The Widening Geier

Upon Moving to Wordpress

2008-01-09T08:54:00.000-05:00

At the urging of friends, I have moved the blog to www.cleverlytitledblog.wordpress.com.

Check there for all future updates.

Thanks blogspot for 4 good years.

Upon "News ?"

2008-01-07T10:45:00.000-05:00

I set my television alarm this morning to wake me up at 7:30. After falling asleep while watching CSI Miami last night, I awoke to the CBS Early Show. With a serious expression on her face, the lead anchor began the first segment back from commercial thusly: "We now return to our breaking coverage of Britney Spears." This was followed by a split screen discussion with a "reporter" from Entertainment Tonight and The Insider, two programs which also run on CBS. The anchor began to tout the merits of CBS' exclusive coverage, all but crowing about their scoop that Dr. Phil McGraw had gone to visit Spears in the hospital.

Now I may not be the most ardent news viewer in the world, preferring SportsCenter to the 6:00 news. However, I can not believe that Britney Spears not only leads off some national news boradcasts, she has become the subject of round-the-clock breaking news coverage. I believe tha the celebrity obsessed news culture dates back to OJ Simpson's trial, and we have been descending the slippery slope ever since.

If you were to ask the average American what story stood out in their minds most from 2007, specifically as it relates to news coverage, I have a feeling that the majority of responses would involve a celebrity. Just thinking back on some of the media storms which were created last year, I can remember

Anna Nicole Smith- her son's death, her own death, the mystery surrounding her daughter's paternity

Paris Hilton- DUI and subsequent 35 second jail stay

Lindsey Lohan- rehab galore

Amy Whinehouse- rehab was missing

Britney Spears- shaves her head, loses her kids to the equally hopeless Kevin Federline, goes to rehab thrice, and her most recent meltdown

Michael Vick- dogfighting scandal

Now there was a lot written about all of these stories, and to use the alien corrolary (visitor to this planet comes down and uses our news media to get a sense of what our country is all about) we would seem to be an oblivious nation, blind to the fact that our currency is devalued, our most utilized resource is wildly overpriced, we are still entrenched in two armed conflicts...etc.
(though I must admit I hate when people drop the "There's a war going on" line when they want to devalue something they are against or don't agree with)

Early Mitchell Report Suspects

2007-12-13T14:02:00.001-05:00

From an inside source

Brady Anderson, Manny Alexander, Rick Ankiel, Jeff Bagwell, Barry Bonds, Aaron Boone, Rafaeil Bettancourt, Bret Boone, Milton Bradley, David Bell, Dante Bichette, Albert Belle, Paul Byrd, Wil Cordero, Ken Caminiti, Mike Cameron, Ramon Castro, Jose and Ozzie Canseco, Roger Clemens, Paxton Crawford, Wilson Delgado, Lenny Dykstra, Johnny Damon, Carl Everett, Kyle Farnsoworth, Ryan Franklin, Troy Glaus, Rich Garces, Jason Grimsley, Troy Glaus, Juan Gonzalez, Eric Gagne, Nomar Garciaparra, Jason Giambi, Jeremy Giambi, Jose Guillen, Jay Gibbons, Juan Gonzalez, Clay Hensley, Jerry Hairston, Felix Heredia, Jr., Darren Holmes, Wally Joyner, Darryl Kile, Matt Lawton, Raul Mondesi, Mark McGwire, Guillermo Mota, Robert Machado, Damian Moss, Abraham Nunez, Trot Nixon, Jose Offerman, Andy Pettitte, Mark Prior, Neifi Perez, Rafael Palmiero, Albert Pujols, Brian Roberts, Juan Rincon, John Rocker, Pudge Rodriguez, Sammy Sosa, Scott Schoenweiis, David Segui, Alex Sanchez, Gary Sheffield, Miguel Tejada, Julian Tavarez,Fernando Tatis, Maurice Vaughn, IJason Varitek, Ismael Valdez, Matt Williams and Kerry Wood

Upon Jimmy Rollins, MVP?

2007-11-20T14:42:00.001-05:00

After several weeks of debate on the MVP candidacy of David Wright vs Matt Holliday, the NL MVP was announced today. The winner...... Jimmy Rollins. I know playoffs are not taken into account in the regular season awards (which is why Josh Beckett and Troy Tulowitzki didn't win at CY Young and NL ROY). However, I STILL think that Matt Holliday was clearly the most valuable player in the National League, which was borne out as they rode to the World Series, ans crushed Rollins' Phillies in the process. So why was Rollins the MVP? Lets go to the stats( both real and made up):

Who had more, and by how much-

Runs: +19 Rollins
Hits: +4 Holliday
Doubles: +12 Holliday
3b: +14 Rollins
HR: + 6 Holliday
BB: +14 Holliday
SB: +30 Rollins
Total Bases: +6 Holliday
Wins Shares: +2 Holliday

Pretty close race so far, right? rollins has the edge in the speed categories, and Holliday in hitting. With total bases and win shares favoring Holliday, I'd probably vote for him by a nose strictly on these numbers. But what about the production numbers you ask? Let's continue....

RBI: +43 Holliday
Avg: +.44 points Holliday
SLG%: + .76 Holliday
OPS: +.136 Holliday

Well, that seems to be a pretty decided advantage statistically, wouldn't you say? Even if you factor in Rollins lead in runs scored, Holliday still accounted for 24 more runs than Rollins.
Also, Rollins recorded 80 more at-bats than Holliday.

