Wendesday Liftoff Links

While my South Carolina Gamecocks were winning another National Championship I was putting together these winning links for you viewing pleasure.

Power Rankings

Beyond the Box Score Power Rankings: Week 13 - Beyond the Box Score
Even with 50 loses the BtBS rankings don't have us last. They must of not caught many Astro games this past week.

FanGraphs Power Rankings – 6/27/11 | FanGraphs Baseball
Even FanGraphs recognizes the Astros may have something with Matt Downs.

Astros Stuff

Astros Sunday Roundup: Coping Strategies For The Rest Of 2011 - SB Nation Houston
An Astro fans survival guide for the rest of the season. After reading about the small fraternity the Astros are in regards to not having lost a 100 games in a season I'm actually rooting even more for a good second half. First pick be damned this is about pride.

Ultimate Astros " Astros first half report card: Good thing futility starts with an "F"
Chip Bailey hands out his first half grades and I've got my first facepalm of the new week. Apparently he seems to thing Michael Bourn "doesn't walk much" /Facepalm. Now he's certainly not a league leader in walks BUT he is tied for 44th in the league out of 161 qualified batters for walks. As of Monday he was tied with Alex Rodriguez, Rickie Weeks, Alex Gordon, Jay Bruce and Shin-Soo Choo for walks.

Minor League Notes, June 27th, 2011 - Minor League Ball
Kyle Hallock is an Astros farm hand drafted in the 10th year out of Kent State who has gotten off to a good start. My prospectors are going to have to let me know if this left hander is Dallas Kuechel 2.0

Understanding anxiety issues isn't easy - MLB News | FOX Sports on MSN
Ken Rosenthal suggest the Astros trade Hunter Pence to the Atlanta Braves for one of their many young arms.

MLB star Johnny Damon credits Astros manager Brad Mills as strong influence - Houston Houston Astros | Examiner.com
Johnny Damon considers Brad Mills one the best and most influential coaches he has ever played for.

Other Baseball Stuff

Joe Posnanski " Posts The Least Exciting Player Ever "
Remind you of anyone?

Blue-Eyed Players Hit Just Fine In Day Light | FanGraphs Baseball
Interesting conclusion by David Coleman in regards to the question on whether eye color can affect a players ability to produce in daylight.

Los Angeles Dodgers File for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Protection
After months of being able to cobble together payroll for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Frank McCourt’s well has run dry. Unable to meet end-of-month payroll, and MLB on the verge of seizing the club, McCourt has filed for voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

MLB Team Travel | FanGraphs Baseball
A look at how much teams travel.