|
Feature |
Baseball Oracle |
Other Encyclopedias |
Statistics Database |
MLB.com |
|
Medium |
Software |
Printed book (1) |
Computer files which must be downloaded separately (2) |
Web site (3) |
|
Extra requirements |
None (4) |
None |
Database management software such as Access (5). Knowledge of database systems and query programming language. |
Internet connection.
Note that even on the fastest connection, queries can be slow (timeouts are frequent) and tedious. |
|
Updates |
Software is updated a few times a year at no extra cost.
Data is updated as it becomes available (post-season, award winners, deaths, etc) and updated automatically when connected.
Yearly updates available through web site. |
You must wait for new encyclopedia to be printed and buy a whole new book at full price.
These typically are available in February or March. |
You must wait for new files to be made available to update with new season statistics. All files in their entirety must be downloaded again.
The Baseball Archive database was last updated in late December 2005
Baseball Oracle already has all the 2006 season stats. |
Stats are updated after every game. |
|
Below are typical questions fans can ask and whether or not each product can provide the answer |
|
|
|
|
|
Question |
Baseball Oracle |
Other Encyclopedias |
Statistics Database |
MLB.com |
|
What is the year by year record for Player X? |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes. See requirements above. |
Yes |
|
What is the career record for Player X? |
Yes |
Total Baseball lists each player with their record for each year and their career total.
The Baseball Encyclopedia lists team rosters for each year. Career totals are listed separately. |
Yes. See requirements above. |
Yes |
|
Yearly or career leader list for any stat, for any team or league? |
Yes. You could even specify for left-handers or only since 1995 for example. |
Some encyclopedias may have such lists and limited to a few players. |
Yes. See requirements above. |
No |
|
Team roster and player stats for any team in history? |
Yes. All recognized major leagues and teams since 1871. |
Total Baseball: No
The Baseball Encyclopedia: Yes (since 1900). |
Yes. See requirements above. |
Yes |
|
Post-season stats? |
Yes |
Total Baseball: Yes
The Baseball Encyclopedia: No |
Yes. See requirements above. |
Yes |
|
Compare a playerīs or teamīs stats to his team or league? |
Yes |
No |
Yes, with proper programming. |
No |
|
Create your own stats such as OPS? |
Yes |
No. The statistics they print are all you have. |
Yes, by typing the formula every time you need it. With Baseball Oracle, you type it in once and it can be easily reused with one click. |
No |
|
What is the record for most seasons in a row getting 200 hits? |
Yes. The consecutive feature can calculate for any of the 159 statistics available. |
No, unless they have such a list. |
Extensive programming required. |
No |
|
Other features and notes |
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|
|
Cost |
$24.95 instant download
$34.95 on CD-ROM
Updates as low as $12.49. |
Total Baseball: $60 every year.
The Baseball Encyclopedia: $25 every year. |
Free data downloads. Requires external application that can be as high as $300.
Cost and time of learning programming language. |
Free |
|
Extras |
Games Summary, the totals by team of all major league games. A $20 value now available for free.
Post-season Games, the stats for every player in every post-season game, game by game. A $20 value now available for free.
Other add-ons to be available soon for free or at minimal cost. |
None |
None |
None |
