Leaps of Faith
Thu, Nov 30, 2006
by Geoff Young
When I was 17 years old, for reasons that eluded me even then, I decided to jump from the hood of a moving car that a friend of mine was driving. The car wasn’t going fast — maybe 20 mph — and we were on a street with very little traffic. Still, the results were predictable. An object in motion tends to stay in motion, and my feet hit the asphalt at 20 mph. Then the rest of me hit the asphalt. I bounced and rolled several feet before coming to a stop in someone’s driveway. Nothing broke, but I had scrapes and bruises all over the place.
Not one of my finer moments.
My friend drove me home, where I cleaned myself up and a put on a shirt that didn’t have gravel embedded in it. Naturally, he wanted to know what the heck I’d been thinking when I jumped from the car. Naturally, I could offer no reasonable explanation for my actions. (The matter of why I was on the hood in the first place is best left alone altogether.)
Twenty years later the problem is obvious. Beyond poor execution of a plan, the plan itself had been deeply flawed. What had I hoped to accomplish by jumping from the hood of a moving car? Even if I’d succeeded, what was the upside?
Well, I suppose I could’ve bragged about it, although I’m not sure my story would’ve moved anyone to admiration so much as pity that I’d even felt the need to attempt such a stunt. Regardless, any resulting notoriety would be short lived. Or worse, it might linger for a lifetime.
Who wants to be known as the guy that jumped from the hood of a moving car?
. . .
I’ve been trying to balance working a full-time job, maintaining three blogs, writing a book, and spending time with my family. The 17-hour work days; the strain in my back, shoulders, neck, arms, and legs; and the shortness of temper that accompanies a general lack of time to “get things done” tell me that I’ve earned an “A” for effort but a significantly lower mark for everything else.
We are finite beings; much as I’d love to, I cannnot do everything.
With this in mind, I’ve decided to take another leap. I’ve quit my job — a very good job, with a very good company whose people have shown me that hard work and passion together form a devastating combination — to pursue my dreams. I will be writing full time for at least the next several months as I work to complete the Ducksnorts book. I’ve saved up some money and made an investment in myself.
I’m still developing a strategy to go with the idea and make this thing sustainable over the long haul. My ultimate goal is to earn a living by writing about baseball full time after the book has been published. I have no clue whether this is feasible — such details can be attended to later. For now, I’ll be writing like crazy. I will do everything within my power to make the Ducksnorts book worth your time and money. I will do whatever I can to make it — as Kathy Sierra would say — kick ass.
This is my commitment to you.
Okay, so what am I asking in return? Mainly, buy the book when it comes out (I’m shooting for late February 2007) and spread the word about it and the blog. This is my passion. After 37 years, I’ve finally figured out what I want to do in life. Help me do it.
Can I be more specific? Sure. Bust out the bullet points:
- If you’re a Ducksnorts reader, keep reading.
- If you’re a commenter, keep commenting.
- If you’re not a commenter, give it a shot; the more voices we add to the conversation, the better.
- If you’d like to support Ducksnorts, feel free to donate via the button to the right or buy some goodies at the store.
- If you’re torn between donating to the cause and buying the Ducksnorts book, please save up for the book; my path is a conscious choice and I’m not starving — let’s spread ideas now and worry about the rest later.
- If you can’t afford anything (or you’re cheap like me), that’s cool; just say hello or something; just let me know you’re out there.
- If you’d like to advertise at Ducksnorts, drop me a line and let’s talk.
- If you’re a publisher looking for a freelance writer, drop me a line and let’s talk; resume and references are available upon request.
- If you’re anyone else looking for somebody who has ideas about baseball and the ability to write about them semi-intelligently, drop me a line and let’s talk.
- If you’re my wife, thank you for indulging me.
- If you’re tired of bullet points, you’re not alone; don’t worry, we’re done.
