening Pushed Back
November 21, 2013 12:40 pm | by Associated Press | CommentsA food-processing company has pushed back the date for restarting a closed factory in eastern Indiana where it plans to eventually have 400 workers.
Washington Speeds Up Drilling On Public Lands
November 21, 2013 12:36 pm | by MATTHEW DALY, Associated Press | CommentsThe House approved two bills aimed at speeding up drilling for oil and natural gas on public lands.
Multimillion Dollar Deal In Bakken Fire
November 21, 2013 12:30 pm | by MATTHEW BROWN, Associated Press | CommentsA Montana man severely burned in a Bakken oil patch fire has reached a multimillion-dollar settlement with a Texas company accused of providing him insufficient training and equipment, according to attorneys for the plaintiff and court documents.
Stockpile Concerns Push Oil Above $93
November 20, 2013 11:56 am | by PABLO GORONDI, Associated Press | CommentsThe price of oil remains above $93 a barrel today on account of last week's U.S. crude stockpiles fall for the first time in nearly two months in a possible sign of improving demand.
New Natural Gas Factory In ND
November 20, 2013 11:48 am | by JAMES MacPHERSON, Associated Press | CommentsAn Oklahoma energy company said it will build its biggest factory yet in western North Dakota to help capture and bring to market more of the natural gas that currently is being burned off as a byproduct of soaring oil production.
12 Gold Miners Die In Landslide
November 20, 2013 11:45 am | by Associated Press | CommentsResidents in a mining town in northern Guinea say at least a dozen people are dead after a landslide in the area where they were searching for gold.
CA Recommends Refunds For Nuclear Shutdown
November 20, 2013 11:34 am | by Associated Press | CommentsCalifornia regulators recommended $94 million in refunds for Southern California utility customers for reduced operating costs at the now-closed San Onofre nuclear power plant.
UT Refinery Expansion Approved
November 20, 2013 11:28 am | by PAUL FOY, Associated Press | CommentsAnother Utah refinery has received approval for a major expansion in a heavily populated corridor struggling to achieve federal air-quality standards and a group pushing Utah to crack down harder on polluters says it will try to block the effort in court.
AZ Uranium Mining Halted
November 20, 2013 11:19 am | by FELICIA FONSECA, Associated Press | CommentsThe only two uranium mines operating in Arizona and an associated mill in southern Utah are set to cease operations temporarily as prices for the ore decline.
U.S. Chemical Production Decline Slows In October
November 19, 2013 4:27 pm | by American Chemistry Council | CommentsAccording to the American Chemistry Council, the U.S. Chemical Production Regional Index edged lower by 0.2 percent in October following a revised 0.3 percent decline in September. The pace of decline has slowed in all regions and in the Gulf Coast region production gained during October.
SandRidge To Drill 100 Wells In KS In 2014
November 19, 2013 12:07 pm | by ROXANA HEGEMAN, Associated Press | CommentsUnfazed by its counterparts pulling out of Kansas, SandRidge Energy plans to spend $350 million next year to punch an additional 100 horizontal wells and build associated infrastructure in the Mississippian Lime formation in the state.


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Find Your Most Fertile Days: A Guide to Tracking Your Fertility
An overview of methods for knowing when
Cervical Fluid
Cervical fluid, sometimes called cervical mucus, is something that all women have. It is quite different from the fluid produced during arousal. Cervical fluid helps sperm swim from the vagina, through the cervix, and into the uterus during the fertile time.
A few days before ovulation, the cervix produces a very slippery, wet, stretchy fluid resembling egg whites. This fluid can allow sperm to live for up to six days inside a woman's body. This means that a couple could have sex several days before ovulation occurs and the sperm could live long enough to meet the egg when it arrives days later. After ovulation has occurred and the fertile time is over, the fluid turns dry, pasty, and hostile for sperm.
By keeping track of what the fluid is like each day, a woman can zero-in on days with the wet, stretchy fluid. "By watching the fluid sign, a woman will know when ovulation is approaching," says Wodzinski. "These are the days that the couple should have intercourse to maximize the chance of pregnancy." On the flip side, if a woman notices that her fluid is always pasty and dry, she can point this out to her doctor as a possible problem.


