Outside the Box
Keeping track of Baseball-Reference.com and the stathead world / RSS/Atom FeedThursday, November 30
ESPN.com - Offensive questions remain for pitching-rich Yanks
Bob Klapisch is kind of growing on me. He is right on when he asks who is going to score for the Yankees. Paul O'Neill is pretty much done in my book. I would take a (small) bet that he is retired by the middle of 2002. Williams is a great player, but he is 31 and that is (in general) past a player's peak. Jeter will likely have a monster year (a good MVP bet). Posada will probably back off a bit, and who knows who they will use in RF.
If the Red Sox get Manny Ramirez (fat chance), they would be my favorite in the East. Of course, if the White Sox get A-Rod (and I like their chances) all bets are off and the White Sox win 103 games next year.
But what Mussina can't do is answer the question that promises to smother the Yankees, starting now: who'll drive in the runs?
Bob Klapisch is kind of growing on me. He is right on when he asks who is going to score for the Yankees. Paul O'Neill is pretty much done in my book. I would take a (small) bet that he is retired by the middle of 2002. Williams is a great player, but he is 31 and that is (in general) past a player's peak. Jeter will likely have a monster year (a good MVP bet). Posada will probably back off a bit, and who knows who they will use in RF.
If the Red Sox get Manny Ramirez (fat chance), they would be my favorite in the East. Of course, if the White Sox get A-Rod (and I like their chances) all bets are off and the White Sox win 103 games next year.
Baseball-Reference.com front page
If you look in the upper right hand corner of the front page, you now see a "Last Updated" link under the OTB label. This time and date will be checked and updated every half hour every day, so you can come to the front page and very easily see if anything new has been posted. In fact, if the link is blue, you can click on it and go to the very newest stuff. If it is purple, you have already seen it.
Color cues! No need to even read the time and date.
Outside the Box
Last Updated at 8:17 AM on Thursday, November 30.
If you look in the upper right hand corner of the front page, you now see a "Last Updated" link under the OTB label. This time and date will be checked and updated every half hour every day, so you can come to the front page and very easily see if anything new has been posted. In fact, if the link is blue, you can click on it and go to the very newest stuff. If it is purple, you have already seen it.
Color cues! No need to even read the time and date.
Big Bad Baseball: Swinging from the heels
Don Malcolm likes the new random player feature. Most of the additions happen when I say, "Hey, wouldn't it be neat if..." If you've got a good database, a lot of these sorts of things take an hour or less to implement. If you have a "wouldn't it be neat idea..." send it to me and we'll see what we can do. Though it may be some time as I really, really should be working hard on my thesis.
Don also has some good things to say on the MVP front. I think it is about time to have a real Ted Williams/Hank Aaron/Babe Ruth award, so that the writers can start voting pitchers for MVP again.
Speaking of ideas, I've been percolating an idea where I would provide a notepad area for anyone who wanted it. Essentially, it would allow you to easily and quickly create and publish lists of players, teams, leagues, seasons, etc. Whatever, the user wanted to do.
For instance,
Database-wise I'll have to be careful with the data structures as I want to make it really flexible. I wish I had Oracle, but MySql will have to do. The sign-in, password business is a little daunting to design, but I could do something like add a link at the bottom of each player/team/etc. saying "add to a list!". You would then click on the link and cookies would then tell me who you are (if you've signed up before). It would then ask which list to add them to (or create a new list).
You could hide lists and make them public. You could sort them in different ways, etc. You could allow others to comment on your lists. You could make a list of the best lists, perhaps. If you like this idea and would use it add a comment using the link below. If you have suggestions do so as well. You don't have to enter your e-mail or anything. A first name is fine.
Don Malcolm likes the new random player feature. Most of the additions happen when I say, "Hey, wouldn't it be neat if..." If you've got a good database, a lot of these sorts of things take an hour or less to implement. If you have a "wouldn't it be neat idea..." send it to me and we'll see what we can do. Though it may be some time as I really, really should be working hard on my thesis.
Don also has some good things to say on the MVP front. I think it is about time to have a real Ted Williams/Hank Aaron/Babe Ruth award, so that the writers can start voting pitchers for MVP again.
Speaking of ideas, I've been percolating an idea where I would provide a notepad area for anyone who wanted it. Essentially, it would allow you to easily and quickly create and publish lists of players, teams, leagues, seasons, etc. Whatever, the user wanted to do.
For instance,
- Top ten funniest names
- My all-time Pirates/Royals/D-Rays' team
- The worst free agent signings of all-time
- Shortstops with more than 20 SB and 20 HR in a single-season
Database-wise I'll have to be careful with the data structures as I want to make it really flexible. I wish I had Oracle, but MySql will have to do. The sign-in, password business is a little daunting to design, but I could do something like add a link at the bottom of each player/team/etc. saying "add to a list!". You would then click on the link and cookies would then tell me who you are (if you've signed up before). It would then ask which list to add them to (or create a new list).
You could hide lists and make them public. You could sort them in different ways, etc. You could allow others to comment on your lists. You could make a list of the best lists, perhaps. If you like this idea and would use it add a comment using the link below. If you have suggestions do so as well. You don't have to enter your e-mail or anything. A first name is fine.
Yahoo! Sports: Mussina and Yankees all but agree to contract
I've been pretty ardent about toeing the stathead line when it comes to financial matters. Baseball is in great shape and we don't need to mess with the current system. The Yankees are just going through an up cycle and that they will settle back to the pack in the near future, but the chinks are starting to show in my orthodoxy. I think something may need to be done on the competitive balance front. I know, I know, New York only had 87 wins last year, but, good grief, they seem to be playing with a far different set of rules. I think splitting TV and radio 50/50 would go a long way.
The Yanks now have the second and third best pitchers in the AL over the last four years. I think Manny Ramirez would have been a better move given their anemic offense last year, but they'll be hard to beat defensively. It is possible that Mussina won't pitch that well. Less than half of his ten most similar through age 31 pitched all that well after age 31.
But I wouldn't bet on that if I were an AL East team. Don't get me wrong, I'm not predicting a Yankees WS victory. I was merely hoping that they would fall on some mildly hard times.
The Yanks will likely be the oldest team in the league next year. The offense will go from 31.6 years of age to 32.6 years or higher as Joe Oliver was added, Ledee is gone, and Glenallen Hill will get more at bats. The pitching staff will be a tad younger as Mussina may get Cone's innings. Looking at their roster from last year, the bullpen could be a real problem. Jeff Nelson was their best reliever last year, but they'll pick somebody up. They always do.
It looks like Mike Mussina will be putting on the pinstripes next season.
I've been pretty ardent about toeing the stathead line when it comes to financial matters. Baseball is in great shape and we don't need to mess with the current system. The Yankees are just going through an up cycle and that they will settle back to the pack in the near future, but the chinks are starting to show in my orthodoxy. I think something may need to be done on the competitive balance front. I know, I know, New York only had 87 wins last year, but, good grief, they seem to be playing with a far different set of rules. I think splitting TV and radio 50/50 would go a long way.
