Baseball HQ 2009 gravity defying book

rockitsauce · Post by **rockitsauce** » Mon Mar 09, 2009 5:27 pm

Would appreciate opinions on Mr. Shandler's book...I'm not a fan of Bill James book, just too many numbers. I like abit (at least a sentence or 2) of analysis to go w/ all that raw data.

Is it worth it?

p.s. not concerned w/ customer service, will just order it from amazon.

thanx.

KJ Duke · Post by **KJ Duke** » Mon Mar 09, 2009 7:18 pm

Edwards Kings · Post by **Edwards Kings** » Tue Mar 10, 2009 12:12 am

Yes, to me. But if you are not a "numbers" guy and just want historicals, you would probably be disappointed. I personally think there is more than just historicals, so I have enjoyed my subscription to Baseball HQ and if used properly the book and the website can be used to (very) good advantage. In fact, all due respect to the others and other websites respresented in the NFBC, Baseball HQ is by far the best.

It does appear that the Baseball HQ support infrastructure is limited to poor, but I admit freely and without shame that I am a fan.

Crazy Like a Fox · Post by **Crazy Like a Fox** » Tue Mar 10, 2009 2:37 am

Originally posted by rockitsauce:

Would appreciate opinions on Mr. Shandler's book...I'm not a fan of Bill James book, just too many numbers. I like abit (at least a sentence or 2) of analysis to go w/ all that raw data.

Is it worth it?

p.s. not concerned w/ customer service, will just order it from amazon.

thanx. I think it's a no hype (for the most part) analysis of players. I personally throw the projections out the door, I think it's kinda ridiculous to not use your own. I bought my first fantasy forecaster this year and found it refreshing compared to some of the mag junk out there. I think the paragraph on the side of the numbers is the most important part. The way I look at it is it's information. Try to get the most information you can and sort it out. I think it's worth checking out but others might not be as enthusiastic about it.

Chameleon · Post by **Chameleon** » Tue Mar 10, 2009 2:37 am

I agree with the last post (Wayne, is it?) I remember getting my first free copy of the Forecaster 4-5 years ago at the Main Event in my Draft Bag... I thought "what the h**l is this?"

After getting trounced that year, started making the investment of time to understand each and every calculation. Would NEVER prepare for a baseball draft without it. In the end, what it allows you to do are two CRITICAL things: (1) understand how and why players did not perform up to potential (buying opportunities), and (2) avoid players who performed over their heads (overpaying). Really, at its core, that's what it does ... or CAN DO, if you make the substantial investment of time required to ramp-up.

As for this year, look ... it's March 10th. Unless you have time off, there's really no way you could properly use it to it's full advantage this year, given the limited amount of time. Cheat sheets would be better, and just wing it.

That's my 2 cents on the book. As for the website, tried it one year and it sucked. I found very little on there that I couldn't garner free elsewhere.

That's my 2 cents ... happy (soon to be) draft day!

sportsbettingman · Post by **sportsbettingman** » Tue Mar 10, 2009 4:40 am

If you buy into all of their unique stats, then it would be worth the $20.

Top Dawg · Post by **Top Dawg** » Tue Mar 10, 2009 4:46 am

I find membership to the site more useful than the book (which comes with membership anyway). The book and projections were made last Nov/Dec. The site updates projections and has them in Excel format so you can easily tweak them.

Pete

Ryan C · Post by **Ryan C** » Tue Mar 10, 2009 5:14 am

I just use the website, which I find to be very helpful in season. They have new stuff up everyday of the season and it helps keep you focused. I find their numbers work real well after the draft when you start evaluating all the Free agents and closers-in-waiting.

The customer service may not be the best (I've had no complaints) but the Forums there are vibrant and active and you will get feedback from HQ writers as well as other posters.

I would recommend going to Rotopass.com and trying their package. It gets you access to HQ, Rotowire, MDC and the football site the Huddle. Rotowire makes a nice compliment to HQ IMOm I especially enjoy their FAAB columns in season.

Edwards Kings · Post by **Edwards Kings** » Wed Mar 11, 2009 11:41 pm

Another note, but a positive one this time, on Baseball HQ customer service. I sent them an email yesterday morning with a question about one of their online articles. They responded by mid afternoon, which I think is excellent.