Sportswriters and broadcasters suck

by boilerdan on Aug 31, 2006 6:51 AM PDT

Sportwriters and broadcasters are like cattle being led to slaughter - they just follow the the sound of the bell. Once an idea catches hold - eg., "how are the A's doing it with their offense?" - you'll see the same story written by local writers, discussed ad nauseum on telecasts, and written up by national columnists. There is a short story in today's USA Today about how the A's and Padres are winning with pitching and defense. As with every other story of this nature, they cite the season totals and point out that the A's are lowest in batting average, slugging, etc. But what they fail to mention is that before the break the A's were basically a .500 team that was struggling. Since the break, they have an outstanding record and the offense has picked up considerably, as noted on the MLB website today:

"The offense came into Wednesday's game batting .274 after the break and averaging 5.2 runs per game."

God forbid that a writer should dig into the data for just a moment. They might see that Thomas, Bradley, Kotsay, Payton, Ellis and Scutaro all have OPS's above .800 since the break, or that they have 5 players over .300 BA (and Bradley just below). Or perhaps they would notice that the A's are 6th in the AL in scoring post-break (just two runs behind #4).

And not to ignore the much despised Run Differential. Here are the post-break RD number and W/L differential for each team. Notice the pattern:
RD W/L
Oak +51 +19
Min +49 +13
NYY +37 +11
LAA +24 +8
CLE +19 +1
TX +11 0
Det +4 +3
CHI -4 -2
Tor -16 -5
Bal -25 -4
Sea -32 -4
KC -57 -11
Bos -59 -11
TB -61 -4

I'm not arguing that the A's have a great offense, but for the past 8 weeks, they've been productive, with contributions up and down the lineup (Chavez being essentially the only exception). Writers and broadcasters need to get their heads out, but I'm not couting on it.

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Good work

by RLangford on Aug 31, 2006 7:26 AM PDT reply actions

How about the last two

radio broadcasts, with Vince Cotroneo and Steve Bitker holding down the fort? Talk about "the bland leading the bland."

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Aug 31, 2006 8:13 AM PDT reply actions

Not this time

Those who see me at lots of games know I virtually always have my radio on. The last two days, I left it in the bag -- just couldn't bring myself to listen to B&C. Figured the games had to be better without them, and I was right. Listening to the scouts' conversations is much more fun. One will say to another, for example, "Haren or Lackey?" Then a 10-minute discussion will follow, with lots of ragging on each other plus a variety of stats to back up their positions. Then lather, rinse, repeat with different names. Or, "Have you seen (insert here name of some unknown kid in low-A)?" It goes on all night long. They have a language all their own. It's worth every penny I pay for those pricy seats.

"It's like the only thing they know how to do is win." -- Baseballdad, 8/5/06

by skigurl on Aug 31, 2006 8:48 AM PDT up reply actions

So what did they decide, Haren or Lackey? :)

"the reason why hitting the ball on the "sweet spot" of the bat feels so good is that the ball is contacting at the bat at a vibrational node." - salb918

by McFood on Aug 31, 2006 11:33 AM PDT up reply actions

None of the above

I don't think they ever really "decide" anything. They just love to banter. It's just one guy's opinion against another's, but it's fun to listen.

"It's like the only thing they know how to do is win." -- Baseballdad, 8/5/06

by skigurl on Aug 31, 2006 12:30 PM PDT up reply actions

Yesterday all Fosse, all the time

With no TV yesterday Fosse was in the radio booth, doing almost all of the play-by-play. VInce was there with his usual three innings, but Fosse was the lead guy. Bitker was not there.

Fosse needs to stay in the analyst's chair, where he's at least mediocre. As a PXP guy he leaves much to be desired.

"I don't want to 'Wear It.' It doesn't match my shoes." --Jennifer

by FreeSeatUpgrade on Aug 31, 2006 10:09 AM PDT up reply actions

fosse announcing

is from the catchers point and also can be pitchers. i like it just for that. he gives interesting comments about both from personal knowledge. i like them because anything i can learn that i dont know is helpful

by smasfan on Aug 31, 2006 10:15 AM PDT up reply actions

He's actually gotten better...

....the last time I heard Fosse in the PxP chair was at least 5 years ago, and believe it or not, he's improved dramatically since then. He still stumbles on his words a bit, but he's at least learned how to talk enough to prevent dead air.

In the past, he'd leave so much blank space in between thoughts that I kept adjusting my radio thinking I had lost the signal. :-)

`I firmly believe that in every game, at least one team should be required to wear a legitimate, major league uniform.' - Ken Korach - 8/4/06

by nodaclu on Sep 2, 2006 12:37 AM PDT up reply actions

It really amazes me...

When I listen to ESPN (or FOX) announcers talk about the A's during a game I just laugh. I mean, I am in school, and casually follow baseball. I.E. its not my job. And I know more about most teams than these freaking announcers. Like hearing who ever it was go on and on about Chavy's "down year" and what not I was just laughing. Not once did he mention that he had a severe injury and could barely hold a bat, let alone swing it! And that doesn't just go voer the A's. These guys know nothing about most teams...

