Rubbing Mud

Rubbing Mud: El Mago’s Latest and Greatest Trick

by Matthew Trueblood 8/30

Image credit: USA Today Sports

Javier Baez is changing our understanding of what a ballplayer can do.

Rubbing Mud: San Diego Spoilers$

by Matthew Trueblood 8/24

Image credit: USA Today Sports

While they wait for prospects to arrive, the Padres are also playing the ultimate spoiler role.

Rubbing Mud: Edwin Jackson Threads the Needle$

by Matthew Trueblood 8/21

Image credit: USA Today Sports

How the much-traveled 34-year-old got his groove (or tunnel) back in Oakland.

Rubbing Mud: The Dog Days Are Over, But Not For The Cubs$

by Matthew Trueblood 8/16

Image credit: USA Today Sports

The next four weeks may be Joe Maddon's greatest challenge yet.

Rubbing Mud: Ronald Acuna Drops the Hammer$

by Matthew Trueblood 8/15

Image credit: USA Today Sports

Ronald Acuna is on fire, putting the full magnitude of his potential on display at age 20.

Rubbing Mud: Edwin Diaz Can’t Get No Relief$

by Matthew Trueblood 8/14

Image credit: USA Today Sports

Edwin Diaz may set the all-time saves record, but will he break down under the strain of a heavy workload?

Rubbing Mud: The Most Unpredictable Pitcher in Baseball$

by Matthew Trueblood 7/31

Image credit: USA Today Sports

Seattle isn't doing this by accident.

Rubbing Mud: Joakim Soria, Slider Monster

by Matthew Trueblood 7/26

Image credit: USA Today Sports

Joakim Soria added a new wrinkle to his game at age 34, and it's paying off in a big way.

Rubbing Mud: Global Trends in Pitches and Pitching

by Matthew Trueblood 7/23

Image credit: USA Today Sports

Taking a deeper look at the numbers inside the cat-and-mouse game between pitchers and hitters.

Rubbing Mud: The Hidden Relief Ace

by Matthew Trueblood 7/18

Image credit: USA Today Sports

Ryan Pressly might be the most underrated reliever in baseball. He might also be on the move soon.

Rubbing Mud: The Boricua Bonanza

by Matthew Trueblood 7/17

Image credit: USA Today Sports

Puerto Rican stars are taking over baseball. It's great for the sport and, hopefully, great for Puerto Rico too.

Rubbing Mud: Jacob deGrom’s Path Back to the Mountaintop$

by Matthew Trueblood 7/13

Image credit: USA Today Sports

Jacob deGrom enters the All-Star break with a 1.68 ERA, thanks in large part to a small adjustment.

Rubbing Mud: Problems in Pittsburgh$

by Matthew Trueblood 7/12

Image credit: USA Today Sports

Would a change at manager get the Pirates back on track or do their problems go much deeper than Clint Hurdle?

Rubbing Mud: There Is No Such Thing as a Free Screwup$

by Matthew Trueblood 7/06

Image credit: USA Today Sports

On the decision-making flowcharts of the Dodgers, Mariners, Yankees, and Cubs.

Rubbing Mud: Anderson Shines Bright in Dark Marlins Season$

by Matthew Trueblood 7/03

Image credit: USA Today Sports

Lost in another forgettable Marlins season is a rookie doing some very good things.

Rubbing Mud: Strength Of Schedule Check-In$

by Matthew Trueblood 7/02

Image credit: USA Today Sports

Using BP's Strength of Schedule report to help handicap the second half.