tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62504762011-07-14T17:25:11.179-04:00Talking BaseballYour weekday baseball fix. Some days.Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09617306899427763094noreply@blogger.comBlogger1561100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1109126353170917982005-02-22T21:38:00.000-05:002005-02-22T21:40:20.746-05:00The Class of 2006: Top Ten Free Agents to Watch During 2005This column is posted at 360 The Pitch. You can read it all here, but I'd prefer if you clicked here to check out the new site.The free agent class of 2004-2005 did well for itself. Big signings — some of the biggest since the early 2000s — dominated the headlines, and players from Pedro Martinez to Carlos Beltran to Carlos Delgado ended Bennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1108717456598722062005-02-18T04:01:00.000-05:002005-02-18T18:18:55.636-05:00Breaking Records, Not RulesBaseball’s 2004 seasons was one for the ages. The impossible was possible, and ‘dramatic’ hardly begins to describe the October magic witnessed by fans. But before anybody even realized that the World Series baseball was in a safe in Florida, the buzz had returned to steroids. The recent off-season was filled with important developments and player transactions, which Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09617306899427763094noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1108626493910657622005-02-17T02:46:00.000-05:002005-02-17T02:48:13.916-05:00Steroid Scandal Shows Major League DisconnectThis column is posted at 360 The Pitch. You can read it all here, but I'd prefer if you clicked here to check out the new site.I really care about baseball’s steroid issue. I’ve found, however, that I am among the minority and that disturbs me.Most passionate fans care about the steroid issue because it affects the integrity of the game and it sullies Bennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1108258531043262362005-02-12T20:34:00.000-05:002005-02-13T00:30:33.636-05:00"We like our players hurt."I don't think you're going to find a team in baseball that shares that sentiment. In fact, most teams do their best to prevent injuries from occurring in the first place. It's good business. A team just isn't going to win as many games as it should if its best players are missing significant amounts of playing time.This brings me to the Baseball World Cup that could Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08771028377645393895noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1108023489998407852005-02-10T02:32:00.000-05:002005-02-11T11:43:39.356-05:00First Impressions Mean EverythingPedro Martinez has had little trouble making headlines this obsession and once again he's made the news by surprising us all. He showed up, get this, early for Spring Training. Red Sox fans, management, and players have spent the last few years collectively going insane because Pedro supplied a seemingly limitless supply of excuses as to why he couldn't show up Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08771028377645393895noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1107799588541037672005-02-07T13:04:00.000-05:002005-02-07T13:06:28.543-05:00Canseco's Steroid Revelations Put MLB in a Tough Spot
This column is posted at 360 The Pitch. You can read it all here, but I'd prefer if you clicked here to check out the new site.
The story no one in baseball wants to hear — rumors about steroid use — reared its ugly head once again this weekend.
With little more than a week left before pitchers and catchers report to training camps in warm Bennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1107234336997795772005-02-01T01:03:00.000-05:002005-02-01T00:07:43.003-05:00Twins Show Santana a Lack of Faith, Committment
What would you do with the opportunity to lock up the best young pitchers in baseball to a long-term deal? Would you throw as much money as you could at him or would you do almost everything possible to make sure he leaves to free agency?
If you were the Minnesota Twins, the second option sounds surprisingly appealing, and it's exactly how they’veBennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1106722872384637352005-01-26T01:55:00.000-05:002005-01-26T02:01:12.386-05:00Arbitrary Arbitration
But first: Recently, this blog passed it's one-year anniversary with very little fanfare. Those of you who are our loyal readers have probably caught on to the fact that we're not posting with any sort of regularity anymore. Yet, you may also have noticed that over the past few weeks, I've thrown up some new columns on a somewhat regular basis. That's because these columsn Bennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1106208076807300332005-01-20T03:00:00.000-05:002005-01-20T03:01:16.806-05:00Future History: The Unique Arbitration Case of Roger Clemens
As pitchers and catchers report for Spring Training in 25 days and the Carlos Delgado free agent chase draws to a close, the last remaining loose threads of the off-season are the arbitration cases scheduled for the next few weeks. While these are usually mundane hearings that determine how much of a raise a player will get, this year,Bennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1105752754400904362005-01-14T20:30:00.000-05:002005-01-14T20:32:34.400-05:00The Hidden Impact of the Steroid Policy
By now, it’s no secret that Major League Baseball and the Players Association has beefed up baseball’s drug-testing program. On the heels of the BALCO scandal and calls from prominent politicians, baseball’s new policy is a major step in the right direction. While some people still believe that the policy is lacking in regards to the issue of amphetamine Bennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1105752600791566952005-01-09T20:29:00.000-05:002005-01-14T20:30:00.790-05:00The Beltran Blues
When Carlos Beltran traded in his red Astros pinstripes for a set of blue Mets pinstripes on Monday, he did more than just break the hearts of Houston fans. Rather, he set back the Astros by at least a spot or two in the division. He also sent the team spiraling into a rebuilding mode with only 35 days left until Spring Training camps open and with precious few free agents Bennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1103874095947950062004-12-24T01:13:00.000-05:002004-12-24T02:41:35.946-05:00A Tale of Two Sluggers
Something is rotten in the state of baseball.
Something is wrong with the economics of the off-season.
Last year, the word on the street was collusion. When Rondell White, Reggie Sanders, Jose Guillen, and Jose Cruz, Jr., all signed two-year, $6 million contracts, the c word spread through the baseball commentary community like wildfire. But now, in an effort seemingly Bennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1102056964545718752004-12-03T01:44:00.000-05:002004-12-03T03:03:48.443-05:00Baseball Morals
Does this surprise you? Giambi admitted taking steroids. No, me neither.
How about this one? Bonds Testimony. I can't say I wasn't expected that one either.