Okay, that’s the general plan. Thanks, as always, for your support of Ducksnorts. It goes without saying that I couldn’t do this without you.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a book to write. My hope is that we will rock the world, or at least some small portion of it. And if that doesn’t work, you can always remember me as the guy who jumped from the hood of a moving car.
Picking up where last year's version left off, the Ducksnorts 2008 Baseball Annual provides in-depth analysis of and commentary on the San Diego Padres. Get your copy today.
November 30, 2006 at 6:42 am
Congrats buddy.
You were the first, and you’re still the best. Keep punching those keys!
November 30, 2006 at 6:42 am
Good things come to those who take leaps!
Looking forward to the book.
November 30, 2006 at 7:11 am
Good luck…and if you sat on the car all day, you would never really get where you wanted, just sorta watch as things passed you by…
Now, why ar e you reading my terrible posts? Go and write something.
November 30, 2006 at 7:16 am
Always good to follow your dreams — life’s not as fun if you don’t.
Can’t wait to see the book!
November 30, 2006 at 7:32 am
Good luck GY! Im glad your taking a leap of faith!
November 30, 2006 at 7:35 am
Good luck!
November 30, 2006 at 7:43 am
Geoff,
Congrats! I’ve been lurking here for a while but I feel like I’ve known you a long time (since the early Fanstop days). Judging from the quality people you have posting here and the way we all religiously anticipate your posts, I have no doubt you’ll succeed!
November 30, 2006 at 7:54 am
No risk, no reward! Congratulations on making a BIG decision like that. Making the decision is usually harder than actually executing afterwards (though in your case…that’s a pretty ambitious plan).
I noticed the lack of a plan to make DS a subscription-based service. I guess that goes against the general nature of blogs, and I applaud you for not going that direction.
Eagerly anticipating the book, and will certainly evangelize it to my friends and family.
**and for the record, now that I’ve scanned the comments from yesterday, I did NOT sign with the Blue Jays, though should they call looking for an early-30’s righty who can throw a mean submarine ball ala Cla Meredith without the skill, I’m available.
November 30, 2006 at 8:04 am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkU7LKb3Tq4
Footage of clayton pitching
November 30, 2006 at 8:13 am
Congratulations GY. Count on the Snorters for support. I’m looking forward to the book. I have no doubt that life will be good to you. Following what you love to do is a whole lot better than work.
November 30, 2006 at 8:26 am
Congratulations Geoff! I can’t wait for the book!
November 30, 2006 at 8:36 am
Don’t know if the UT is just repeating stuff they heard from Boston’s rag, but they are also reporting Peavy-AGon for ManRam as a possibility saying a club (Padre) official didn’t respond to the question. That makes me very nervous. I would give up Peavy-AGon for A-Rod, but not for ManRam.
http://www.signonsandiego.com/.....adres.html
November 30, 2006 at 9:03 am
Geoff - great news, great decision. It’s a lot more fun to follow your own passion than someone else’s — and, it is often a lot more lucrative.
November 30, 2006 at 9:09 am
Wow, awesome Geoff!
Best of luck with the book and the venture in general!!!
November 30, 2006 at 9:11 am
Jeez, I thought that was just a writer’s speculation, based on Boston’s past interest in Gonzalez. No way.
November 30, 2006 at 9:11 am
Re #9 - I wish
November 30, 2006 at 9:13 am
Congratulations Geoff! You definitely have the talent to succeed and I think it’s safe to say we’re all rooting for you.
12: This morning 1090 played a clip from Sandy’s appearance yesterday and he basically said no way on Peavy-Gonzalez for ManRam. He said it’s not a matter of money but of what Boston thinks they can get for him and what we’re willing to give. At that point KT called in and basically said the same thing, that we’re not going to fill one hole while creating several others. Also reiterated that 2B is relatively easy to fill and they have several options. He didn’t offer many specifics but said the priority right now is on getting some starting pitchers and offers have been made to top tier talent. When asked if that meant Maddux he said he can’t mention names, Scott & BR took that to mean yes. KT also said they decided against Bonds based on all the off field issues. I don’t know about you guys but if Maddux is our big addition I’m going to be a wee bit disappointed.
