Right to it, as usual:
- Here’s further proof MLB doesn’t get it when it comes to digital media. Their strategy is pretty clear: limit everyone else’s usage of video and audio clips, giving MLB.com a further leg up on the competition. This type of strategy is terribly out of date in the digital realm. The NFL instituted a similar policy last year, and I thought it was a great opportunity for MLB to out-open them. Instead, they’re playing copycat, and likely shooting themselves in the foot.
- Kyle Lohse is still a free agent, and I’m convinced it’s because of the economic downturn. Consider that guys like Josh Fogg and Bartolo Colon have had to take one year deals with little or no guaranteed money, when similar pitchers were cashing in a year ago. I can’t buy into the theory that teams are evaluating performance better on an industry-wide level, not when we’re talking about a one year timespan.
Here’s one alternative thought: there are only a certain amount of teams that a) have money to spend, b) are competitive or close to it, and c) can’t tell that Jason Marquis isn’t that good. It’s possible that the demand for high-priced, “mid-level” starting pitchers has dried up within that subset, and never really existed outside of it. Some of these teams (the Cubs, for one) have no need for another high-priced starter, while others are being weighed down by fear of a recession.
- For entertainment purposes only: anybody see any good bets? I usually keep my eye on the 40-1 to 60-1 range, but I’m not seeing anything particularly enticing here. Tampa Bay at 150-1? Could be worth it, if and only if they sign Barry Bonds AFTER you place the bet. Given that move (which is certainly not a given at this point), the Rays should be closer to the 50-1 range. In any other division, I’m sure their odds would already be much better (pound-for-pound, they’re certainly at a different level than the Pirates, Royals, and Orioles).
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