What happens from here with this scandal is all up in there, and I'm not going to talk about it now. But as I was watching this story break on the 1 a.m. (Eastern Time) edition of SportsCenter did surprise me. In Bennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1098866425598817482004-10-27T04:38:00.000-04:002004-10-27T04:40:25.596-04:00Saddling Up
They're coming. Somehow.
If this actually happens, I'll write about what this New Yorker thinks this victory means for Red Sox Nation. That is, if the world doesn't end first.Bennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1098350768514477732004-10-21T04:32:00.000-04:002004-10-21T05:27:34.866-04:00Bringing Down the House that Ruth Built
I'll never forget it.
On Sunday, everybody in Fenway Park knows he's stealing second. Then Dave Roberts scores the tying run on a Bill Mueller single with Mariano Rivera on the mound. Roberts slides feet-first into homeplate, pops up, and in one motion jumps, spins, lets out a triumphant scream, and pumps his fist.
It was the beginning of the end for theJonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09617306899427763094noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1098171859136817902004-10-19T03:43:00.000-04:002004-10-19T03:44:19.136-04:00Sixteen-Million Dollar Man
Is anybody else getting sick of being constantly reminded of the seemingly minimal sum of money that prevented Theo Epstein from bringing A-Rod to Boston? Yes, it was a huge disappointment for Boston fans, but lest we forget the Red Sox would have lost the best hitter in the American League and the best right-handed hitter in baseball if A-Rod had joined the Beantown Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09617306899427763094noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1098171779770236712004-10-19T03:42:00.000-04:002004-10-19T03:42:59.770-04:00"Drive Him In" David Ortiz
Quick, answer these two questions:
1) Who's the best hitter on the Red Sox?
2) Who do you want at the plate in a clutch situation?
The answer for these two questions should be the same, right? Don't you always want your best hitter at the plate in a clutch situation?
Yet, my suspicion is that many Red Sox fans would answer Manny Ramirez for question one and David Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09617306899427763094noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1098132414973951492004-10-18T16:40:00.000-04:002004-10-18T16:46:54.973-04:00More Delusions
Rarely does this sabermetric-oriented fan find himself itching to see the Sox try to steal a base. But something came over me with Roberts pinch running and Rivera on the mound.
Honestly, Francona would be kidding himself if he expected two hits against Rivera. My thinking was that at most, he'd allow one more baserunner. To score, the Red Sox needed all the help they could get.
Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09617306899427763094noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1098094178838304332004-10-18T06:01:00.000-04:002004-10-18T06:09:38.840-04:00Back and Forth
My life as a Red Sox fan can be described with two emotions: unadulterated elation and resigned helplessness. Sox fans move from one extreme to the other at a moment's notice. The team never fails to leave a bitter taste in the mouths of the citizens of the Nation. But there is always hope. And tonight was no exception.
Elation and helplessness plagued my evening. Lowe looked Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09617306899427763094noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1096582215889380832004-10-02T13:15:00.000-04:002004-10-02T21:30:56.096-04:00The Washington Bureaucrats?
It's official! Almost. After a few years of playing split-season games in both Montreal and Puerto Rice the Montreal Expos has finally escaped their own personal purgatory and will be moving to Washington D.C. for the 2005 season. Major League Baseball has announced that pending a vote by the major league owners the Expos will be playing their 2005 home games in Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08771028377645393895noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1096611789746923292004-10-01T01:40:00.000-04:002004-10-01T02:32:33.573-04:00A Monumental Move
For all of the sadness I feel for Montreal and its fans, there's one thing I love about a new team in Washington: coming up with it's name.
Now, I'm sure we'll hear a lot of people calling for the reinstatement of the Senators, but frankly, that's too bland for me. No, instead D.C. needs something new. I just have one rule: no "cool" animal names!
We had the Florida Marlins, Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09617306899427763094noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1096528479609682202004-09-30T01:33:00.000-04:002004-09-30T03:27:59.323-04:00A Sad End to the Saga of the Expos
After years and years of speculation, it hasn't taken long to soak in: Major League Baseball in Montreal is no more. The Expos, a childhood favorite ever since a family trip brought me to Le Stade Olympic, will soon cease to exist. I'm not tearing up, but there will always be a soft spot in my heart for the mighty Montreal Expos. Their accomplishments may seem Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09617306899427763094noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1090817396764261702004-07-26T00:32:00.000-04:002004-07-26T01:00:54.383-04:00A Little Bit of Everything
I was wrapped up in the emotions of this weekend's Yankees-Red Sox series (and a nice weekend-long visit from my girlfriend) that I did not have time to come up with a long post on one topic. So I figured that I would take a quick look at a few short topics and end with a few thoughts on tonight's ESPN telecast of the game between the Red Sox and the Yankees.
Where Bennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1090442561712110852004-07-21T16:33:00.000-04:002004-07-21T16:48:40.930-04:00The Hunt for Value - Part I: The Story of a Few Undervalued, Underutilized, and Underappreciated Relievers
At this time of year, everyone wants them and everyone's talking about them: Middle relievers. With the deadline fast approaching, the best of the best are trying to shore up weaknesses in preparation for a stretch run. Chances are, if you're a division leader, your starting pitching and Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11087131258541261541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1090217378765043162004-07-19T02:04:00.000-04:002004-07-19T02:09:38.766-04:00A Published Writer
As part of my summer this year, I'm interning one day a week at a weekly neighborhood paper in New York called the Resident. The paper has a circulation of about 200,000 to various parts of Manhattan. This week, I asked them if I could write the sports article on the allure and popularity of fantasy baseball.
Well, they said yes, and I got to write about 800 words on fantasyBennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1089991265948696472004-07-16T11:07:00.000-04:002004-07-16T13:32:12.886-04:00If an Elite Slugger Makes a Run at the Triple Crown, Does Anybody Notice?
