The Bleacher Report: Mission Misunderstood, Harsh Comments of a Fellow Blogger (Revised Version)

One of the hardest things about journalism is that an author puts himself out there, leaving him or her open to harsh criticism. While open criticism is protected by the First Amendment and is an important aspect of our country, sometimes it can seem a bit severe and unfair, especially when the criticizer's reasoning is in sharp disagreement with you. Unfortunately, America likes to always find something wrong with anything, rather than looking at the good.

National baseball writers who must write about other teams are susceptible to this criticism. There are simply too many teams for one person to keep track of on a regular bases. For that to happen, one must spend his or her whole day watching baseball, 15 x 3 (roughly) = 45. Any beat writer knows covering one game daily is a chore, but covering all 15 is unrealistic. This is why thorough research is essential.

Because of this, local fans of a team will be quick to jump on these national writers. In a world full of strict deadlines and limited travel capabilities (for some writers), standard statistics are unfortunately perceived as the only indicator of a player's performance, and the only thing a writer can rely on.

However, I fell into the trap of reading into some of these meaningless statistics -- and I heard it from a well-respected blogger.

Before Mike Petriello, writer for Baseball Prospectus, tore my Bleacher Report article to shreds, I actually thought fielding percentage was a good measure of fielding ability. I could not have been more wrong. While fielding percentage can demonstrate how well a fielder can catch the ball, it does not take into account an important aspect of defense -- range.

He blogged about why the Bleacher Report is a "travesty" and chose to single out my piece -- and with good reason. At first, my opinion was that Petriello and his followers do not understand baseball nor the premise of the Bleacher Report. Then I came to realize this. (Please read the piece below in the previous entry and the comments expressed here.)

Baseball is a talking sport. It can serve as a forum for debate, which me and Mr. Petriello aimed to accomplish on our blogs. It's America's past time and is a dear sport to the hearts of baseball fans all across the country.

Mr. Petriello has his opinions, and many of them are valid.  The fielding percentage was a total brain lapse on my part. It was inexcusable to not realize that first basemen will have a high fielding percentage because of their high put-out rate (they complete plays more than any other position). Looks like I'm going to study UZR.

Mr. Petriello also appeared to claim that my article on bleacher report was full of fantastic, unrealistic ideas, where I "contradict" myself, saying that a bunch of sluggers can be had, but they really cannot because other trade partners would want Billingsley or Kershaw in return.

He's absolutely correct about the sluggers being an unrealistic fit for the Dodgers. Unfortunately, if the Dodgers want to trade to improve their offense, they are going to have to give up something to get a little something. The article is meant to be fantasy, since it is unrealistic the Dodgers will acquire any of the sluggers due to budget constraints and their unwillingness to give up good pitching.

Petriello understands that the article was supposed to be full of "what if" situations because that's the nature of the article. This is what he disagrees with. How will this analysis realistically affect the Dodgers?

Petriello just wants to see content with good journalistic value -- something the readers can actually use. They don't want to read how Jason Bay can help the Dodgers, but yet the Dodgers have no realistic shot at acquiring him. Are there really 10 SLUGGERS who can join the Dodgers? More importantly, has there been any sources who indicated that a slugger is on the way to Chavez Ravine? If not, then my claims will ultimately fail.

Another complaint I got from Petriello was that none of the players I mentioned are really that good anyway. I agree. Nobody really caught my eye. In fact, it was hard to come up with words to portray these players positively, which led to meaningless garb about fielding percentages and moving Loney to the outfield.

Since it is unlikely that the Dodgers would be able to trade for any slugger, I had to go with the sluggers already in free agency (Dye, Guerrero, etc.). They go on to say how Guerrero and Dye are below average defenders, which is true. A list of five-tool players simply do not exist in the current free agent pool. It's a tough situation for me trying to write this article. None of my options would really make sense.

On a separate issue, I was trying to speculate on what to do if James Loney was forced out of first base by a more potent first base bat -- like Prince Fielder. Prince Fielder plays first base only, so what would you do if the Brewers do not want James Loney or if you couldn't trade him?

