I don't fully understand the Anderson signing (still). Howling and gnashing of teeth about needing a so-called everyday shortstop. Then, the Marlins sign the WORST defensive and offensive starting shortstop in baseball. Luckily, it was a "steal" (Says who? All the other teams that ran from Anderson as fast as they could?) oh, well, it put a bit of a damper on the "we MUST sign a FA, ANY free agent, or the world end now" crowd. No, it didn't? They didn't sign enough guys, didn't spend enough, didn't have long enough contracts? Satisfied fans? Never and that goes for Dodger fans, too, who are "concerned" about shortstop. Oh, no! Their predestined ten-year run of World Series titles is derailed already! LOL. The fans and their endless wails of woe!
I know Bendix has the dream (and perhaps the instructions from ownership) to find the proverbial "misfit toys." We all love the "Moneyball" line by character Peter Brand that uses that Christmas animation reference for underrated, cheap, misunderstood players. I love the idea, Quixotic as it is. It would make a great story and slap the faces of the big-spending owners at the same time. Defeating the big dogs with cheap players right under their collective arrogant noses. Alas.
If you look at the Rays execs who have been hired away and asked to implement what we'll call "the Rays Way" of finding and developing diamonds in the rough, developing minor league talent and winning with a bottom-tier MLB payroll, not many have fared well. The 2 who stand out as successes are Andrew Friedman in LA and James Click, formerly of the Astros. Neither one of them had to try to win with an owner who can't (or won't) spend with the rest of the league.
Sounds wonderful, Glenn! From your pen, to the baseball gods ears!! Hope does spring eternal every Spring time for this baseball fan! I’ll be there on Thursday, pencil and scorecard in hand, to cheer on the Marlins, since I did as a child in the 50’s!!—At Miami Stadium, not far from where Marlin’s Park is now.
I don't fully understand the Anderson signing (still). Howling and gnashing of teeth about needing a so-called everyday shortstop. Then, the Marlins sign the WORST defensive and offensive starting shortstop in baseball. Luckily, it was a "steal" (Says who? All the other teams that ran from Anderson as fast as they could?) oh, well, it put a bit of a damper on the "we MUST sign a FA, ANY free agent, or the world end now" crowd. No, it didn't? They didn't sign enough guys, didn't spend enough, didn't have long enough contracts? Satisfied fans? Never and that goes for Dodger fans, too, who are "concerned" about shortstop. Oh, no! Their predestined ten-year run of World Series titles is derailed already! LOL. The fans and their endless wails of woe!
Jazz is happy they signed Anderson. That's what matters most.
I know Bendix has the dream (and perhaps the instructions from ownership) to find the proverbial "misfit toys." We all love the "Moneyball" line by character Peter Brand that uses that Christmas animation reference for underrated, cheap, misunderstood players. I love the idea, Quixotic as it is. It would make a great story and slap the faces of the big-spending owners at the same time. Defeating the big dogs with cheap players right under their collective arrogant noses. Alas.
If you look at the Rays execs who have been hired away and asked to implement what we'll call "the Rays Way" of finding and developing diamonds in the rough, developing minor league talent and winning with a bottom-tier MLB payroll, not many have fared well. The 2 who stand out as successes are Andrew Friedman in LA and James Click, formerly of the Astros. Neither one of them had to try to win with an owner who can't (or won't) spend with the rest of the league.
Indeed - dreaming and Spring Trainings go together.
Sounds wonderful, Glenn! From your pen, to the baseball gods ears!! Hope does spring eternal every Spring time for this baseball fan! I’ll be there on Thursday, pencil and scorecard in hand, to cheer on the Marlins, since I did as a child in the 50’s!!—At Miami Stadium, not far from where Marlin’s Park is now.
That would be a miracle. But that’s what would have to happen for the Marlins to
contend.
If I were Ippei, I wouldn't bet on it this year.
🤓