Much has been made of the home and away splits for Holliday. He was by all statistical accounts a better offensive player at home than on the road. However, his extrapolated road numbers would still have constituted a good season. In fact, lets look at some simple numbers for Rollins vs Holliday if their home park numbers were removed and they played an entire season with their road numbers

Holliday- .301 23 HR 117 RBI 198 Runs
Rollins- .293 24 HR 94 RBI 140 Runs

Thats a runaway for Holliday. 58 more runs!!! 23 more RBI!! Where's your Coors effect now?

You want more splits, let's look at the playoff run (September and October):

Holliday- 30 runs, 12 HR, 32 RBI
Rollins- 22 Runs, 6 HR, 18 RBI

So who helped their team more down the stretch, when every game counted?

So Jimmy Rollins is the NL MVP. That Gold Glove must count for a hell of a lot.

Upon some more Joe Torre perspective

2007-11-02T11:50:00.001-04:00

As Joe Torre inherits the job of manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, one wonders how his team can hope to fare in the upcoming years. Torre had great success in his first year as manager with the Yankees, and won the World Series.

Courtesy of ESPN:
"Opening Day lineup (in 1996) at Cleveland featured Wade Boggs, Mariano Duncan , Paul O'Neill, Ruben Sierra, Tino Martinez, Bernie Williams, Gerald Williams, Jeter and the man who just replaced him in New York, Joe Girardi"

In addition, his starting pitchers included:
David Cone
Jimmy Key
Andy Pettitte
Kenny Rodgers
Doc Gooden

In the Pen:
John Wetteland
Jeff Nelson
Mariano Rivera
Bob Wickman

The team acquired supertars and legends each year thereafter, but the common thread in the championship years was outstanding pitching.

Upon Do it Again

2007-10-29T11:46:00.000-04:00

The Boston Red Sox just won the World Series.

They swept aside a Colorado Rockies team that had an incredible run through the playoffs, winning 4 straight. For the most part, the outcomes of these games were never in much doubt.

You have to tip your hat to a team that won the most games in the regular season, came back from a 3-1 series deficit in the second round, and smashed their opponent in the Series.

This marks the second title in the past 4 years for the Red Sox, which is a very impressive feat. The only thing I can say to rightfully cocky Boston fans is: Do it again.

You have now won 2 world series in baseball's modern era... do it again.

You dominated your opponent in the series... do it again.

You won the AL pennant in inspiring fashion... do it again.

You won the AL East over the Yankees... do it again.

You won the most games in the majors... do it again.

Do all these things, again and again and again. Make the playoffs every single year. Win your division every year. Walk into every stadium you play in for a decade and have your opponent get up as much as they can to play you. Boston is on its way, but remember that Florida has won two titles in the modern era as well. Your championship should be enjoyed, and you now have the keys to the AL East. We will forget that you finished third in 2006, and say that the balance of power has shifted. The Yankees are without a manager and their superstar 3b appears on his way out the door. They are a team in flux, and you are riding high.

The only thing you have to do, is do it again. And again. For years, and decades. Do it 20 more times, and come close every year you don't. Then you can start comparing yourselves to the Yankees.

Upon Opinions on Torre

2007-10-22T10:54:00.000-04:00

When word emerged that Joe Torre would not be returning as the manager of the New York Yankees, the resulting furor had every Tom, Dick, and Sally offering their opinions on the unsuccessful contract negotiations.

The story began when reporter Ian O'Connor obtained a quote from Yankee owner George Steinbrenner, where the Boss said: "His job is on the line," the Yankees' owner said in a phone interview. "I think we're paying him a lot of money. He's the highest-paid manager in baseball, so I don't think we'd take him back if we don't win this series." Both fans and reporters wondered if this was a motivational technique, or signs of Steinbrenner returning to his "what have you done for me lately"/Billy Martin ways.

When the Yankees lost to the Indians 3-1 in the ALDS, speculation regarding Torre's future continued. It ended late last week, when both Torre and the Yankees announced that he had turned down their contract offer, and would not be returning to the team. While the proposed contract would still have had Torre as by far baseball's highest paid manager, it included performance incentives which would have paid him approximately $1 million per playoff round reached. The contract would also have automatically renewed for the 2009 season if the Yankees had reached the World Series.

During a news conference held on Friday Torre was, for the most part, gracious in his exit. However, he did reveal that he felt insulted by the lower base salary, with the inclusion of performance incentives as what he said the Yankees termed "motivation".

So, where do I stand on the subject? For now, I only have bulleted thoughts.

I have been a fan of the Yankees since 1991-1992, and remember Buck Showalter and the esteemed Stump Merril as managers.
I was a big fan of Torre during his tenure, and thought he did a great job as manager of the team most years.
I think that Torre was a fantastic regular season manager (as shown by his record with the Yankees). He knows how to guide a team, first of champions and later of superstars, to optimal regular season performance. He always got his team to the playoffs, and almost always won the AL East.
I think that Torre was faced with a unique job among all other managers in baseball. He won a title in his first year as skipper, and 4 in his first 5. Expectations were that this would continue, and the payroll for the team and pressure adjusted accordingly. The New York media is relentless, and Torre never had any scrapes.
Persevering through his own poor health, and that of his family was admirable.
Torre never became a good bullpen manager. Ramiro Mendoza, Jeff Nelson, and Mike Stanton were luxuries which he got used to, and never adequately replaced. A more than solid long man, and a lefty-righty combo who threw hard from unique angles often served games to the untouchable Mariano on a platter.
Tanyon Sturtze, Tom Gordon, Paul Quantrill, Scott Proctor...etc. All these guys have had their arms nearly fall off due to the constant use that Torre put them to. HOWEVER (italics for emphasis)- Joe Torre had to win his division each year, and make the playoffs. He could not afford not to do so. Therefore, he used his best guys to win games in September vs Boston, but in my opinion, he also felt compelled to use them in 5-4 games at Tampa or Seattle in May. Being a Yankee during the must-win times we live in now meant that the relievers who performed best were used, because losing a game b/c Torre ran one of the average guys out there was not an option.
While he has received an increasingly potent lineup, Torre's pitchers never matched the level that he had with Cone, Pettite, Wells, Clemens the younger, Jimmy Key, El Duque the somewhat younger...etc. the recent Yankee bomb squads can ravage a 3-4-5 starter, and get an ace in trouble. In the playoffs, you get as many aces as a team has, and your own pitchers have to match that.
The 4 titles the Yankees won were littered with heroic moments. You need these breaks to win it all. However, Torre often showed signs of being outmanaged tactically. The Yankee lineups of recent years may have lulled him into some managerial complacency, which can't happen in the playoffs.

