Zack Burdi

2021 Topps Series 2: A Hayes-y Shade of Flagship

2021 Topps Series 2: A Hayes-y Shade of Flagship

Reviewing the upcoming 2021 Topps Series 2 baseball card release with a focus on the rookie cards in the product.

Quantifying Pitch Quality: Who Have The Best Pitches in The MLB?

Quantifying Pitch Quality: Who Have The Best Pitches in The MLB?

Analyzing which pitch characteristics correlate to whiffs. Plus, a deep dive into the best pitches/pitch arsenals in the MLB.

Breaking Down All 109 of MLB's 40-man Addition

Breaking Down All 109 of MLB's 40-man Addition

If you’re wondering why certain players got added to a team’s 40-man roster, take a peek to see the reasoning and learn about them.

2019 International League Preview

2019 International League Preview

I like to think of AAA more like a waiting room than a level per se, not every player even stops through AAA these days, and many are there for just a matter of weeks. It’s often rosters cluttered with failed prospects, long shots, and fringe MLB regulars that need a little seasoning. The International League, at least on paper far exceeds those expectations. With Vladimir Guerrero Jr. technically highlighting, there’s a strong crop behind him in Bo Bichette, Nick Senzel, Touki Toussaint, Dylan Cease, Nate Lowe, and others. The first half of the year should be deep with prospect showdowns particularly those games in which Gwinnett is involved. The Braves affiliate boasts the most loaded rotation and staff in the minors with three Top 100 arms on the roster. Should be a fun group to follow as many of these future stars debut on the big stage.

2018 Arizona Fall League Preview: Glendale Desert Dogs

2018 Arizona Fall League Preview: Glendale Desert Dogs

The roster for the Glendale Desert Dogs is made up of players from the Baltimore Orioles, Chicago White Sox, Cleveland Indians, Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees organizations. The Glendale squad might have the weakest pitching staff of any team in the Fall League, but their outfield is absolutely stacked. The infield lacks star power but has several future big leaguers that are a bit under the radar.