The Yanks now have the second and third best pitchers in the AL over the last four years. I think Manny Ramirez would have been a better move given their anemic offense last year, but they'll be hard to beat defensively. It is possible that Mussina won't pitch that well. Less than half of his ten most similar through age 31 pitched all that well after age 31.
- Jack Morris (933)
- Dizzy Dean (931) *
- Bret Saberhagen (930)
- Freddie Fitzsimmons (918)
- Dennis Leonard (916)
- John Smoltz (913)
- Ramon Martinez (909)
- Jack McDowell (908)
- Tom Glavine (903)
- John Candelaria (902)
But I wouldn't bet on that if I were an AL East team. Don't get me wrong, I'm not predicting a Yankees WS victory. I was merely hoping that they would fall on some mildly hard times.
The Yanks will likely be the oldest team in the league next year. The offense will go from 31.6 years of age to 32.6 years or higher as Joe Oliver was added, Ledee is gone, and Glenallen Hill will get more at bats. The pitching staff will be a tad younger as Mussina may get Cone's innings. Looking at their roster from last year, the bullpen could be a real problem. Jeff Nelson was their best reliever last year, but they'll pick somebody up. They always do.
Wednesday, November 29
Yahoo! Sports: Phillies sign relief pitcher Cormier to 3-year contract
I really do hate to sound like a broken record. Really, I do, but would anyone other than Rheal's m�re (who is probably pushing 55-60 now) really think he is going to be worth $3m in three years? Maybe he will, but I suspect that the Red Sox got rid of him a year early and the Phillies will have him a year too long.
Mesa and Cormier aren't exactly Jefferies and Dykstra as far as FA signings go, but they are a team's crown molding not their subflooring. Their grasp on the jobs they were asked to do in 2000 was something less than firm and now they are going to have expanded roles.
Cormier was Boston's third or fourth reliever while Mesa was the same for the Mariners. Now at ages 34 and 35 you are expecting them to step up their contributions.
Why, Why, Why not plow the money into signing a dozen young minor league free agents. Look at the Braves, White Sox and A's bullpens! They prove that decent relievers are falling out of the trees. Or, Or, Or use some of the great young arms the Phillies have in bullpen roles rather than in Scranton. Duckworth, Baisley, and others could all be cutting their teeth in the pen. It appears Earl Weaver still has some fire in him. If Zimmer can be a bench coach still, bring back the best mind in baseball for another go around.
I really do hate to sound like a broken record. Really, I do, but would anyone other than Rheal's m�re (who is probably pushing 55-60 now) really think he is going to be worth $3m in three years? Maybe he will, but I suspect that the Red Sox got rid of him a year early and the Phillies will have him a year too long.
Mesa and Cormier aren't exactly Jefferies and Dykstra as far as FA signings go, but they are a team's crown molding not their subflooring. Their grasp on the jobs they were asked to do in 2000 was something less than firm and now they are going to have expanded roles.
Cormier was Boston's third or fourth reliever while Mesa was the same for the Mariners. Now at ages 34 and 35 you are expecting them to step up their contributions.
Why, Why, Why not plow the money into signing a dozen young minor league free agents. Look at the Braves, White Sox and A's bullpens! They prove that decent relievers are falling out of the trees. Or, Or, Or use some of the great young arms the Phillies have in bullpen roles rather than in Scranton. Duckworth, Baisley, and others could all be cutting their teeth in the pen. It appears Earl Weaver still has some fire in him. If Zimmer can be a bench coach still, bring back the best mind in baseball for another go around.
Right Player Wins Wrong N.L. Award NY Times (reg. required)
What a bunch of hooey! In one breath, Mr. Chass states that there is no definition and then exhales and states that folks whose definition is different than his are plain wrong. I'm guessing Rob Neyer is in here as Rob has been less than complimentary of Mr. Chass.
I'm not sure how this Player of the Year not equal to Most Valuable Player crap started, but it is just plain crazy. Here is how I view the MVP.
What player would I most want on my team for that season?
I think that is a pretty good definition of value. In the AL would you honestly have taken Jason Giambi's 2000 over Pedro Martinez's 2000 or even Alex Rodriguez's, for that matter? Would any manager say, "Well I'd rather have Giambi than Martinez?"
The other thing that annoys me is Mr. Chass's belief it is his birthright to comment on baseball, and that the unclean masses without an NY Times byline should shut up and learn from him. The only reason folks listen to writers like Neyer, BP or BBBA is because Mr. Chass isn't doing his job, and isn't growing and learning and improving his writing with more viewpoints. I really don't like people who don't listen to other points of view. They feel like they've got everything figured out. I've felt that way before and then about two months later I find out I'm a moron.
The Baseball Writers Association, whose members vote for the major postseason awards (members from The New York Times do not), does not define M.V.P. That is as it should be, though the absence of a definition has prompted some misguided observers to complain at times about the winner. It seems that those people, mostly television sportscasters but also some new self-anointed experts who appear on the Internet, mistake the M.V.P. award for the player of the year.
What a bunch of hooey! In one breath, Mr. Chass states that there is no definition and then exhales and states that folks whose definition is different than his are plain wrong. I'm guessing Rob Neyer is in here as Rob has been less than complimentary of Mr. Chass.
I'm not sure how this Player of the Year not equal to Most Valuable Player crap started, but it is just plain crazy. Here is how I view the MVP.
What player would I most want on my team for that season?
I think that is a pretty good definition of value. In the AL would you honestly have taken Jason Giambi's 2000 over Pedro Martinez's 2000 or even Alex Rodriguez's, for that matter? Would any manager say, "Well I'd rather have Giambi than Martinez?"
The other thing that annoys me is Mr. Chass's belief it is his birthright to comment on baseball, and that the unclean masses without an NY Times byline should shut up and learn from him. The only reason folks listen to writers like Neyer, BP or BBBA is because Mr. Chass isn't doing his job, and isn't growing and learning and improving his writing with more viewpoints. I really don't like people who don't listen to other points of view. They feel like they've got everything figured out. I've felt that way before and then about two months later I find out I'm a moron.
Tuesday, November 28
ESPN.com - Major League Baseball - Part III: Player movement a fact of life
Jayson Stark takes a turn looking at player movement in free agency and surprise, surprise player movement isn't up all that much. Admittedly this isn't that scientific of a study, but it does show that these arguments are easy to discredit.
The more that I think about the system in place, the more obvious it becomes how thoroughly the players have duped the owners. The owners have made mistakes any beginning MBA would have avoided.
First, free agency naturally pays players more than they are actually worth. When you have 30 teams bidding, the team that most highly values the player will get them. This means that the salary is well over the player's actual value (as determined by the market). This isn't as true in "real life" because the labor supply is much, much, much larger.
Second, arbitration then takes these inflated values and makes them standards for every other player. The ability of this system to raise every player's salary is staggering and brilliant. The owners would have been far better off swallowing a bitter pill and allowing free agency after three or four years and then incorporating some sort of advanced compensation like more draft picks or a major league rule V draft where each team can protect 18 players or some such thing. Instead, we have almost the perfect system for driving up player salaries.