If a tree falls to the ground in an empty forest, does it still make a sound? If a firework explodes overhead but no one's around to watch it, can it still be seen? One would hope, if the perceivers were present, we could sense these things. But, what if Manny Ramirez makes a run at the Triple Crown, does anyone take Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11087131258541261541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1089755865964971872004-07-14T00:37:00.000-04:002004-07-14T00:38:26.890-04:00A Different Midseason Report
Apparently, the 2004 Yankees are the closest to perfection any baseball team has ever achieved.
At least, that's what the New York Daily News Yankee beat Anthony McCarron would lead you to believe. In Tuesday's paper, McCarron was faced the assignment of assessing the Yankees' first half success and failures. Based on what he wrote, he couldn't find any failures. Bennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1089665789239807522004-07-12T16:33:00.000-04:002004-07-12T16:56:29.240-04:00The Real All-Star Snubs
For a game that's an "exhibition," we sure make a big deal out of the All-Star game. The meticulous method for voting players in highlights the All-Star Game's complexity. At the start, baseball fans across the country, and even out of the country, give votes to the players they want to see as All-Stars. In theory, these players should be the best at their respective Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11087131258541261541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1089608186648226222004-07-12T00:50:00.000-04:002004-07-12T00:56:26.646-04:00A Return to the Blogging World
Hello.
I don't know if anyone's still out there, but I'm sure some of the RSS feeds that Talking Baseball is on will pick up a new post. I believe that we're partially about to return to writing. Or at least, I am about to return to writing. I can't speak for anyone else.
What inspired this return after weeks of silence, you might ask. Well, over the weekend, I Bennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1088055153290337262004-06-24T01:28:00.000-04:002004-06-24T01:32:33.290-04:00We're Not Dead
Hello everyone. Around 12 days ago, Jon wrote a post, and after that, we seemed to drop off the face of the Earth. Well, I just wanted to write and tell you all that we're still here. We're trying to assess the direction of the blog. See, we were a bit disappointed by the number of hits we've been receiving. It seems that we're not providing anything you people want to read on a Bennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1087023496773814272004-06-12T02:27:00.000-04:002004-06-12T03:18:56.520-04:00Hitters Lining Up to Lose
It’s a good thing Major League managers aren’t responsible for devising a coherent batting order before each game. Otherwise, some of the guys managing in the Majors wouldn’t have been hired. Oh, wait. Writing up a lineup for each game is one of the managers more important duties. I must have forgotten whilst checking tonight’s box scores.
One of the traditional rulesJonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09617306899427763094noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1086850052113747642004-06-10T00:57:00.000-04:002004-06-10T02:54:47.796-04:00The Pitchers of "Record"
It's been well-chronicled how wins are largely a matter of chance. Need proof that wins are pretty fickle? Just ask Jason Schmidt, Bronson Arroyo, or Freddy Garcia about their performances tonight. All pitched well enough to seemingly assure their team of victory - but none received the win.
"Wins" is an awful statistic mainly due to its reliance on the pitcher's Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11087131258541261541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1086748085713299922004-06-08T22:12:00.001-04:002004-09-17T14:31:01.510-04:00The Wait Grows Longer With Each Win
Cincinnati has been waiting for a while.
Since reaching the NL Championship Series nine years ago, the Reds have averaged 78.5 wins per season. McKeon Magic circa ’99 brought Cinci close to 100 wins, but the pixie dust ran out, leaving the Reds out of the playoff picture. Excluding that anomalous 1999 season, the Reds have gone 532-602 since 1995, an Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09617306899427763094noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1086578031775361282004-06-07T00:40:00.000-04:002004-06-07T01:40:17.653-04:00The Meaning of the All-Star Game
Last week, Major League Baseball released the first of its weekly All Star voting updates. The point of these updates, it seems, is to get fans to vote for their favorite players who may or may not be leading the voting at any given week. It's a great marketing ploy designed to attract increased interest to the Midsummer Classic and to draw casual fans to MLB.comBennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1086164020175518872004-06-02T02:28:00.000-04:002004-06-02T04:22:33.223-04:00A Recounting of Greatness: Francisco Rodriguez
Tonight, I witnessed a pretty typical performance from a pretty atypical player, Fransisco Rodriguez. This is that typical performance, on paper:
IP H R ER BB K HR
1.1 1 0 0 0 4 0Yes, K-Rod blew away four of the five batters he faced. Yes, this is typical. Look at his game log, if you don't believe me. It's just littered with Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11087131258541261541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1085816419020631972004-05-29T02:14:00.000-04:002004-06-07T22:06:09.373-04:00Why Les Expos Ain't All-Stars
Contrary to what Bud Selig tried to have you believe, baseball's All-Star game is more than a meaningless exhibition. Voting for the All-Star game has become an important part of the baseball season -- one that reinforces fan interest in the game. Fans, after all, have the opportunity to vote -- while attending games or online -- for the players they feel most Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09617306899427763094noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1085725742211781862004-05-27T11:42:00.000-04:002004-05-28T02:29:02.210-04:00Returning to My Roots: Some Sox Thoughts
Here at Talking Baseball, it's not abudantly clear where our allegiances lie. We write about a host of subjects, almost never revealing who our hometown teams are. Well, although I root for my fantasy team with a greater passion than most (if Posada and Sheffield hit four home runs in a Yankee win, I'm thrilled), I still cheer on my Boston Red Sox. Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11087131258541261541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1085455588618716972004-05-25T00:15:00.000-04:002004-05-25T00:32:42.810-04:00The Good, The Bad, and The Managers
In the wonderful world of baseball blogs, writers are very quick to criticize Dusty Baker for his rather injudicious attention towards the pitch counts of his young arms. In fact, we here at Talking Baseball have taken on Baker a few times. I criticized him for Mark Prior's extensive absence, and Jon went after him for his comments on the relative importance Bennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1085210439965527562004-05-22T02:18:00.000-04:002004-05-22T03:38:12.253-04:00Locking Up Cookie Monster
Watching the Celtics the past couple years has been an absolute nightmare. Sure, they've played horribly, but that's not what incenses me. Players are only capable of playing so well and coaches are only capable of coaching so well - ultimately, the general manager is responsible for putting a good team on the floor. Danny Ainge, in my opinion, has made awful Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11087131258541261541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1085040094658280142004-05-20T02:45:00.000-04:002004-05-20T04:01:34.656-04:00The Curse of Roger Clemens
That's it. It's all over for the Rocket. Right now, he's the talk of baseball, but after his next few starts, people won't be saying that anymore.
