Retire Jason Varitek's number?

[cp176]

A slow guy on first is not as much of a concern to steal a base, but the defense still plays differently when there is a runner on first versus when there is not a runner on first, whether that runner is speedy or not. Having the defense out of its "typical" position is what creates an advantage for the hitter.

 

A fast athletic guy on first is of more concern to an opponent than a fat slug who can't run. My point is that it very well may upset a defense to the point that it can be a disruption that could give the offense an advantage.

[SoxnCycles]

When we first debated this, that is not the opinion that you gave.

 

For an old guy, AH700 can move a goalpost with the best of them.

[SoxnCycles]

Maybe I have worked with Employment Lawyers for too long, your intent doesn't matter when using a term that is derogatory. Calling someone a traditionalist is an insult in my opinion. Most labels are offensive, no matter how subtle you intend them to be.

 

So, you were lying when you said you didn't consider "homer' as an insult, because you obviously used it to get back at someone who dared call you a traditionalist.

Idiot.

[mvp 78]

I'm a traditionalist Boston homer. When the team is winning, I'll declare my undying love for the Sox. When they start losing, I'll remind everyone that this team is a bunch of bums, that the beer is too expensive, that there are too many casual fans and that we should burn down Fenway.

 

IT WAS BETTER PRE-2003, WHEN WE KNEW WHO THE REAL FANS WERE!!!

[SoxnCycles]

I'm a traditionalist Boston homer. When the team is winning, I'll declare my undying love for the Sox. When they start losing, I'll remind everyone that this team is a bunch of bums, that the beer is too expensive, that there are too many casual fans and that we should burn down Fenway.

 

IT WAS BETTER PRE-2003, WHEN WE KNEW WHO THE REAL FANS WERE!!!

 

At least you're consistent!

[Bellhorn04]

I think it's fine to be a homer, as long as you're not a blind homer.

[cp176]

I think it's fine to be a homer, as long as you're not a blind homer.

 

I'm related tho that guy

[Kimmi]

A fast athletic guy on first is of more concern to an opponent than a fat slug who can't run. My point is that it very well may upset a defense to the point that it can be a disruption that could give the offense an advantage.

 

Having a fast runner on first base is an overall net advantage to the offense because of the success rate of steals, the ability to avoid the double play, and the greater likelihood of the runner going first to third or scoring from first.

 

Take away the actual baserunning advantage, and there is really not much advantage to the offense from 'disruption' that there wouldn't be from a normal runner on first. Except for more balks.

[cp176]

Having a fast runner on first base is an overall net advantage to the offense because of the success rate of steals, the ability to avoid the double play, and the greater likelihood of the runner going first to third or scoring from first.

 

Take away the actual baserunning advantage, and there is really not much advantage to the offense from 'disruption' that there wouldn't be from a normal runner on first. Except for more balks.

 

I can buy that. Essentially because I believe that your first paragraph still can represent an essential part of the game.

[Kimmi]

On the topic of Varitek, Baseball Prospectus unveiled its new catcher defense stats yesterday. These stats confirm what most of us already know, that Varitek was among the best in blocking pitches and pitch framing. Despite his below average arm,

 

"With his CSAA stats so great, it’s not surprising that Varitek also has the 13th-most overall catcher defense added overall in the history of the game, with a total of 80.5 runs added over his career. That’s a huge amount compared to most catchers, and every drop of that value went to the Sox over his 14-year career."

 

This is something that doesn't get the attention of traditional HOF voters.

[Kimmi]

I can buy that. Essentially because I believe that your first paragraph still can represent an essential part of the game.

 

I agree that speed and good baserunning are an important part of the game. I am probably not as high on actual stolen bases as you are. I'm not saying that they are not important, just that they are overrated.

[Designated Hater]

Are you nuts? Varitek is one of the most overrated players in all of Red Sox history. He just happens to get a pass because he's a catcher and how many catchers have the Sox had outside of Fisk that have been amazing? Tek was a crappy hitter PERIOD. And this whole "well, he handled the pitching staff so well" thing is lame. Any catcher that did or does his homework could have done the same thing.

 

Don't retire #33. He doesn't deserve it.

[jacksonianmarch]

.776OPS during the steroid era isn't really going to cut it for me. Good but not elite defender, don't care what the "runs saved" said about that time. Anyone with eyes could see that his D was average to above, but not elite. For a team like the sox who are very reluctant to retire numbers, this one doesn't fit

[Kimmi]

Are you nuts? Varitek is one of the most overrated players in all of Red Sox history. He just happens to get a pass because he's a catcher and how many catchers have the Sox had outside of Fisk that have been amazing? Tek was a crappy hitter PERIOD. And this whole "well, he handled the pitching staff so well" thing is lame. Any catcher that did or does his homework could have done the same thing.