Of course, in a time when college football coaches are making $1.4million per year, I'm sure that current salaries are not out of whack at all.
Jayson Stark takes a turn looking at player movement in free agency and surprise, surprise player movement isn't up all that much. Admittedly this isn't that scientific of a study, but it does show that these arguments are easy to discredit.
The more that I think about the system in place, the more obvious it becomes how thoroughly the players have duped the owners. The owners have made mistakes any beginning MBA would have avoided.
First, free agency naturally pays players more than they are actually worth. When you have 30 teams bidding, the team that most highly values the player will get them. This means that the salary is well over the player's actual value (as determined by the market). This isn't as true in "real life" because the labor supply is much, much, much larger.
Second, arbitration then takes these inflated values and makes them standards for every other player. The ability of this system to raise every player's salary is staggering and brilliant. The owners would have been far better off swallowing a bitter pill and allowing free agency after three or four years and then incorporating some sort of advanced compensation like more draft picks or a major league rule V draft where each team can protect 18 players or some such thing. Instead, we have almost the perfect system for driving up player salaries.
Of course, in a time when college football coaches are making $1.4million per year, I'm sure that current salaries are not out of whack at all.
Yahoo! Sports: Cubs release RHP Spradlin
Here are two pitchers
Pitcher A just signed a two-year deal for many millions, while pitcher B was released by the Cubs. I'm guessing the big difference here is A (Jose Mesa) has 138 career saves while B (Jerry Spradlin) has 11. Given unlimited dollars, I'm not so sure that I wouldn't take Spradlin, and given the actual dollars I'm certain I would.
Here are two pitchers
| Pitcher A | Pitcher B | |||
| Year | IP | ERA+ | IP | ERA+ |
| 1998 | 84.7 | 99 | 81.7 | 124 |
| 1999 | 68.7 | 101 | 61 | 85 |
| 2000 | 80.7 | 86 | 90 | 82 |
Pitcher A just signed a two-year deal for many millions, while pitcher B was released by the Cubs. I'm guessing the big difference here is A (Jose Mesa) has 138 career saves while B (Jerry Spradlin) has 11. Given unlimited dollars, I'm not so sure that I wouldn't take Spradlin, and given the actual dollars I'm certain I would.
Yahoo! Sports: Rockies: Jailbird Pitcher
You don't need me to tell you that Bobby did a bad thing, and given the descriptions of the crime, jailtime seems entirely appropriate.
What I find interesting is the sentencing. It was an effort to allow Chouinard continue pitching while serving his time. I wonder if I would get similar consideration being a college professor. Could I serve my sentence during summer break? I might actually get some research done if I were forced to sit in prison for three months each summer.
A pro ballplayer has a unique career in that they are usually done by age 33, 34 or 40 if they are incredibly good. This sentence seems to acknowledge the fact Chouinard will be out of a job soon enough without incarceration to accelerate the process.
Colorado Rockies' pitcher Bobby Chouinard has been sentenced to a year in jail for a conviction of aggravated assault after abusing his wife. He will not miss any time during the season as he will three-month sentences during the next four offseasons.
You don't need me to tell you that Bobby did a bad thing, and given the descriptions of the crime, jailtime seems entirely appropriate.
What I find interesting is the sentencing. It was an effort to allow Chouinard continue pitching while serving his time. I wonder if I would get similar consideration being a college professor. Could I serve my sentence during summer break? I might actually get some research done if I were forced to sit in prison for three months each summer.
A pro ballplayer has a unique career in that they are usually done by age 33, 34 or 40 if they are incredibly good. This sentence seems to acknowledge the fact Chouinard will be out of a job soon enough without incarceration to accelerate the process.
SportsLine sacks MVP.com
I can't say that I'm particularly surprised that MVP.com has fallen on hard times. The site is remarkably graphics heavy and I'm not big on its highly compartmentalized look. Plus the whole Elway, Jordan, Gretzky thing is just a bit cheesy.
I can't say that I'm particularly surprised that MVP.com has fallen on hard times. The site is remarkably graphics heavy and I'm not big on its highly compartmentalized look. Plus the whole Elway, Jordan, Gretzky thing is just a bit cheesy.
Monday, November 20
ESPN.com - Major League Baseball - Rumor Central
Mark Grace to the D'Backs? Oy' the one place the Rattlers weren't dirt-like (as in old) was at first. If they can get someone to replace Danny Bautista (Rickey H. might be a good fit), they would be a good bet in 2002 to blow by the 1998 O's as the oldest batters in baseball history.
Nov. 20: Mark Grace is expected to decide very soon where he'll sign. Indications are a two-year deal with Arizona is likely, although other teams remain interested. The Indians signed Ellis Burks, and are looking for a 1B/DH-type to fill out the offense.
Mark Grace to the D'Backs? Oy' the one place the Rattlers weren't dirt-like (as in old) was at first. If they can get someone to replace Danny Bautista (Rickey H. might be a good fit), they would be a good bet in 2002 to blow by the 1998 O's as the oldest batters in baseball history.
Yahoo! Sports: Cubs trade with Oakland for Matt Stairs Matt Stairs, whose late-season hitting helped
Mueller and now Stairs. Andy MacPhail is gettin' that OBP religion. Hallelujah! Praise Be! If they sign up Manny, they might just have an offense.
Stairs, who helped Oakland win the AL Western Division, was traded to the Chicago Cubs Monday for a minor-league pitcher claimed off waivers earlier in the day.
Mueller and now Stairs. Andy MacPhail is gettin' that OBP religion. Hallelujah! Praise Be! If they sign up Manny, they might just have an offense.
Yahoo! Sports: Burks, Indians agree on three-year deal
If that is the case, he might have been better off staying in San Francisco. The Indians are treading water right now. The big problem is that they haven't produced much talent recently, well except for Brian Giles. If you look at their team age values, it is going up, which would be all right if the team was getting better, but it isn't. And now they are trading the best AL hitter (yes Manny is) who is turning 29 for a 36-year-old with significant durability issues.
Burks has played 240 games the last two years and they are paying him $21m over three years. This deal is going to look really bad in 2002.
Similar Batters thru Age 35
Ellis Burks wanted a chance to play in the World Series and the Cleveland Indians wanted a right fielder.
If that is the case, he might have been better off staying in San Francisco. The Indians are treading water right now. The big problem is that they haven't produced much talent recently, well except for Brian Giles. If you look at their team age values, it is going up, which would be all right if the team was getting better, but it isn't. And now they are trading the best AL hitter (yes Manny is) who is turning 29 for a 36-year-old with significant durability issues.
Burks has played 240 games the last two years and they are paying him $21m over three years. This deal is going to look really bad in 2002.
Similar Batters thru Age 35
- Fred Lynn (941)
- Reggie Smith (933)
- Bob Johnson (913)
- George Foster (896)
- Dick Allen (896)
- Dave Parker (894)
- Bobby Bonilla (894)
- Ken Boyer (887)
- Tony Perez (885) *
- Dante Bichette (885)
Sunday, November 19
Yahoo! Sports: Giants send Mueller to Cubs, acquire Worrell
Wow! Nice trade by the Cubs. Mueller has good OBP skills and the Cubs need that. You could sign three or four minor league free agents and have as good a chance at getting a good season as you can expect from Tim Worrell. Sure he was great in 60 innings with the Cubs last year, but I don't give him much of a shot of reproducing it.