I mean, its just amazing. I mean what do these guys do all day? If their job is following baseball shouldn't they actually know something about teams other than the Cards, Skanks and Sux?

by CyZito on Aug 31, 2006 8:17 AM PDT reply actions

we were watching

boston broadcast was talking about how low chavez numbers were.didnt mention his injuries at all. but they talked non stop on all their injuries and how all of baseball hadnt seen so many at one time.

by smasfan on Aug 31, 2006 8:47 AM PDT up reply actions

yea...

whenever anything happens to the Sox or Yanks its so unique and such a big deal, blah, blah, blah. I mean the problems that the A's, and all other small market teams face is just a different level. I mean LOOK at the Yankees lineup. Its a joke.

by CyZito on Aug 31, 2006 11:39 AM PDT up reply actions

Even better

Was during the ESPN broadcast the other night....all they could talk about was the injuries that had striken the Red Sox and how this slump, aka nail in the coffin, was going to take them out of the playoffs. Poor things!

Now mind you I was not having to endure a night of Joe Morgan, but the announcers just waxed over the fact that the A's have barely played a game without someone from the 25 man roster on the DL. Hello, how about a little respect and some props for this team and how they've been able to overcome all of that and STILL have their usual August run.

Keep it up and just keep ignoring the media boys!

by Leesa on Aug 31, 2006 8:29 AM PDT reply actions

Well to be fair

to the Red Sox, most of their injuries seem to have occurred one after another in succession.

On Sunday, Minaya ticked off a list of candidates to join the rotation, and for once this season, none of them was Jose Lima.

by rfloh on Aug 31, 2006 1:08 PM PDT up reply actions

While...

that might be the case, with the injuries we've had this season I have a hard time feeling sorry for them. :)

by Leesa on Sep 1, 2006 4:31 AM PDT up reply actions

check out this blog:

http://firejoemorgan.blogspot.com I've been reading it the past couple weeks and L-ingMAO.

Bill James on Duane Kuiper: "It's absolutely incredible that a player this bad could be given 3000 at bats in the major leagues." -- Baseball Abstract, 1982

by blueconversechucks on Aug 31, 2006 8:47 AM PDT reply actions

just the past couple weeks?

heh, you have some catching up to do...Blez might as well make them the first link listed on here...since being an A's fan and a mainstream sports media hater go hand in hand, I'm pretty sure that's one of the sites that AN members visit the most...I know I do. I give them credit for having the patience to critique some of those articles as thoroughly as they do...it's pretty ironic that they put way more thought into their criticism of the articles/chats than the writer of the original piece did. Get them on board to SB Nation, or something.

I am no drunkard, I'm a hard-working man.

by Cutthemullet on Sep 1, 2006 3:12 AM PDT up reply actions

oh i've been catching up all right...

it's kind of addictive!

Bill James on Duane Kuiper: "It's absolutely incredible that a player this bad could be given 3000 at bats in the major leagues." -- Baseball Abstract, 1982

by blueconversechucks on Sep 1, 2006 12:29 PM PDT up reply actions

I agree

with the main thrust of your post; but run differential depends on scoring and preventing runs.

Thus, you can have a bad offense and still have a good run differential.

On Sunday, Minaya ticked off a list of candidates to join the rotation, and for once this season, none of them was Jose Lima.

by rfloh on Aug 31, 2006 1:10 PM PDT reply actions

Yes

I was really making a separate point that we should not disregard run differential as a reflection of team performance. The data shows very close association between the RD and W/L post-break. The A's were slightly negative in the first half, and guess what? They were essentially a .500 team.

by boilerdan on Aug 31, 2006 2:20 PM PDT up reply actions

And it was a "tougher" schedule

...as compared to the 2nd half. ie .500 against better teams and not to mention playing with less than a complete roster. IF we had a healthy Bradley and Chavez and Crosby...the first half record would have been better and I suspect our lead could have possibly been 10 games at this point.

Most can talk all they want about Detroit's year, but ours might have been and still may be even more impressive.

"I've been accused of using too many words...I suppose that's like accusing Mozart of using too many notes." Bill King

by Gerard on Aug 31, 2006 3:25 PM PDT up reply actions

Who Cares

What most of these pinheads think about the A's. The A's have excellent pitching, play solid defense and don't beat themselves. I'll take that anyday of the week over a lineup like Texas.

by RudiFan on Aug 31, 2006 1:51 PM PDT reply actions

As long as we're talking broadcasting...

Memo to FOX:

Effective IMMEDIATELY

All NOSTRIL cams are to be discontinued.

Apparently fans don't like EXTREME CLOSE-UPS of pitchers and other ballplayers. They add nothing to the game and actually detract from the overall picture.

Tangerine

by Ice Cream on Aug 31, 2006 1:57 PM PDT reply actions

They're at it again?