I'm sure you could release him, but what if the Dodgers want to keep his bat in the lineup? He did have 88 RBIs in 2010. Are RBIs even a meaningful stat when considering a hitter's ability? Some say yes, and some say no. (please vote on this issue at the poll to the left of the blog).

I did a bit of research on my own about the issue. The truth is, after talking to baseball experts, that there is no right or wrong answer. This is where baseball becomes that forum for debate that I mentioned earlier.

I first asked Mychael Urban, a baseball insider for CSNBayArea.com and radio host for KNBR 680, about the RBI issue through twitter. He said that driving in runs is not a stat that should be ignored.

Next, I asked Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports. He said, "Tough call. There is a real difference of opinion on this. I say yes, stat has some value. But OBP/SLG mean more."

This is where I respectfully disagree with Petriello and agree with Urban (and also Rosenthal to some extent).

I believe it takes some sort of hitting talent to drive in runners, regardless of whose on base or the team .OBP. Anyone who watched the 2009 Giants could clearly see the importance of a consistent RBI producer. Remember how many times that year the Giants would strand runners on third with less than two outs? They could not get any runners in no matter who was on base or no matter how often men were on base, often with golden opportunities to cash in.

James Loney was good at getting those runners in. He was able to take advantage of those situational at-bats, even when an out would produce a run. Unlike most of the 2009 Giants lineup, he had the concentration and hitting ability to get a good pitch to drive to the outfield with runners at third and less than two outs. He could get that RBI hit when it mattered. He could get that RBI ground-out with the infield back.

Sometimes the little things -- the manufactured RBIs - are what wins you ball games. They may not be impressive, but they are just as important. The Giants improved their situational hitting drastically in 2010 and look what happened.

Loney only had 10 home runs, but that does not mean he isn't a competent hitter. In order to get 88 RBIs with such little power, you got to be a smart situational hitter, trading an out for a run if necessary. You got to hit doubles and get those base hits with runners in scoring position.

Loney is a gap-to-gap Mark Grace type hitter. He was fifth in the National League in doubles, with 41, which might be a contributing factor toward the solid RBI total.

Regardless of his little power at a power position, Loney demonstrated enough competence at the plate to deliver quality situational at-bats. Ask someone like Eugenio Velez or Pablo Sandoval (from last season) to do the same thing Loney did, given they have the same chances with runners on base as Loney. I can guarantee you they will not reach 88 RBI's. They would chase too many pitches out of the strike zone and would either strike out or pop the ball up. They just do not have the offensive ability to do what Loney does on a consistent basis.

Going back to moving Loney, I am not saying that the Dodgers should move Loney to the outfield, but if Prince Fielder somehow joins the boys in blue, they would be crazy not to move Loney somewhere else, assuming Loney could not be traded. I speculated right field before because it was the only other position he played at besides first base, albeit, he only played three career games there.

Baseball is full of potential options, "what ifs" so to speak. Some still can't agree if some stats are worthy of merit, but discussing it is what makes baseball so enjoyable.

If you listen to any sports talk radio station, fans will throw out ideas much more outrageous than were outlined on my piece. Some still say that Barry Bonds should come out of retirement, which is silly. Unfortunately, the nature of the article will warrant these "pie in the sky" ideas. I would like to do actual reporting, and I believe I can do an excellent job if the opportunity presents itself.

The Bleacher Report gets 15 million readers per month and is growing. Even if their content is not up to standards of professionals, people read what other fans have to say, and the business model will not change if it's working. Still, Petriello does have a valid point about this issue.

If the Bleacher Report's content reaches out to major partners, such as Fox Sports and CBS Sports, the web site should make sure the content actually makes sense.

I propose that potential writers take an online training course taught by the Bleacher Report, introducing new writers to AP Style, the canons of journalism, how to write good leads, and journalistic etiquette.

However, fans who are less serious and still want their opinion out there should have their own forum on the web site. They would not get the exposure of a writer who took the training course but better quality of work will reach out to baseball fans across the country.

In the end, I am glad that Petriello criticized my work. He means well and just wants quality content out there. More importantly, he wants the hard work of other bloggers who do quality work to shine, just like the Bleacher Report articles do.

