Where is the path of sports journalism headed?
I think most in the field would agree that changes have been happening for a few years now, as the importance of producing sports writing on the internet has increased greatly. This is a significant change when you consider that in the 1990's, for example, people got all of their sports writing from newspapers and magazines.
Another trend that seems to be taking place is the increased number of sports blogs. Everybody seems to think they know more than professional journalists, and now it's their turn to make a case as they fill blog after blog with their own commentary and opinion. As someone who has admittedly done just this, I also realize that sports journalists are professionals who get paid to report on sports. You can't just imitate this on a blog for many reasons, including less access to sources, less insight from other people in the business, and most likely less writing skills. It is scary to think that the world might be getting closer and closer to a point where professional journalists are wanted less and less. As a fan of great sports writing, this is not a good thing because it is necessary to have professionals writing about the sports we love, not just fans. I hope that no matter what continues to happen to field of journalism, there will always be room for great sports writers to help illuminate games, break stories, and provide informed opinion on all of the topics that the fans love to debate.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Teixeira or Ramirez?
If you were the General Manager of a Major League Baseball team, who would you rather have- Mark Teixeira or Manny Ramirez?
I was having this discussion with some sports fans recently over a few drinks. Out of five of us, three said they'd take Teixeira and two said Manny. Let's look at the reasons why I feel for most teams, Teixeira is the way to go.
First of all, obviously much of this discussion is ignoring the fact that the two play different positions, so it really is nearly impossible to compare them from the perpective of a GM because it obviously matters what positions need to be filled or upgraded. But let's just play a little make-believe and say that your favorite team needs an outfielder and a first basemen equally, but could only sign Teixeria or Ramirez. Who's it going to be??
Manny Ramirez is one of the most prolific right-handed batters to ever play the game of baseball. He hits for power, average, and drives in runs like it's his job. I guess it is, actually..... But anyways, there is no arguing that Manny has put up some incredible seasons and is an incredible force at the plate. But let's not ignore his, well, lesser talents.
Defensively, Ramirez would be considered average on a good day. He hasn't been getting any quicker these past few seasons, believe it or not. And all baseball fans know that defensively Manny can also act like a clown. Time and time again he has made what has to be referred to as stupid plays in the outfield, including one instance where he actually dove to cut off a throw from Jonny Damon that was headed to the infield (very comical, but in a way that you'd laugh at the class idiot when he makes a mistake). Who really wants that kind of ridicule happening to their team?
Ramirez is getting older too, and his numbers have decreased over the past few seasons. Which makes it fair to wonder if his production will decrease even more, as he will enter next year at 36 years old. But the biggest question mark of Ramirez, and what I honestly believe should be heavily considered, is his level of intensity towards the game. The Red Sox organization and fan base turned on Manny, as he had a history of taking days off in crucial games, and also his lack of hustle.
Mark Teixeira is only 28 years old, a slugger, a very good defensive first-baseman, and by all accounts he is a good guy who plays hard and wants to win. His power numbers were basically the same as Manny's last year, as they both drove in 121 RBI's and had over 30 HR's. They each batted over .300 as well. He's also a switch hitter. What else is there really to say? His numbers are very comparable to Manny's current level, and at Teixeira's age he could still be approaching his prime. Doesn't the choice seem easy? Teixeira's got the talent AND the attitude.
Wait; hold that thought. Ramirez did steal more bases than Teixeira, 3-2.
I was having this discussion with some sports fans recently over a few drinks. Out of five of us, three said they'd take Teixeira and two said Manny. Let's look at the reasons why I feel for most teams, Teixeira is the way to go.
First of all, obviously much of this discussion is ignoring the fact that the two play different positions, so it really is nearly impossible to compare them from the perpective of a GM because it obviously matters what positions need to be filled or upgraded. But let's just play a little make-believe and say that your favorite team needs an outfielder and a first basemen equally, but could only sign Teixeria or Ramirez. Who's it going to be??
Manny Ramirez is one of the most prolific right-handed batters to ever play the game of baseball. He hits for power, average, and drives in runs like it's his job. I guess it is, actually..... But anyways, there is no arguing that Manny has put up some incredible seasons and is an incredible force at the plate. But let's not ignore his, well, lesser talents.
Defensively, Ramirez would be considered average on a good day. He hasn't been getting any quicker these past few seasons, believe it or not. And all baseball fans know that defensively Manny can also act like a clown. Time and time again he has made what has to be referred to as stupid plays in the outfield, including one instance where he actually dove to cut off a throw from Jonny Damon that was headed to the infield (very comical, but in a way that you'd laugh at the class idiot when he makes a mistake). Who really wants that kind of ridicule happening to their team?