Given his bullpen usage patterns, Dusty Baker needs a fresh cadre of arms every so often and Worrell will provide just that.
Wow! Nice trade by the Cubs. Mueller has good OBP skills and the Cubs need that. You could sign three or four minor league free agents and have as good a chance at getting a good season as you can expect from Tim Worrell. Sure he was great in 60 innings with the Cubs last year, but I don't give him much of a shot of reproducing it.
Given his bullpen usage patterns, Dusty Baker needs a fresh cadre of arms every so often and Worrell will provide just that.
Friday, November 17
CLASS FINAL GAME SUMMARY
The Bulldogs couldn't do it. Thanks to the internet I was able to listen to the game. A blocked punt led to one score, and then Manning was stopped on 4th and 1 on the goalline at the end of the first half and not much happened after that. Sounded like it was two tough teams really battling as hard as possible. 12-1 is still a mighty fine season.
CLASS A FINAL
Hubbard-Radcliffe 6 8 3 0 -- 17
Manning 0 0 0 0 -- 0
The Bulldogs couldn't do it. Thanks to the internet I was able to listen to the game. A blocked punt led to one score, and then Manning was stopped on 4th and 1 on the goalline at the end of the first half and not much happened after that. Sounded like it was two tough teams really battling as hard as possible. 12-1 is still a mighty fine season.
Omaha.com: Manning Squad Seeks First Title
It is a really big day for the Forman's today. My dad has been coaching the Manning football team for 21 years and today at 10:30am he will be coaching the Bulldogs in the Iowa Class A (smallest class) title game. Manning has never been in this position before and neither has my dad. I'm not able to be there in person, which is really disappointing to me, but I will be there in thought.
My brother and my mom (who has missed only one game in 21 years) and the whole damn town of 1600 people will drive the four hours to the University of Northern Iowa Dome to participate in the game. My grandma and aunt and uncle are driving up from Dallas. Two of my other aunts are driving from South Dakota and Minnesota. Win or lose there will be a lot of emotion and I know that a lot of tears will be shed.
My father has more integrity than any man I know. He is not a yeller, he is a teacher and an incredibly hard worker. I'm incredibly proud of what he has accomplished, but more importantly how he has accomplished it, with class and respect for his players and others. Good luck Dad!
It is a really big day for the Forman's today. My dad has been coaching the Manning football team for 21 years and today at 10:30am he will be coaching the Bulldogs in the Iowa Class A (smallest class) title game. Manning has never been in this position before and neither has my dad. I'm not able to be there in person, which is really disappointing to me, but I will be there in thought.
My brother and my mom (who has missed only one game in 21 years) and the whole damn town of 1600 people will drive the four hours to the University of Northern Iowa Dome to participate in the game. My grandma and aunt and uncle are driving up from Dallas. Two of my other aunts are driving from South Dakota and Minnesota. Win or lose there will be a lot of emotion and I know that a lot of tears will be shed.
My father has more integrity than any man I know. He is not a yeller, he is a teacher and an incredibly hard worker. I'm incredibly proud of what he has accomplished, but more importantly how he has accomplished it, with class and respect for his players and others. Good luck Dad!
Wednesday, November 15
Baseball Travel Guide - Teams closest to Montoursville, PA
Supposedly Mike Mussina wants to be as close to home as possible with his new team. Clicking the above will send you to a least of nearby teams. Unfortunately, most of them are in the New York-Penn or Eastern League.
I hear Elmira or Williamsport could use a dominating right handed starter. I bet they would pack them in at Bowman Field when "Moose" is on the mound.
The Phillies are the nearest MLB team at 131 miles. Nobody else is within 250.
Supposedly Mike Mussina wants to be as close to home as possible with his new team. Clicking the above will send you to a least of nearby teams. Unfortunately, most of them are in the New York-Penn or Eastern League.
I hear Elmira or Williamsport could use a dominating right handed starter. I bet they would pack them in at Bowman Field when "Moose" is on the mound.
The Phillies are the nearest MLB team at 131 miles. Nobody else is within 250.
Yahoo! Sports: The price of excess is about to hit the fan where it counts by Peter Schmuck
No matter how many times somebody says it, salaries do not drive ticket prices. Ticket prices drive salaries. Does anyone believe that the high salaries paid to movie stars causes movie tickets to go up in price? No! The owners pay the players because they put fannies in the seats and when they can get $30 a fanny they will pay more for that player. Why are college tickets going up in price? Teams set ticket prices to maximize revenues not to cover their expenses.
If Mussina were to sign for $1m per year would Angelos lower prices? No, he would just make more money.
If you want to blame someone, call your congressman who allows a tax code that lets businesses write off the cost of season tickets. That is what prices the so-called "average" fan out of the ballpark if that is in fact the case. By the way, more of these non-average fans are going to games than ever before. Attendance is higher than at any point in history.
How can you make a cogent argument that fans are priced out of the game when the Red Sox set a team attendance record and have the highest prices in the league? I saw an awful lot of average fans in the stands when I went to a game there.
I think the upcoming recession will cause a bit of a correction in the ticket prices and hence the salaries as the corporate fount runs a bit dry.
Ticket prices drive salaries not the other way around. Repeat it after me, Ticket prices drive salaries not the other way around.
Angelos has announced that he will not pay Orioles pitching ace Mike Mussina the $15 million per year he's almost certain to get on the free-agent market. Citing the impact of such huge contracts on ticket prices, he has drawn his economic line in the sand.
No matter how many times somebody says it, salaries do not drive ticket prices. Ticket prices drive salaries. Does anyone believe that the high salaries paid to movie stars causes movie tickets to go up in price? No! The owners pay the players because they put fannies in the seats and when they can get $30 a fanny they will pay more for that player. Why are college tickets going up in price? Teams set ticket prices to maximize revenues not to cover their expenses.
If Mussina were to sign for $1m per year would Angelos lower prices? No, he would just make more money.
If you want to blame someone, call your congressman who allows a tax code that lets businesses write off the cost of season tickets. That is what prices the so-called "average" fan out of the ballpark if that is in fact the case. By the way, more of these non-average fans are going to games than ever before. Attendance is higher than at any point in history.
How can you make a cogent argument that fans are priced out of the game when the Red Sox set a team attendance record and have the highest prices in the league? I saw an awful lot of average fans in the stands when I went to a game there.
I think the upcoming recession will cause a bit of a correction in the ticket prices and hence the salaries as the corporate fount runs a bit dry.
Ticket prices drive salaries not the other way around. Repeat it after me, Ticket prices drive salaries not the other way around.
Tuesday, November 14
Peter Gammons
Gammons hits on some good points here about the interplay between manager and GM. The quote above shows that Bill James has changed baseball more than we think.
"What you see with some of these organizations is that they have a bunch of brilliant young executives who can offer statistical data and research that refutes traditional thinking," says a GM. "If they listen to one another, it works."
