My break is over. After writing at least two articles per week for the last five or six months, I have not written a thing concerning sports since before Christmas. But there are only three football games left and pitchers and catchers report in a month, so it's time to talk about some baseball.
Fantasy
The question of a GSI fantasy baseball league has already been raised in this blog. I see no reason why we should not have one again this year. A 'keeper' league is probably out of the question as we never really know who can participate year after year. However, I would look forward to an auction. I would be willing to help coordinate a league but would prefer to not be commissioner. I already manage two other baseball leagues.
I certainly hope J-Fish is in the league so he can draft Josh Beckett in the first round. Seriously, that's a bit of a stretch. While I'm at it, I may as well apply my annual complaint concerning the drafting of relief pitchers. Last year in the GSI league, Mariano Rivera was the top closer chosen late in the fourth round. He finished with 30 saves and 3.15 ERA. Jose Valverde led the league with 47 saves and had an impressive 2.66 ERA. He went in the middle of the 14th round. The point is, don't waste early picks on closers!
What's Good for the Goose...
Congratulations to Goose Gossage for his induction into the Hall of Fame. While his numbers may not be as impressive as many modern day closers, he was a pioneer at the position and deserves the honor.
In recent interviews, Gossage was not very kind to the players that have allegedly used performance enhancing drugs. However, when asked what he would have done had they been available in his time, he basically stated he probably would have used them. It brings up the interesting point of what other players would have done in other generations. How much better would Mickey Mantle have been if he could have just rubbed some stuff on his knees? Or would have Sandy Koufax continued to pitch knowing he did not have to worry about his arm getting tired? Heck, imagine what Babe Ruth could have done if he just had a regular workout routine!
Say it ain't so Bobcats!
According to the Columbus Dispatch, three players from the Ohio University baseball team have been suspended for allegations regarding gambling. The investigation has revealed a group of eight people involved in the gambling case, five of which are OU students. However, it does not appear that any of the gambling involved the school's basebaal team or any college sports for that matter. According to an Athens lawyer, the charges deal with professional sports. And one of the students' father stated that the entire case is 'overblown' and primarily deals with small wagers and a fantasy football league.
In this election year it would be nice if just once someone asked a candidate why gambling is illegal. I doubt anyone would come up with a very good response.
Fun in the Sun
For those of you heading south for the winter, be sure to check out the Spring Training schedules on MLB.com. I'm hoping to catch the Pirates and Twins in Ft. Meyers on March 14. See you there!
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