While we disagreed in opinion about RBIs, I learned something about fielding percentage and its uselessness in baseball. He might have saved my career. Who knows?

Sometimes you get one shot at impressing people, and one mistake can make or break your career. If I applied for a job and tried to reason that a first baseman's fielding percentage of .995 is better than one with a fielding percentage of .994, I would be shown the door instantaneously.

Lastly, I realize that if my content is going out to the Bleacher Report's partners, I better put my best foot forward and provide relevant, thought-provoking analysis. I owe it to my readers and blog followers. I owe it to baseball fans across the country. I owe it to myself.

Los Angeles Dodgers: 10 Sluggers Who Could Replace Manny Ramirez in Their Lineup (Part 2)

6. Vladimir Guerrero

Vladimir Guerrero may be 35, but he can still hit like he was 25.

In 2010, his .300 average, 29 home runs, and 115 RBIs helped the Rangers get to the World Series. If he were to be inserted into the Dodgers' lineup to replace Manny Ramirez, watch out.

Although Guerrero looked lost in the outfield during the World Series, it cannot be any worse than Manny Ramirez's outfield play. It might be a chance worth taking.

Since Guerrero is a free agent, the Dodgers could pick him up without giving anyone up. The question is, how much are the Dodgers willing to spend for the slugger?

7. Jorge Cantu

The 2010 campaign was a down year for Cantu. In his worst full season as a big league player, Cantu hit just .256 with 11 home runs and 56 RBIs.

When healthy, Cantu can be a legitimate power threat. In 155 games played in 2008, he hit a career high 29 home runs.

Although he can play all around the infield, Cantu's best position is first base. The Dodgers might be able to get away with putting James Loney in the outfield, but if Uribe or Blake struggle, second or third base might open up for Cantu.

With Cantu's down season, he may be a cheap option on the free agent market. Also, since he is a free agent, the Dodgers would not have to part with anybody to pick up Cantu.

8. Vernon Wells

In 2010, Vernon Wells checked in with another fine season, hitting .273 with 31 home runs and 88 RBIs. He rebounded nicely from a down 2009 year and is a powerful force at the dish.

Wells is under a seven-year, $126 million contract. If the Dodgers can trade for Wells in a package that includes pitching, he could be had.

Wells would be a significant upgrade over Manny Ramirez. He has arguably more power than Ramirez right now in his career.

9. Garrett Jones

He has been a Dodger killer so far in his young career, so why not bring him to Los Angeles?

Jones can be an adequate replacement for Manny Ramirez. Although he hit just .247, he hit 21 home runs and had 86 RBIs and could hit the ball further than most.

Jones can be an adequate replacement for Manny Ramirez. Although he hit just .247, he hit 21 home runs with 86 RBIs and could hit the ball further than most.

The price to pay for Jones? Pitching, pitching and more pitching, especially for the pitching-deprived Pittsburgh Pirates.

10. Jason Bay

It's just not happening right now for Jason Bay in New York, and a new home might be just the thing to get his bat going again.

In a season in which Bay was injured, he put up sub-par numbers in the 95 games he played in 2010. In his worst season of his career, Bay hit .259 with six home runs and 47 RBIs.

The Mets might want to hang on to Bay, thinking he should be better in 2011 if healthy. However, if the Dodgers come up with a nice package deal for him, he could be patrolling left field in place of Manny Ramirez (if he waves his no-trade clause to come to Los Angeles).

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Look out for a review of McCovey's restaurant in Walnut Creek!

Los Angeles Dodgers: 10 Sluggers Who Could Replace Manny Ramirez in Their Lineup

I know this is a Giants blog, but my BR assignment was to write on the Dodgers. That's the way it is in the professional word, and I will adhere to it. Here is the article. Think of it like an extended NL West preview.

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The Mannywood era of Dodger baseball came to a close in 2010. Now that the slugger has moved on from the City of Angels, the hunt is on to replace him.

