02-09-2009, 05:15 PM
<!--quoteo(post=16817:date=Feb 9 2009, 01:26 PM:name=Brock)-->QUOTE (Brock @ Feb 9 2009, 01:26 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec-->I love how it always comes back to the statement that "stat people don't watch the games." I find it pretty hard to believe that people that put so much time and effort into studying a game don't actually like the game enough to sit down and watch it as well.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Bingo, Brock.
The idea that someone who loves baseball so fucking much that he immerses himself into serious statistical data so as to round out his appreciation for the game...that guy hates the game? That guy doesn't watch a ball game? It's a laughable notion.
The truth is what BT said: <!--coloro:#0000FF--><!--/coloro-->statistical data often is at odds with human memory<!--colorc-->
<!--/colorc-->. And we all cherish our baseball memories. It's why I still love Mark Prior, even though the stats say that he has sucked beyond belief since 2003. It's why Derrek Lee is still my favorite Cub, even though the stats say that he's league-average for a 1st baseman, and is thus wildly overpaid <b>and</b> dragging the team down.
I'm a fan first. But to put your head in the sand as to what <i>really</i> is happening between the baselines is, IMO, cutting yourself off from a treasure-trove of interesting baseball stuff.
Bingo, Brock.
The idea that someone who loves baseball so fucking much that he immerses himself into serious statistical data so as to round out his appreciation for the game...that guy hates the game? That guy doesn't watch a ball game? It's a laughable notion.
The truth is what BT said: <!--coloro:#0000FF--><!--/coloro-->statistical data often is at odds with human memory<!--colorc-->
<!--/colorc-->. And we all cherish our baseball memories. It's why I still love Mark Prior, even though the stats say that he has sucked beyond belief since 2003. It's why Derrek Lee is still my favorite Cub, even though the stats say that he's league-average for a 1st baseman, and is thus wildly overpaid <b>and</b> dragging the team down.
I'm a fan first. But to put your head in the sand as to what <i>really</i> is happening between the baselines is, IMO, cutting yourself off from a treasure-trove of interesting baseball stuff.
There's nothing better than to realize that the good things about youth don't end with youth itself. It's a matter of realizing that life can be renewed every day you get out of bed without baggage. It's tough to get there, but it's better than the dark thoughts. -Lance