I posted something about it a couple of years ago and it developed into a not-always-nice discussion on the use of profanity. Here's the link. <Warning: profanity used!>

"the reason why hitting the ball on the "sweet spot" of the bat feels so good is that the ball is contacting at the bat at a vibrational node." - salb918

by McFood on Aug 31, 2006 6:11 PM PDT up reply actions

missed that one in 2004

funny how AN has changed over the period of a couple years. I had to keep reminding myself that the "CGV" didn't exist then...if it did, there would have been 2 main differences with that thread: first, there wouldn't have been a single post that didn't mention or respond to the threat of a CGV, and second, 30YearA'sFan or whatever would've gotten strikes one, two, and three just based on his comments there alone. Who would've been compared to Pete Rose then?...man, irony is just running rampant tonight. Just had to get that observation out of my fucking system...sorry, just another example of my perpetual struggles with word choice. Contemplated the merits of "dropping an f-bomb" versus, uh, not using an adjective there at all, and my upbringing in the gutter got the best of me, once again. Some adversity just cannot be overcome, like the urge to throw the word fuck around in a profligate manner. That, along with my crack dealing and assault rifle-wielding....

I am no drunkard, I'm a hard-working man.

by Cutthemullet on Sep 1, 2006 3:43 AM PDT up reply actions

heh

eliminate half of the instances of the word "just" and that, um, just might be a halfway decent post. Actually, take it one step further and replace every occurrence of "just" with "fuck"...lol, as I look at it, if you insert some commas too, you could probably get away with that. "Fuck, had to get that oberservation out of my fucking system...sorry, fuck, another example of my perpetual struggle with word choice." See, easily offended AN members from two years ago who are just as unlikely to read this post as Fox execs were to read McFood's, it actually takes more thought to use profanity correctly. It's quite an art, really.

I am no drunkard, I'm a hard-working man.

by Cutthemullet on Sep 1, 2006 3:50 AM PDT up reply actions

I stand corrected

I just got a message from Rupert Murdoch via MySpace that he read that diary within minutes of its posting but refused to comment because, well, he owns Fox News, and he couldn't support the liberal (intentional double-meaning of "liberal", it must be noted) usage of profanity. But now, with MySpace under his control, his opinion has changed; he now feels that one should be able to say "fuck" on a sports blog as long as one can provide a link to a picture that proves they're at least 16 years of age. Or proves that they've at least hit puberty. Ok, fine, he'll allow prepubescent kids to swear too, as long as they'll agree to meet a randomly selected 45-year-old MySpace user at a deserted parking lot.

I am no drunkard, I'm a hard-working man.

by Cutthemullet on Sep 1, 2006 4:00 AM PDT up reply actions

cue Steve Albini, 2006 version

"This is [MySpace], we do what we like..."

(repeated lyric from the stellar Big Black track Jordan, Minnesota, where Steve tells us about a rumored child molestation ring involving nearly every resident of said small town...all things considered, the subject material of that song's probably towards the lighthearted end of the spectrum for Albini, as no deaths were involved. FWIW, I once Googled "Jordan, Minnesota", and came across some really in-depth history of the single A baseball team that plays there...after headlines about the Thailand-esque behavior from the 80's, of course.)

I am no drunkard, I'm a hard-working man.

by Cutthemullet on Sep 1, 2006 4:07 AM PDT up reply actions

setting a record for self-responses

I'm just writing what the voices are telling me to write. Or what the alcohol is telling me, either way. I challenge anyone to interfere with this currently pristine five-part monologue...

I am no drunkard, I'm a hard-working man.

by Cutthemullet on Sep 1, 2006 4:10 AM PDT up reply actions

make it 6 parts

and if any of this should be deemed humorous, can I still get in on the running for the August QOTM and the priceless reward that comes with it? I think it's still August, somewhere in the pacific Ocean west of Hawaii...there may be an AN member pulling a Magellan and sailing from California to California, who knows.

I am no drunkard, I'm a hard-working man.

by Cutthemullet on Sep 1, 2006 4:13 AM PDT up reply actions

and if any of this should be deemed...

...less than humorous, you will forgive me, right? It was an off day for the A's, after all. As one of Murdoch's many Myspace minions, my attention span is short enough to give me legitimate medical justification to be popping Effexor right now (not like people would take it for the high or anything, anyway...it's no Adderall...also, strongly discouraged to drink and use this, but, well, how could I post on AN then?), so that prevents me from commenting on anything A's-related. I mean, it's been over 36 hours since they last played. Think of that time span in terms of number of ESPN updates on David Ortiz, and I'm sure you'll understand my reckless posting. Sports journalism doesn't merely suck, it drives one to see a psychiatrist...hmm, speaking of psychiatrists, I wonder if A-Rod has ever seen one? Surely ESPN would not neglect to lead an episode of Sportscenter with that news if he has. Or his underground poker playing exploits in NYC. Or his donation of millions to the University of Miami baseball program. Man, so many questions about the marquee Yankee's off-field actions that these guys leave unanswered. They should consider cutting back on AL West highlights, especially if no one's getting hit in the face with a ball or a teammate's fist.

I am no drunkard, I'm a hard-working man.

by Cutthemullet on Sep 1, 2006 4:29 AM PDT up reply actions