My turn to spam the forums!! Writers needed!!

[free2131]

Hey, I just joined an MLB blog as a writer, one that looks pretty good. The lead man seems like a cool guy, plus he has interviewed a few MLB players. Both RickD and I are there.

Hopefully this is a blog that will last. They do have quite a few openings for bloggers, as Gavin wants two per team. Here are the teams that are open:

Arizona Diamondbacks
Baltimore Orioles
Boston Red Sox
Cleveland Indians
Florida Marlins
Houston Astros
Kansas City Royals
L.A Angels
L.A Dodgers
Minnesota Twins
Oakland Athletics
San Diego Padres
San Fransisco Giants
Seattle Mariners
St. Louis Cardinals
Tampa Bay Rays
Texas Rangers
Toronto Blue Jays
Washington Nationals

Team in bold have no writers for them. Come one and join me and RickD and write for this blog. Just go to mlbfannation.com sign on to the chat and ask for Gavin. Don't forget to tell him Jeff sent you. [/spam]

[filihok]

reported

[Jeffy25]

and how do you join exactly?

[200tang]

and how do you join exactly?

Just go to mlbfannation.com sign on to the chat and ask for Gavin. Don't forget to tell him Jeff sent you. [/spam]

[free2131]

I was thinking of all three of you actually. Care to join?

I need more SABR friendly people over there. I think I'm the only one.

[Jeffy25]

I joined the forum, actually.

[200tang]

I'll write for them if HGM does. Cuz we do stuff together.

[Jeffy25]

another couple on the forum?

I thought Bingle and I were the only one's, but I guess Rage and TNP, and now Tang and HGM!

[Alloutwar]

How do they not have anyone blogging for the Sox?

I could write an opener piece about Lackey's mouth-breathing, and the issues with adjusting to having to root for him now. But I'd have to include a picture of Strong Mad from www.homestarrunner.com.

But...aren't there like a bazillion blogs out there already? Not sure I want to add to the piles and piles of garbage on the internets. Maybe ill just post on a forum...oh wait.

[Alloutwar]

Okay, here's my first post:

Adjusting to Lackey


As a Red Sox fan, John Lackey was a minor villain for years. His Game 7 win in 2002, his rookie season, was a storybook event – but from the perspective of an 84-year World Championship drought, it brought no warm and fuzzies to Red Sox Nation. We watched from afar as he stabilized his major league presence, emerging as ace in 2006, and notching his 1000th strikeout against our own Youk in 2008. Then there was the 2009 ALDS, where Lackey’s dominant performance set the tone for one of our worst 3-game post-season stretches ever.


Lackey had slowly become the face of our west coast rival, and – just like A-Rod or Mark Teixiera of the Yankees – he began to collect some Red Sox Nation hate. I remember characterizing him as the second-worst mouth breather in MLB, behind only Mark Teixeira. I got frustrated as he pitched a winning game in the ALDS, posting on forums and comparing him to Strong Mad. Sure, I was quick to switch allegiances and root for the Angels over the dreaded Yankees, but he was still not someone I would root for. And my fandom for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, California, USA, Earth was short lived.


Now, it’s a whole different animal. Lackey signed a 5-year deal with the Red Sox over the winter. Not only was he a free agent pickup, but unlike say Manny or JD Drew, he wasn’t just looking for the biggest bucks – he actively sought out the Sox as a landing spot. He has ties to New Hampshire, with his wife being a UNH alumnus. He even accepted team-friendly injury-related clauses that could trigger, causing him to pitch for the Sox for a 6th year at league minimum. Now anyone with Lackey’s work ethic obviously can’t be all bad – but now we have to adjust to him being good. Not just a good pitcher, but, someone we root for every 5 days.


The best way to look at this is from a GM position, instead of a fan position. Lackey puts up the numbers – his 117 career ERA+ is an exact match with Josh Beckett. He’s solid, and despite some early-season injuries delaying his start the past few years, he’s still more dependable than a Dice-K or the aging Wakefield, and more proven that Buchholz. He’s been in the post-season 5 times, and thrives on the pressure (3.12 ERA). Sounds like the ideal #3 starter for a perennial playoff contender like the Sox.

For me, this will be a tough transition. I like Lackey’s mound presence – I love that he fights to stay in a game, and hates to be taken out when he still has more to give. I like his numbers and results. And I like having him as a way-above-average 3rd starter. I might not like seeing the open mouth on the mound when he pitches, but…I’ll try to get over it. Or skip watching those games.

[RickD]

Yeah see this is the site I was telling you guys about awhile back. Just hang out in the chatbox over there and wait for Gavin to pop in...he will sign you up...if you are good enough!

[Alloutwar]

looks like Ken Tremendous commented on this guy's Ryan Howard-love fest

[etothep]

looks like Ken Tremendous commented on this guy's Ryan Howard-love fest

Like Ken Tremendous, I look for good speed & a good arm at 1B too

[free2131]

Like I said, this place is SO anti-SABR that I need some help. Nice post AOW.

[ragecage]

lol @ the Strong Mad pic.