I've got more thoughts rattling, but I'd like to hear what other people think too. Anyone? Bueller?

Upon Expansion and Bad Sports Cities

2007-10-18T11:19:00.000-04:00

Rather than letting this develop in the comments, I think the topic deserves its own post.

In my last post, I criticized Arizona D-backs fans for not filling their stadium during the NLCS. I said that Phoenix is not a good sports town. . In the comments of the post, one of my readers took exception to this assertion. It grew into a discussion of expansion teams and contractionThe most recent comment is copied below :

"These expansion teams exist b/c the greedy, short-sighted pigs who own mlb teams can charge huge expansion fees to some rich guy looking for a new toy or status symbol and then divide the expansion fee equally among themselves without any regard for the impact on the sport or the league-wide diminution in the quality of play caused by expansion. Then the guy who bought the team has to operate on a tight budget b/c he is already out the franchise fee and the team has no existing fanbase and finds it difficult to get a following due to the restraints on the budget caused in part by the huge expansion fee. I agree that there should be fewer teams, but the bigger problem in baseball is the lack of revenue sharing which creates the large divide between the big and small market teams. What did both Arizona and Florida do immediately after winning the world series? Dump salary and rebuild because they lost big $ in the years they won by paying salaries they could not afford. KC is not a good example of a team where there should be no franchise. KC was a great baseball town and an incredible franchise until it could no longer keep up with the changing finances of the league. KC is an example of a team hurt by the lack of revenue sharing. The fan support would be there if the team had the ability to compete, which it can't because of the lack of revenue sharing and/or salary cap. Go look up their wins and losses and attendance figures in the 70's and 80's before the big market teams really pulled away from the small market teams when they began to rake in the big bucks in the 90's with their cable tv contracts (and now their own networks). I'm pretty sure that the figures will back me up here. But I digress.

This started with my taking exception with your calling Phoenix a bad sports town b/c it couldn't sell out games. My point is that if you're gonna expand into these markets (and I agree that there has been too much expansion), it will take time for the teams to get a large and loyal following and that it's not fair to look down at the people who live in these towns until the team is strongly established there. How do you think the Yankees' attendance was when they were playing in the Giants' shadows during the first 20 years of existence? Should they have been eliminated b/c they were a loser franchise which drew virtually no fans at the Polo Grounds? These things take time.

I read several years ago that an independent study done for baseball in the 90's as to what city could best support an expansion frachise based on population and wealth in the region concluded that New York could take a third team before any of the cities without a team could take a first team. Living in a wealthy region with 18 million people does not make us better sports fans."

I want to address a few of the points raised in this comment.

First, there is revenue sharing in baseball. The Yankees pay other teams almost $80 million each year. Add this to the luxury tax the team pays and it amounts to over $100 million. This is not a small figure by any stretch.
In 2006, MLB transferred a total of $323 million in revenue sharing. Again, this is a huge amount of money.
As for the Kansas City Royals: 1) their owner is the CEO of Wal-Mart. I hear that company earns a little bit of money 2) despite receiving the largest revenue sharing payments in 2004 and 2005,the Kansas City Royals reduced their payroll by 23%. other teams do the same, pocketing money which should be used to improve the team, or dumping it in to Gil Meche 3) the Royals have been out of it since approximately 1993 with the Cone dump, but really havent made an impact since 86-87. Scheurholtz killed them when he left.
I can't see how a comparison of the Yankees in the 1910's and the glut of baseball teams now really applies. There is no other team in Phoenix to draw baseball fans with no previous allegiance away. New Mexico, Utah and Nevada have no team. Why can't they draw to Arizona? Hell, where are the 2001 bandwagon fans?
Living in the NY metro-area does not make us better sports fans. However, I don't know if you ever see the NBA Suns games, or the NHL Coyotes games, or the Arizona Cardinal games. The Phoenix crowds are pretty poor almost across the board. Again, if you can't find 40,000 people in your major American city to go to a baseball game with the World Series on the line, you are a bad sports town.

Upon Further Playoff Thoughts

2007-10-15T12:15:00.000-04:00

As The Colorado Rockies push on toward a sweep of the Arizona Diamondbacks, ESPN's Jayson Stark has some interesting facts on the place their recent run of wins has in baseball history.

The Rocks are on a big-time roll right now, which would be getting even more press if anyone cared about Colorado vs Arizona. The fault doesn't lie with the two teams left in the NL, but with the Mets, Phillies and Cubs for failing to give their fans a team to cheer for.

The Colorado fans (who set an all-time single season attendance record which even the Yankees have not been able to best) are into the series big-time. Judging by this series, as well as Bronco, Avalance, and Nugget games, Denver is a pretty good sports town. Too bad Arizona clearly is not. Empty playoff seats are for WNBA games, not the NLCS.

