The Monster is my Mom

Pac Bell Park had a nice ring to it but all the rest are crap

I think Moneyball is a must read for any baseball fan. It really does give you a new perspective on the game.

Excellent post. You were able to describe it much better than me. I agree that we shouldn't be trying to steal with the guys that we have, but in Moneyball the A's have Ray Durham (who had a bunch of steals with I believe the White Sox the previous year), but he had very few steals with the A's. So many games are won/lost by a couple of runs, that if you have a guy to steal, then you should let him. Where would we be without Dave Roberts? Red Sox ownership is doing a great job, and Theo is the executor of that vision. I wonder if they would have signed Manny had they been in power, instead of Duquette and the previous regime.

So I read Moneyball for the first time just a couple months ago, and was wondering if people agree with that thought process or not. Things I liked: Taking college players in the draft, not high schoolers Not overpaying (though the A's seem to have not followed this this offseason with Loazia Using a large set of statistical data (from college/minor ranks, which is a better indication than high school numbers) to figure out who would be a good player Looking for guys that get on base alot (lots of walks) Things I didn't like: Taking fat, unathletic guys just because they have good numbers Not caring about defense. Yes it is tough to measure accurately, but neglecting it completely seems dumb Never doing hits and runs or stealing I know Theo subscribes to some of these theories, but he breaks them some because the Sox have a big budget, unlike the A's.

It would be dumb to give up a prime pitching prospect (especially a lefty), unless it was something too good to pass up.

So did Manny take his condo off the market? Or did it sell already?

I'm in

I don't think there is any validity to this.

I am biased towards Trot. (I have his jersey) I love his dirtdog style of play, and I really hope we give him a shot this year to bounce back. But if he plays poorly, then by all means let him walk at the end of the year.

So, when do the Yanks and Sox play?

Welcome

A little off-topic, but where does everyone think Clemens will end up? I am guessing the Astros.

I can't wait till the season starts, so that we can stop speculating and starting watching!!

I think people who live in Tampa like the Yanks. They need to relocate the Devil Rays. I that note though, I think it will be a tight race for last between the O's and Rays. The O's downgraded and the Devil Rays didn't necessarily upgrade, but their guys are a year older and experienced.

Grand Valley State in Grand Rapids Michigan. I have 2 classes left after the winter semester, I will graduate in August.

I didn't say that you had no pitching. But they are a question mark, just like it is for us.

I hate John Kruk. He says the dumbest things on ESPN - Harold Reynolds and Gammons are worth their salt though.

"It's great to be on his side," he said, "so now we can talk about the Yankee way." Latest quote from Damon, talking about his first face to face meeting with Steinbrenner today.

I just read that MLB.com picked the Jays.

I knew it wouldn't be long until the Yankee guys didn't like my list. I could see this list easily happening though. I also agree that the Wild Card will be Guardians/White Sox.

I think it will go: 1. Sox 2. Jays 3. Yanks 4. Rays 5. O's

I just assumed the O's and Rays wouldn't be in contention, but I guess you never know.

I know that it is a little early (not even ST yet), but who do you think will win the AL East? Yanks Pros:Tons of offense, and now have two people (Damon and Jeter) who get on base alot ahead of all the mashers. Starting pitching has some questions, but could be good if the Unit, Mussina, Pavano stay healthy. And of course they have Mo at the end. Cons:This is an old team, so injuries are bound to happen. As usual since the end of the dynasty (2001), no team chemistry. Starting pitching, and the bullpen between the starters and Mo. Jays Pros:Made lots of moves, spent lots of money. They should score lots of runs with Vernon Wells, Glaus, Overbay, Hillenbrand, Hinske, and the rest of those birds. Starting pitching should be good with Burnett, Halladay, Chacin, and Lilly. They overpaid for BJ Ryan, but he should be a good closer for them, and has proven himself (at least over one year)in a competitive East. Cons:Not a great defense (except for guys like Wells), and I don't think they have much for middle relief, setup guys. Lack offense from certain positions like 2B, catcher, not much power from the outfield. Sox Pros:Big Papi, Manny, Tek and the guys that get on base like Coco, Youk, Loretta. The offense should be great. The defense is improved with guys like Lowell (whatever you say about his bat, he is a great defender), Loretta, and Youk/Snow. Shortstop and center field will see very little, if any, dropoff defensively. Starting pitching should be better this year with Schilling healthly (hopefully), Beckett, Wake, Papelbon and the bullpen cannot be any worse this year with Foulke healthy (hopefully), Timlin not getting worked so much, Seanez, Tavarez, probably Arroyo and/or Papelbon in long relief, and Riske. Cons:Age.They are an old team as well, but actually got a little younger this offseason. The chances that Loretta, Lowell, Youk hit like we hope are probably not completely realistic. One or more of them probably will not hit well. Also, the assumptions that guys like Papi and Manny will continue to hit like MVP may or may not happen. They will both be good, but maybe not as great as last year. Lastly, pitching. Schilling/Foulke may not be good anymore, while the bullpen/closer is always a question.

I am doing Mechanical engineering. Where do you go to school? I sat just a few rows from the "one red seat" when I went to a game last fall.

Alright, I can admit defeat. The article I posted didn't refer to him 'joking'. He still needs to stop talking about the Red Sox constantly though.