Wednesday Liftoff Links

While Q was picking off Homer Bailey at third, I was putting together these heads up links.

Simply Awesome

Online gamers crack AIDS enzyme puzzle - Yahoo! News
This is to sweet not to take advantage of my link post powers.

Serious Business

If you can't maintain it... you can't afford it
Greg Lucas has an interesting article looking at some of the off the field variables that look to effect the Astros particularly the fan base in the near future.

Why This Week Could Be Critical For Jim Crane and the Astros
We've discussed this on the podcast before but it's do or die week for Jim Crane to be approved, because it most certainly will not happen next month. Which means November. Interesting tidbit though about Drayton lowering his price, for what reason I have no educated guess.

Astros County: The Only Astros Blog That Matters: I'm no lawyer, but I think subpoenas are serious
Has Bagwell entered the soap opera zone?

Astros County: The Only Astros Blog That Matters: Mills' seat is hot!
Is Mills on the hot seat or did ESPN just not do the proper research.

The Minor League Season is Over But We Ain't Done

2011 Draft Sleepers: National League Central - Minor League Ball
Javaris Reynolds a teenage outfielder in the Astros farm systems represents the Astros in John Sickels latest posts, discussing sleeper prospects form the 2011 draft.

Farmstros: 2011 Farmstros Pitcher of the Year Candidates
The voting is getting ready to start or has started for the Astros Minor League pitcher of the year.

Statistical Analysis

Hurt by Their Era: 19th Century Pitchers, WAR/162, and wWAR - Beyond the Box Score
After looking at how short schedules in the 1800s adversely affected position players, now we look at the effects on pitchers.

FanGraphs Official Position On: 2011 AL MVP | FanGraphs Baseball
A look at the American League Most Valuable Player utilizing WAR FanGraphs style.