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Thursday, September 17, 2009
“Saberists dismiss those who disagree as ignorant dolts”
That’s Rosenthal’s take:
Here’s the problem: Sabermetricians were ignored for so long, they had to shout to be heard. Now they are getting heard — properly heard in the highest levels of baseball media and front offices. But some continue to shout, dismissing those who disagree as ignorant dolts.
Rosenthal’s assumption is incorrect (at least insofar as it applies to me). I don’t dismiss those who disagree. I dismiss those who don’t provide evidence for their claims, or refuse to be educated. Refusing to be educated does make you, by definition, ignorant. It’s one thing to have a conversation with someone who is ignorant, it’s another to have a conversation with someone who continues to remain ignorant. One gives me hope, the other is hopeless.
If I shout, it’s to be heard over the gasbaggery of ignoramuses, so that those who want to learn, or want to have a reasonable conversation, can do so. The problem is not those who shout; the problem is those who are on the dance floor who refuse to dance with any rhythm, and don’t even try to. Worse still, they think they have rhythm.
I have no problem with those who disagree with me. I invite those people here, as it makes it more entertaining. But, disagree with evidence, disagree with logic, wisdom or intelligence. Don’t disagree by being a gasbag.
Rosenthal concludes:
We can still talk, can’t we?
Ken, why don’t we have an email exchange if you really want to discuss the issue. My door is open. Is yours?