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Marketplace Activity
Community Inventory Summary
Users who own this wine
Market Pricing
2000 Leoville Poyferre Bordeaux Blend - France - Bordeaux - St Julien - Red - Second Growth
France - Bordeaux - St Julien
Bordeaux Blend
- Second Growth
Producer NotesClassified as a Second Growth estate, Château Léoville Poyferré is a rising star in Bordeaux, well-known for its aromatic and velvety wines. In recent years, the style has leaned toward a more complex and rich nature, and the estate has been receiving increasingly positive reviews. The vineyards are planted to a majority Cabernet Sauvignon, with Merlot, Petit Verdot, and... More » |
The Leoville Tasting
This was a tasting the the three properties that were separated at the turn of the century into Leoville Las Cases, Leoville Barton and Leoville Poyferre. The tasting was blind and done by vintage. Vintages tasted...
Created Nov 3, 2009
1485 Views


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EditBasic Person: Fred L Overman 1 Level of Education: 1 year of college 1 Marital Status: Single, without dependents 1 Birth: 1923 1 Utah 1 Residence: Place: LosAngeles County, California 1
EditWorld War II 1 Branch: Army 1 Enlistment Date: 13 Jan 1943 1 Army Branch: Branch Immaterial - Warrant Officers, USA 1 Army Component: Selectees (Enlisted Men) 1 Army Serial Number: 39553780 1 Enlistment Place: Los Angeles California 1 Enlistment Term: Enlistment for the duration of the War or other emergency, plus six months, subject to the discretion of the President or otherwise according to law 1 Source of Army Personnel: Civil Life 1
EditOther Occupation: Apprentices to other construction and hand trades 1 Race or Ethnicity: White 1 Source Information: Box Number: 1449 1 Film Reel Number: 7.20 1
Looking for more information about Fred L Overman? Search through millions of records to find out more. Find more records
Anyone can contribute to this page. Please sign in or sign up—it's free. Source: World War II Army Enlistment Records Created: 28 Nov 2008 Modified: 30 Oct 2013 Page Views: 97 total (8 this week)


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Skip to main content
Activities & Pursuits
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Below are select infographics from past reports, presentations, and commentaries.
May 21, 2013
Among teen social media users, percent who post the following to the profile they use most often
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Youth are sharing more personal information on their profiles than in the past. They choose private settings for Facebook, but share with large networks of friends.
More in: Teens, Social Networking, Families, Safety
Apr 25, 2013
Online traditional political activities are most popular among the well-educated and the financially well-off
More in: Politics, Social Networking
Feb 12, 2013
The internet can be used as a diagnostic tool, for peer-to-peer healthcare, and for self-tracking. We look at the statistics behind these activities.
More in: Health
Jan 25, 2013
We asked people whether they would use a variety of possible new activities and features at libraries. Our list was weighted towards services that are rooted in technology and allow more tech-related interactions with libraries and at them.
More in: Libraries, Mobile
Dec 20, 2012
A snapshot of the reading and library habits within the different types of communities studied.
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Nov 29, 2012
The growth of social media and the rapid adoption of internet-enabled mobile devices have changed the way Americans engage in the political process. Here's a summary of our latest data.
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Nov 25, 2012
Over time, the number of American adult cell phone owners performing specific activities on their cell phones has grown.
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Sep 26, 2012
A snapshot of the profiles of the different types of communities studied.
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Sep 17, 2012
Smartphone ownership reached a tipping point in 2012, where more Americans are buying them to take advantage of applications and other sophisticated web-enabled features compared to traditional cell phones. Pew Internet has been tracking trends in ce...
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of Americans between the ages of 16 and 29 read a book in the past year.
Copyright 2013
The Pew Research Center's Internet & American Life Project is one of seven projects that make up the Pew Research Center. The Center is supported by The Pew Charitable Trust.