I know I am biased, but I guarantee that plenty of the fans who aren't watching Cleveland v Boston would be watching NYY v Boston. Too bad the Yanks couldn't oblige.

Upon Number 200

2007-10-15T12:07:00.000-04:00

Seems like this will be my 200th post as a blogger, not counting back and forth comments which often become longer than the original post. So if you are a reader of mine, thanks for sticking with me and reading these 200 posts. I hope it was worth it.

Upon Reasons for the Loss

2007-10-09T10:47:00.000-04:00

Joe Torre tightens up, and won't make his guys move with hit and runs and straight steals. A team waiting for a HR may get a solo job (ala Abreu and A-rod's efforts) but the 3-run/game-tying shot just never happened.

The starting pitching was the Achilles that everyone seemed to think it was. Wang over-threw in Game 2, and a strong Cleveland lineup got the best of him Game 1. Clemens is an old man whose body couldn't take it this year (possibly b/c of no HGH). Andy Pettite could not clone himself, and didn't get the Game 1 start he should have.

The bases loaded with 1 out never turned into the big inning it should have on the numerous occasions it happened.

The Game was not held up to allow the plague visited on Cleveland to abate.

Cleveland is a good team.

Jeter was surprisingly stagnant, and killed some rallies. A-rod was unsurprisingly stagnant, and didn't pick us up as he did all year.

I have more concrete thoughts, but it sucks to go home early again.

Upon The Start of the Playoffs

2007-10-04T09:25:00.000-04:00

The Colorado Rockies stayed hot yesterday in taking Game 1 in Philadelphia. It must feel comforting for the Rocks to play in another hitters ballpark, but yesterday's game was about the pitching. Jeff Francis and Cole Hammels both gave their team "Game 1 Starter" starts. Money stays on the Rockies until they start to cool. Big HR from MVP Matt Holliday to put the game to bed.

Josh Beckett has officially begun to earn his money in Boston. In a slightly painful flashback, Beckett shutout the Angels last night, and made them look like a pretty average club in the process. LAAoA have never been a thunder team by any stretch, and with Garrett Anderson battling pink-eye, Vlad gimping around, and Gary Math"juice" Jr. out for the series, Beckett was all over them. Ortiz did his Ortiz thing, and the Sox are off to a good start. Better start than usual for Lackey at Fenway, but his boys didn't have much of a chance with Josh dealing like he was.

In Arizona, Sweet Lou over-planned for the NLDS, opting to lift ace Carlos Zambrano after 6 strong innings, only 85 pitches, and in a 1-1 tie. When the pitcher brough in to replace Los promptly surrendered a HR to a rookie, saving Zambrano's arm for game 4(the apparent motivation for Lou's yanking him) is now a huge issue. Zambrano will need to be fresh, as his next start now figures to be a must-win. Brandon Webb looked goodas did the D-backs bullpen, but this was a pitchers duel that wasn't allowed to play out. Is Pinella simply not a playoff manager?

In my realm of primary focus, The Yankees behind Chien Ming Wang do battle with The Cleveland Indians and CC Sabbathia. This game will be a good indicator for the series (as Game 1's usually are) because CC is the Tribe's biggest gun, and if he excells, it could get the ball rolling for his club. However, if the Yankee bats keep up their barrage, and Wang is dealing, a big mountain of pressure goes onto the largely untested Fausto Carmona, as he would need to prevent the Yankees from going home up 2-0.

Baseball playoffs are just a good time. Early October has an energy that only March Madness can hope to match.

Upon a Note of Condolence

2007-09-30T22:28:00.000-04:00

Among New York baseball fans there has long been a rivalry between those who support the Yankees and those who back the Mets. It reached the height of acrimony in the year 2000 when the teams squared off in the World Series (or "Subway Series" as it came to be known). The Yankees came out on top that year, capping a dominant stretch that saw them win 4 Championships in 5 years. Depending on who you ask, the rivalry is either fierce or playful. The teams play in different divisions, and are limited to a handful of games against each other during inter-league play, which barely affect the records of either team. The real competition usually centers around which team graces the back page of the newspaper and whose fans have the upper hand in barroom and website arguments.

Last year, the Mets went a long way toward dispelling the big-brother/little-brother complex which had plagued them of late as they competed with the rich and powerful boys from the Bronx. While the Yankees went home in the first round while the Mets came within a game of the World Series. During this season, the Mets came on like gangbusters (who apparently come on pretty strongly) and lead their division almost from the beginning. At the same time, the Yankees were in the tank, and many Mets fans let us hear all about it. Flash-forward to approximately two weeks ago. On September 12th, the Mets had a 7 game lead over their nearest competitor, the Philadelphia Phillies. Plans were being made for which pitchers would be the best for what game of the playoffs, and how to best be prepared. Soon after began what seemed like an inexorable tailspin, which culminated today. I will spare you the gory details, as I am sure they will be spilled across whatever website you go to for sports news. Suffice it to say that the Mets will be accused of one of the larger gag jobs in recent memory.

As a fan of baseball, and a New Yorker, I have got to feel for the Mets and their fans. There is no schadenfreude in seeing them drop not only out of their division championship, but out of the playoffs altogether. The Mets losses were extremely painful to watch when I did tune in, replete with blown leads, sweeps by lowly opponents, and today's "over before it even began" loss in a must win game.

To whatever Mets fans might see this blog, and in particular to one fan who I know does, I feel for you guys. No trash talk today. This was a team that should have been in the playoffs, and it sucks that they won't be there. Were the roles reversed, I can only imagine how I would feel. I just hope my boys can go win one for NY.