Ramirez is getting older too, and his numbers have decreased over the past few seasons. Which makes it fair to wonder if his production will decrease even more, as he will enter next year at 36 years old. But the biggest question mark of Ramirez, and what I honestly believe should be heavily considered, is his level of intensity towards the game. The Red Sox organization and fan base turned on Manny, as he had a history of taking days off in crucial games, and also his lack of hustle.
Mark Teixeira is only 28 years old, a slugger, a very good defensive first-baseman, and by all accounts he is a good guy who plays hard and wants to win. His power numbers were basically the same as Manny's last year, as they both drove in 121 RBI's and had over 30 HR's. They each batted over .300 as well. He's also a switch hitter. What else is there really to say? His numbers are very comparable to Manny's current level, and at Teixeira's age he could still be approaching his prime. Doesn't the choice seem easy? Teixeira's got the talent AND the attitude.
Wait; hold that thought. Ramirez did steal more bases than Teixeira, 3-2.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Yanks Say "No" to Pettitte
Recently, the New Yankees declined arbitration on Andy Pettitte, a decision I believe will come back to haunt them.
The Yankees front office has made a point of telling the media, their fans, and all of baseball that their main objective this off season is to add pitching depth, especially in the rotation. This is no secret, and I don't believe that there is a fan out there who would disagree that it is necessary for the Yanks to do this if they are to be successful next season.
Yet, they declined to bring back a pitcher who was their second most consistent starter last season (behind Mike Mussina, who won't be returning). It's true that declining arbitration doesn't mean they won't still attempt to sign him, but everything being reported seems to point towards a lack of interest from New York in Pettitte. He said in an interview at the end of the season that he wants to pitch, and would like to end his career in New York. Well sorry Andy, but you may not get that opportunity.
There have also been recent reports of conversations that the Dodgers are showing in interest in Pettitte, as his old manager Joe Torre appears to like the idea of bringing the lefty veteran into his rotation. This should be a red flag to the Yanks that if they want Andy back, they need to make their move before it's too late. They blew a chance by declining his arbitration.
Last season, despite having an ERA of 4.54, Pettitte still won 14 games for the Bronx Bombers. He threw over 200 innings, and with the offense that the Yanks have, there is no reason to believe that Pettitte wouldn't win at least another 14 games, a great number from someone who would only need to be a back-end of the rotation guy for New York. If the run support is there, Pettitte will always win games. He's never been an ace, and his ERA has consistently hovered around the 4.00 mark. In fact, in 2000 he went 19-9 with an ERA of 4.35 (very close to his 4.54 ERA of last season).
The fact is, the Yankees have said they are targeting starting pitching. Yet, their number one target, CC Sabathia, is mulling offers from multiple teams, and could very easily end up somewhere other than New York. They have not even placed offers for A.J. Burnett or Derek Lowe, although rumors say the Yanks have interest in both. Looking at the current Yanks rotation, especially with Mike Mussina's recent retirement, there is no depth to speak of. For the time being, they have declined to bring back a pitcher whom wants to play for them and who would add a consistent arm to their rotation. Instead, they appear to still be banking on adding free agents and other pitchers through trade, leaving huge question marks in their chances of putting forth a playoff-type rotation next season. They declined the option to guarantee themselves a reliable starter in Andy Pettitte.
The Yankees front office has made a point of telling the media, their fans, and all of baseball that their main objective this off season is to add pitching depth, especially in the rotation. This is no secret, and I don't believe that there is a fan out there who would disagree that it is necessary for the Yanks to do this if they are to be successful next season.
Yet, they declined to bring back a pitcher who was their second most consistent starter last season (behind Mike Mussina, who won't be returning). It's true that declining arbitration doesn't mean they won't still attempt to sign him, but everything being reported seems to point towards a lack of interest from New York in Pettitte. He said in an interview at the end of the season that he wants to pitch, and would like to end his career in New York. Well sorry Andy, but you may not get that opportunity.
There have also been recent reports of conversations that the Dodgers are showing in interest in Pettitte, as his old manager Joe Torre appears to like the idea of bringing the lefty veteran into his rotation. This should be a red flag to the Yanks that if they want Andy back, they need to make their move before it's too late. They blew a chance by declining his arbitration.
Last season, despite having an ERA of 4.54, Pettitte still won 14 games for the Bronx Bombers. He threw over 200 innings, and with the offense that the Yanks have, there is no reason to believe that Pettitte wouldn't win at least another 14 games, a great number from someone who would only need to be a back-end of the rotation guy for New York. If the run support is there, Pettitte will always win games. He's never been an ace, and his ERA has consistently hovered around the 4.00 mark. In fact, in 2000 he went 19-9 with an ERA of 4.35 (very close to his 4.54 ERA of last season).