Interesting that SP is the priority. Weren’t they saying a few weeks ago that a big bat was the priority?
On a side note, one of the most entertaining things this off-season is reading the Red Sox boards where the fans are trying to talk themselves into liking JD Drew. I think the guy is Manny Lite, without the charm.
November 30, 2006 at 9:18 am
17 - JD Drew wishes he was Manny lite! I would be apoplectic if I was a Red Sox fan on swapping manny for jd.
I also think big bat was the priority until big bat became prohibitively expensive. Here’s what we do: we take the $30MM we had saved on payroll for ‘07 and buy Powerball tickets once the jackpot hits big numbers. Once we win $300MM or so, that solves payroll for the next few years, and we can be the Yankees West.
November 30, 2006 at 9:25 am
Thanks, guys. Re #8: No chance of a subscription-based service. Money is nice, but there are other ways to get that. We deal in ideas here.
November 30, 2006 at 9:33 am
Re 17 - I didn’t hear that last night on SA’s spot on XX, but then a brief part of my listneing time was interrupted by my hungry 17 month old. Glad to hear they are not considering trading AGon. I think he is a great bat and awesome glove that should only get better. He is cheap, we have him for some years, and should not be traded but for an extreme top-notch player/bat (A-Rod type).
November 30, 2006 at 9:58 am
SAIC, just invested in their IPO, hope your departure doesn’t adversely effect the stock price:)
Old Cajun Saying: Forget your dreams or be willing to pay their price.
Assume Ms. Ducksnorts can carry the load while you are on this lark?
Kidding aside, following your passions and talent is a wonderful thing. Good luck to you.
Now, how bout them Padres? Everytime I read the UT about trade rumors, I get scared, but everytime I hear Sandy and KT, I feel good about this team. Good teams start with good owners (check) and good management (check). Looks like a big hitter has given way to a good SP. Fine.
November 30, 2006 at 10:02 am
Geoff - that’s awesome. Put me down for a copy, and good luck!
November 30, 2006 at 10:14 am
Best of luck, Geoff. It must feel awesome to have decided what you want to do in life and knowing that you’re going to do it.
Also, if you need more t-shirt ideas… is it too early to make up the “will play 2B/LF for food” ones yet?
November 30, 2006 at 10:19 am
Good luck, Geoff.
November 30, 2006 at 10:36 am
Boring site note: The main URL is still broken; I’ve identified the problem but it’s not something I can fix right now, so I’ve hacked a static page that looks a little nicer than the “we’re broken” message that was there earlier. Click on the header image to get to the blog and kindly disregard the ads.
#23: Bryan, I can certainly get some “will play 2B/LF for food” tees made. I’ll work on those over the weekend. Thanks for the idea!
November 30, 2006 at 10:45 am
Geoff, you are the man.
Congratulations on your leap to follow your passion. You are good, dude. I’ll buy your book. Can’t wait to read the rest.
Good luck with the writings.
November 30, 2006 at 11:08 am
Geoff…I might be willing to pony up for a couple of books as Christmas presents…but since the book won’t be done for a few months, that might be an issue…
What if you put together a little “Christmas/Holiday Card” that says that a copy of the “Ducksnorts Padres book” has been reserved for you and will be shipped as soon as publication is finished…
I could slip that card into a stocking and everyone wins.
November 30, 2006 at 11:22 am
This from Gotham Baseball regarding who gets Zito - “Do not count out the (San Diego) Padres in this thing,” said one West Coast baseball official, who spoke with Gotham Baseball Magazine on condition of anonymity. “Everybody’s picking the Mets to sign him, but I’m pretty sure that they will have to fight it out (with the Padres).”
http://www.gothambaseball.com/news/1164829827.php
November 30, 2006 at 11:42 am
I just stumbled onto your blog today (by way of Gaslamp Ball). As a displaced Padre fan (currently in Philadelphia) it’s become harder and harder to find someone who knows anything about the Padres.