Wait. Wait. Wait. What am I talking about, you might wonder. Roger Clemens, the 41-year-old Roger Clemens who retired a few months ago, is 7-0 with a 1.72 ERA. He's given up 31 hits in 52.1 innings while averaging 10.66 K/9Bennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1084964192014916422004-05-19T05:52:00.002-04:002004-05-19T15:41:29.366-04:00The Ease of Perfection: A Recent Surge in Perfect Games
Here’s a pitching line you don’t see every season:IP H R ER BB K HR
9.0 3 1 1 1 18 1
And here’s a pitching line you don’t see every decade:IP H R ER BB K HR
9.0 0 0 0 0 13 0On Sunday, Ben Sheets strikes out a mediocre Braves lineup 18 times. Tuesday, after an off-day, the same lineup from the noticeably not Hot-lanta doesn’t muster a base Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09617306899427763094noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1084864435424945232004-05-18T01:17:00.000-04:002004-05-18T12:58:57.633-04:00Troy Glaus and His Henchmen
The word has hit the streets, Troy Glaus is possibly out for the season. This is the same Troy Glaus that boasts an AL-best eleven home runs (only the anomalous Steve Finley can claim more). And yes, these are the same Anaheim Angels with six players on the DL. That DL list now includes Glaus and Garret Anderson, the perennial pick for the most underrated player inDavehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11087131258541261541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1084773875086439032004-05-17T00:21:00.001-04:002004-05-19T11:39:16.516-04:00Between the Sheets
By now, Ben Sheets' 18-strikeout performance is old news. The baseball world is always impressed by a dominating pitching performance, and Sheets ranks up there with the best. He threw 116 pitches and only 25 of those were called balls. That's a lot of swinging and missing on behalf of the Braves.
Yet, as I was looking over the box score and talking with Jon about this game, Bennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1084308217664187732004-05-11T16:34:00.000-04:002004-05-12T18:04:13.216-04:00Baseball Born in Pittsfield, MA?
Dave's family and my family both have homes in the Berkshires in Western Massachusetts. In fact, Dave and I met in the Berkshires on the lawn at Tanglewood, the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. As our parents like to say, I had out my baseball cards at the ripe old age of 3, or so, and Dave wandered over interested in the collection. Seventeen years Bennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1084175882315395552004-05-10T00:08:00.000-04:002004-05-10T04:08:46.153-04:00The Curious Case of Kauffman Stadium
We often rest on the assumption that objects are more or less immutable. Sure, shirts may accrue stains, a car may acquire dents, and CDs may gather unwanted scratches. But, by and large, objects remain what they were when originally purchased. A cell phone is still your cell phone - even if it has its battery replaced.
Don't be concerned, this is not a Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11087131258541261541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1083826871540490722004-05-06T01:26:00.000-04:002004-05-06T03:05:37.983-04:00A Word on the Other Sacrifice
I have written twice recently about so-called productive outs. Once about the futility of the sacrifice bunt, and once about Buster Olney's preposterous Productive Out Percentage. I suppose these discussions wouldn't be proper without the other sacrifice. The sac fly.
The sacrifice flyout is an underrated method for scoring runs. Most would agree that any outDavehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11087131258541261541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1083734017192935332004-05-05T00:49:00.000-04:002004-05-05T02:19:43.890-04:00The Purist Approach to the DH
On Sunday afternoon, my parents made the drive down to Philadelphia to see a game at Citizen's Bank Park, the Phillies' new home stadium. The Phillies won on the game in the bottom of the 14th on a bases-loaded walk to Ricky Ledee. It was the first extra-inning game in the history of Citizen's Bank Park, but the climax of the game was Pat Burrell's pinch-hit, Bennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1083654401281832862004-05-03T23:23:00.000-04:002004-05-04T04:07:28.390-04:00Please, Buster Olney
In case you missed it (and trust me, you weren't missing it at all), Buster Olney wrote a particularly stellar piece for ESPN.com about four days ago. Now, normally, I don't like to bash others' writing. My own writing is far from perfect and a smear-job doesn't make for a particularly great read. Mostly, however, belittlement of other authors is just not nice. It's beenDavehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11087131258541261541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1083231446346980092004-04-29T05:08:00.001-04:002004-04-29T05:46:30.996-04:00Saves: Anybody's Stat
Last year, Danny Graves had a terrible season. He ended the season with four wins and 15 losses, a winning percentage that wasn’t even matched by Mike Maroth, Nate Cornejo, or Jeremy Bonderman, the Tigers’ three most losing pitchers of the year. Danny’s ERA (5.33) was over a run higher than league average. He struck out two more batters in 2003 than he had the year Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09617306899427763094noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1083137634449255892004-04-28T03:33:00.000-04:002004-04-28T04:00:30.216-04:00Why Are We Not Sacrificing the Sacrifice?
I recently got an e-mail from some devoted readers. These weren't just any devoted readers, however. These were the readers of paramount importance, at least socially. These were my girlfriend's parents. Seriously though, they're both wonderful people and are inquisitive minds. Their curiosity and interest in baseball led them to ask me about the Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11087131258541261541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1082883192801709882004-04-25T02:23:00.000-04:002004-04-25T05:11:24.356-04:00Free Jeremy Reed!