Gammons hits on some good points here about the interplay between manager and GM. The quote above shows that Bill James has changed baseball more than we think.
Monday, November 13
Amazon.com: Baseball Prospectus 2001
I'm only marginally associated with a book this year, so I don't think there is any conflict of interest commenting on BP. I own all six previous copies. I hope that they will instill a little more personality back into the book this year. I'm not a big fan of the anonymous authorship, but that is the choice they've made. I encourage you to get the book. It appears a lot of folks have already as it is ranked 333 on Amazon.com.
I'm only marginally associated with a book this year, so I don't think there is any conflict of interest commenting on BP. I own all six previous copies. I hope that they will instill a little more personality back into the book this year. I'm not a big fan of the anonymous authorship, but that is the choice they've made. I encourage you to get the book. It appears a lot of folks have already as it is ranked 333 on Amazon.com.
Digital City: Boston - Boston's Sports Guy
Can the Sox sign Mussina? Bill Simmons tries to do his part.
Can the Sox sign Mussina? Bill Simmons tries to do his part.
Yahoo! Sports: MLB - Martinez wins third Cy Young award on unanimous vote
Congratulations Pedro! Using ERA+ as a measurement, Martinez's
2000 was the best season ever. You just can't have a sub 2.00 ERA when the league ERA is close to 5.00. It just shouldn't be possible. He isn't going to win the MVP, but he certainly deserves it.
Congratulations Pedro! Using ERA+ as a measurement, Martinez's
2000 was the best season ever. You just can't have a sub 2.00 ERA when the league ERA is close to 5.00. It just shouldn't be possible. He isn't going to win the MVP, but he certainly deserves it.
Sunday, November 12
License Plates of the World
I've had this idea for awhile now. With the proliferation of license plates that each states now offers, you hear an some comments about how confused law enforcement officials are when attempting to identify which state a plate belongs to.
I have a simple solution. Each state receives a unique pattern of letters and numbers for their plates. For instance, CA might be AAAAA1, while Delaware would be A111111. This way the style of plate would have no bearing on determining the state it was from. The only glitch here is the vanity plate. I think doing something like adding the state abbreviation in half size letters would be the way to go. Or replace the first of seven letters with a V over an A for Virginia, etc.
Back to work.
I've had this idea for awhile now. With the proliferation of license plates that each states now offers, you hear an some comments about how confused law enforcement officials are when attempting to identify which state a plate belongs to.
I have a simple solution. Each state receives a unique pattern of letters and numbers for their plates. For instance, CA might be AAAAA1, while Delaware would be A111111. This way the style of plate would have no bearing on determining the state it was from. The only glitch here is the vanity plate. I think doing something like adding the state abbreviation in half size letters would be the way to go. Or replace the first of seven letters with a V over an A for Virginia, etc.
Back to work.
Yahoo! Sports: Orioles ink C Fordyce to a three-year contract
Goofy stuff in Baltimore. Let's see we have a 30-year-old catcher with 27, yes 27 career home runs and 121 RBI. A career OBP of .331 and a a career SLG of .445, which was a whole lot less than that prior to a career year at age 30. We then decide to sign him to a 3-year contract. Three years!
I really like similarity scores and Fordyce's point to a marginally talented player. Eusebio, Wockenfuss, and Brenly had some good years past age 30, but I would rather overpay for one year than be tied in for three. I has my doubts as to whether Fordyce is a championship quality catcher and that is what the Orioles should be after.
Goofy stuff in Baltimore. Let's see we have a 30-year-old catcher with 27, yes 27 career home runs and 121 RBI. A career OBP of .331 and a a career SLG of .445, which was a whole lot less than that prior to a career year at age 30. We then decide to sign him to a 3-year contract. Three years!
I really like similarity scores and Fordyce's point to a marginally talented player. Eusebio, Wockenfuss, and Brenly had some good years past age 30, but I would rather overpay for one year than be tied in for three. I has my doubts as to whether Fordyce is a championship quality catcher and that is what the Orioles should be after.
Saturday, November 11
Yahoo! Sports: Yankees and O'Neill have tentative $6.5 million agreement
I think this is a bad deal for the Yankees. I guess if they sign Ramirez, they will move O'Neill to left, but he just didn't look like he had all that much left in the tank. Perhaps he was injured, but for this much money I would have let him go preferably to one of my competitors.
Yankee RFers had a .759 OPS last year, with 31 doubles and 22 home runs. The AL RFers had an .810 OPS with 35 doubles and 25 home runs. I suppose he could have a last hurrah season, but O'Neill's most similar thru age 37 is Fred Lynn and he wasn't particularly productive in his final season. In fact of the top 10 sims, 6 retired at age 37, and only Dave Parker did anything of note past age 37.
Branch Rickey always thought you should get rid of players a year early instead of a year late. I think the Yankees are changing that to two years late.
I think this is a bad deal for the Yankees. I guess if they sign Ramirez, they will move O'Neill to left, but he just didn't look like he had all that much left in the tank. Perhaps he was injured, but for this much money I would have let him go preferably to one of my competitors.
Yankee RFers had a .759 OPS last year, with 31 doubles and 22 home runs. The AL RFers had an .810 OPS with 35 doubles and 25 home runs. I suppose he could have a last hurrah season, but O'Neill's most similar thru age 37 is Fred Lynn and he wasn't particularly productive in his final season. In fact of the top 10 sims, 6 retired at age 37, and only Dave Parker did anything of note past age 37.
Branch Rickey always thought you should get rid of players a year early instead of a year late. I think the Yankees are changing that to two years late.
Similarity Scores - Baseball-Reference.com
I just thought of a new feature that wouldn't be that hard at all to add.
Essentially, I would have the career stats of the ten most similar players available by either age-based or career based and you could view those in rows above or below the player's stats. This would be similar to how Bill James presents the material in his books. It would be neat, if you could do this a couple different ways. You could do it as
Numbers for the very next season, or current season or any particular season.
Numbers for their career up to that point.
Numbers for the rest of their careers
You could even do it for the previous or next N years
All that would require is storing the season by season results for all players in a database and then building an easy to use front end for it. I have a lot of stuff to do, but something like this would be pretty easy to do before next season starts. This could be part of a similarity toolbox where I might even be able to set it up, so you can fiddle with different things to include and exclude in similarity scores. Essentially, you could create your own similarity scores based on what you feel is important.
This might also allow a database of career stats, so you could query on different combinations of statistics.
We'll see if something like this can work out.
I just thought of a new feature that wouldn't be that hard at all to add.
Essentially, I would have the career stats of the ten most similar players available by either age-based or career based and you could view those in rows above or below the player's stats. This would be similar to how Bill James presents the material in his books. It would be neat, if you could do this a couple different ways. You could do it as
All that would require is storing the season by season results for all players in a database and then building an easy to use front end for it. I have a lot of stuff to do, but something like this would be pretty easy to do before next season starts. This could be part of a similarity toolbox where I might even be able to set it up, so you can fiddle with different things to include and exclude in similarity scores. Essentially, you could create your own similarity scores based on what you feel is important.
