from Amazon
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
What changes you would like to see in MLB?
These guys asked those other guys some questions. Here’s my take:
Bud Selig asks you for two suggestions. Provided you don’t ask him to resign, what ideas do you promote?
Two bases for hit batters, automatic ejection for any pitch that hits a batter’s head. The NHL has a basic “draw blood, get 5 minutes in the box”. For some reason, baseball is very tolerant of bean ball wars.
One pickoff throw per runner per inning. Fans LOVE basestealing. And, for the most part, basestealing is so inconsequential. Would you bother to stop the opponent from crossing over into half court on the hope of getting a time violation? If it makes the fan happy to see lots of basestealing, let it happen.
Realign based on market size, and have a playoff system that is more like NCAA and Olympics (certain areas get more representation).
Change the draft to allow trades, make free agency after 4 years or age 28 (whichever comes first), abolish arbitration, put a payroll cap, with a home team discount for payroll cap hits. I.e., be a combination of NHL and NBA.
What’s the one thing you don’t think the industry is doing enough of, on the whole?
Family outings. We’re hooked on baseball as kids, not as adults. It’s like smoking. I’d hire the top marketers from tobacco and Nickelodeon, as they know how to get the kids hooked.
Whom is the one player you’re most excited to see play this season?
I don’t like the question. There’s no Gretzky, Jordan, or Tiger in our midst is there? I don’t see how you can pick “the one player”.
What’s the one thing that stands out the most to you about all the PED hand-wringing this offseason?
Phony outrage. I blame it on all the Bill O’Reilly wannabes in the sports world.
Who do you consider to be the most invaluable person in baseball?
I don’t like the question. How can I assess that?
What non-favorite team of yours are you most interested in this season?
I don’t like the question. As the season progresses, you’ll change your mind anyway.
What’s the one annoying thing you hope this season will be the swan song for?
PED is too much to hope for. Changing ESPN highlight coverage is too much to hope for. Really, anything that is NOT about the game. Baseball is a beautiful game. The Bill O’Reillys of the world turn it into Paris Hilton.
What kind of contract are you offering Bonds right now if you’re the GM of a team that can reasonably say it’s bordering on contention?
All contracts for old players should be incentive-based.