Recently, I was watching an episode of The Simpsons. This was the episode in which Mr. Burns lost his power plant due to mismanagement and reacquired it through environmentally sound planning. The majority of the Simpsons were rooting for Burns’ downfall, but Lisa helped to resuscitate Monty’s career. Proud of the renaissance she helped foster, Lisa triumphantly walked into Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11087131258541261541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1082616090542190392004-04-22T02:15:00.000-04:002004-04-22T02:45:37.186-04:00The 11th Hour Approaches in Florida
In my last post, a week ago today, I wrote on the different fates of the Marlins and Expos. In that post, I wrote about the need the Florida Marlins have for a new stadium in downtown Miami. I urged the State of Florida to invest in the Marlins.
This week, the bad news came down from the Florida House of Representatives: the state won't support a $60-million Bennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1082538054230520102004-04-21T04:48:00.001-04:002004-04-23T02:53:55.403-04:00Cust: A Must or a Bust?
Jack Cust. The name exudes thoughts of a power hitter chugging down the base paths. He has an All-American name, and he seems to be becoming familiar with All of America. Cust, recently designated for assignment by the Orioles to make room for fifth starter Eric Bedard, has most likely come to the end of the road in Baltimore. Soon, he’ll probably be joining another team Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09617306899427763094noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1082392508675738882004-04-19T12:34:00.000-04:002004-04-19T14:11:11.186-04:00The Most Unlikely of Occurrences?
Every now and again, I see somemthing that really flabbergasts in a box score. It won't necessarily surprise me because of its greatness - I'll usually be confounded by its oddness. I'm not particularly astounded when McGrady does this because he's a very capable athlete. It's amazing that he scored 62 points, but it didn't take some extraordinary luck for Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11087131258541261541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1082217251778965842004-04-17T09:44:00.000-04:002004-04-19T03:23:40.966-04:00Jeremy Bonderman: The One That Got Away
Some explanation is in order. As you, the reader, may have noticed, Talking Baseball has taken on a rather two-flavored approach recently. This has happened for a few reasons. First, Mike is now posting once every eight days, rather than four. The stress of writing every fourth day is high, and he understandably wanted to cut back a bit. Second, it Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11087131258541261541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1082106239952882792004-04-16T04:10:00.000-04:002004-04-17T13:18:24.293-04:00And So It Begins...
In a few short hours, all of us here -- with our differing allegiences -- will be watching the first of nineteen regular season meetings between the Red Sox of Boston and those Bronx Bombers. I'm excited, but not too hopeful for Game One. Javier Vazquez, a pitcher who flew under most American League fans' rader screens, is dominant more often than not. By season's end, he Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09617306899427763094noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1082002288336869092004-04-15T00:36:00.000-04:002004-04-15T00:43:29.483-04:00Defending the Defenders
The reigning NL Rookie of the Year beat the floundering Montreal/San Juan Expos' bats on the mound yesterday, and, in the fifth inning, he beat the Expos with his bat, driving home the same amount of runs with one swing that the Expos have scored since last Friday.
Dontrelle Willis pitched five innings of shut-out ball against a Montreal Expos team that couldn't buy a Bennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1081930988833848832004-04-14T04:22:00.000-04:002004-04-14T18:01:40.733-04:0048-Garret Gold
The market for baseball players has dramatically changed since its heyday back in the summer of 2000. There are no more $20 million annual contracts for fantastic hitters. Never again will we witness the signing of the world’s best all-around player for more than $25 million per season – at least not in the today’s market. These days, the top players sign for much less: Sheffield Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09617306899427763094noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1081835858221799812004-04-13T01:16:00.000-04:002004-04-13T11:37:57.500-04:00Missing the Mark
While the exorcism of the Steve Bartman ball may have led many Cubs fans to believe the Curse was at end, news out of Chicago probably has many fans rethinking their spring optimism.
The definite news, as ESPN and various other news services have reported, is that Cubs' ace Mark Prior is off a timetable and may not return until late May or early June. That's also the good news.Bennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1081820815053549052004-04-12T21:41:00.005-04:002004-04-13T01:07:55.513-04:00Houston’s Problem: Jimy Williams
These days, good third baseman are hard to come by in Major League Baseball. There are really only a few top-tier third basemen around: Eric Chavez, Scott Rolen, and now Alex Rodriguez. So when a team develops a third baseman from its minor league system who can not only hold down the position with the bat, but actually posts better than average numbers, he Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09617306899427763094noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1081672001747074572004-04-11T14:26:00.000-04:002004-04-12T03:02:57.653-04:00Pinch Runners? What an offense!
I am tremendously lucky to have a laptop. I’m sitting here comfortably, writing for Talking Baseball as I watch one of the best pitching match-ups of this young season: Pedro Martinez vs. Roy Halladay. Early indications are that two pitchers’ early struggles were merely an aberration. Pedro looks sharp, though the velocity is still down – something that may Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11087131258541261541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1081562135911247412004-04-09T22:11:00.000-04:002004-04-09T22:25:12.780-04:00Flip-Flop
"Congratulations Detroit! You just rambled off the longest winning streak that you'll have this year! I know you lead the majors in wins, but that probably won't happen again for a few more years so enjoy this while it lasts." This is what I would say to the Detroit Tigers if I had a chance. That is, if they're not broken up because they are bad for baseball. In any event, at Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08771028377645393895noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1081475769924637062004-04-09T00:29:00.000-04:002004-04-09T01:24:36.623-04:00Break Up the Tigers
This madness has got to stop. The Detroit Tigers are ruining baseball as we know it.
Alright, maybe I'm being a little premature, but it's hard to ignore the 4-0 Tigers right now. That's right, I said 4-0.
