tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9131289420618991795.post402029798491084313..comments2023-06-17T08:53:42.643-04:00Comments on ShysterBall: GatekeepersCraig Calcaterrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00190345915954808542noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9131289420618991795.post-37706163199268546212007-12-11T09:28:00.000-05:002007-12-11T09:28:00.000-05:00It seems to me that process is the more relevant t...It seems to me that process is the more relevant than skill for initiation into a club, particularly a club whose primary function is to create something, such as articles. If the BBWAA at this moment has in its bylaws that a member must have access to, and regularly speak with, people employed in baseball, that seems a fair criteria. <BR/><BR/>The fact that the job description has changed enough that writers can do an equal (or better) job without this access is relevant to the discussion of revising the initiation process. Neyer and Law would both be excellent examples of why the BBWAA might entertain such an idea. <BR/><BR/>What the BBWAA is most guilty of is moving too slowly, and probably being too pompous about it. There are those that would argue Neyer and Law belong on the basis of their writing, but being that they do not speak with employees of baseball, they lack a well-rounded perspective. There are others that hate their work so much, they would just argue they don't belong at all. <BR/><BR/>It is obvious to me they both would be excellent additions to any association dedicated to the publicity of baseball, but I am not surprised the BBWAA is slow to realize this. They are an entirely new breed, and their value, at least to the BBWAA, is a large unknown.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9131289420618991795.post-62415037221267569582007-12-11T09:20:00.000-05:002007-12-11T09:20:00.000-05:00I believe it's time for Neyer, KLaw, et al. to for...I believe it's time for Neyer, KLaw, et al. to form their own club and hand out their own awards. Bill James has his Fielding Bible awards, which for many carry much more sway than Gold Gloves (although to be fair, BBWAA doesn't decide GG's...although to be unfair, it'd probably be just as flawed a process if they did).Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9131289420618991795.post-78717502952117066632007-12-10T20:19:00.000-05:002007-12-10T20:19:00.000-05:00Pete,It comes as no surprise that there is an imme...Pete,<BR/><BR/>It comes as no surprise that there is an immense amount of hypocrisy in any organization like this (or in any other sport, to be fair). Cronyism lives, baby. BBWAA is notoriously slow to adapt and recognize the world has adapted. Hell, I bet half of they still have rotary dialed phones. <BR/><BR/>Law and Neyer have a great platform to preach from. I enjoy Rob's straightforward, no nonsense approach as much as I get a kick out of Law's 'renaissance man' approach. <BR/><BR/>Whether or not they get selected to the BBWAA voting pool remains to be seen. I am sure they will at some point. No matter their affiliations, I will continue to feel smarter for having read them, no matter where I read them.<BR/><BR/>I can only hope their voices get to be heard in future HOF voting results.<BR/><BR/>jnr98<BR/>aka Jason R.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9131289420618991795.post-1340728982819306322007-12-10T19:28:00.000-05:002007-12-10T19:28:00.000-05:00I've only scan read the BBWAA list but a few names...I've only scan read the BBWAA list but a few names leapt out at me.<BR/><BR/>Wayne Scanlan, Ottawa Citizen.<BR/>Don Campbell, Ottawa Citizen.<BR/><BR/>I have read this paper every day for many years and while these guys seem decent enough....uh, they rarely cover baseball. The nearest MLB team is 250 miles from here in Toronto and neither of theses guys seems to make the trip with any frequency, if at all. <BR/><BR/>Last week they both wrote pieces about our new CanAm franchise - yippee! - but there is very, very little baseball coverage in this sports section as a general rule. <BR/><BR/>How it can be construed that these 2 need BBWAA credentials to do their jobs is beyond me. They're decent enough general interest sports writers - and I know they like baseball - but the vast majority of what they write pertains to other sports.<BR/><BR/>I am truly surprised that they are members.Eric Tomshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00632341548970196518noreply@blogger.com