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Yahoo
29-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
The White Sox WAH factor
The WAH when you first learn you've been born into a White Sox family. | Some baseball teams rate a WOW factor. The White Sox instead rate a WAH factor. WAH, a statistic reserved for teams with at least 121 losses, goes along with Baseball-Reference's or FanGraph's Wins Above Replacement, or WAR, or B-R's less-often-used Wins Above Average, or WAA. While WAR is generally considered to have a zero base of 47 or so wins and WAA is based off 81 wins, WAH has a comfortably lower base of 41 wins, given last year's record. Advertisement It is, therefore, Wins Above Horrible. As the regular season approaches next week, it's time to try to figure out whether the 2025 White Sox are apt to be better than the 2024 team, and, if so, by how much. Rather than just take an overall guess, though, let's examine the WAH values by position. POSITION PLAYERS Catcher With the two stars of the future (we hope) sent to the minor leagues already, this will be a repeat of Korey Lee, with Matt Thaiss taking the place of Martín Maldonado. Thaiss isn't much, but Maldonado was horrible. WAH +2 First base Andrew Vaughn is same-same Andrew Vaughn, as he has proven for four years. WAH 0 Second base There's a lot of messing around with the rest of the infield possibilities, but let's allow the highest ceiling here, which would be Brandon Drury, a once-excellent hitter who has had a solid spring. He's a much worse fielder than Nicky Lopez, but usually much better at the plate. WAH +2 Third base Likely some of the same players as last year, with Josh Rojas tossed into the mix. Miguel Vargas and Lenyn Sosa have hit well this spring, which probably means nothing, but let's be optimistic and say they've both improved, at least on offense, and give them a WAH of +2 over themselves. Advertisement Shortstop There apparently will be one, Whoever it is will be awful. WAH -3 Left field Bound to be Andrew Benintendi, just to get something for all that money. WAH 0 Center field Luis Robert Jr. is apt to be better than last year, even if he does go into the doldrums on occasion again. Would be a bigger WAH jump but he's likely to be gone no later than the trade deadline, so just WAH +2. Right field This has been a black hole, but maybe this time it could just be a dark gray one. Let's say mostly Mike Tauchman, maybe some Nick Maton or Michael Taylor or Travis Jankowski. Whichever, they might get the WAH as high as +2. Advertisement Designated hitter Similar blah to last year. WAH 0 For those keeping track at home, that's a hitting net WAH of +7. PITCHERS Starting pitching was the one area where B-R had the Sox above average in 2024, but Garrett Crochet, Erick Fedde and even Chris Flexen and his long losing streak are gone, taking with them 10.3 bWAR. Jonathan Cannon was good then, but he's terrible right now, so that's a negative, too. Even if you get really, really optimistic and expect Sean Burke to be a star despite his latest shellacking, toss in a whole year of Davis Martin, and an adequate Shame Smith and/or Bryse Wilson and some veteran prowess from Martin Pérez, you'll be lucky to get more than seven wins back, so a WAH of -3. Advertisement As for the bullpen, it was lousy last year, but one evaluating outfit say this year's is the worst it's ever seen, so at best WAH 0. Totals so far, a WAH of +4, which would get us to 117 losses. OTHER STUFF Will Venable as manager instead of Pedro Grifol, WAH +5. That's a lot for a manager, but Grifol was such a disaster it may come to pass. Now we're at 112 losses, but I went wild and crazy and said in a Sharing Sox podcast the White Sox would only lose 108, so let's factor in better research, better equipment like the marvelous Trajekt machine, and call all that an intangibles WAH of +4, whether it makes sense or not. Advertisement Voilá! A mere 108 losses. If we're really, really optimistic. But remember, there's another new milkshake this year. More from
Yahoo
09-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Top stories: B-R families, teachers rally for school funds; Middleboro sues state
Before we begin the new week in earnest, we're taking a look back at the week that was, and the stories that led the news with Taunton Daily Gazette readers. Top stories this past week included: Advocates warn of rising homelessness; this is how Taunton is responding. The MBTA posted the schedule for South Coast Rail: Here are the train times. Plus, here's how their free weekend rides will work. In a letter to the Taunton City Council and city residents, Mayor Shaunna O'Connell said "staff have learned important lessons" following an incident when Coyle and Cassidy athletic memorabilia were thrown out following a flood in the former school's cafeteria building. Here's what the letter said. In local sports, where you can catch all of the Greater Taunton area high school postseason action. The Old Colony Highlanders Pipe Band will celebrate St. Patrick's Day with a weekend of performances, including a pub crawl that will be passing through Taunton. In the latest Taunton Eats, Kev's Ice Cream is