For those of you who haven't gotten your ESPN fix yet, the Detroit Tigers came from behind on Thursday to beat the Twins, 10-6. With that victory, Detroit improved to a Bennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1081413594661236502004-04-08T04:39:00.000-04:002004-04-15T05:07:30.310-04:00Flat Top
Hats are all the rage here at Talking Baseball. We wear them, we rate them, and we love them! And so do the ballplayers.
Most of them wear their hats like this:
The hat rests effortlessly upon his head. Nice slight curve to the bill, Manny. Thanks for posing!
Last season, Dontrelle Willis, illegitimate 2003 National League Rookie of the Year winner, introduced a new style:
Cap a Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09617306899427763094noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1081310779413770852004-04-06T21:40:00.000-04:002004-04-07T02:02:23.216-04:00The Wonderful World of Baseball
Finally, baseball is upon us. This is our first taste of real action, the kind we are accustomed to, day in and day out. Today there was a full slate of games - up from the 8 yesterday and the solitary games played on the days prior to Monday. Baseball is an appreciably long and complex game, and with the length and complexity comes tons of story-lines. I'll Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11087131258541261541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1081229163587018072004-04-06T01:44:00.000-04:002004-04-06T01:59:32.733-04:00The Mercenary
It's Opening Day (Part ...3?) and I'm swamped with work. I know, life isn't fair. More than anything though I'm worried about Pedro's wing. Ben mentioned that Sox fans aren't worried about Pedro because spring training performance doesn't really mean anything. I for one am absolutely terrified.
There is a widespread belief that Pedro at 88 mph can be almost as effective as Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08771028377645393895noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1081160118780900562004-04-05T06:09:00.000-04:002004-04-05T06:22:43.590-04:00Shifty Baseball: Opening Day in the USA and Overshifted Infield Defense
After months of anticipation, Red Sox Nation got its first taste of what it's been pining for. Opening Day (Night) was upon us, but unfortunately the taste wasn't as sweet as it could have been. Opening Day, usually the sweetest of sugars, represents to baseball fans all that spring entails for the rest of the population: Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09617306899427763094noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1081030034160611402004-04-04T00:40:00.000-05:002004-04-05T01:31:41.653-04:00Opening Day 2004
Updated at 3:46 p.m. on Sunday
Today is the day we've all been waiting for. The regular season starts in earnest tonight as the Red Sox square off against the Orioles at 8 p.m. (Don't forget to spring ahead.) From today until the end of October, hardly a day will go by when they are not multiple baseball games. It's what true baseball fans yearn for through the winter.
On Bennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1080948318062843612004-04-03T00:45:00.000-05:002004-04-03T23:17:54.983-05:00Different Face, Same Results
Billy Wagner had been a fixture in Houston since he first broke into major leagues in 1995. He's in Philadelphia this year closing for the creatively named Phillies. This means Octavio Dotel is finally being given his well earned place as the Astro's closer. Over the last three years he has been nearly spotless.
Dotel
.........IP......W/L.....S.....ERA.....K/9IPMikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08771028377645393895noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-108089326729607962004-04-02T00:47:00.000-05:002004-04-02T03:26:44.170-05:00Unequivocally - Milton Bradley, Not a Gamer
For those that haven't caught the news, Milton Bradley is going to be evicted by the Indians. A brief synopsis from many news sources: Milton was in a Spring Training game and failed to run out a pop-up that dropped for a single (which should have been a double). As a consequence, the manager for the Indians, Eric Wedge, removed Bradley from the Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11087131258541261541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1080816139438490812004-04-01T05:35:00.000-05:002004-04-01T05:45:57.576-05:00April Fools'?!
It's April First, our allotted annual chance to fool our friends, co-workers, and of course, our blog-readers. Throughout the baseball blogging community, parodic stories and clever quips will no doubt abound, referring to headlines of utter impossibility, like "Bavasi Makes Shrewd Move" and "Beane Claims Randall Simon Off Waivers." Some would certainly be believable: "Orosco Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09617306899427763094noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1080722795719547052004-03-31T03:46:00.000-05:002004-03-31T03:50:12.153-05:00Lost in Translation
For baseball fans, nothing compares to Opening Day.
On Opening Day, Red Sox and Cubs think across the country think, “Maybe this year, we’ll break the curse.” On Opening Day, the Marlins fans coming out of the woodwork in South Florida think, “This is our team. We did what no other team could do last season and we can do it again. We beat the Yankees.” On Opening Day, fans Bennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1080608127018643782004-03-30T03:46:00.000-05:002004-03-30T17:57:45.356-05:00How Much is a Cy Young Worth?
Eric Gagne won the NL Cy Young Award last year. He's had the two best relief seasons in the history of the game these last two years. Does this make him a first round pick in fantasy drafts? Does his dominance even make him a second or third round pick? I tend to think that it doesn't just because of the low number of innings that he will throw in relation to Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08771028377645393895noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1080544857456849942004-03-29T02:17:00.002-05:002004-03-31T03:30:27.623-05:00He's Making a List and Checking It Twice
On the eve of Opening Day (well, sort of, it's an ocean away and it's one game), I made my Wish List. It didn't concern my aspirations for the Red Sox or my dreams of demise for the Bronx Bombers. No, it was a 200-player long compilation of my overall rankings for each player in our fantasy baseball league. You see, last night was our fantasy baseball Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11087131258541261541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1080508616626434312004-03-28T16:04:00.007-05:002004-03-28T16:35:59.610-05:00Cruzing 'Round Town
Of all the teams in baseball, which one should have the best understanding of the importance of good, young starting pitching? The Florida Marlins, for one. Last season's World Series Champion Florida Marlins sure know the drill. Led by Josh Beckett in the playoffs and Dontrelle Willis in the middle of the season, the Marlins pushed to and through the playoffs, to the Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09617306899427763094noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1080348144147110452004-03-27T00:02:00.000-05:002004-03-27T00:08:43.793-05:002004 Season Preview, Part III
Before I begin my season preview, I would like to direct your attention to a few articles on ESPN.com. A few hours ago, the Yankees and Devil Rays landed in Japan to start their Opening Day trip through the Far West. Having flown over 7,000 miles from their Spring Training complexes, players on both teams had the joy of missing Friday completely this week. Jayson Bennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1080249374389686812004-03-26T00:56:00.000-05:002004-03-26T21:41:01.216-05:00OW! My Medial Collateral Ligament!