Dipping below 700 total runs scored in 2010 for the first time since 2005, the Dodgers need to improve their offense if they plan on climbing to the top of the National League West once again. Even with Andre Ethier and Matt Kemp, they were a team that was 27th in baseball in home runs at 120 and 24th in RBIs at 621.

For the Dodgers to succeed in 2011, they will need some help from Ned Colletti to improve the offense. Can he lure Princewood to Los Angeles?

Here are 10 potential sluggers who can make Mannywood a thing of the past at Chavez Ravine in 2011.

1. Jermaine Dye

In 2009, Jermaine Dye proved that he still had something left in the gas tank. Now, at age 36, he could return to baseball and help the Dodgers in a similar fashion to what Manny Ramirez did.

Dye hit .250 with 27 home runs, 81 RBI and a .340 OBP in 2009. Like Ramirez, Dye could be a force in the middle of the lineup.

Dye probably will not post his 2009 numbers, but he is another professional bat with playoff experience who can get on base.

His defense may be an issue. He more than likely lost a step or two, but he cannot be any worse than Manny was in the outfield.

Although he is not the best slugger out there, Dye would be the easiest to obtain. Since he is still a free agent and does not have to be traded for, Dye could be had without breaking up the Dodgers' solid starting pitching staff.

2. Prince Fielder

Can Princewood be a reality at Chavez Ravine?

For a couple years now, Prince Fielder's name was tossed around as a potential trade target. If the Brewers fall out of the race, which is less likely now that they traded for Zack Greinke and Shaun Marcum, Fielder could be an option in 2011 for the Dodgers, especially since it is a contract year for him.

Fielder can flat-out hit. In 2010, he mashed 32 home runs with 83 RBI. He also gets on base, owning a career .385 OBP. He would dramatically change the look of the Dodgers' lineup and serve as a nice tandem with Kemp and Ethier.

Like Manny Ramirez, Fielder can be a defensive liability. His 2010 UZR was -7.4, and his size could hinder his range at first base.

Two problems will make this deal unlikely, however. One, the Brewers expect to compete in 2011, as shown by the Greinke trade, and two, the finances might still be a bit tight with the McCourt divorce.

3. Jose Bautista

One hit wonder or legitimate power threat? Call it what you want, but it is not easy to hit 54 home runs in a major league season.

Depending on Jose Bautista's arbitration case, he could become available, especially if he wins his case. If that happens, the Blue Jays would have to pay lots of money, so they might want to unload him.

If the Dodgers trade for Bautista to replace Manny Ramirez, their lineup would look better -- if 2010 was not a fluke. In 2010, Bautista hit 54 home runs and had 120 RBIs, and he could be the replacement the Dodgers are looking for.

One major problem that could hamper the Dodgers' chances of getting Bautista is that the Jays will want good talent in return for him. It is likely they would want to pry Billingsley or Kershaw away from the Dodgers, something it does not seem like the Dodgers want to do.

 4. Justin Upton

 Justin Upton is a young power hitter who is a force at the plate. If the Dodgers could somehow pry him from the Diamondbacks, a National League West title might be in the cards for the boys in blue.

Upton is signed by the Diamondbacks through 2015 and figures to be a big part of their offense, but for a pitching-starved team like the D-backs, they might have to listen to offers for quality pitching, something the Dodgers have.

Although Upton hit only .273 with 17 home runs and 69 RBIs, he is only 23 years old and will only get better. He has the tools to be a star in the major leagues and maybe a winning atmosphere will get him going.

5. Derek Lee

The Orioles recently signed Derrek Lee to a one-year, $7.25 million contract. However, the Orioles may want to unload him midseason if they fall out of the race, which might happen since they are in the same division as the Yankees, Red Sox and Rays.

Currently, James Loney plays Lee's first base position, but Lee might still be a fit for the Dodgers. If Loney can move to the outfield (he has played three career games in right field), the Dodgers can put both potent bats in the lineup.

In 2010, Lee hit .269, with 19 home runs and 80 RBIs. He may not be able to hit 40 home runs anymore, but he can still be a threat to leave the yard.

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More to come.

San Francisco Giants Trivia of the Day

On July 14, 2005, the Giants made sports history.