open for the season. Highlights — and the winner — of Taunton High's Mr. THS 2025. The Dighton Police Department has welcomed a new officer and a part-time dispatcher. The Taunton Performing Art Center's production of "Into the Woods" is bringing the hit musical to the Silver City: Here's how to catch it. These were the Top 5 stories of the past week, according to Gazette readers: Dozens of B-R parents and teachers rallied recently, for increased funding for the school district and in favor of Proposition 2½ overrides. Bridgewater-Raynham Superintendent of Schools Ryan Powers is asking the towns for a 30.8% increase in funding for the upcoming school year to help bring down class sizes. The towns are mulling upping their payments to the school district by a tiny fraction of that amount — by less than 5% — a figure that would leave the district millions of dollars short of even a level services budget, the superintendent said. "We're out here asking, hopefully begging, the town for an override," said Bridgwater parent Christine Behnke at the rally. "We need to make sure that our schools are properly funded for the year." Taunton Gazette Reporter Emma Rindlisbacher has the story. 'We are broke': B-R families, teachers hold rally 'begging' for override to fund schools The town of Middleboro is suing the Commonwealth, Gov. Maura Healey, and the state's Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities over forced compliance with a controversial multi-family housing law the town said it's already in compliance with. Taunton Gazette Reporter Daniel Schemer takes a look at what the town's saying, and what it wants. 'Gross misuse of power': Middleboro sues state over multi-family housing law. What town wants The Starbucks that will be going into the former restaurant space at Rt.140/Mozzone Blvd. will be getting a neighbor: Mad for Burgers, a brand-new burger place, will be joining it. Jay Pateakos, executive director for Taunton's Office of Economic and Community Development, confirmed through social media that this burger restaurant will share the new building space that's being built. Here's what we know, as of this writing. Mad for Burgers: Burger place confirmed for spot next to new Starbucks. What we know. New Creations Coffee, a mobile coffee business operating out of a vintage camper, is partnering with another local business, floral shop The Wild Dahlia, to set up space inside its building on South Street West in Raynham. The café will be offering a variety of coffee, tea, and other beverages. 'Moving into a permanent location has been a dream of ours from the very start,' said Elizabeth Reichert, co-owner, who, along with her husband Alex, started this venture in late 2023. These are the plans. From camper to cafe: Raynham's mobile coffee purveyor opening a brick-and-mortar location The former site of National Charter 957 on Taunton Green, connected to the Knotty Walk alley, will soon be home to a new restaurant. 22 Bar & Lounge is planning to open there in early spring. Co-owner Richard Andrew, along with co-owner Zena Shivers, have planned for the space to offer both an uplifting environment and a laid-back, relaxed vibe. Here's what's on the menu, and what the current opening plans are. 22 Bar & Lounge: New bar, restaurant to open in downtown Taunton, replacing Charter 957. What we know. This article originally appeared on The Taunton Daily Gazette: Top stories: B-R families, teachers rally for school funds
Boston Globe
05-03-2025
- Sport
- Boston Globe
Noah Perry-Lewis provides a jolt for Bridgewater-Raynham boys' basketball to finish off Boston Latin in second round
On the next possession, Perry-Lewis nailed a jumper to extend the lead to 12 and quiet any talk of a comeback. Perry-Lewis (17 points) connected on the only two 3-pointers Bridgewater-Raynham made in the game. Earlier, the Trojans (18-4) used their signature full-court press to create turnovers and empty possessions for the Wolfpack (20-2). Offensively, the Trojans were patient and used their size advantage to score in the paint. Advertisement Junior Lee Williams (12 points) continually got good position and classmate Cason Faulk — who finished with 12 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 5 steals — fed him for four easy first-quarter baskets. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up 'We saw that we had a size advantage and decided to attack that' said B-R coach Doug Alves. 'Cason did a good job feeding the post and guys were finishing.' Related : The lead grew to be as large as 18 points in the first half before the Wolfpack started to chip away. Boston Latin sophomore guard Will White scored 12 of his team-high 16 points in the middle two quarters. Bridgewater-Raynham forced 20 turnovers in the game, including 15 steals. 'I go at it with my assistant coaches because we give up some easy buckets early' said Alves. 'But, we try to play the long game with the press and wear teams down. Guys tend to miss the shots that they were making the first half.' Next up for the Trojans is top-seeded Franklin (23-1) in the quarterfinals at 6 p.m. on Thursday. Franklin ended Bridgewater-Raynham's season in the first round last year.
