WEB GEMS

The sheer number of Web sites devoted to baseball is staggering (something in the neighborhood of 73.6 million, give or take a few million), and the amount of junk on them is also staggering. But if you are willing to wade through a room full of horse dung, you’ll find a pony sooner or later. And that’s what we did, just so you wouldn’t have to. Now that the 2007 Major League Baseball season has started, here are eight sites worth your time:

Baseballthinkfactory.org —There isn’t just one guy’s opinion here, but a bunch of posts from all over the country. The interaction is strong and there are lots of links to baseball sites. Don’t laugh; that’s more rare than you might think.

Baseballamerica.com — This magazine is the best place for minor league and college baseball news and, as it turns out, one of the best places to access podcasts about those subjects, as well as major league baseball (just follow the links; they’re pretty clear). Remember, the major league players of tomorrow are playing in the minors today.

Mlbtraderumors.com — This site is really easy to like, but sort of hard to wade through. If you’re willing to give it time, you’ll find links to stories around the country, all having something to do with possible trades. Now we all know most major league baseball transactions – the big ones anyway – rarely are rumored about before they occur. But still, if you want to know whom Milwaukee is thinking about getting rid of, this is the place.

38pitches.com — The Red Sox’s Curt Schilling is one of the more outspoken players in major league baseball. He’s been known to call in to radio talk shows and chew the fat with the host for a while – or rip the guy if it’s needed. This is Schilling’s personal (if that’s the right word) blog, with the flame-throwing right-hander throwing some flames here as well. The fans’ questions, however, are usually fawning.

Vivaelbirdos.com — This St. Louis Cardinals site not only has Cardinal talk, it also goes out of its way to link to other sites as well. You can start here, find out if Rick Ankiel is hitting or not, then surf your way around the big leagues.

Baseball-reference.com/blog — This statistics site also has a blog that is getting established. In fact, the site is looking for another blogging voice if you’re interested. But its strength is in a complete list of links divided by categories.

Baseballprospectus.com — This is my favorite statistics site, with dozens of ways to break down your favorite player’s plate appearances or his innings. This site isn’t for the casual fan as much as it is a resource for the person who wants to dig deeper than home runs or earned run average.

Baseballmusings.com — A traditional blog with thoughts and links about the game. The musings part is right, because the commentary here is pretty interesting.

There are more, of course (though the line about 73.6 million sites is an exaggeration), but this will get you started. And once you’ve started, it’s hard to stop.

Agree or recommend other sites to: Vince Grippi at vinceg@spokesman.com.