Viva El Birdos Knowledge Nest

Starling Marte, nandrolone, and a few thoughts on PED suspensions

The Pittsburgh Pirates will be without their All-Star outfielder for 80 games.

On Lou Brock, diabetes, & the need for education

MLB international free agency primer

It's July 2, which means the MLB international free agent signing period commences today.

Stanozolol reemerges in Major League Baseball news

Let's take a closer look at stanozolol, what it looks like, what it does, and why it is in the news again.

On lubricating injections in Major League Baseball

So, what exactly did Zack Greinke have injected into his elbow, and why aren't more pitchers doing the same?

Which Cards might be Super Twos next offseason?

Looking at the MLB service time totals for likely 2015 25-man roster members gives us an idea of who might attain Super Two salary-arbitration eligibility next offseason.

The use of prescription stimulants in the MLB

In 2014, the MLB issued 113 Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs), and all but one were for prescription treatments associated with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

VEB Knowledge Nest: Scouting Pitchers

I haven't done one of these for a while, but with the short season and rookie leagues starting up this week there will be more than enough of this jargon flying around and the possibility of some VEB readers to see low minors prospects first hand. Here's a prime on how to scout pitchers from the stands.

*A closer look at Tommy John surgery

An closer look at the studies and numbers associated with the famous Tommy John surgery.

VEB Knowledge Nest: Cortisone Shots

Jaime Garcia has been diagnosed with left shoulder bursitis. He received a cortisone shot last Wednesday. Here, we break down what a cortisone shot really is.

Knowledge Nest: SLG vs. ISO & Craig's Power Outage

Allen Craig's power-hitting fell off significantly from 2012 to 2013, turning the Cardinals cleanup man into a singles hitter.

*Knowledge Nest: BABIP & How to Use It

BABIP is an informative stat so long as it isn't misused.

Mathenaging: What Trends Influence Removing a SP?

League-wide splits gives us an idea of the trends against which Mike Matheny must weigh a starter's individual performance on a given night.

Waino: A Case Study in Why K% Is Better Than K/9

Adam Wainwright's pitching performance over his last three seasons shows why K% is a better stat for measuring a pitcher's strikeout rate than K/9.

Knowledge Nest: Plate Appearance > At Bat

A look at why the plate appearance is a more accurate reflection of a player's batting than the at bat.