 

Don't retire #33. He doesn't deserve it.

 

Two thumbs down for this post.

[mvp 78]

Two Heidi Whatneys for that post imo.

[Kimmi]

Two Heidi Whatneys for that post imo.

 

That's what I said. Two thumbs down.

[Spudboy]

I liked Heidi. Not because she was a beauty Queen.

 

She was just nice.

[Kimmi]

I liked Heidi. Not because she was a beauty Queen.

 

She was just nice.

 

I actually have nothing against Heidi. I like her, and I think she is very pretty, prettier than Jenny Dell.

 

I just don't understand the need to have "eye candy" sideline reporters.

[mvp 78]

I actually have nothing against Heidi. I like her, and I think she is very pretty, prettier than Jenny Dell.

 

I just don't understand the need to have "eye candy" sideline reporters.

 

So you don't like Gary then?

[Spudboy]

I actually have nothing against Heidi. I like her, and I think she is very pretty, prettier than Jenny Dell.

 

I just don't understand the need to have "eye candy" sideline reporters.

 

I agree that eye candy is not essential. Sideline reporters should report relevant info and not waste our time with the fluff. It's just marketing to men, I guess.

[mvp 78]

I agree that eye candy is not essential. Sideline reporters should report relevant info and not waste our time with the fluff. It's just marketing to men, I guess.

 

Yes, I need up to minute analysis of the Wally Wave and food at away ballparks.

[Kimmi]

So you don't like Gary then?

 

Is Gary eye candy?

[Kimmi]

I agree that eye candy is not essential. Sideline reporters should report relevant info and not waste our time with the fluff. It's just marketing to men, I guess.

 

The need to market to men in that way just doesn't make any sense. Men (and women) are supposed to be watching sports because they are into sports, not because there is some hot reporter on the broadcast.

[mvp 78]

Marketing to 6th grade boys?

[Spudboy]

The need to market to men in that way just doesn't make any sense. Men (and women) are supposed to be watching sports because they are into sports, not because there is some hot reporter on the broadcast.

 

I think that we had a good woman sideline reporter in Tina Servacio (SP). She asked real questions and was very affable. Since then there has been a parade of bimbi. As I said, Heidi was nice. I say this because I actually met her in 02/2011 when Username? and I went to Fenway for a tour. We spent about 5-10 minutes talking with her at the souvenir shop. I'm not super into blonds but she was really beautiful and was smart and friendly. f*** was she tall! I'm 5'7".

[Northern Star]

As Fred Wilpon said about David Wright: not a superstar.

[Spudboy]

Marketing to 6th grade boys?

 

The Sox do a s*** ton of marketing directed at youth ( through their parents ). I can understand why. Got to bring in new fans and get them hooked for life. But jeez, I hate most of the promotional stuff. I'm old school. I'm an old fart.

[Northern Star]

The need to market to men in that way just doesn't make any sense. Men (and women) are supposed to be watching sports because they are into sports, not because there is some hot reporter on the broadcast.

 

I'm in a minority amongst men who believes certain peddling to men's hormones to be distasteful. There's a time and place for sexuality, and telling me I can't do certain everyday things without an attractive female with a big pair of tits shoved in my face is somewhat insulting. Like I said though, it's the minority opinion.

[Spudboy]

Is Gary eye candy?

 

You've seen him. He looks sort of Asian and has the spiked hair and all. I have no big problem with him because he has formed some relationships with players and does some good interview with guys like Mookie.

 

But really, I just want to know about the game and baseball.

 

Kimmi, you are too young to remember but long ago '60's, '70's......TV 38 and Ch 5 had really good ballpark reporters with next to zero fluff. I remember Ken Coleman and Don Gillis used to have baseball lessons with the players on the pre-game shows.

 

For instance, he had Yaz explain and demonstrate how to read and get jumps. How to catch the ball properly ( we don't see much of that now ). He also had George Scott "Da Boomah" ( THE BEST 1ST baseman in Sox history! ) explain and demonstrate proper footwork and fielding techniques, etc.

 

You would have loved it.

[User Name]

I liked Heidi. Not because she was a beauty Queen.

 

She was just nice.

 

I can attest to this. Not scared of brown people either. Always a plus in my book.