This might also allow a database of career stats, so you could query on different combinations of statistics.
We'll see if something like this can work out.
Friday, November 10
Yahoo! Sports: MLB - Baseball's day of (w)reckoning is on the horizon
More of the usual complaints about high salaries ruining the game. Here is a note that I have sent to the author.
More of the usual complaints about high salaries ruining the game. Here is a note that I have sent to the author.
Mr. Mosher,
Thank you for your column on A-Rod's contract and its effect on baseball finances. Near the end you say,
"The way I look at it, if this salary madness continues on too much longer, you, the average fan, won't be able to attend a game unless you get free tickets from the corporation that employs you."
I don't believe that higher salaries cause higher ticket prices. In fact, it is the other way around. If a team can sell tickets for $35 apiece they want players who will put more of those $35 fannies in the seats. Ticket prices are set to maximize revenue. Let's say A-Rod were to sign for $1. Would the team automatically reduce ticket prices since they now have this great bargain? A better question is why college ticket prices continue to rise? It is because the demand is high. If the journalists at a newspaper worked for free would the price of a subscription go down?
Sincerely,
Sean Forman
Thursday, November 9
November 8, 2000 - Still Here?
Here's an interesting article over at Prospectus. They take a look at some of Bill James's predictions from the 1992 season and see how TheBeardedSage did. A petty man with a bitter streak prone to fits of rage and jealousy who has written for a similar, perhaps competitive, book that has been widely savaged by many readers and who currently isn't writing anything other than meaningless drivel about good stuff others have written might, perhaps, possibly suggest that the Prospectus folks should look at their own predictions that closely (*cough* 1997 Yankees essay *cough*). I'm not that man, but I'm just saying such a man, if he were to exist, might, in fact, say that.
Here's an interesting article over at Prospectus. They take a look at some of Bill James's predictions from the 1992 season and see how TheBeardedSage did. A petty man with a bitter streak prone to fits of rage and jealousy who has written for a similar, perhaps competitive, book that has been widely savaged by many readers and who currently isn't writing anything other than meaningless drivel about good stuff others have written might, perhaps, possibly suggest that the Prospectus folks should look at their own predictions that closely (*cough* 1997 Yankees essay *cough*). I'm not that man, but I'm just saying such a man, if he were to exist, might, in fact, say that.
Northwest Airlines
I dare you! Find Northwest's phone number on their web page in less than a minute. Can you?
I dare you! Find Northwest's phone number on their web page in less than a minute. Can you?
FOXSports.com - MLB on FOX - Yankees All-Time Roster
Now try to find Babe Ruth on the All-Time Yankees roster. Is he listed in the OF. Nope! He is listed as a pitcher. For the Yankees! How much thought did FOX put into this when designing it. I had high hopes since STATS would be doing the web development, but it really isn't any different that CNN/SI's effort. In fact, it is pretty much the same thing.
They have a lot of stats that I don't have including game logs and splits for contemporary players, but would it kill them to have a nice search feature? I think a lot of these places want to say, "Oh, look we have stats online, so we aren't hiding anything." But they make it so unusable that what's the point.
Is there any real reason to place Charlies Shields's Fielding and Pitching stats on different pages? BTW, there is an error on Fox's page for Charlie. He played for the St. Louis Browns and Baltimore Orioles in 1902.
I think STATS Inc's books are really great. They are well designed and very useful, but they haven't really carried that over to the web yet.
Now try to find Babe Ruth on the All-Time Yankees roster. Is he listed in the OF. Nope! He is listed as a pitcher. For the Yankees! How much thought did FOX put into this when designing it. I had high hopes since STATS would be doing the web development, but it really isn't any different that CNN/SI's effort. In fact, it is pretty much the same thing.
They have a lot of stats that I don't have including game logs and splits for contemporary players, but would it kill them to have a nice search feature? I think a lot of these places want to say, "Oh, look we have stats online, so we aren't hiding anything." But they make it so unusable that what's the point.
Is there any real reason to place Charlies Shields's Fielding and Pitching stats on different pages? BTW, there is an error on Fox's page for Charlie. He played for the St. Louis Browns and Baltimore Orioles in 1902.
I think STATS Inc's books are really great. They are well designed and very useful, but they haven't really carried that over to the web yet.
ESPN.com - Page2 - Too close to call
I guess I have been computing ERA wrong historically on the site. I'm not sure that I need to go back and re-do it. Folks were much more upset about the batting average titles that were changed, and no one has send me an e-mail on this one.
I guess I have been computing ERA wrong historically on the site. I'm not sure that I need to go back and re-do it. Folks were much more upset about the batting average titles that were changed, and no one has send me an e-mail on this one.
Wednesday, November 8
Yankees Covet Mussina but Have Backup Plan
Yanks want Mussina. Yanks want Ramirez. Yawn!
A little tidbit at the end is that the Yanks want to bring Davey Johnson on board. New York was only six games over .500 last year and they had the third oldest lineup and the oldest staff in the AL, and not a whole lot coming up in the system either. It isn't inconceivable that they be below .500 at the AS break and Torre is canned.
Yanks want Mussina. Yanks want Ramirez. Yawn!
A little tidbit at the end is that the Yanks want to bring Davey Johnson on board. New York was only six games over .500 last year and they had the third oldest lineup and the oldest staff in the AL, and not a whole lot coming up in the system either. It isn't inconceivable that they be below .500 at the AS break and Torre is canned.
The Onion | 8 November 2000
Man Builds House He Designed When He Was Eight Years Old
LODI, CA-- A lifelong dream was realized Monday following the completion of "Fort Awesome," the high-tech home of the future, Lodi architect Don Reese designed as an 8-year-old boy.
Modern Humorist - Election Chaos 2000
This election is one of the most surreal things that I have ever experienced. I almost feel out of body thinking about it sometimes.
This election is one of the most surreal things that I have ever experienced. I almost feel out of body thinking about it sometimes.
Yahoo! Sports: Braves' Jones Okays Move to OF
By the way, I love Yahoo!'s baseball front page. It is so nice, clean and fast loading. If they had ESPN's columnists, I might never go anywhere else. Except here, of course.
I'm not sure what to make of Chipper's proposed move. First off, I don't expect Wes Helms to hit enough to justify a full time spot. Second, a look at Chipper's numbers shows that he isn't horrid at third. Maybe a tad below average. He would likely be a good outfielder, but I'm not sure that a move is necessary.
Cox should just say, "Chipper is fine at third base. He isn't a gold glover, but he is a silver slugger." OK maybe he shouldn't rhyme, but you get the drift.
I would leave Chipper alone, and then platoon Surhoff, Sanders and Jordan in the corner OF spots. They then would have to get a first baseman. Mark Grace for two years would be a sweet deal for them and if they want to work Helms in let him start against some lefties for Grace and Jones. They wouldn't have as much power, but they would have high OBP guys in a lot of places.
By the way, I love Yahoo!'s baseball front page. It is so nice, clean and fast loading. If they had ESPN's columnists, I might never go anywhere else. Except here, of course.
