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There is a problem with current sports journalism. The overwhelming majority of sports reporting is breaking news and game recaps. Where is the more in-depth journalism?
I was listening to Peter Gammons (hall of fame baseball writer) discuss the potential trade of Adrian Gonzalez to the Boston Red Sox. This was interesting for a few reasons (besides the fact that I’m a Red Sox fan). Every sport show (radio & tv) in Boston was discussing this trade and whether or not it should happen (the usual, “is it worth it if…”) but Peter Gammons did not just discuss is it worth it but what are the ramifications for the Padres if this trade happens. He discussed that Gonzalez is worth even more to the Padres because he is Mexican-American, born in San Diego, and he’s very good. So the connection to the fan base is bigger than just watching a (really) good player.
It is annoys me that this type of journalism is rare nowadays. Even sports talk radio doesn’t go in-depth anymore. With all of the hours to talk about the same subjects the conversation stays shallow. So is this it? When all of these older writers retire will there only be basic breaking news or is there still a market for more in-depth reporting on the basic stories?
Playoffs, or any type of potentially high stress situation, lead individuals down different paths. A story came out about how Manny Ramirez went to the showers after being taken out of the game. There was still more baseball to be played and he didn’t care to see the end. He only realized that they lost on a walk-off after players came back into the locker room upset and shut the TVs. Joe Torre explained this as “Manny being Manny” and Manny wrote it off as “it’s just a game and he’ll be able to sleep fine”. This obviously enrages some players and fans because they feel like they’re putting more effort into each game than he does. Does this matter if he plays well? Probably not, BUT if he’s not playing well it gives fans, teammates, and the media something to latch onto and get angry at.
On the opposite side is Ryan Howard. He gets extremely focused by being in a quiet spot and thinking about the moment. He works on getting rid of negative thoughts or thoughts that may affect his focus or confidence. The best part about his routine is that it appears to be working. Something to keep an eye on as the Phillies go forward in the playoffs. Article Here
On August 14th David Ortiz decided he had enough. Before the game against Texas David Ortiz sat down with the team psychologist and got some things off his mind. After this meeting he unloaded on the media about his fustrations on how quickly they turned on him. All of this, along with the reports that he has be down due to Manny Ramirez being traded, has clearly being weighing on him.
Since this change he has hit 13-38 (.342) with 4 doubles and 7 homeruns. This is a phenomonal example of how much psychological issues can affect physical performance. Maybe more people will start to look at psychology a little more seriously in the sport’s world, unlike this example.
Seemed Like A Good Idea At The Time
John Smoltz coming to the Red Sox seemed like a good idea. I liked the potential of having a veteran who could give you a handful of quality starts. He may have been more successful in another division or back in the National League but just can’t get it together in Boston. He is in good shape and still throws pretty hard but his fastball is flat.
I feel bad for a few reasons. It must be extremely frustrating to have such a great career and struggle. Watching him pitch poorly and get hit all over the park I don’t get mad or frustrated as I would watching other hometown pitchers. I would like to see him turn it around but at the same time I would like to see the Red Sox win more games.
It’s hard to be at the end of your career. Esspecially when you feel like you can physically still perform at a certain level. Sometimes our expectations don’t match our physical output.
(see in today’s NY Times: The Sad Fall of a Pitching Giant. Sums up how a lot of fans probably feel.)
Is ANYONE surprised?
I’m not surprised. There is not another name in pro baseball that would be surprising to me at this point.
Here is this issue I have with all of these allegations and releasing of names from a test 6 years ago, either release them all and move on or let’s call it a “wash” and assume there were a lot of players using PEDs and stop this slow parade of listing names.
This is affecting more than just the players and their future, it’s affecting the fan base. Fans are becoming jaded and tired of this. Baseball news is more about negative issues rather than playing baseball. The NFL did a great job by being swift in handling player/league issues (in most cases). But MLB has continued to let the league get stomped over by those in the media and the fan base simply because they cannot work out their issues.
As a baseball fan, I would like to see some changes across the league that focus on putting the best product on the field. Viewership numbers have gradually decreased in many markets due to the 100s of options for entertainment. For baseball to grow and regain popularity there needs to be an action that clarifies and puts this issue of the 2003 tests in the past. Focus on figuring out player’s salaries and cleaning up the multiple bad market teams.
Time to move on and play baseball.
With the Lakers wining the NBA championship in 5 games against an outmatched opponent and the Penguins winning the Stanley Cup in 7 games against a strong Detroit team that beat them last year in the finals it begs the question, is it better to win a title the hard way or the easier way?
Depending if you are a player or a fan you may have a different response. As a player, you could argue that Pittsburgh beating the Red Wings after losing to them last year is very satisfying. It allowed them avenge a tough loss in game 7 in 2008 and also have that extra boost from having to work hard for it. Winning in 7 also gives an added meaning to it. The Lakers did come back from losing last year’s final but not against the team that beat them (Boston Celtics). It wasn’t much of a battle most of the series despite the close scores in a couple of games. But does that take away from the accomplishment? Would it have been more meaningful if the team with the best regular season record (Cleveland) was competing against them?
So which is the better way to win? I believe either way works. Winning is winning, both feel great. It just depends on how great it’s perceived. For example, when the Red Sox finally won the World Series in 2004 it was amazing. It was even better that they went through the Yankees but even if they hadn’t Boston fans and players would have still felt great. In a similar example, when Roger Federer won the French Open this year do you think he cared that he didn’t have to beat Rafeal Nadal to win? No way, he just wanted to get the title. Would it have been maybe a little sweeter if he had beat Nadal? Sure but it doesn’t change anything.
When you are competing, winning is what it is all about. You cannot assume that your competitors should play well enough just so you can go against them in the finals. You need to do your job, if your hopeful opponent cannot then let them worry about it.
For a player it is more about getting the victory, for the fans and pundits it is sometimes about the path. The lesson to be learned is when you have a chance to win just enjoy it. Let the fans argue about its worth because as a player you still had to earn it by doing your job, winning.
For more information about mental performance as well as overall athletic performance enhancement check out our websites. The links are on the right of the homepage.