On this day, the Giants beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 4-3, giving them 10,000 victories as a franchise. Why is this significant? On that day, the San Francisco/New York Giants franchise became the only team to have five digits in their franchise win total.

Let's take a look at the game. The Giants were tied with the Dodgers 1-1 at Dodger Stadium. In the seventh inning with two on and two out, Omar Vizquel drove an 0-2 pitch down the right-field line for a three-run home run, giving the Giants a 4-1 lead. The Giants would go on to win the game 4-3, giving Jason Schmidt his fourth straight win over the Dodgers that year.

Currently, the Giants are 10,372-8912 all time. Win number 10,372 was significant in that it won the National League West Title for the Giants in 2010. These 10,372 wins are the most in sports history.

San Francisco Giants: 10 Available Players Who Could Guarantee Playoff Return (Part 2)

Option #6: Jermaine Dye

In 2009, Bay Area native Jermaine Dye proved that he still had something left in the gas tank. Now, at age 36, he could return home and help the Giants in a similar fashion to what Manny Ramirez can do.

Dye hit .250/27 home runs/81 RBI/.340 OBP in 2009. Like Ramirez, Dye could be a force off the bench or help if Pat Burrell struggles in left field.

Dye probably will not post his 2009 numbers, but he is another professional at bat with play-off experience who can get on base.

With the wide open spaces of right field, Dye's primary position, he is probably best suited for the bench or left field, but with Torres and Ross in the outfield, he does not need too much range out in the field.

Option #7: Jon Rauch

With Sergio Romo giving up big home runs late in games (especially in the NLDS), the Giants might want to seek another right-handed set-up option. Jon Rauch might be it if Romo struggles in 2011.

A change of scenery from the Arizona Diamondbacks seemed to help Rauch. In 2010, with the Minnesota Twins, Rauch went 3-1 with a 3.12 ERA in 59 games. He struck out 46, while only walking 14, posting an impressive strikeout to walk ratio that is almost 3:1.

The Giants already have a strong, deep bullpen and could make it even stronger with Rauch in 2011.

Option #8: Orlando Cabrera

With the Giants' backup shortstop position still not a foregone conclusion with Edgar Renteria not happy with the Giants' contract offer, they will need someone to fill the position since it is unrealistic to ask Miguel Tejada to play 162 games at short stop. Orlando Cabrera might just be a solid option.

In 2010, Cabrera hit .263, with 4 home runs and 42 RBIs, for the Cincinnati Reds. He may lack the World Series dramatics of Edgar Renteria, but he is a little guy who swings hard and has a little bit more power.

Not to mention, he would fit in well with all the Latin players in the Giants' clubhouse. Team chemistry was high in their 2010 championship season, so why not keep it that way?

Option #9: Prince Fielder

For a couple years now, Prince Fielder's name was tossed around as a potential trade target. If the Brewers fall out of the race, which is less likely now that they signed Zack Greinke, Fielder could be an option in 2011 for the Giants, especially now that their payroll is expected to reach $120 million and since 2011 is a contract year for him.

Fielder can flat out hit. In 2010, he mashed 32 home runs with 83 RBIs. He also gets on base, owning a career .385 OBP. He would dramatically change the look of the Giants' lineup.

Fielder has a heavy frame and could be a defensive liability. In 2010, he had a not-so-impressive -7.4 UZR. To accommodate Fielder, the Giants could move Huff to left field.

Option #10: Jose Bautista


Depending on Jose Bautista's arbitration case, he could become available, especially if he wins his case. If that happens, the Blue Jays would have to pay lots of money, so they might want to unload him.

If the Giants trade for Bautista, their lineup would look worlds better, granted 2010 was not a fluke. In 2010, Bautista hit 54 home runs and had 120 RBIs, and could be the big bat the Giants are looking for.

If Pat Burrell struggles like he did in the World Series, Bautista could be given consideration. Not to mention, he had a high OBP in 2010 at .378, but the Jays will want good talent in return for him.

