Comments on: Blog book club: Why a Curveball Curves

By: Drew

Drew — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 19:43:45 +0000

I love all those people who claim a curve ball is an optical illusion.

By: Skippy

Skippy — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 17:54:56 +0000

I’ve read the Physics of Baseball and used it for research. Pete, any previews on titles of the other books you have lined up?

By: jason

jason — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 17:26:50 +0000

Patrick,
I would probably suggest that in the past (maybe still now), teams facilitated the process. One of the items in the Mitchell report was an email from Theo about Gagne in which he openly discusses Gagne as a PEDs guy.
The overwhelming pressure to succeed, the amazing lure of millions of dollars at virtually any professional level, and the apathy for so long from teams and fans was a perfect storm.
Hopefully the new attention being paid to the issue, however gratuitous by the powers that be will lead to real change. The skeptic in me thinks that the players and facilitators will always be one step ahead.

By: Patrick

Patrick — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 17:09:13 +0000

“But reading how prevalent steroids are in high school and younger is scary.”

You make a good point. I know several college ballplayers that use steroids and its overlooked by pretty much everyone; coaches, scouts, teamattes, etc. Some of them even got drafted, teams really don’t care I guess.

By: Turn Me On Dead Man

Turn Me On Dead Man — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 17:02:07 +0000

I like this idea of your doing occasional short book reviews. I look forward to seeing these.

Added benefit: authors and publishers will love you and send you more free books!

By: jason

jason — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 16:56:15 +0000

No not mad or upset at Ortiz or any particular player. More that it seems some get a free pass because the media like them, and Ortiz is a very likeable figure and is a legend in Boston.
I don’t know if PEDs make you a better hitter, anyone who can make it to the big leagues has got to have a basic level of fundamentals. But they sure will add some extra feet which will make a fly ball a homerun.
I think the worst part of the issue is what is most overlooked. I for the most part, and looking back on it, couldn’t care if a PED pitcher is pitching to a PED hitter. It somewhat levels the playing field. But reading how prevalent steroids are in high school and younger is scary. With two girls 5 and 3, I shudder to think what pressure might be placed on them in the next 10 years to succeed in really any given sport.
This is not a baseball issue, although it has gotten the press (and Congress) recently. I read an article in SI a bit back about a youth in line skater whose father hooked him up so he can excel. That is the cary part.

By: keith

keith — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 16:55:04 +0000

Frank Thomas is actually one of the more outspoken ant-steroids players around. He’s just a big friggin dude. Always was.

By: mel

mel — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 16:54:50 +0000

A trio of Yankee video clips.

1) Alex hits a homerun off the astronaut
2) Erin Andrews postgame with Jeter-Man he could distract anyone interviewing him.
3) The astronaut gave a cool speech before throwing the first pitch. Gave a shout out to the bleacher creatures, but he missed the blog.

http://sports.espn.go.com/broa.....Id=2521705

By: Yanksrule57

Yanksrule57 — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 16:45:18 +0000

KillSchilling,

I just recently finished reading “October Men”. Great book and although it’s been a long time since I read it I think it was better than “The Bronx Zoo”.

By: mel

mel — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 16:41:23 +0000

I will definitely check out both the Physics & Curveball books.

Jason,

You’re not starting rumors. This is a case where stats and your eyes don’t lie. Just like they didn’t in Barry’s case.

Ortiz has even set up his own “flaxseed oil” defense. Last year or so, David said he doesn’t drink the protein shakes in the DR anymore b/c you don’t know what’s in them. Thus if it comes out that he juiced, he’s already got his defense.

It’s gotten to the point where you’re not even mad or upset about it. So many of them have done it, you’re going to let it kill your love of the game? My views are probably shaped by the fact that Giambi was the first to come out and it was years ago.

What I don’t get is Frank Thomas. No modern man should look like the American folk hero John Henry. He was questioned, but gets a pass. Is he the one who came forward to the commissioner and escaped the report?