I’ve run through about 10 of your blog entries so far today (I’m going slow….I’m at work. not all of us have the power of the pen to save us) and just want you to know that I will be buying 3 copies of the book (one for me, one for my dad and one for my uncle).
If you’re looking for any insight into the clubhouse to include, see if you can get in contact with Mark Loretta. I used to live across the street from him and we’d have fantastic discussions on the Pads before he’d take off for Petco. Fabulous guy and more than willing to talk baseball with an intelligent fan.
Good Luck! All us commentators (even the new ones like me) are supremely jealous, so appease us with a bad *** book.
November 30, 2006 at 12:21 pm
#1 Peter, what’s up with your site (PRD)? I can’t get it to come up? Have you been on vacation? I haven’t seen an update from you in a while.
November 30, 2006 at 12:22 pm
Peter - Never mind, it just came up. It must have had a temp problem.
November 30, 2006 at 1:22 pm
Anyone hear anything on the Baseball Think Factory site? It’s still down today…
November 30, 2006 at 1:29 pm
I’ve been wondering about that myself. It looks like the domain expired or was hijacked. Didn’t something similar happen to them a few years ago?
November 30, 2006 at 1:31 pm
http://www.baseballmusings.com/archives/018569.php
Many of you wondered what happened to Baseball Think Factory. Here’s the explanation from Jim via Repoz:
“I’m working on this. Apparently there was some kind of snafu when I transferred the domain to a different registrar last year. Although the domain shows current until next year at the new registrar (goddaddy.com), the old registrar (registerfly.com) somehow still has control of the domain.”
November 30, 2006 at 1:54 pm
I don’t have a lot to add which hasn’t already been said, but congrats on the decision. Other then the yearly book-is there anything else we can look forward to?
November 30, 2006 at 1:56 pm
34 - Thanks Anthony!
November 30, 2006 at 2:15 pm
Can’t wait for the book Geoff. I’ll also pass the word on to the college students in a Padres group on facebook.com
There are a few diehards in that group that might appreciate some good writing on the Padres.
November 30, 2006 at 2:58 pm
I don’t know why I listen to talk radio. I despise the callers I’ve heard today. Are most Padre fans really this ignorant? It’s disgusting.
November 30, 2006 at 3:20 pm
38.
I want to punch every person that called XX today about the Padres in the face!
November 30, 2006 at 3:49 pm
They just haven’t discovered Ducksnorts.
What were they saying that was so aggravating?
My favorite line of reasoning from XX callers about the Barfield trade was “I never heard of this Kouzmanoff guy, this is a terrible trade!” How can you know it’s a bad trade if you don’t know what we’re getting? Between that level of analysis and Philly Billy’s calls for a proven veteran like Aaron Boone last year it can be hard to listen to XX sometimes.
November 30, 2006 at 4:05 pm
#27: CM, that is a great idea; I will work on those over the weekend.
#29: John, thanks for stopping by and for the tip on Loretta. As for the book, I’ve spent the past several years working for and with people who demand the best; I’ll give it everything I’ve got.
#35: Mark, I don’t know yet; I have some ideas but nothing I’m ready to commit to right now. I’m always open to suggestions.
#37: Thanks, Chase. Much appreciated!
#40: Anthony, that is a very strange line of reasoning. I once had a friend who just missed getting hit by a car in an OB alley. He yelled at the other driver, whose defense was that his view had been obstructed and he couldn’t see what was in front of him. No, I’m not kidding.
On another note, I’m still going through KT’s trades and I’m amazed to find that Ed Sprague actually earned more win shares (1) with the Red Sox than Dennis Tankersley did with the Padres. Not to bring anyone down or anything.
November 30, 2006 at 4:46 pm
That can’t be true. Dennis Tankersley hit a home run once!
November 30, 2006 at 5:04 pm
Apparently the Padres are holding a meeting for all season ticket holders tonight. Any Ducksnorters going? I would be fascinated to hear what’s discussed.
