12 replies to this topic

[T C]

Hey guys, I know some of you around here are bloggers/work with websites, and I was wondering if I could ask some questions about it.

My cousin and I are thinking of putting together some baseball blog, and we're looking to actually launch a site rather than just use wordpress.com or a google sites page. I want to know if any of you guys have experience with BlueHost? I like that they have 1-click install available for WordPress, and the wordpress software seems pretty awesome. Have any of you worked with the full wordpress software before?

Also any tips on how be successful/provide quality content? My first article for the site is going to be a study on top prospects and walk rates, and it's looking pretty awesome. Is there a way to post that article to reddit/here/other sites without coming off a a troll/schill/asshole?

Thanks guys,

-Tommy

[Brett]

If you're able to wait until the end of the weekend, I'll have a page up on the site with information on this very subject.

The short version is: Wordpress is awesome, and it's what I use. It is free, open source, extremely customizable, and very easy to pick up.

For hosting, I use DreamHost, which I've liked. They'll also do a one-click install of Wordpress (and a bunch of other stuff, too).

If you end up going to DreamHost, make sure you use that "BNHOSTINGDH" coupon code, and you get $20 off. And I get a referral bonus!

[TWC]

Ace, that sounds like a meta meta post. Wow.

I mean, I'm on record loving meta posts, but this just takes things to a new level.

Oh, wait, just a *page*? Come on.

[Luke]

I've been studying top prospects and walk rates myself lately. Looking forward to seeing what you've come up with.

[Brett]

Ace, that sounds like a meta meta post. Wow.

I mean, I'm on record loving meta posts, but this just takes things to a new level.

Oh, wait, just a *page*? Come on.

Yeah, just a page - it'll be linked from the front of the blog, but it won't show up like a typical blog post. Basically, I just want a place to point people when I get asked the question. I get emails about setting up a site all the time, and it finally dawned on me that it would be better to just have a single page resource to point them to, rather than typing out a response each time.

[T C]

I've been studying top prospects and walk rates myself lately. Looking forward to seeing what you've come up with.

Early returns - a combined 4.2% uBB% (Baez) in A & A+ is not a great sign, but its not a career killer. Rarely improves though.

And thanks Brett, looking forward to reading it!

[Rick Vaughn 99]

I've been studying top prospects and walk rates myself lately. Looking forward to seeing what you've come up with.

Early returns - a combined 4.2% uBB% (Baez) in A & A+ is not a great sign, but its not a career killer. Rarely improves though.

And thanks Brett, looking forward to reading it!

Really excited about this. Is the first article on Cubs prospects or is it universal?

[hansman1982]

I've been studying top prospects and walk rates myself lately. Looking forward to seeing what you've come up with.

Early returns - a combined 4.2% uBB% (Baez) in A & A+ is not a great sign, but its not a career killer. Rarely improves though.

And thanks Brett, looking forward to reading it!

Are you looking at just uBB% or combining that with K% and HR?

The reason I ask is that a few years back I saw a FanGraphs article that basically said (I think) that a batter's BB% + # of HR should equal or be greater than their K% for them to stick in the bigs. I.E. Jackson - In order to sustain his 45% K% he would have to walk 15% and hit 30 homers a year. (that's 11% of his non-K/BB PA landing in the bleachers)

[Brett]

The page is now up - at least a first draft of it - on the basics of starting a site like BN. Very foundational stuff, which may or may not be helpful for you, but now at least I have something to point to when people ask: http://www.bleachern...tarting-a-blog/

[T C]

Thanks Brett!

And Hansman, thats cool to read. The angle I'm coming at it from is: we always hear that top prospects like Baez are talented enough to improve upon their poor plate discipline skills. But do they ever actually improve in a significant manner?

[hansman1982]

Thanks Brett!

And Hansman, thats cool to read. The angle I'm coming at it from is: we always hear that top prospects like Baez are talented enough to improve upon their poor plate discipline skills. But do they ever actually improve in a significant manner?

That will be interesting. We all know what Doc thinks but I have a softer approach. I think guys will improve, but slightly. B- to B to B+ but never from B- to A or B- to C.

You will have to let us know the results.

[Cubbie Blues]

Thanks Brett!

And Hansman, thats cool to read. The angle I'm coming at it from is: we always hear that top prospects like Baez are talented enough to improve upon their poor plate discipline skills. But do they ever actually improve in a significant manner?

That will be interesting. We all know what Doc thinks but I have a softer approach. I think guys will improve, but slightly. B- to B to B+ but never from B- to A or B- to C.

You will have to let us know the results.

I tend to agree with you Joe. Over time your brain can react to what you are seeing faster. Also, something that isn't mentioned is that some players will have surgery or start wearing contact to improve their eyesight. If a player has 20/20 vision, it is sub-par for MLB. The danger with surgery is that is doesn't always go well, so, they tend to stick with contacts which have their limits.

[T C]

Posted to the page Brett created. If anyone has an answer for my question there I'd love you forver.

Forever.