The hits just keep on comin'

Not sure what's in the water over there, but it seems like every time I visit FanGraphs they (a) have a new writer; (b) said new writer is delivering incredibly interesting content in multiple parts; and (c) they're knocking pretty much everything out of the park.

The following nonet of pieces caught my eye, and are very much worth checking out:

Who is the most valuable player in baseball, part 1
Who is the most valuable player in baseball, part 2
Return of the two-division format, part 1
Return of the two-division format, part 2
We're going streaking, part 1
We're going streaking, part 2
Starting pitcher disabled list analysis, part 1
Starting pitcher disabled list analysis, part 2
Starting pitcher disabled list analysis, part 3

Mike tackled the idea of Divisional Realignment last year, and I've been meaning to write a follow-up post of my own on the topic but have gotten sidelined with something else pretty much every time. While I like Paul Swydan's idea of reverting to the two-division format, I wholeheartedly endorse the idea of killing the divisions and going back to just the two leagues, pre-1969-style. In my proposal the top four teams in each league would make the playoffs, and be seeded accordingly. It'll never happen, but it's fun to think about.

Also, check out Jonah Keri's excellent take on the Rays' acquisition of Manny Ramirez and Johnny Damon, which I very much agree with.