Laudable Pus
What's the easiest way to tell that a baseball pundit has run out of column ideas?
Simple. He praises Derek Jeter.
This is particularly true amongst writers or broadcasters who habitually cover the Yankees-Tim McCarver or Michael Kay, for instance. It's been repeated so often that it's basically accepted as fact that Jeter is a winner, the best player in baseball, the man who Makes the Play that Wins the Game on a Regular Basis. It's the facts, right? That many baseball experts can't be wrong.
Right?
I've always gone by a hard and fast rule when trying to discern the truth:
If someone constantlyhammers into your head...
...a particularcause or idea...
...with aviolent disregard for the facts...
...then it might be a good idea to make your own judgement, instead of listening to those who have only one idea, and who love to tell you about it. Their worst nightmare is a challenge to their ideas, which have been festering in their heads for so long that their judgement becomes suspect. Don't look for arguments to support your idea. Find out the arguments first, and maybe the idea will come out a little better.
Simple. He praises Derek Jeter.
This is particularly true amongst writers or broadcasters who habitually cover the Yankees-Tim McCarver or Michael Kay, for instance. It's been repeated so often that it's basically accepted as fact that Jeter is a winner, the best player in baseball, the man who Makes the Play that Wins the Game on a Regular Basis. It's the facts, right? That many baseball experts can't be wrong.
Right?
I've always gone by a hard and fast rule when trying to discern the truth:
If someone constantly
Watch Derek Jeter play every day and realize his stats mean very little in gauging his greatness. If anything, Jeter is actually becoming better every single year. He is quite simply a phenomenal baseball player. His instincts are otherworldly and his enthusiasm has not wavered since he was a rookie.
...a particular
For as long as Joe Torre can remember, Derek Jeter has been the Yankee manager's trump card. Need a hit? Jeter will get it. Need a play made? Jeter will make it.
...with a
Well, I'll tell you -- Joe Torre did the right thing. He put his best player at short.
Now, I know people can throw all kinds of numbers at me, telling me why there are better players out there than Jeter.
I know all that stuff. I'll be the first to admit that Jeter isn't the best hitter. He isn't the best shortstop or the best baserunner, either. But you put what he has all together, and you'd be crazy not to make him the cornerstone of your team.
Yes, Bonds will probably break Hank Aaron's home run record; and a few years later, A-Rod might even catch him. Even knowing all that, I'll still take Jeter.
...then it might be a good idea to make your own judgement, instead of listening to those who have only one idea, and who love to tell you about it. Their worst nightmare is a challenge to their ideas, which have been festering in their heads for so long that their judgement becomes suspect. Don't look for arguments to support your idea. Find out the arguments first, and maybe the idea will come out a little better.
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