I'm not sure what to make of Chipper's proposed move. First off, I don't expect Wes Helms to hit enough to justify a full time spot. Second, a look at Chipper's numbers shows that he isn't horrid at third. Maybe a tad below average. He would likely be a good outfielder, but I'm not sure that a move is necessary.
Cox should just say, "Chipper is fine at third base. He isn't a gold glover, but he is a silver slugger." OK maybe he shouldn't rhyme, but you get the drift.
I would leave Chipper alone, and then platoon Surhoff, Sanders and Jordan in the corner OF spots. They then would have to get a first baseman. Mark Grace for two years would be a sweet deal for them and if they want to work Helms in let him start against some lefties for Grace and Jones. They wouldn't have as much power, but they would have high OBP guys in a lot of places.
Yahoo! Sports: MLB - Furcal voted NL Rookie of the Year
This was a good pick for the writers, though you could make a good case for Rick Ankiel. Furcal, if he is 19, is one of the youngest ROY's of all-time. Maybe he is the youngest, I can't check here at the office. I was a little surprised that Pat Burrell didn't do a little better. He had 18 home runs along with a good OPS of .822.
If Furcal is 22 or 23 then he is only a very good future player. If he is 19, he could be a Rickey Henderson type player though with a little less power. No kidding.
This was a good pick for the writers, though you could make a good case for Rick Ankiel. Furcal, if he is 19, is one of the youngest ROY's of all-time. Maybe he is the youngest, I can't check here at the office. I was a little surprised that Pat Burrell didn't do a little better. He had 18 home runs along with a good OPS of .822.
If Furcal is 22 or 23 then he is only a very good future player. If he is 19, he could be a Rickey Henderson type player though with a little less power. No kidding.
U.S. Senate and House - Texas
I'm a bit sleepy after staying up till 1:00 waiting to find out who will lead us. My uncle Steve Love (D) ran against Dick Armey in Texas. He managed 26% of the vote, which I believe is much better than the last time. Good election, Steve!
I'm a bit sleepy after staying up till 1:00 waiting to find out who will lead us. My uncle Steve Love (D) ran against Dick Armey in Texas. He managed 26% of the vote, which I believe is much better than the last time. Good election, Steve!
Tuesday, November 7
Bill Giles Visits St. Joe's
Bill Giles, the Chairman of the Board of the Philadelphia Phillies, visited the St. Joe's baseball history class today. I was able to sit in and even managed to ask a couple of questions.
A laundry list of the highlights.
He told a student with a Yankees hat he would have to take it off before he started.
He recounted a couple of his opening day gimmicks including: dropping a ball from a helicopter and a guy named Kiteman who was going to water ski in from the outfield?!
He was not as quick to blame the union for the salaries as much as I thought he would be. He felt that they were just much better organized and led.
He wasn't that hot on the idea of a Bart Giamatti commissionership.
He was 99% sure that there would be no work stoppage.
He felt that revenue sharing was the number one issue in the game. Oh and he doesn't like Steinbrenner all that much either.
He called the Gregg Jefferies and Lance Parrish signings "just plain awful."
For the upcoming labor negotiations he listed these as doable priorities.
1) Revenue Sharing
2) A bonus cap on draft picks
3) A major league supplemental draft like the rule V for 40-man rosters.
4) International Draft
5) Draft college seniors and not juniors.
The questions I asked were.
Q: In the last 15 years, the Twins, A's, Blue Jays and Pirates have all fielded very good teams. Why are things now different that only the Yanks are able to compete?
A: TV revenue, mall parks, and corporate money. Of course to hear him tell it Philadelphia is slightly smaller than Buffalo.
Q: If the Phillies were to sign Alex Rodriguez and win 85 games next year, how much more revenue would you expect to earn?
A: A lot less than if a team with a new ballpark would earn. He feels the revenue per fanny varies dramatically for teams, so some teams are much more likely to want to spend a lot on a player than other teams. I'm not sure the research bears this out.
Another thing.
MLB had an opportunity to invest in ESPN early on and start a National Baseball Channel. Giles pushed hard for this, but the other Lords wouldn't go for it. Nice foresight.
Bill Giles, the Chairman of the Board of the Philadelphia Phillies, visited the St. Joe's baseball history class today. I was able to sit in and even managed to ask a couple of questions.
A laundry list of the highlights.
He told a student with a Yankees hat he would have to take it off before he started.
He recounted a couple of his opening day gimmicks including: dropping a ball from a helicopter and a guy named Kiteman who was going to water ski in from the outfield?!
He was not as quick to blame the union for the salaries as much as I thought he would be. He felt that they were just much better organized and led.
He wasn't that hot on the idea of a Bart Giamatti commissionership.
He was 99% sure that there would be no work stoppage.
He felt that revenue sharing was the number one issue in the game. Oh and he doesn't like Steinbrenner all that much either.
He called the Gregg Jefferies and Lance Parrish signings "just plain awful."
For the upcoming labor negotiations he listed these as doable priorities.
1) Revenue Sharing
2) A bonus cap on draft picks
3) A major league supplemental draft like the rule V for 40-man rosters.
4) International Draft
5) Draft college seniors and not juniors.
The questions I asked were.
Q: In the last 15 years, the Twins, A's, Blue Jays and Pirates have all fielded very good teams. Why are things now different that only the Yanks are able to compete?
A: TV revenue, mall parks, and corporate money. Of course to hear him tell it Philadelphia is slightly smaller than Buffalo.
Q: If the Phillies were to sign Alex Rodriguez and win 85 games next year, how much more revenue would you expect to earn?
A: A lot less than if a team with a new ballpark would earn. He feels the revenue per fanny varies dramatically for teams, so some teams are much more likely to want to spend a lot on a player than other teams. I'm not sure the research bears this out.
Another thing.
MLB had an opportunity to invest in ESPN early on and start a National Baseball Channel. Giles pushed hard for this, but the other Lords wouldn't go for it. Nice foresight.
INDEX - Future Fenway Design Symposium Index
Save Fenway! has their act together. Here is a detailed look at their proposal. To be honest it looks great, and if you can both give the Sox a great park (for less money) and keep Fenway in play, you have a winning proposition.
That said, it has about a 15% chance of happening. The Lords don't like compromising their demands.
Save Fenway! has their act together. Here is a detailed look at their proposal. To be honest it looks great, and if you can both give the Sox a great park (for less money) and keep Fenway in play, you have a winning proposition.
That said, it has about a 15% chance of happening. The Lords don't like compromising their demands.
ESPN.com - Major League Baseball - Fenway: Classic or Clunker? Part I
First of a four part series at ESPN on the Save Fenway movement. I'm not a big fan of all the sentimentality that goes on regarding these ballparks. The action on the field is what causes the memories and those memories will continue in new parks. What I do like is the reduced cost. I see no reason for states and cities to take on nearly the entire cost of building ballparks.
I went to Fenway this summer, and it was really wonderful, but I have a good time at almost any ballpark.
First of a four part series at ESPN on the Save Fenway movement. I'm not a big fan of all the sentimentality that goes on regarding these ballparks. The action on the field is what causes the memories and those memories will continue in new parks. What I do like is the reduced cost. I see no reason for states and cities to take on nearly the entire cost of building ballparks.