Upon the NL MVP- Part Three

2007-09-25T15:42:00.000-04:00

In regard to the David Wright vs Matt Holliday arguement, I think that the offensive number comparison bears repeating. I know offense does not determine the MVP, but again, if a tie has to be broken....

Batting Average: Matt Holliday- 2nd NL David Wright- 7th NL

Home Runs: MH- 4th DR-13th

RBI: MH-1st DR- 9th

Runs: MH- 4th DR- 6th

2B- MH- 1st DR- tie-10th

OBP- MH-8th DR- 4th

SLG- MH-2 DR- 11th

Hits- MH- 1st DR- 6th

Thats not even close. All the offensive numbers favor Holliday. Plus. Wright's team is in the crapper, and Holliday's is surging. Sure Holliday got hurt recently, but he's still got league leading numbers. And he's and average of 7 places better than Wright in terms of NL rankings, and top 5 in everything but OBP. Wright isn't top 5 in anything. There are at least 5 players better than Wright in every offensive category. I can't say thats an MVP. You couldn't say it about Jeter last year, you can't say it about A-rod this year. If the Rockies make it, Holliday should win the award.

How about fielding you say?

David Wright ranks 9th in fielding % among NL 3b. Only 2 3b have made more errors, and only by 2. (23 to 21). He ranks 8th in zone rating among NL 3b. His Range factor is squarely in the middle. Are these MVP defensive numbers that make-up for an offensive game that overall is not top 5?

Holliday has the #1 Zone rating at his position. I know that third and LF are not comprable, but #1 is #1.

So, sell me on Wright's candidacy again?

Upon the 2007 MVP- Part 2

2007-09-11T16:07:00.000-04:00

OK, so my commenter thinks that David Wright is the NL MVP thus far. I think that the case is strong, but I have to wonder: Why does Matt Holliday get disregarded? Nearly every statistic that can be measured based on performance favors him over Wright. Wright has more steals, but the same number of runs scored, so the stat becomes moot. If you are not crossing the plate more, or driving guys in more, steals don't do much for your value over another player.

Win shares, VORP...etc, are made- up stats. If you use them to "break the tie" between equal players, it makes sense as another level of comparison. However, there is no tie in terms of performance:

Batting Average:
Holliday- 2nd in NL (.334)
Wright- 9th in NL (.316)

RBI:Holliday- 2nd in NL (113)
Wright-9th in NL (95)

OBP:Wright- 6th in NL (.411)
Holliday- 9th in NL (.394)

OPS:Holliday- 6th in NL (.970)
Wright- 8th in NL (.954)

HR:Wright (28)Holliday (27)
Runs:Wright (98)Holliday (97)

Slugging:Holliday- 3rd in NL- (.576)
Wright- 11th in NL- (.544)

Even if you want to throw steals in, Holliday bats 30 points better with 20 more RBI and the same number of runs scored and HR. If you like made up stats, Holliday's season vs his Marcels batting is superior. (didn't think I followed fake stats?)

Upon the MVP- 2007 Version- Part 1

2007-09-10T15:03:00.001-04:00

AVG .315 HR 27 RBI 93 OBP .410 SLG .539 HITS 165 RUNS 97

AVG .336 HR 19 RBI 84 OBP .421 SLG .549 HITS 152 RUNS 78

AVG .292 HR 23 RBI 91 OBP .365 SLG .492 HITS 143 RUNS 92

AVG .288 HR 43 RBI 104 OBP .387 SLG .613 HITS 147 RUNS 95

AVG .318 HR 52 RBI 140 OBP .424 SLG .672 HITS 165 RUNS 132

AVG .331 HR 26 RBI 111 OBP .391 SLG .568 Hits 186 Runs 96

So if I were to tell you that the above numbers were from 6 potential candidates for league MVP, whose numbers look the best? One person is fairly obvious, but deserves to be there as a reflection of what MVP numbers should look like. However, what about the rest? The best average is the second guy. The second most HR are in the middle. RBI belong to the bottom guy. OBP is the second guy again. Slugging is in the middle as well. Hits are the bottom guy, and runs are the first guy.

So who would be your MVP with these offensive numbers? Be honest.
Now, venture a guess as to who each player is. I have more on the topic after some comments.

Upon something for the Jamesians

2007-08-20T15:20:00.000-04:00

Would it suprise you to learn that the Mets are statistically inferior to the Yankees in just about every relevant fielding category? Looks like the pinstripers are succeeding in spite of their "anchor" of a shortstop.

Upon Some More things to Stop

2007-08-16T11:07:00.000-04:00

This post has no real significance other than to vent:

STOP- calling rapper 50 Cent Fiddy or Fitty. You look horribly out of touch when you write that or pronounce his moniker like that. No one calls him "Fiddy" except white people who think they are making an in-touch reference. You are embarassing yourselves STOP

STOP- wearing your bluetooth all day. First it was pagers, then car phones, then talking on cell phones in public spaces (restaurants, offices). Now everyone thinks they should keep their bluetooth headset in all day long. It is bad enough with business people, but at least some jobs call for constant phone contact. The rest of the people, and we all know who they are, just look ridiculous. STOP

STOP- coming out with one-hour dramas about doctors, lawyers, or cops. Seriously, are those the only three professions that make for good television shows? Politicians should probably go in this rant too. I know many doctors, lawyers and cops, and their lives are usually not glamourous or worth making 6 series on 3 networks. (no offense to any of the foregoing who I might know). I know that the underlying life and death and criminal justice angles appeal to many people, but what hasn't been covered in these genres? Is it easier to just stick with what works?