The fact is, the Yankees have said they are targeting starting pitching. Yet, their number one target, CC Sabathia, is mulling offers from multiple teams, and could very easily end up somewhere other than New York. They have not even placed offers for A.J. Burnett or Derek Lowe, although rumors say the Yanks have interest in both. Looking at the current Yanks rotation, especially with Mike Mussina's recent retirement, there is no depth to speak of. For the time being, they have declined to bring back a pitcher whom wants to play for them and who would add a consistent arm to their rotation. Instead, they appear to still be banking on adding free agents and other pitchers through trade, leaving huge question marks in their chances of putting forth a playoff-type rotation next season. They declined the option to guarantee themselves a reliable starter in Andy Pettitte.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Mariners Clubhouse
Reading ESPN.com this morning, I came across and interesting story involving Ichiro Suzuki and his teammates. Apparently, an M's player said something to a Mariners' insider about an incident earlier this year in which an Ichiro teammate said that he wanted to "knock" Ichiro out. Furthermore, the insider said that there is a large number of Mariner players who just flat out dislike Ichiro, to the point that the insider was surprised a bunch of players didn't just "go after him."
The frustrating part of the story is the idea that somebody inside the Mariners family would go to the insider with all of this information. Playing on sports teams in college and high school, I know that there is a certain code that everybody mutually follows: problems are kept in-house. It's pathetic to think of a grown-up, a major-league baseball player, thinking he needs to say something about this. It doesn't matter if it's true; it doesn't matter if every player on the Mariners hates Ichiro. If you've got a personal problem with a guy, then you go to his face and tell him what you're thinking. Although it would be hard to think why someone wouldn't respect and appreciate the numbers that Ichiro puts up every year, while playing hard every night. It just really makes which ever player this was that brought up the story look very weak. Why would somebody want people on the outside now to think negative thoughts about the Mariners? Why would you, as a player, want to have people think there's problems in your clubhouse? It just doesn't make sense. Next time, man up and go to the source if you've got something to say.
The frustrating part of the story is the idea that somebody inside the Mariners family would go to the insider with all of this information. Playing on sports teams in college and high school, I know that there is a certain code that everybody mutually follows: problems are kept in-house. It's pathetic to think of a grown-up, a major-league baseball player, thinking he needs to say something about this. It doesn't matter if it's true; it doesn't matter if every player on the Mariners hates Ichiro. If you've got a personal problem with a guy, then you go to his face and tell him what you're thinking. Although it would be hard to think why someone wouldn't respect and appreciate the numbers that Ichiro puts up every year, while playing hard every night. It just really makes which ever player this was that brought up the story look very weak. Why would somebody want people on the outside now to think negative thoughts about the Mariners? Why would you, as a player, want to have people think there's problems in your clubhouse? It just doesn't make sense. Next time, man up and go to the source if you've got something to say.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Saying Goodbye to THE Yankee Stadium
Wednesday, September 17th, was the last time I will ever step foot in THE Yankee Stadium. Driving up to the game, its all I and my three buddies could think and talk about. New stadium; good idea or bad? Since the first day that the original idea for a new stadium has been discussed, I have been in favor. And while driving to the 'Cathedral in the Bronx' one last time, my argument stayed consistent.
One main reason which I don't feel people consider enough, is the fact that the current Yankee Stadium was renovated in 1973-74. We aren't talking about a few changes made during an off season. The renovations were so extensive that they took two years to complete, as the Yanks played in Shea Stadium during the construction. ESPN Sports Almanac refers to the current Yankee Stadium as "Yankee Stadium II." My point is simply to remind everyone that quite simply, the Yankees are NOT playing in the same place that they opened in 1923. Does this take away from all of the greatness that has occurred in the Stadium since the renovations? Of course not. But fans who think they are going to the same exact park that people were going to in the 1920's are mistaken. In fact, every seat in the stadium was replaced with the renovations.
Another reason why I'm excited about the new Stadium is the fact that the Yankees will have the opportunity to create a brand new legacy in a new park. All the history: the great moments, the 26 World Series Championships, will carry over to the new ballpark. It's not like people are just suddenly going to forget that the Yankees are the most successful professional sports team in this country. But take someone like Joba Chamberlain. If he was to have a Hall of Fame type career, with a few World Series rings and tons of success, then he will do it in what looks to be an incredible, classy, magnificent stadium. And then in 50 years people will be talking about when they used to go to the "new" Yankee Stadium to watch Joba pitch. And then when a 10-year-old steps into the "new" Yankee Stadium for the first time, he'll be watching a game on the same field where Joba Chamberlain once pitched. Legacies can be built and added to, whether a stadium is 10,000 years old or 50.
