This year, the World Series is getting some of its worst TV ratings ever. Networks can blame it on Boston and New York not making it to the Series, since those cities contain the largest audiences. But those teams also have the most national appeal, and that can be attributed to the networks' coverage of them. FOX shows every single Yankees-Sox game and markets "The Rivalry" above all else. Even though more words have been penned on the Rays than on anybody else this year, they were scant found on national TV during the regular season. I still don't think Tim McCarver even knows who Andy Sonnanstine and Carlos Peña are. The networks essentially dug their own graves there.
"Moneyball" is supposedly being made into a movie. Billy Beane, the Oakland A's general manager, is rumored to be played by Brad Pitt, which I don't really see. I also heard that the chess-playing super computer Deep Blue will be playing Paul DePodesta. Steve Phillips should be portrayed by Jimmy Fallon, since from what I can tell neither is likeable, talented or knows much about baseball.
I had the idea of calling one of my columns Moneyballing -- just liked the ring of it.
Beane just signed Mark Ellis for two years and $10 million, which is absolutely absurd. What Ellis lacks in hitting with a .321 on-base percentage, he more than makes up for with his outstanding glove. He's about as valuable as Orlando Hudson, who stands to make significantly more. Heck, Luis Castillo signed for four years and $25 million.
But let's not get it twisted. Beane, as brilliant as he is, is fallible. Michael Lewis wrote that in that famous draft discussed in "Moneyball," Beane scoffed at teams selecting high-school pitchers. Beane was ecstatic to select Nick Swisher with the 16th pick; meanwhile, two high-risk high-school pitchers sandwiched that pick. They were World Series game one starters Scott Kazmir and Cole Hamels. There is no magic formula for drafting.
The NBA season starts tonight, which is very exciting. Thoughts: I approve of Donnie Walsh and Mike D'Antoni. So far. I think the Blazers are going to be really good. Whose idea was it to allow Tommy Heinsohn to distribute Tommy points? I'd like to start distributing my own points to announcers with the least objectivity. Tommy Heinsohn and Mike Gorman lead Hawk Harrelson and Darrin Jackson a bajillion to a slightly lesser number. Am I alone in loving Jeff Van Gundy as an announcer?
The hot stove league begins this week as well. Thoughts: David Price is cash money in the bank. The Rays have a humongous surplus in pitching. I think they should trade Kazmir and Edwin Jackson. Price will be starting next year, but it's a shame guys like him, Joba Chamberlain and Brandon Morrow all convert from relievers to starters. It's so much fun to see dominant closers like Papelbon stay in the pen after they come up to the majors, even if they're usually not as valuable there. But guys like Grant Balfour and Jose Arredondo and Brad Ziegler show up for every team every year. I guess my point is, don't pay for K-Rod.
The winner's curse: In an auction, the winning bidder will generally be overpaying. My point is, don't bid on Manny Ramirez.
How much would you pay to see your team win a championship? I'd pay up to $500. But I'm always low on stuff like that. I had a couple friends who went to the All-Star game at Yankee Stadium this year, and they could've sold their tickets for a grand apiece. I thought they were crazy not to sell.
Why is the NFL trade deadline so boring? Why did the Cowboys trade a first, third and sixth for Roy Williams? Actually, that's a rhetorical question, since that move is indefensible. Jerry Jones must hate money. The Jets should've traded for a good quarterback. Someone like Chad Pennington.
Until next time, don't forget: "Money is good for nothing unless you know the value of it by experience."
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Jeremy Greenhouse is a sohpomore who has not yet declared a major. He can be reached at jeremy.greenhouse@tufts.edu