Upon the Boston Celtics Off-Season

2007-08-16T10:13:00.000-04:00

Many Boston Celtics fans were hoping that the 2007 NBA Draft would net them one of the next generation superstar players, Kevin Durant or Greg Oden. When the ping-pong balls bounced the way of the Portland Trailblazers and Seattle Supersonics, ownership and management apparently decided to forget about the future and focus on the present.

The plans began in earnest, with a draft day deal which sent the Celtics #5 draft pick to Seattle along with Delonte West and Wally Szczerbiak, in exchange for Ray Allen. Allen has been a premier scorer in the league, and his deft shooting touch was expected to complement Paul Pierce's scoring. He was also coming off a year where he scored 26 plus points per game, and shot free throws at approximately 90%. However, he is also 32 years old, and had both of his ankles surgically repaired. On the surface, the move appeared to be more of a updated Pierce/Antoine Walker tandem. Celts fans began to talk themselves into Pierce, Allen, and Al Jefferson as a possible playoff trio.

A few weeks later, the Celtics front office was able to pull off the second piece of their plan. After months of speculation, and a potential deal which fell apart the the early stages, Boston was able to swing a trade for Kevin Garnett. Boston gave up a large chunk of their roster: Al Jefferson, Gerald Green, Ryan Gomes, guard Sebastian Telfair and center Theo Ratliff (which is essentially an expiring contract), two first-round draft picks and cash. In return, they received one of the premier players of our generation. KG is a statistical monster, who has toiled in Minnesota as the lone superstar on a team often loaded with also-rans. Now he was headed to a team with a proud championship history and joining two players in Pierce and Allen who were also tired of individual numbers and hungry for an elusive ring.

From a talent stand point, the Celtics now have a trio that is unmatched in the Eastern Conference, and compares favorably to anything the West has to offer. What they then needed to do was to fill out their roster, as the Allen and Garnett trades had stripped the team of mostly every other serviceable player on the team. Holdover Kendrick Perkins, and new additions Scot Pollard, and the infamous Michael Olowokandi will be the options at center. Eddie House will compete with second year player Rajon Rondo for the starting PG duties. The Big Three figure to log big minutes.

So with all the changes made to a team that was unwatchable and in full tank mode last year, where do the Celtics stand? With three superstars who are also prolific scorers, Ray Allen will not average 26 ppg, and Paul Pierce will not average 25 ppg. Each will see shots which formerly went exclusively to them now going to the other. KG is a 7 foot monster in the East, and should not lose more than a point or two. The unproved point guards will have to show the ability to get everyone their shots and run a team with such skilled players. It remains to be seen if these moves will result in playoff success.

I do believe that the Celtics should make the playoffs next year. But in what spot? Cleveland is still a strong squad, even if they should not have been in the Finals. The Bulls are LOADED, and run 12 deep with skilled players. Detroit may have one more go-round in them, and bolstered all their key starters with youth and athleticism on the bench. New Jersey resigned Vince, and with Carter, Kidd, Jefferson and Kristic have a strong core. Miami has Shaq, D-Wade, and whats left of Penny. Orlando signed Rashard Lewis to a team which made the playoffs last year on the back on Dwight Howard. The Knicks added Zack Randolph to a team which is getting better and better. Toronto is flying under the radar with a very good team that is a tough matchup. So who is not invited to the party?

If everyone stays healthy, the Celtics are a 6-seed in my opinion. LeBron proved the East is wide-open, so anything can happen in the playoffs. I think that without strong or proven options in the middle and especially at the point, there are still too many holes for the Celtics to achieve more than a big win-loss swing, and a playoff birth with a possible first round win. Necessary improvements were made for sure, and I think they will be a fun team to watch.

Upon Random Musings

2007-08-15T09:28:00.000-04:00

Last night's Baltimore game was one of those things that was bound to happen in the midst of a good run, usually by a team otherwise whistling in the wind. With 5 healthy starters, I am wondering why Jeff Karstens is getting starts in a pennant push.
While watching the PGA Championship on Sunday, I wondered: Could I have seen the greatest golfer, basketball, hockey and baseball players of all time play during my sports viewing youth?
On the golfing note, I always enjoy watching the best around dominate in the big spots, like Tiger did on Sunday. Its a cool viewing experience to sit back and say "There is no way anyone is beating this guy today", and to watch that player/team exhibit the same attitude. The Yankees had it, as did Mariano. Jordan had it. Adam Vinateri has it. The unstoppable athlete is something to behold. The time always arrives when the competition catches up, or the star comes back to the pack because of age or injury. However (without too much hyperbole) while they are at their peak it is truly special to witness. When Tiger was coming down the back 9, I was looking for the "no way I'm losing this tournament" moment. Ernie Els was closing in with inspired shot-making, and Woody Austin kept hanging around and drew within one stroke after a Tiger 3-putt for bogey. However, on the last par 5 of the course, Woods pulled out the big driver. When he gets erratic with his drives, and misses fairways, the field has a better chance. Not this time. Tiger rears back and blasts it 340 yards, right down the middle. And you knew thats where it would be. There is always a moment with live golf between the player's swing camera, and the tracking camera that follows the filght of the ball. You usually get a reaction shot from the player to give you and indication of how they liked the shot. With Tiger, when he really likes a shot, he will hold the club up at the top of his follow-through, and then twirl the club down with a flourish. I have noticed this since about 2004, and its almost always an indication of an awesome shot. Not just good, awesome. Tiger looks mad on shots to within 12 feet. He has a grouchy face on 270 yard iron shots. On Sunday, he held the club up just a little bit longer, and spun it down like a swordsman sheathing his weapon with just enough flourish to blur the cocky/confident line. You knew that the other two guys had no shot after that. (which was almost a foregone conclusion anyway, given his 12-0 major record when holding a lead going into the final round- which became 13-0)