San Francisco Giants: 10 Available Players Who Could Guarantee Playoff Return

Spring Training is nearly two months away, and the Giants have been relatively inactive on the hot stove during the offseason. With the exception of the Miguel Tejada signing, their other signings have involved bringing back components from the 2010 World Series championship season, such as Pat Burrrell and Aubrey Huff.

Although the free agent market thinned, now that Carl Crawford and Jayson Werth joined other clubs, the Giants still have some viable options on available players, both in the free agent and trade market.

Here are 10 potential available players that could guarantee October baseball on the shores of McCovey Cove again in 2011.


Option #1: Edgar Renteria

Although the Giants' $1 million dollar offer to Edgar Renteria made him feel disrespected, the latest news is that the two sides are once again talking, according to Mychael Urban of CSNBayArea.com. However, the Giants are not optimistic about resigning the veteran shortstop, since he has drawn interest from other clubs, such as the Reds.

A team is only as strong as its weakest link, so the Giants would be wise to solidify their bench. With backup left-handed first baseman Travis Ishikawa emerging as a quality pinch-hitter, Edgar Renteria is a professional right-handed bat off the bench who still has a flare for the dramatic.

In the 2010 postseason, Renteria batted .286 with two home runs and six RBIs, although three of them came on his game-winning home run in Game 5 of the World Series. Renteria is not an impact player anymore, but he can grind out an at-bat or fill in a hole if an injury were to occur to say Miguel Tejada.

Option #2: Eric Chavez

In recent years, Eric Chavez has been plagued with injuries for the Oakland Athletics. Once a potential super-star third baseman for the A's, Chavez is now looking for a change of scenery.

With the Giants' third base position in limbo, if Pablo Sandoval doesn't come into camp more fit, Chavez might be a cheap, reasonable option who could provide some left-handed pop off the bench, granted he is healthy. He owns a career OBP of .343, a stat the Giants surely would like to improve upon.

If the Giants can sign Chavez to a major-league or minor-league contract at or near the minimum, this would be a low-risk solution to improve the offense, especially the bench. At 33, he might have something left in the gas tank, so why not take the chance on this rag-tag misfit if the philosophy worked in 2010.

Option #3: Gregg Zaun

It is no secret that the Giants' backup catcher Eli Whiteside struggles against major league pitching. In 2010, he batted just .238 with a .299 on-base percentage. A low average, little power, and a low OBP is a recipe for disaster at the plate.

Buster Posey, the Giants' regular catcher, cannot play every game, so a decent backup will be key in getting the Giants through 162 games. 

Gregg Zaun might just be that decent backup catcher. For the Brewers in 2010, Zaun hit .265, with two home runs and 11 RBIs, in 28 games. He also gets on base more than Whiteside, owning a career .344 OBP.

While Zaun is not a significant upgrade to Whiteside, there was a reason Posey played every game in both September and the playoffs.

Option #4: Jamey Wright

The one dimension that the Giants' bullpen is missing is that mop-up role long reliever. The Giants' starting pitching is excellent, but if one of their starters has an early exit at least once in awhile, who do the Giants have in their bullpen that could eat up three or four innings?

While Wright is not the flashiest name out there, he is serviceable and could even spot start. For the Mariners in 2010, he posted a 1-3 record with a 4.17 ERA.

The Giants would be best to offer Wright a minor-league contract for 2011. If he does well in the spring, put him on the roster. If he gets lit up, then it might be a good idea to explore other options.



Option #5: Manny Ramirez

The Dodgers tried to punch the Giants by taking Juan Uribe, so why not punch the Dodgers right back by taking one of their former players?

Manny Ramirez may be best suited for the DH role, but he still has a quick bat that the Giants can use off the bench. In 2010, Ramirez hit .298, with just nine home runs and 42 RBIs in 90 games, but had a .409 OBP. On-base percentage is something the Giants need to improve on, as they only had a team OBP of .297 in the 2010 postseason.

If Burrell were to struggle, Ramirez would just be another option in LF, assuming the Giants don't sign another outfielder. With a gazelle in the outfield, Andres Torres, and Cody Ross, one water buffalo in the outfield will not hurt that much.


The rest coming on the next post...