So today I opened this casual looking email from Pluck to learn my blog has been selected to be included in their new ‘On Demand’ rollout. No big deal I thought to myself, how many folks want to read Bucco Blog on a website in, say, Utah?
In the email I was provided a link to my syndication report which showed the number of times my posts were featured at traditional media sites. I almost didn’t click the link because everytime I logged into my workbench it had been blank.
Well guess what? I had been logging into the wrong area all these months and found publications like the Chicago Sun Times, news services like Reuters and Internet Broadcasting Systems, and even a few local media outlets like WPXI and WTAE, had all used my content. The list was as long as my arm. And not just once or twice, mind you, but often.
Initially I was shocked, to say the least. Absolutely flabergasted. But then I realized I was witnessing the climb of social media firsthand. I stopped to recall that Rich Levin at MLB had told me a year or so ago they were researching credentials for bloggers and my email to him on the subject this year was never returned. The same was true of an email I sent to John Blundell at MLB. Clearly, they don’t want to talk about it right now.
But when you consider how deep our little blogs are reaching into traditional media, perhaps MLB needs to revisit the idea sooner than later since the very media they credential is using our content as well?
I’m in favor of limited access for bloggers – a media seat or two for blogging representatives at prime events like the World Series and All-Star Games, reasonable and timely access to MLB personnel, especially the club a blogger covers, one seat in the media booth during games for rotating credentialed bloggers, those sorts of things. I do not feel we should be granted carte blanche access because if any of us were that good, we’d probably be working for a major media company anyway.
But some of us have more daily readership than many of the media outlets do.
As time goes by I think the BBWAA should allow bloggers a junior membership and, if enough time goes by, full membership and eventually a vote. Or perhaps all the baseball bloggers should form their own BBWAA-type association because, just like old school baseball vs the new wave, things change.
Social media is that change.
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The rumor front is quiet and probably will be now until after Thanksgiving, although we might see other clubs a bit more active. As the winter meetings approach, I think we’re going to hear a lot of discussion on players that might be available, or should be.
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For once, Larry Dobrow’s annual dribble makes some sense. I especially like the part about dealing McLouth asap. I’d add Doumit to that list too.
Definitely agree about the bloggers (I’m not biased or anything). In what way did those places “use your content”?
I’m not so much in agreement with Dobrow’s article…as for trading McLouth, that may be a good idea, but not for the reasons he states. We know his defense isn’t that great–that’s why we’re moving him to a corner when Cutch comes up. Right? Right?
http://www.raisethejollyroger.com
“Trade Nate McLouth now: Quick! Go! Stop reading this article and trade him before the few people who don’t yet realize he can’t play center field get religion!” = best quote of the year!
I know my blogs success has truly made me flabbergasted. It is amazing how a simple internet baseball journal can spring up so much attention and cause such a stir.
Thank GOD you are back Jake! The PBC blog is a daycare center and MGP blew up.
Can we get a healthy return for NtG and Doumit?
Jake, I am a huge fan of buying low on former top prospects. Last offseason I was recommending Carlos Quentin and Alberto Callaspo in various forums (despite his wife-beating and drinking issues, I still think Callaspo is a more athletic, better defensive version of Freddy Sanchez).
Anyway, what are your thoughts on JR Towles? I would love to see the Pirates sell high on Doumit after his generally healthy and productive season behind the plate. Towles was a good prospect heading into last year, but he is clearly completely out of favor in Houston. Ed Wade recently did a chat at the Houston Chronicle website and mentioned that Castro should be ready in 2010 and that they were looking for someone to play with Quintero for 2009. He, Paulino, and Diaz could form an interesting competition of relatively young, cheap catchers if Doumit was moved. And as bad as his overall line was, Towles was at least partially victimized by a .157 BABIP.
So is there any fit with the Astros? My first thought is that the Astros could use either Doumit or McLouth. My second thought is that the Astros don’t have nearly enough in their farm system to get either player. You think Grabow might be enough to get him? Ed Wade loves him some bullpen pitchers!
Another guy I like is Joe Mather. Seems like a late bloomer for the Cards, but has made adjustments as he’s moved up the past few years. The power is legit, and he looked pretty unlucky in the majors last year (.258 BABIP despite a 21.6 LD%). Maybe eat a million bucks on Wilson or Sanchez if the Cards don’t land one of their other targets for Mather?
Another guy is Ian Kennedy. He has totally dominated at every level in the miniors, but got destroyed in the majors last year. His upside is limited, but I see him as a Slowey-like pitcher who could be a #3/#4 guy. Nothing wrong with that. Don’t know how the Yankees and Pirates could match-up in another trade unless McLouth was part of the deal, and Kennedy shouldn’t be any kind of centerpiece for McLouth. Montero and Kennedy might be a nice starting point.
Just a few thoughts.
good thoughts – I’ll have some of these in my three-part series coming up next week.