Upon the Yankees- 8/7

2007-08-08T12:10:00.000-04:00

Some thoughts re: the Yankees this week-

The Joba Chamberlain era began last night. For those who don't know, Chamberlain is a 21 year old prospect whom the Yankees are very high on. They have zealously guarded him in the minors, refused to discuss him in trade rumors, and have coaxed him along in much the same way as Phil Hughes. Last night he got the 8th and 9th innings, and looked impressive. He has a good looking slider, and a upper 90s heater. There is no room in the rotation right now, and it was only 2 innings, but the first impression was positive.
The Yankees are continuing to show that their farm system is capable of producing impact players. Cano and Cabrera are among the Yankees hotter hitters, and Wang might be the staff ace. This year, Hughes, Chamberlain and Shelley Duncan are high-profile names contributing in their brief appearances, Andy Phillips plays first on a regular basis, and Jeff Karstens, Sean Henn and others are pushing for bullpen spots. The fact that the Yankees are keeping their kids, and letting them play next to the $15-20 million dollar players is encouraging.
Roger Clemens is not going to stop being old-school. Retaliation is never going to be a Yankee trademark, but Rocket is going to protect his superstars, and Alex Rios got one right between the numbers to prove it. A-Rod may have asked for something to happen with the "Ha" play, but 2 days in a row several weeks after the fact is pushing it. I like brawls for team chemistry, even if one didn't materialize.
Jason Giambi is back with the team. He will get ABs at DH, and should, but Torre needs to be cognizant of youth, chemistry and enthuiasm. Forcing Sheff back in last year was a mistake, and removing Shelley Duncan's bat or Phillip's glove should be done carefully.
Looking at the schedule going forward, there is a stretch beginning 8/16 that is 4 home to Detroit, 3 at LAA, 4 at Detroit, 3 home to Red Sox. This will probably determine the playoffs for the Yankees, especially given the Sox schedule during the same time: 4 home LAA, 3 at Tampa, 4 at Chi Sox, 3 at Yankees.

Upon Stats Arguement

2007-08-07T00:11:00.000-04:00

I am still working out my full answer, but while I do...does Zone rating factor in only ground balls? Does range factor incorporate a subjective analysis by an observer as to the type of hit? Should the Bill James panel carry equal weight to a survey of the coaches and managers who watch each play with more on the line than legitimizing a theory created to sell books? Can you tell me any shortstop's range factor or zone rating without looking it up?

More to come

Upon the Simpsons Movie

2007-07-27T13:22:00.000-04:00

- The Simpson's Movie opens today. I am going to see it with my buddy Kevin. We've watched countless episodes together, including every episode from the first 14 or so seasons at least once. This movie has long been rumored to be in the offing, and serves as an interesting landmark for fans like me who have been with this series since the early 90's. I am hopeful that they will do the series justice, but also a bit nervous. With so many season of the show, there have been decided shifts in the focus and humor of the show. Bart-centric stretches where he became Dennis the Menace for the 90's generation, Homer centric seasons with dumb Homer, outrageous Homer, over-the-top Homer and cliche Homer. Plot driven episodes and gag-to-gag episodes. Side characters got story lines that the Simpsons merely aided as asides. I have always loved the show, but some of the choices haven't been my favorite. I hope the writers have done a good job, and that the right writers were selected(for my tastes). It will be hard for me to ever laugh harder than I did at the South Park movie, where I was practically on the floor. One of the best parts about the Simpson's, as opposed to Family Guy or South Park, is the jokes that grow on you during re-watchings. I have a feeling that this movie will be similar, and could stand the test of time well.

I will try to log back in to give my thoughts later.

UPDATE

Well, we went to see the movie in probably the worst choice of venue I've made in a while. Green Acres Mall in the huge ampitheater was a problem from the beginning. Actually getting into the theater itself was difficult enough, as we had to duck through a hole in a fence which had seemingly been erected around the entire facility. After a quick run through the metal detector, we sat with an audience who were clearly there to catch the movie on the day it opened, seemingly based on the fact that the Simpsons has been famous and popular for a long-time.

Having our aforementioned long-time affinity for the show, my buddy and I would often be the only two people laughing at a nuanced joke, or a classic throwback gag. Other times, the theater would erupt at some of the pushing-the-envelope moments, which were more sensational than humorous in my opinion. The plot itself was a decent vehicle for finally getting the Simpsons into a theater, but I did find myself mentally cataloging episodes I felt would have been better if they were expanded to fill the same time that the movie ran. (Who Shot Mr. Burns, Stonecutters). No singing was another disappointment.

I will gladly revisit the movie again, and it will probably grow on me as episodes of the show tend to do. However, I think that on of the prevailing opinions on why a movie never would/should get made held true. The Simpsons is such a long-running, layered and textured show, which means many different things to its audience, that a movie couldn't hope to caputure or do justice to all of it.

(Also, never go to see any movies at Green Acres....trust me.)

Upon Checking in with my Yankees

2007-07-20T10:01:00.000-04:00

So at the 7/20/07 mark of this season, the Yankees are still lurking at 7 games behind the Boston Red Sox for first place in the AL East. In the past 10 years, viewing a 7 game deficit as a positive would have prompted incredulous looks, and questions regarding one's sanity, but such has this seen been. Two weeks ago, the Yankees were reeling at 12 games behind the Sox, and looking like a beaten club. Then, for the second time this year, a strong surge combined with a Boston slump allowed the Bombers to trim several games off a double digit lead. Much has been made of the ease of schedule for the Yankees to start the second half; with the majority of their games coming against less than intimidating opponents like Tampa Bay and Kansas City. However, many Yankee fans view this set-up as a balancing of the scales after some of the first-half trips that the team went on.

