Who are the "faces" of their respective sports? For most sports, the answer is obvious. In the NBA, it's Lebron. The NFL has Tom Brady. Sidney Crosby, as much as I dislike him, is the face of the NHL. Golf is still dominated by the specter of the injured Tiger Woods, despite the rise of... Continue Reading →
How is the Youth Movement Changing Baseball? Look at First Base
Over the last two weeks the excellent baseball site FanGraphs has been releasing their positional power rankings. Most of their findings are what you'd expect: Mike Trout is the best center fielder in the league (and it's not even close), the shortstop position is loaded with great players, and the DH is not a very valuable position. But the... Continue Reading →
Contenders Signing Contracts: Jose Ramirez and Rougned Odor
Last season the Texas Rangers finished with the best record in the American League. The Cleveland Indians represented the AL in the World Series, and pushed the Cubs to extra-innings in Game 7. As the calendar turns to 2017, both teams have their sights set on contending for the American League title. And both just... Continue Reading →
The Experience of a Ballpark Visit: Thursday Morning Throwaround
There's nothing quite as unique as a visit to the ballpark. But what is it about it that makes it so special? Brett and I discuss in this week's edition of Thursday Morning Throwaround. Scott Wagner: So this is the first Thursday Morning Throwaround we’re doing here on Standing Room Only, and the first topic... Continue Reading →
Fantasy Baseball and the Destruction of Friendships
Brett and I are in the same fantasy baseball league this season. I figured it would be an interesting way to foster competition among friends, and to test our baseball knowledge against each other. Then Dansby Swanson happened. We were in the heart of the draft, moving into Round 16. I had been giving Brett... Continue Reading →
And Then There Were Four: Previewing The World Baseball Classic Semifinals
With the United States' thrilling 6-3 victory over the defending-champions Dominican Republic on Saturday night, the semifinals for the 2017 World Baseball Classic are set: Puerto Rico will play the Netherlands on Monday night, with the US squaring off against Japan on Tuesday. Both games will start at 9 PM EDT, and will be televised on MLB... Continue Reading →