Boston Globe
01-03-2025
- Sport
- Boston Globe
Experience wrestling bigger opponents paying off for Bridgewater-Raynham's Livi Polansky, Melrose's Johnny Moraes
'Throughout the year, they're so much stronger and it's a lot more difficult to wrestle,' said Polansky, who has more wins than losses on the season and a perfect record against girls. 'Then, when I come and wrestle people my own weight, I feel that it's a little bit of a relief.' B-R's Kennedie Davis, a junior at 114 pounds, is also into the semifinals. Having a sparring partner who is one of the best in New England and two weight classes heavier also helps Polansky prepare. Advertisement Polansky found her technique helped to overcome weight differences. Now facing opponents who weigh in the same as she does, she's ready to make her run as the No. 2 seed at 100, after reaching the finals at 107 last year. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up 'The whole season, I couldn't wait until postseason,' she said. 'I know this is what I have to do, and I just have to think about the end of it, because it'll all pay off.' For Melrose junior Johnny Moraes, it's been a whole season at his comfortable weight. He had teammates last year who took the 113 and 120 spots, so he wrestled up into the loaded 126 weight class. He is undefeated at 113 this season, becoming a favorite after 'It's way faster,' Moraes said of the 113 class. 'But I was dealing with so many bigger kids [last year]. It's given me that grit and that mentality where I know that I can outlast these kids. I'm going to be more conditioned. If I keep on breaking them down, eventually they're going to tire out.' Used to being the underdog and proving people wrong, he 'loves and hates' being the top seed now. He'd rather prove people wrong than right, but the goal stays the same. Advertisement He has his sights on a championship, but knowing that he's into the semifinals and therefore is guaranteed a place finish, he couldn't help but smile. 'It's definitely surreal because my goal last year was to place at this tournament so I can make it to New Englands,' he said. 'I wanted it so bad [last season], and was just one match short.' Boys' All-States Leader : Shawsheen (68 points, 4 in winners' brackets, 3 in consolation) Contenders : Central Catholic (62, 4, 3), St. John's Prep (56.5, 4, 1), Milford (53, 3, 4), Bridgewater-Raynham (54, 4, 1) In the mix : Haverhill (45, 3, 1), Andover (42, 3, 1) Jayden Perez (106 pounds) and Dante Giusti (120) continue to prove crucial for Shawsheen, each reaching the semifinals along with the Tildsley brothers (Sid at 138; James at 150). Central Catholic is once again going toe-to-toe with the Rams, not just placing as many into the semifinals but doing it with only one senior (113-pounder Cole Glynn). Newton South 144-pounder Nicholas Genin is making a run with the 14-seed, defeating the No. 3 and No. 6. The upset of the day, however, goes to 15th-seeded Jacob Borawski (175 pounds) from Mt. Greylock, who caught Methuen's Vinny DeMaio, a New England finalist a year ago, in a hold just 70 seconds into the match. The two are double-digit semifinalists, along with No. 12 Perez, No. 13 Will LaVallee (St. John's Prep 150-pounder), and No. 13 Brian Waller-Reitano (Central Catholic heavyweight). Girls' All-States Leader : Putnam (39.5 points, 3 in winners' brackets, 4 in consolation) Contenders : Lowell (20, 2, 1), Bridgewater-Raynham (18, 2, 1) In the mix : Methuen (18, 2, 0), Billerica (18, 1, 2), Greater Lawrence (17.5, 2, 0) Advertisement Putnam's depth has been on display from its Lowell Holiday championship to its Division 2 title 50 points clear of the field. Izabella Perez (114 pounds), Valarie San (165), and Leanna Watson (235) are into Saturday's semifinals. Monty Tech's Kaleigh Fuller, after a last-second reversal to advance in the Division 1 semifinals, erased a 9-3 deficit by scoring 10 unanswered points in her 185-pound quarterfinal. Skyla Rodenhiser (Holliston's ninth-seeded 120-pounder) and Cloe Boccia (Milford's eighth-seeded 132) took down top seeds in their brackets. AJ Traub can be reached at
Boston Globe
20-02-2025
- Sport
- Boston Globe
With a second chance, battle-tested Bridgewater-Raynham boys' basketball takes Blue Bombardiers Classic in overtime
'Because we're a pressing team, we practice that type of scenario every day,' said B-R coach Doug Alves. 'Often the guys get it done in those practice segments. And Cason Faulk did it again. He's an animal.' Hayden Crowley paced No. 5 Attleboro (18-4) with 26 points, including eight 3-pointers, most of which came off feeds from senior captain Connor Houle (10 points, 7 assists). When Ladainian Rodrigues (13 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists) found Crowley for a 4-point play to put Attleboro up, 64-56, with 1:20 remaining, it looked like the hosts would hang on. Yet the Trojans found a way to out-score the Bombardiers, 20-7, the rest of the way. Advertisement Faulk finished with 21 points and seven offensive rebounds, and was named Tournament MVP. His brother, Deshawn Faulk, and senior captain Noah Perry-Lewis added 14 points apiece. After dropping both games in Mansfield's Roundball Classic over December break, the Trojans have improved markedly over the past two months. 'We took some losses early,' said Alves, 'But we play a tough schedule so we'll be battle tested, and winning five of our next six on the road, we showed that we can play against anybody.
