links for 2010-01-18

• The Baseball Analysts: Crowding the Plate
  This was published over a month ago, so I'm obviously a bit behind in my reading, but what's interesting is that Chase Utley is 449% more likely to be hit by a pitch than your average batter. Pretty funny. Unless you are Utley's wrist.
  (tags: Baseball Phillies ChaseUtley)
• Don't. Look. Behind You. - Wade Phillips - Deadspin
  If Wade Phillips wasn't so overweight, that stare would be burning a hole right through him.
  (tags: Football Cowgirls Schadenfreude)
• Ultimate Ears 18 Pro Custom Monitors | Uncrate
  While I'm not suggesting you should spend $1350 on earphones, but, there is certainly something to be said for having earbuds that fit properly. By using a custom-made earpiece, the sound is "aimed" better down your ear canal. It can make less expensive earphones sound a bit better. Plus, they block out ambient sound better, allowing for lower volume settings.
  (tags: music gadgets)
• Problems in the Big Apple | FanGraphs Baseball
  A certain part of me feels bad for Mets fans. It vacillates between 10% and 12%. The other 88-90% of me giggles at their dysfunctionality.
  (tags: Baseball Mets Schadenfreude)
• Pirates Next MLBPA Target? : baseballmusings.com
  I tend to agree with David Pinto here. You can't make the Pirates spend a certain amount on payroll until they get their farm system straightened out. If you look, the teams that struggle are also the ones that never develop a good young player. The Pirates and Royals are classic examples of this, as were the Phillies in the 90's and early 00's.
  (tags: Baseball)