I went to Fenway this summer, and it was really wonderful, but I have a good time at almost any ballpark.
Don Mattingly Statistics - Baseball-Reference
I was looking at Wally Joyner's stats today and was shocked to see that Don Mattingly was one of his most similar players. To hear some tell it, Mattingly is mere steps from Hall's Front Door, while the fact is he is somewhere closer to Oneonta.
For first basemen, I think the Cecil Cooper is the litmus test. Was the player demonstrably better than Cecil Cooper? If they weren't, they aren't in my Hall of Fame. Mattingly and Cooper have essentially the same qualifications. A couple Gold Gloves and some high batting averages. If you bring in Mattingly, you have a whole host of first basemen knocking down the door: Keith Hernandez, Will Clark, Cecil Cooper, Mark Grace, Don Baylor and Rafael Palmeiro is a slam-dunk first ballot candidate.
Don't write me about Mattingly's back. Even if he had stayed healthy I doubt he would have done enough to be a legitimate HOF first baseman.
I was looking at Wally Joyner's stats today and was shocked to see that Don Mattingly was one of his most similar players. To hear some tell it, Mattingly is mere steps from Hall's Front Door, while the fact is he is somewhere closer to Oneonta.
For first basemen, I think the Cecil Cooper is the litmus test. Was the player demonstrably better than Cecil Cooper? If they weren't, they aren't in my Hall of Fame. Mattingly and Cooper have essentially the same qualifications. A couple Gold Gloves and some high batting averages. If you bring in Mattingly, you have a whole host of first basemen knocking down the door: Keith Hernandez, Will Clark, Cecil Cooper, Mark Grace, Don Baylor and Rafael Palmeiro is a slam-dunk first ballot candidate.
Don't write me about Mattingly's back. Even if he had stayed healthy I doubt he would have done enough to be a legitimate HOF first baseman.
Proportional Representation
One of the things our government is based on is the idea that you get as many congressmen (not to denigrate the fine congresswomen) as you have population. What if instead of doing this, you received a number equal to the number of votes your citizens cast in the presidential election?
This would certainly spur voter turnout as states would be desperate to protect the number of delegates they receive. It would also cause them to try anything possible to make voting easier. One nice benefit of this is that young voters would likely earn more power. They would vote in higher numbers and it would swing the power away from the older voter. It also would give greater power to those most interested in using it.
It won't happen as it would require a constitutional amendment, but the thought experiment is an interesting one to go through.
One of the things our government is based on is the idea that you get as many congressmen (not to denigrate the fine congresswomen) as you have population. What if instead of doing this, you received a number equal to the number of votes your citizens cast in the presidential election?
This would certainly spur voter turnout as states would be desperate to protect the number of delegates they receive. It would also cause them to try anything possible to make voting easier. One nice benefit of this is that young voters would likely earn more power. They would vote in higher numbers and it would swing the power away from the older voter. It also would give greater power to those most interested in using it.
It won't happen as it would require a constitutional amendment, but the thought experiment is an interesting one to go through.
Elysian Fields Quarterly - The Baseball Review
An excellent article about the opening of PacBell park and the effect the upscale park is having on the Giants and their fans.
An excellent article about the opening of PacBell park and the effect the upscale park is having on the Giants and their fans.
Baseball Prospectus Online
Good stuff at Baseball Prospectus today. The Hacking Mass Results are up. It is essentially an effort to locate the worst regular players in major league baseball. Marquis Grissom was the lynchpin of the winning team this year. That and the Internet Baseball Awards results, where readers decide who wins the awards.
Good stuff at Baseball Prospectus today. The Hacking Mass Results are up. It is essentially an effort to locate the worst regular players in major league baseball. Marquis Grissom was the lynchpin of the winning team this year. That and the Internet Baseball Awards results, where readers decide who wins the awards.
2000 CLASS A QUARTERFINAL ROUND PLAYOFF RESULTS
My dad's football team is going to the dome (the UNI-Dome that is). My dad's team and the team I also played for is Manning. My dad has coached there for 21 years now, and he's had a lot of wins, but this is only his second trip to the state semifinals. I should say that Manning plays in the smallest class in Iowa. Class A. We have about 140 in HS, so you get 50-80% of all the HS boys out for football and a good team like they have this year is a community wide sense of pride. It's a good week to be a Forman.
My dad's football team is going to the dome (the UNI-Dome that is). My dad's team and the team I also played for is Manning. My dad has coached there for 21 years now, and he's had a lot of wins, but this is only his second trip to the state semifinals. I should say that Manning plays in the smallest class in Iowa. Class A. We have about 140 in HS, so you get 50-80% of all the HS boys out for football and a good team like they have this year is a community wide sense of pride. It's a good week to be a Forman.
Monday, November 6
ESPN.com - Major League Baseball - Boras says A-Rod's options are open
Gee, I feel bad that the Yanks can't have every good player. I wouldn't be surprised to see A-Rod go somewhere unexpected. The Giants weren't exactly a big market power when they went after Barry Bonds and he was more than happy to play for a darkhorse team. I still give the Mariners the best shot at signing A-Rod. BTW, how dumb was Dan Duquette for tying up Nomar and Pedro long-term?
"I would like to sign with another team and help dethrone the Yankees -- they've won too much already," he said Friday. "I like playing shortstop and I'm young (25). I want to play it until I'm 35, and then I'll study the possibility of being moved."
Gee, I feel bad that the Yanks can't have every good player. I wouldn't be surprised to see A-Rod go somewhere unexpected. The Giants weren't exactly a big market power when they went after Barry Bonds and he was more than happy to play for a darkhorse team. I still give the Mariners the best shot at signing A-Rod. BTW, how dumb was Dan Duquette for tying up Nomar and Pedro long-term?
O'Neill Invited Back
Not smart on the Yanks part. Despite a hot World Series, O'Neill is no longer a championship caliber player. It appears that the biggest danger for the Yanks is Joe Torre's misplaced loyalty.
Not smart on the Yanks part. Despite a hot World Series, O'Neill is no longer a championship caliber player. It appears that the biggest danger for the Yanks is Joe Torre's misplaced loyalty.
A-Rod for $200m??
It appears that A-Rod will be a $200 million man. Besides being an awful lot of money, this is a fool's exercise. If you do a simple probability argument it is difficult to justify that sort of expense for one player. One he isn't going to put that many fannies in the seat. Two, he could get hurt or become ineffective.
I think A-Rod is as good as anyone out there, but I don't honestly believe he is worth making a ten year investment in. I would go $20m for four years, similar to what Delgado is making, but I wouldn't touch ten years.
It appears that A-Rod will be a $200 million man. Besides being an awful lot of money, this is a fool's exercise. If you do a simple probability argument it is difficult to justify that sort of expense for one player. One he isn't going to put that many fannies in the seat. Two, he could get hurt or become ineffective.
I think A-Rod is as good as anyone out there, but I don't honestly believe he is worth making a ten year investment in. I would go $20m for four years, similar to what Delgado is making, but I wouldn't touch ten years.
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