Random Thoughts

I figured, since I am down in Washington D.C., and since for some reason the Maryland/Virginia area doesn't carry NESN, I would offer up some random thoughts in small sample sizes about how the season has started out. Enjoy!

Everyone from ESPN, to some of my friends who watch ESPN have been harping on Scott Hairston. I, however, am not impressed. So, in 16 games the guy has 7 home runs at PETCO Park...that's a really small sample size, yet everyone is anointing him as the guy to look out for in San Diego. I am not saying he is a bad player, because I think when it is all said and done he will be productive in San Diego, but he certainly isn't a stud that people looking for a hot waiver wire pick up should be looking for. Also, he is 28.


Yunel Escobar looks like the real deal for Atlanta. Remember, this is the young guy who came up last year for the Braves and played some second base and just smoked the ball all over the park in half a season. What really impresses me about Escobar is that he walks aaa lot for a player with less than 400 career at bats.

He already has 4 walks this season, and I know the opening series has been against the Pirates, but he looks like the player who the Braves thought he would be when they dumped Renteria in favor of the younger, and cheaper replacement.

If their opening series is any indication, the Minnesota Twins aren't going to need the starting pitching help they thought they would after all...instead they will need people to hit the ball. I think Morneau and Mauer, and even Cuddyer will all play up to their potential and be good offensive players.

But Carlos Gomez is still a year away I think, Craig Monroe is a free-swinger who really can't be counted on to produce, and the middle infield of Adam Everett and Brendan Harris doesn't inspire a lot of confidence. For example, in 3 games, the Twins have managed 4 extra base hits, 0 home runs, and a terrific .240 batting average. But the most telling stat for this young team is that they have walked a whopping 6 times as a team....let it sink in....as a team! Gary Sheffield is halfway there by himself. Well maybe you guys can take solace if Jesse Ventura is able to run for president....

Folks I am ready to pick my NL MVP. My traits for an MVP include being able to mash, being handsome, and being well-spoke, plus the New York media has to fawn over you like they did over Sinatra, and DiMaggio, and Artie Lange....oh wait, not Artie. David Wright, come on up and collect your prize. The guys from Firejoemorgan.com picked him last year based on some stats I tried to become familiar with and all I ended up doing was hurting my head.

But while I assume those stats lend creedence to the argument, I know that the way Wright looks locked in this season he is due for a monster, monster year. I would like it to be known I picked him first, before anyone does their mid-season awards or any bullshit like that, I picked him...he's my precioussssssss

If the Red Sox only had to pitch Matsusaka and Lester, they would be due for their third world championship in 5 years, but unfortunately, Tim Wakefield and the young Clay Buchholz still have to pitch...oh well, it was worth wishing.