It's inevitable that pitchers will occasionally fall to injuries, but why do some teams seem to go out of their way to increase the chance of injury to their own pitchers? It seems that every year a few pitchers are destined to be hurt due to their own manager (read Dusty Baker, Tony LaRussa, etc...). The managers know that if the pitcher becomes hurt for a Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08771028377645393895noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1080198262478101952004-03-25T00:34:00.000-05:002004-03-26T18:33:06.043-05:00Where's the Hype?
Sorry for the brevity, but I ruined my back on Monday. I play a lot of squash (2-4 times a week, I would say), and squash is sometimes not the greatest thing for your body. I was lunging for a drop-shot my opponent hit, and I severely strained my lower back. In turn, it makes sitting (especially in uncomfortable chairs for class) painful and difficult. That, in turn, makes Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11087131258541261541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1080182098418313002004-03-24T21:30:00.000-05:002004-03-25T21:46:29.170-05:00One Outfielder For Sale
Updated Thursday, March 25 at 9:42 p.m.
Some baseball fans will take their devotion — and despair — to any levels. Today, up until about 30 minutes ago, one desperate Mets fan was auctioning off outfielder Roger Cedeño on eBay. While the online auction company has since pulled the auction, I thought I would post the description of the maligned Cedeño for all to see. It's Bennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1080123269158664662004-03-24T04:57:00.000-05:002004-03-24T05:17:56.513-05:00An Injured Prior Could Doom the Cubs
The Red Sox have Trot and Nomar. The Yankees have Lieber, Bernie, and Travis Lee. Now the Cubbies can join the party.
Mark Prior, Chicago's North Side superstar, will start the season on DL. The inflammation in his right Achillies' tendon, which has prevented him from participating in any Spring Training games, will also prevent Prior from beginning his Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09617306899427763094noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1080023450351143782004-03-23T01:27:00.000-05:002004-03-24T00:54:22.403-05:002004 Season Preview, Part II
Welcome to my 2004 Season Preview, Part II. Last time, I previewed the National League West and Central. If you missed it, you can find it here: Ben's 2004 Season Preview, Part I.
If you don't care to read the entire post, you can just check out each league individually:
National League West
National League Central
National League East
American League West
Before IBennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1079940808757353332004-03-22T13:49:00.000-05:002004-03-22T15:08:17.640-05:00Trotman
Trot Nixon is hurt. More specifically, he has some sort of herniated disk problem in his back that will keep him off the field until May. I think I speak for all Red Sox fans when I say, "Great news." Heading into the season with an injured Nixon and Byung-Hyun Kim does seem far better than starting the year with Pedro Martinez and Manny Ramirez on the DL but nonetheless injuries are Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08771028377645393895noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1079826192110556202004-03-21T03:38:00.000-05:002004-03-21T22:42:53.013-05:00Putting the Wraps on Caps
Today, I finish up the hat posts. With only the AL East and AL Central left, I'll venture to complete an entire review of the best Major League hats I can find. Granted, these hats are not always the ones used in games, but they are the most aesthetically pleasing (in my opinion). In case you were deprived, the first post discussed the methodology and the NL East andDavehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11087131258541261541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1079806522564540462004-03-20T13:06:00.000-05:002004-03-21T02:30:48.483-05:00WORTHLESSNESSFEST: VORP Speed, Across the Mendoza Line…!
A Contest – Negative VORP
Throughout baseball there are always a handful of everyday players whose mysterious disappearance would actually benefit their team as a whole. That is, a higher level of production would be seen if the player was replaced by the average bench player. The question arises: can we predict whose VORP will be the mostJonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09617306899427763094noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1079678032155764502004-03-19T02:00:00.000-05:002004-03-23T00:17:15.593-05:002004 Season Preview, Part I
I'm not going to talk about hats. I promise.
One of our aims here at Talking Baseball is to bring you content and articles you might not find elsewhere. While our statistical analysis is evocative of Baseball Prospectus, and we decided to pursue the whole blog thing after reading Aaron Gleeman's blog, our topics and the analysis are our own. That being said, I feel Bennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1079563341997478712004-03-18T10:57:00.000-05:002004-03-18T22:25:46.436-05:00Talking Baseball Forum
The Talking Baseball Forum has been pruned slightly and there are now new articles from special contributer Craig Lowell about steroids in baseball and college hockey. Please check out the new format and feel free to respond to these articles. Now that the regular season is approaching a reasonable number of forum members would be nice luxury!