Yet, all of this seemed to make a lot more sense before the ninth inning. I found myself looking at everything; monument park, the black, the facade, the right field bleachers, the field itself, for the last time. When the final out was made, my group stayed around for a few minutes, taking in the sights one final time. And walking away from the field for that final time, the last thing I saw was the right field upper-deck, and suddenly I pictured the Tino Martinez grand slam landing there in the 1998 World Series against the Padres. I guess the reality of actually realizing I'd never be back finally hit me, because I got a little choked-up. I guess sometime you have to say good-bye to the things you love the most, and look forward to the future where new memories will be made. Thank-you Yankee Stadium; you will be missed.
One main reason which I don't feel people consider enough, is the fact that the current Yankee Stadium was renovated in 1973-74. We aren't talking about a few changes made during an off season. The renovations were so extensive that they took two years to complete, as the Yanks played in Shea Stadium during the construction. ESPN Sports Almanac refers to the current Yankee Stadium as "Yankee Stadium II." My point is simply to remind everyone that quite simply, the Yankees are NOT playing in the same place that they opened in 1923. Does this take away from all of the greatness that has occurred in the Stadium since the renovations? Of course not. But fans who think they are going to the same exact park that people were going to in the 1920's are mistaken. In fact, every seat in the stadium was replaced with the renovations.
Another reason why I'm excited about the new Stadium is the fact that the Yankees will have the opportunity to create a brand new legacy in a new park. All the history: the great moments, the 26 World Series Championships, will carry over to the new ballpark. It's not like people are just suddenly going to forget that the Yankees are the most successful professional sports team in this country. But take someone like Joba Chamberlain. If he was to have a Hall of Fame type career, with a few World Series rings and tons of success, then he will do it in what looks to be an incredible, classy, magnificent stadium. And then in 50 years people will be talking about when they used to go to the "new" Yankee Stadium to watch Joba pitch. And then when a 10-year-old steps into the "new" Yankee Stadium for the first time, he'll be watching a game on the same field where Joba Chamberlain once pitched. Legacies can be built and added to, whether a stadium is 10,000 years old or 50.
Yet, all of this seemed to make a lot more sense before the ninth inning. I found myself looking at everything; monument park, the black, the facade, the right field bleachers, the field itself, for the last time. When the final out was made, my group stayed around for a few minutes, taking in the sights one final time. And walking away from the field for that final time, the last thing I saw was the right field upper-deck, and suddenly I pictured the Tino Martinez grand slam landing there in the 1998 World Series against the Padres. I guess the reality of actually realizing I'd never be back finally hit me, because I got a little choked-up. I guess sometime you have to say good-bye to the things you love the most, and look forward to the future where new memories will be made. Thank-you Yankee Stadium; you will be missed.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Your Team isn't in the Playoffs: What's Next?
As the Major League Baseball regular season is winding down, it’s that unfortunate time of year for fans around the world to answer a very difficult question: Who do I want to win the World Series, or do I care?
**This question is not intended for those fans lucky enough to have a team playing in October, so if that’s you just leave us alone!**
Let’s first examine whether or not it’s ok to have another rooting interest. My vote? It’s fine. I’m not saying go out and buy a Manny Ramirez jersey if you’re a life long Astros fan, but if you want to sit in your basement, watch the games and root for the Astros, go for it. But there is a VERY important rule.
Can’t pick a team in your division. This should go without saying. If you are a Yankees fan, obviously there should be no chance that you want nothing more than to see a clean sweep of the Sox in the first round. (Or maybe you’d like to see them make it to the ALCS, win the first three games and THEN lose four straight. This is acceptable.)
Your team plays too many games against their division rivals, and this alone is enough of a reason to just not like the other teams in your division.
Outside of that, I’d say every team is fair game. Take for example a Yankees fan. You’re not going to want anything good to happen to Boston, and the Angels also because they have a history of beating you. But, what if you’ve always loved Joe Torre? Then your choice is simple, pull for Joe to get another World Series ring (even if it means another ring for Manny, too). You have to find something in another team that you legitimately are a fan of. Maybe it’s the simple fact that you think Chicago fans deserves a championship, so you want the Cubs to win. Maybe you think the Rays have had such a great run this year, they deserve to win it all.
If you can watch the playoffs without your team in it and just enjoy some good baseball without caring who wins, then do that. But if you’d like a rooting interest, just stay out of your division and you’ll be good. Enjoy the playoffs, and good luck to your team. Well, your second team that is.
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