A home-and-home set with Texas and Seattle which meant 2 cross-country flights started some of the problems. Then it was a brutal stretch where the Yankees faced Detroit, Chicago, the Red Sox and the Mets in succession (though not necessarily in that order- my memory is a bit slow this AM). The Yankees took a tumble in the standings, and were only able to claw back close to .500 by running off a 9 game win-streak and winning something like 14 of 18. This momentum was short-lived however, as bad series losses to Colorado and San Francisco removed much of the gains. The rollercoaster ride continued, as the Yankees won their last 2 series before the All-Star game, and just had a 5-game win streak stopped yesterday in a day-game after night-game loss to Toronto after 3 good games.

So where do things stand with the team? Lets go by position:

First Base- Injuries to Giambi and Doug M (I am not going to venture spelling his name and I don't feel like looking it up) have opened a door at first, and Andy Phillips is trying to claim the job as his. he has been swinging good wood lately, and his work with the glove has been excellent, and in many cases run/game-saving. I like Phillips, who hadn't lived up to his promise during previous stints. I also like having a regular guy and solid fielder on the team, rather than a superstar at each position swinging for the fences. Reminds me of Scott Brosius.

Second Base- Robinson Cano is not showing the plate skills that found him third in the AL in batting last year. The aggression that makes him a good hitter can also be used by a pitcher to turn him into a bad hitter. .275 is a decent mark, and his play in the field is solid if not spectacular.

Short Stop- Just your average .332, 200 hit 100 run scored year for the Captain. 13 Errors are brutal, and mean no Gold Glove, but the yips have calmed down of-late. I would still love some more pop and run production, but thats just not Jeter. He scores runs, he doesn't drive them in.

Third Base- Productive?- Check
MVP-type season thus far?- Check
Clutch?- Several times over

We know how good A-rod can be. What we don't know- If he can do it in the playoffs? If the Yankees will make the playoffs to give him the chance? and if he will be here next year.

Left Field- A healthy Matsui is a good thing for the Yankees. he has quietly made himself into the Yankees second-best power option, and a key run producer in the middle of the lineup. Hideki is underrated in my opinion.

Center Field- Johnny Damon has been hurt, and has struggled a lot. This year is the dropoff that many had predicted, and there are rumblings that Damon's heart is not in the game anymore. However, Melky Cabrera is getting to play, and his defense is a 1000% improvement because he combines Damon's former speed and disregard for safety with a MUCH better arm. A 12-game hit streak is showing that Melky's bat is improving with more and more playing time.

Right Field- Statistically, as Bobby Abreu goes, so go the Yankees. He has had a good July, and when he plays well the Yankees seem to win. He is another Yankee who had a dismal start, where some writers and scouts even calling his career over. A 20-25 RBI July may change some minds.

Catcher- Jorge is having a stellar contract year, and once again is placing his name as the elite among catchers in all of baseball. Sorry Varitek, he's in a different class.

Starters- Some stability? Finally? Wang is a stud. Pettite gives you a good outing each time. Clemens has pitched much better than his record (just as he did in Houston). Mussina is a prima donna, but he is also a solid professional pitcher. Igawa does not seem to get American pitching yet. The youth parade continues with Matt DeSalvo getting a start this weekend. And down in the minors, lurking, is Phillip Hughes. The top 4 names, when healthy, give baseball fans exactly what you would expect. If Hughes becomes a #5, and matches his potential, the odds of a playoff run increase.

Bullpen- Gulp. Farnsworth-ugh. Proctor- meh. Vizciano- ok, keep it up. Bruney- not bad. Mariano- is still Mariano. As much the Achillies as anything.

I think the Yankees will get into the division race. A move or two before the deadline, nothing major. I will be there tomorrow. Lets go Yankees....

Upon "You know what I heard?"

2007-06-12T00:48:00.000-04:00

In an effort to keep posting up, I am going to introduce the features "You Know What I Heard?" and "You Know What I Think?" These bits of flawed grammar will link to things I read that I find interesting, as well as things that pop into my head but can't get a full column/article/post. Let's see how it goes...

You Know What I Heard?-

This article from ESPN gives a sign of hope for what I found to be a truly scary case for a kid who "seems" to have been done wrong by an archaic law. Let me know thoughts or aspects I may have missed.

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/columns/story?columnist=thompson_wright&id=2900878&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab2pos2

You Know What I Think?-

- I think the people who complain about the ending of the Soprano's didn't get the show in general. We were never getting a grand payoff, a startling denoumont. It's like when the people in my office talk about the playoffs when a NY team makes it. You didn't follow the season, so don't pass judgment on a team's last few games.

- I think that drinking on a Thursday night takes much longer to get out of your system at 25 than it did at 19-20.

- I think the Cavs might not win a game in the Finals, but they also might win 2. No middle ground.

- I think the NBA needs Durant and Oden to be great and compelling, and if conspiracies were allowed Oden should have gone to Cleveland. Lebron needs someone, anyone else. Its insane that they are the best the East could offer up.

- I think Chris Webber might never get a ring, and Michigan timeout will define his playing career forever. Sad.

- I think the Yankees may be on to something with Wang, Mussina, Clemens and Pettite.

- I think that we have not heard the last from Kei Igawa.

I think thats good for now. Anyone feeling the new ideas?