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October 06, 2004
Wrapping the Season Part Two
Some thoughts wrapping up previously mentioned baseball topics…
First, the Final Frontiersmen, as expected, finished solidly in second place in the Federal League. Fortunately, I retain the core of the team for 2005’s campaign and can study what needs to be done to topple my opponent, who has now finished in first three years running.
In the Yahoo! League, I finished eighth, Robbie a bit lower. Yahoo! Is tougher in that you need to be familiar with 30 rosters and can make unlimited roster moves as well as change your line-up daily, forcing you to be a very active player to even think of being competitive. I dislike it in comparison with the traditional Rotisserie Baseball but give it my best shot.
Second, last night we had the next book discussion. This time we talked about W.P. Kinsella’s The Iowa Baseball Confederacy. I disliked the book when I initially read it and when I went looking for my copy to review before the discussion, noted its absence. I probably got rid of it some time back since I found it stuffed with too many wild things, most of which did not hang well together. Our group leader made me reconsider the position with some insightful comments and questions. The 16 of us were divided on our enjoyment of the book but made for a spirited discussion. And we got home in time to watch the Veep debate.
As the Mets close the door on the season, attention is already being paid to new GM Omar Minaya and the search for a new manager. If he truly has a free hand, it’ll be interesting to see who gets approached and lands an interview. Should Fred Wilpon and his seemingly clueless son Jeff still hold the reins, and then it’s going to be a long, cold winter, as the things that need doing don’t get done.
What needs doing? Picking a roster that works to Shea’s strengths and avoids its weaknesses. Addressing the rising average age of the roster, reviewing their training regimen to avoid the nagging injuries that sidelined seemingly half the team at one point or another. The rotation needs to get younger and more consistent. Keeping Scott Kazmir now seems to be the way things should have happened but he’s gone and we need to move forward. Piazza remains the other issue, an aging overpaid veteran who has not lived up to his rep for the last two if not three seasons. Either let him finish out his contract behind the plate or dump him for whatever you can get and start fresh. A lot depends on which players get non-tendered and are available as we move into December. More on this as things develop.
Posted by Bob Greenberger at October 6, 2004 04:17 PM
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