These links are dedicated to those of you working hard this holiday season.
Hall of Fame
The Cooperstown case for Tim Raines
Jeff Bagwell isn't the only player being screwed by the BBWAA
The 50 best baseball players not in the Hall of Fame, Version 2.0 | Baseball: Past and Present
Bagwell checks in at number three.
Why Jeff Bagwell Should Not Make The Hall Of Fame: An In-Depth Study - Baseball Nation
His numbers are great, but Jeff Bagwell has a lot to answer for.
The Platoon Advantage: Plagiarists Who (might) Write Among Us
Briiliant!
Changing Cooperstown With The Character Clause - Baseball Nation
Jeff Bagwell has destroyed the innocence of yet another sportswriter, but maybe disenchanted voters are on to something.
Astros County: The Only Astros Blog That Matters: Et Tu, Brutus?
The Jeff Bagwell talk is heating up.
State of the Astros
Farmstros: Breakdown of Luhnow's Seven Years' of Drafting
By Mike Tauser
Offseason decisions: a GM for the Astros
Look who made his way onto The Hardball Times. David Coleman discusses the state of the Astros.
Luhnow's long-term task with Astros - SweetSpot Blog - ESPN
An excellent piece on the task Luhnow faces by Christina Kahrl.
On Baseball — Astros’ Jeff Luhnow Took Short Walk to New Job - NYTimes.com
Jeff Luhnow, the new general manager of the Astros, hopes to build on his success drafting players for the Cardinals as he begins to rebuild the worst team in baseball in 2011.
Hot Stove
Astros, Red Sox Good Fit To Wave The Magic Wand(y) | FanGraphs Baseball
By Paul Swydan
Is There A Trade Market for Carlos Lee? | FanGraphs Baseball
A look at Lee's trade value.
Astros County: The Only Astros Blog That Matters: Reactions to Melancon/Lowrie-Weiland trade
AC with your trade reaction.
More links after the jump.
Minor Leagues
What the Heck, Bobby?: An Interview with Ryan Cole
Interesting interview where Cole discusses pitching.
Jays prospect Gose set for powerful 2012 - sportsnet.ca
An interesting article on Anthony Gose and the progress the Toronto Blue Jays have made with him as a prospect. It brings to light that not everything is black and white with a prospect. Sometimes there are other factors playing into their numbers.
Other stuff
Adjusting defense efficiency by the quality of pitching
By Matt Swartz
MLB, Union For Players to Begin Discussions For International Draft
Stuff on international stuff in baseball.
FAQ: Exporting Data | FanGraphs Baseball
Improve your use of FanGraphs.
Demystifying the Posting System for Japanese Players Entering MLB
A whole lot about the Japanese market.