The Bill James Handbook 2006: has anyone read this book?

[Mariano_Rivera]

I wasn`t sure if this is the right place for this thread but since it involves Bill James I thought this would be a good place for it, what do you think about it if you have read it?

[sopclod]

How about a "I haven't read it" option? I used to get the Stats Inc. handbooks every year, which have become the Bill James Handbook. With the advent of the internet I don't feel it's necessary anymore. I really miss the baseball scoreboard though.

[538280]

I don't have the book, but I've seen it, and you don't really "read" it. It's a statistical reference book for current players, using Bill James' own statistics. It contains very little writing.

[Mariano_Rivera]

How about a "I haven't read it" option? I used to get the Stats Inc. handbooks every year, which have become the Bill James Handbook. With the advent of the internet I don't feel it's necessary anymore. I really miss the baseball scoreboard though.
Well I assumed that if somebody didin`t read it they wouldn`t post



I don't have the book, but I've seen it, and you don't really "read" it. It's a statistical reference book for current players, using Bill James' own statistics. It contains very little writing.

Thanks, that a big help, maybe I`ll get it.

[Sports Fan 07]

If you watch a lot of games on TV, it's one of the best books to have handy to grab. Stats on every player, including minor league stats on many players. Also lists a bunch of rookies who haven't played in MLB yet but probably will be playing that season.

Gives all kinds of other fun stuff to including complete team stats, players fielding stats, individual stealing and baserunning stats, pitchers' stolen bases allowed, pickoffs, etc.

The managers sections shows how much each manager uses platoon percentage, how many pinch hitters used, how many pinch runners used, how many defensive substitutions, stolen base attempts, sac bunt attempts, IBB issued, pitch outs called, whether the manager has a fast hook or a slow hook, how many long outings by starters (more than 120 pitches) and relief appearnces.

It has the pitchers versus left-handed and right-handed batters, batters versus right-handed and left-handed pitchers. Complete breakdown of each ball park so you can see if it's playing as a hitters park or a pitchers park. Also, if it's a better hitters park or homew run park for left-handed or right-handed batters.

Has a bunch of neat stats like Top 10 pitchers in each league with the Fastest Average Fastball, and also the Top 10 Slowest. Also, pitchers who had the most balls at 100 (or higher) MPH. BTW, Daniel Cabrera of Baltimore had 37 balls at 100 MPH or higher in 2005. Also has most at 95+ MPH and most at lower than 80 MPH. Highest and lowest percentage of fastballs, curveballs, changeups. Opponents BPS versus fastballs, curveballs, changeups, sliders and on and on and on - all kinds of good stuff. Jam-packed 437 pages and doesn't really cost that much.

[Mariano_Rivera]

Thanks for your opinions.

[antihipster]

This is a good reference when watching a game or using it to dissect some analysis.