04/25/24
December 20, 2006
31 Voices on the State of the Game: Biz of Baseball contacted 30 "notable individuals" who cover or work in the business of baseball and asked them for their comments on what's right and what's wrong with major league baseball today. The Biz of Baseball forum has included some intelligent discussion on the topic as well. [via King Kaufman]
Awesome link... I'm not even through the B's yet, but Alex Belth just made me stand up and cheer... ...just when you think cynicism is going to completely overwhelm you, there are players like David Wright or Ryan Howard, who remind you that the play is the thing ... What's wrong about the game? The hyped-up highlight show mentality of Sportscenter, blaring sound systems at ball parks, the boring debate between "old school" and "new school," moralizing sportswriters, bland, corporate jocks, and vengeful, righteous fans.
posted by SummersEve at 01:54 PM on December 20, 2006
From John Thorn: African Americans, for whom baseball not so long ago provided a beacon toward full citizenship, have increasingly turned their backs on the game; revisionist historians now condemn Jackie Robinson's breaking of the color barrier as a cruel bait and switch by which which more was lost than was gained. This is the first time I've come across that observation. Does anyone know who these revisionist historians are, and upon what they are basing this theory? Great, great post, Amateur. I'm looking forward to this discussion. Thanks.
posted by BullpenPro at 02:08 PM on December 20, 2006
Buzzie Bavasi turned 92 last week: Mr. Rickey, the best in the business--never be another like him--always insisted that the best player is the hungry player … Nothing wrong with the game that another Babe Ruth, Joe D. or Ted Williams can't fix. … The players might not be quite as good as they were years ago, but this is due to the fact that they are brought to major leagues too soon. Not enough minor league experience. This, of course, is due to expansion. … Take away the big gloves that they use today and you will see what I mean. Too funny. I liked the reader response selected at the end.
posted by Amateur at 02:28 PM on December 20, 2006
I'm so glad I had time to sit back and read all of this. Things I love: Nate Silver's Monkey-see-monkey-do explanation of free agent market pricing; "Buying back" some of the control from the TV networks. Things I agree with: The blackout rules are ridiculous; Stadiums are too loud; commercials are too long; competitive balance is better but still needs tinkering; Opening up (or bringing some sense to) the BBWAA to a select few internet writers; The WBC; Steve Treder. Things that make me want to vomit: A pitch clock; the designated hitter. Things that go over my head: Rodney Fort's argument for splitting the leagues "into real for real competing economic entities"; John Thorn's line about Jackie Robinson.
posted by SummersEve at 03:14 PM on December 20, 2006
Amateur, this is an excellent contribution. There's enough material in here to keep SpoFi's diamond diehards typing for months. I had only enough time to skim through the responses, but I get the sense that the thing that is most right with baseball is baseball itself. Even though players are faster, stronger (through better diet and exercise - never mind the other ways of getting stronger), and smarter, the balance between pitching and hitting, glove and bat, foot speed and arm strength seems to be maintained. I hope this post stays up for a couple of weeks, so I can take some time during the holidays to give it a thorough reading. It deserves more comment than I have time for right now. Thanks again, Amateur.
posted by Howard_T at 05:31 PM on December 20, 2006
Thank you, Amateur for giving me something to read, contemplate, and comment on for the next few days at work. Hopefully I will be able to include a few intelligent comments after I scour and digest the info.
posted by hawkguy at 06:03 PM on December 20, 2006
I want to thank Amateur for linking to the compilation of authors, executives, and sports economists that submitted their thoughts on the state of MLB. Chuck Armstrong, president of the Mariners was a late addition after publication on Friday, and I have a tentative agreement from Bill Shanks to add to the list, as well. If you are interested in the content on the Biz of Baseball (I just added a complete list of retired numbers by clubs today), registering on the site will allow you to receive updates via email. One of the things that we add often are interviews... approximately one a month, so pop back over, if you get the urge. Thanks, Maury Brown Editor - Biz of Baseball.com Author - Baseball Prospectus
posted by Maury at 11:51 PM on December 20, 2006
Intelligent discussion? On tha intraweb? No, I don't believe it. You're some kind of warlock... That's going to be a fun read. Thanks!