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Comment: Re:What could possibly go wrong? (Score 1) 84
Applications and services that support AllJoyn can communicate "regardless of manufacturer or operating system and without the need for Internet access,"
Wow, what could possibly go wrong with that? Devices which will communicate whether you want them to or not, and with all of that information in the hands of greedy assholes.
In order to use this light bulb, and before it can be turned on, you must first agree to this EULA...
Candles anyone?


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We have lots of Senior Women's Team news, Andrew Wiggins, Nash trying to convert Kobe to the Whitecaps, some NBL Canada news and more in Canadian Content ...
We've got an extremely low-risk way to try out 1-day fantasy basketball! DraftKings is the home of the Quarter Arcade, where you can compete for just $0.25. Check out the Quarter Arcade.
Today we have more Senior Women's National Team, Tristan Thompson as a second year player, lots of Andrew Wiggins and some of his teammate Xavier Rathan-Mayes and more in Canadian Content ...
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This is why you should never book via agents. This is why you should never trust a hotel whose name sounds suspiciously similar to the original standard hotel next to it. Colmar Beach Resort is a sham to dupe people. Built right next to Colva Beach Resort which is truly great, Colmar Beach Resort is generally booked by shady agents... More
- Also Known As:
- Colmar Beach Hotel Margao
- Colmar Beach Resort Goa/Margao


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from Dyna-Graphics Corporation
Founded in 1972, Dyna-Graphics manufactures state-of-the-art technology for a wide range of industries with a broad variety of specifications and requirements. We handle, manufacture and produce every product in a manner no other company can match. Our products and services incorporate these... [See More]
- Industry: Aerospace; Agricultural; Appliances; Automotive; Building and Construction; Computer; Electronics; Energy; Environment; Food and Beverage; General Industrial; Government; Marine; Medical; Military; Petroleum; Pharmaceutical; Telecommunications; Transportation
- Services: Design; Prototype; Test / Inspect
- Company Information: Dyna-Graphics manufactures custom membrane switches, rubber keypads, graphics overlays and touchscreens. We also offer many assembly options.
- Capabilities: Cutting; Forming; Screen Printing, Electronic Assembly, Laser Cutting
from Precision Automation Co., Inc.
Precision Automation® offers a complete electrical department, fully capable of meeting all of your wiring requirements. Whether you need panels built to your drawings or need a system designed for you, our experienced staff of Electrical Engineers and Electricians are ready to serve all your... [See More]
- Industry: Appliances; Building and Construction; Chemical Processing; Consumer; Electronics; Energy; Food and Beverage; General Industrial; Medical; Metals and Mining; Packaging; Pharmaceutical; Rail
- Services: Design; Model; Prototype
- Company Information: Precision Automation® offers a full range of System Engineering, Design, and Project Management Services for your manufacturing needs.
- Capabilities: Fabrication; Machining; Welding
from Revere Control Systems
Providing complete, end-to-end control panel services, from building to your design & prints to design-layout-manufacture-test. A UL 508A and UL 698A panel shop, we can also provide CSA certification. [See More]
- Industry: Automotive; Chemical Processing; Energy; Environment; Food and Beverage; General Industrial; Government; Metals and Mining; Packaging; Petroleum; Pharmaceutical; Pulp and Paper
- Services: Design; Model; Prototype; Test / Inspect; Simulation Testing
- Company Information: Rockwell Automation Solution Provider, Schneider Electric Certified Integrator
- Capabilities: Cutting; Engraving; Fabrication; Machining; Welding
from Automation Solutions of America
Control Panels. ASA's experienced team is capable of designing and building virtually any size control panel from our UL508A-certified facilities. Our Beloit, Wisconsin plant encompasses 77,000 square feet and is staffed to complete large projects. Whether you want a turnkey automation solution or... [See More]
- Industry: Aerospace; Automotive; Building and Construction; Consumer; Electronics; Energy; Food and Beverage; General Industrial; Medical; Metals and Mining; Packaging; Pharmaceutical
- Services: Design; Model; Prototype; Test / Inspect
- Company Information: A subsidiary of The Morse Group, Automation Solutions of America (ASA) is a full service system integrator providing entire turnkey project solutions or individualized automation building blocks. ASA provides the depth of services and expertise to manage
- Capabilities: Cutting; Engraving; Fabrication; Welding