A Re-Cap
Updated 4:47 PM
Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08771028377645393895noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1079511541136968942004-03-17T03:47:00.000-05:002004-03-17T04:27:09.373-05:00Hats: The Best of The West
In case you missed (trust me, you were missing it, Bob) it, my last post reviewed the NL East and NL Central hats. Before reviewing them, I did two things I deemed necessary before rating hats. First, I described the importance of The Hat in baseball. Second, and far more importantly, I outlined a rubric for rating hats. For those who have forgotten or didn't read Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11087131258541261541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1079430688441797792004-03-16T04:51:00.000-05:002004-03-16T17:57:05.780-05:00A Full Plate
Two of the last four posts have referred to Dusty Baker’s now infamous comments regarding walks and OBP. A synopsis? He doesn’t care to preach either walking or OBP to his hitters! Unbeknownst to him, the dynasty of the last decade used both to their advantage, and Baker’s San Francisco Treats were perennially among the leaders in both categories. (Incidentally, I wonder how the Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09617306899427763094noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1079309703623898782004-03-15T01:35:00.000-05:002004-03-15T01:50:01.700-05:00Reading Baseball
Back in January, when the four of us started this blog, I wrote my first post on the rich tradition of baseball writing. After that introduction to my take on baseball writing, I have focused primarily on statistical analysis over the past two months. But in my mind, no sport has a more lyrical volume of incredibly descriptive prose writing than baseball. Whether it be writings Bennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1079244585326217712004-03-14T00:47:00.000-05:002004-03-14T13:17:52.450-05:00What Are You Talking About?
Sometimes people say things that make me wonder how they could possibly say such a thing without feeling foolish. Jon's post the other day was the first here to bring attention to Dusty Baker's most recent comments. He was out on the west coast for years managing the Giants but because of the distance not as many of his comments seemed to reach the east coast. EverMikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08771028377645393895noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1079166548188392792004-03-13T21:05:00.000-05:002004-03-14T04:11:48.496-05:00All Great Baseball Minds Like to Argue…About Hats!
Let's be honest, we all love baseball - but what would baseball be without hats?! Nothing would differentiate players from different teams! It would be sheer chaos on the diamond! Okay, that's a bit melodramatic, but hats have had a timeless presence in baseball. Originally, they were designed to help shield the sun from the eyes of fieldersDavehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11087131258541261541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1079086363726490692004-03-12T04:56:00.000-05:002004-03-12T05:15:54.716-05:00Baker Can’t Walk Away
Dusty Baker, Cubs manager, has made some unreasonable comments during his short tenure in Chicago. Last summer he caused a commotion when he stated his preference for dark-skinned players in extreme heat, saying, "It's easier for most Latin guys and it's easier for most minority people because most of us come from heat. You don't find too many brothers in New Hampshire and Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09617306899427763094noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1078984765006927882004-03-11T01:45:00.000-05:002004-03-11T02:33:06.093-05:00The 2004 World Champions: Not the Royals
For some reason, lots of analysts, who get paid to analyze baseball (man, am I jealous), have anointed the Kansas City Royals as The Surprise Team of 2004. These baseball guys have called the Royals the 2004 version of the 2003 Marlins or the 2002 Angels. In other words, they will be the team with a homegrown core of players and a few key free agents and Bennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1078904629155828652004-03-10T01:49:00.000-05:002004-03-10T02:46:56.793-05:00I Don't Like Losing Either...
We here at Talking Baseball have all been in the same fantasy baseball league for a few years now. It's fun stuff, especially because I have been lucky enough to win the last couple of years. Well, I won outright last year and the year before I tied for the lead but it's all the same in the end. Anyways, as I said, I was lucky to win both years and it's more likeMikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08771028377645393895noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1078828598358368602004-03-09T05:27:00.000-05:002004-03-10T16:58:02.373-05:00First Base and DH: A Rebuttal
On Sunday, Ben wrote an extensive analysis examining production between American League players who spent some time in the field and some time as the designated hitter. Ben’s piece comes in defense of his previous post, in which he gave Jason Giambi’s dramatic DH/1B splits and stated that "Clearly, when Giambi plays the field, he is more focused on all aspects of Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09617306899427763094noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1078727288691914112004-03-08T01:00:00.000-05:002004-03-08T01:36:27.640-05:00The Obsession That Is Fantasy Sports
Every free moment of every day inevitably reverts back to one thing: Fantasy sports. I'm not proud of my obsession, but I can always comfort myself with the knowledge that at least I'm not doing crack or heroin. I'm not kidding either - it's definitely an obsession. In the morning, I'll get up and load up Internet Explorer and I'll go to http://Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11087131258541261541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1078591322453913662004-03-07T00:07:00.000-05:002004-03-07T00:48:47.280-05:00Statistical Differences in DHing
Back on Thursday, February 26, following Bernie Williams' emergency appendectomy, I wrote about the Yankees' strengths and weaknesses. In this post, I suggested, among other things the following about Jason Giambi's production when he's playing first base as opposed to when he's the designated hitter:
"Looking at last season, during which Giambi had 50 more Bennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1078559360082079672004-03-06T01:41:00.000-05:002004-03-06T02:52:22.153-05:00From Baseball to Golf...
Espn.com is reporting that Ken Venturi will release a book next month in which he accuses Arnold Palmer of cheating in the 1958 Masters. This is not fresh news and the situation is well known and documented. The fact of the matter is that Ken Venturi, who finished third behind Palmer by the two strokes gained through creative use of the rules, is still experiencing Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08771028377645393895noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1078476359741246322004-03-05T03:34:00.000-05:002004-03-05T03:51:27.030-05:00Accusations on SteroidsWe’ve all mentioned it before: we’re unwilling to feed the frenzy that has been the suspicions of steroid use in baseball. But with the latest BALCO accusations now the leading story across baseball, it's about time I elaborated on my thoughts about steroids.
While I contend that regular and random tests should be instituted with severe penalties for steroid use, there isJonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09617306899427763094noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250476.post-1078386256930985722004-03-04T01:31:00.000-05:002004-03-04T02:56:40.903-05:00The Aberrant Middle Reliever
And you thought I'd be posting about steroids? Fat chance. They're all the ('roid) rage, but I'll lay off them for awhile. I want the smoke (read: subjectivity) to clear before I assert my thoughts. Plus, as is apt to happen whenever a big story hits the press, the authors of Talking Baseball tend to post their reactions when their "turn" comes. Since I expect Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11087131258541261541noreply@blogger.com