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Oddly fantastic celebrity baby names
Moroccan, Diva Muffin, Apple and Rainbow Aurora are just a few of the unorthodox names celebrities have chosen for their offspring. Here's a look at some of the standout -- and unusual -- monikers.
By Nardine Saad, Los Angeles Times
By Nardine Saad, Los Angeles Times
Image 1 of 20
Aleph Portman-Millipied
Parents: Natalie Portman and Benjamin Millipied
Oscar-winner Natalie Portman and her choreographer beau named their son after the first letter in the Hebrew alphabet, which has possible meanings including "leader" and "the oneness of God." Closer to its religious roots in Judaic Kabbalah, it translates to "primordial one that contains all numbers." |
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About two years ago I finished a project I'd been working on for a while – a CD lamp. I think it turned out pretty well. It's garnered a fair amount of attention, and I've planned on making another one someday – especially since I didn't capture any of the construction process when I made it.
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City says new better than oldCouncil decides to buy $213,292 street sweeperJanuary 28, 2013Sometimes it makes more sense to bite the bullet and buy new rather than continue to repair the old. That's the realization the City of Warren has come to regarding its 13-year-old street sweeper.... writer10so instead of paying $20,000/yr we are going to spend 40,000/yr for five years and only hope the thing last for another five years after that. Doesn't sound like a good plan to me. Eventually enough parts will be fixed in the old sweeper that repair cost will come back down and yes eventually go back up again. But it sure beats paying double. 2 Agrees | 2 Disagrees | Report Abuse » FrugaltaxpayerYou have your numbers wrong. Instaed of $40,000 a year they will spend $50,000 a year. And if this company did such a great job in building fine equipment, why did they need to pay so much every year just to maintain it? Using the some math, you would be spending $6000 a year to repair a $30,000 car that was a 1999. One year spending that wouldn't be bad, but they spent that repeatedly. Which lends me to ask, poor equipment to start, not maintaing properly, or are the employees abusing it? 2 Agrees | 2 Disagrees | Report Abuse » sickofitNo wonder they replaced Mike Renke 2 years before retirement.With Mike holtz they appear to have gotten a mechanic, engineer,and accountant.Anyone working for the city ,close to retirement should really be concerned about their job.To bad they do not adopt this kind of policy for the fire and police depts. 2 Agrees | 3 Disagrees | Report Abuse » PleasantManIt sounds like a good decision to me. How many people are driving a 13 year old car that they use five days a week? With constant use even six months of the year I am sure the street brushes themselves wear out quickly and are not cheap to replace. Sweeping up antiskid, salt, and trash is hard on a piece of equipment. I think 13 years is the end of its useful life. 6 Agrees | 2 Disagrees | Report Abuse » Jimmy1Sounds to me they raise our taxes and just can't wait to spend all that extra money! I sure wouldn't be buying the same make of it has cost that much to keep it going! I know if I buy a car and it spends more time in the shop then in my driveway I won't buy that make again. And yes I have had one and won't buy again that brand, I gave them 2 chances and both were in for repairs way too often. 2 Agrees | 6 Disagrees | Report Abuse » Jimmy1If it is only used 6 months of the year wouldn't that actually make it only 6 1/2 years of use? Pretty sad when you look at it that way 3 Agrees | 4 Disagrees | Report Abuse » Showing 6 of 6 comments
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