November 30, 2006 at 5:11 pm
Who would have thought that Tankersley v. Sprague would come out in the Padres favor? Dan Duquette is laughing in his…well…OK, he’s just laughing.
November 30, 2006 at 5:14 pm
I brought up the Telephone game last week. As soon as one caller finished complaining, I thought, “I can’t even begin to accurately and coherently pass along what he just said. (But I’ll sorta try.) You’re mad at the Padres for trying to improve the Dominican academy because “they’re just following everybody else” and now they are making half-hearted attempts to jump onto the Japanese bandwagon? Do I have that semi-right?
Then a season ticket holder said he wanted to ring Alderson’s neck at the meeting. He said could not understand the Barfield trade at all. Uh, dude, they have explained the reasoning several times. Isn’t the correct response, “Their reasoning sucks”? Or something like it?
November 30, 2006 at 5:16 pm
Maybe they are doing two? Because this caller and hosts referred to one taking place yesterday during USD-SDSU game - which Alderon alluded to on-air Wednesday.
November 30, 2006 at 7:22 pm
At the season ticket meeting…Towers just announced Blum will be back and the Peavy/AGon rumors are a joke…a rumor that has no merit.
Also said ‘Linebrink will likely be back.’
Said we will really like Kouz.
More to come.
November 30, 2006 at 7:39 pm
KT just said that Todd Walker, Woody Williams, DR, Chan Ho, Embree and Klesko will all be offered arbitration on Friday.
No decision on Piazza yet.
November 30, 2006 at 7:53 pm
CM,
Are you reporting live? I wouldn’t think they’d offer it to that many players.
November 30, 2006 at 8:26 pm
Kevin Kouzmanoff has made Baseball Analysts’ list of top minor league defenders. He’s rated fourth among third basemen. This ranking (and others, of course) surprise some posters.
November 30, 2006 at 8:58 pm
#49: Just got back. I can confirm what CM says in #48. We are getting two picks from Houston for Woody. Sweet…
November 30, 2006 at 9:13 pm
CM and GY, wish I had known you guys were there and I’d have looked for you. I thought SA’s perspective on not much happening yet was pretty telling when he spoke about how at the same time last year, of the 10 most popular players from last year, only 2 were even on the club at the same time of year. Gonzalez, Barfield, Chris Young, Piazza, Cla, all came after this time of year. Trevor and Giles were free agents and unsigned. They had only signed Cameron about 10 days before. Still lots of time to see how this year’s team shakes out.
We should pick up a lot of picks out of the players being tendered arbitation. Did either of you recognize the guy who asked that question about arbitration? Best question of the night, I thought.
November 30, 2006 at 9:38 pm
Was the crazy money being spent this offseason discussed at all; specifically whether KT and Alderson believe the huge amount of money being spent on marginal players is a one year aberration or the new market equilibrium? Do you guys have thoughts on this?
November 30, 2006 at 10:13 pm
Stephen (#50), Kouzmanoff @ #4 doesn’t surprise me at all… First, they overrate upper-level minor leaguers, 2nd, he isn’t as bad as people say. He should be average/solid at 3B.
November 30, 2006 at 10:32 pm
Re:49…Yes, that was live…I have a hand held pocket PC and typed the names as fast as I could.
A little surprised at Chan Ho…and even more surprised at what they thought Piazza would get at arbitration…they said they expected $8-$12mm per for him if they went that far…that was surprising b/c SA said on XX last night he thought the number would be under $8mm per.
They did address the FA prices…talked about how having $30mm to spend and actually spending it are not necessarily linked. They feel like the flexibility it affords to add players during spring training and at the deadline can be very valuable.
Got very tired of everyone booing about Barfield, crying to bring Lorretta back, and screaming for Doc. Thought the Doc comment by KT was an interesting choice of words…KT said something to the effect of “Dave is not signed with anyone YET.” Seemed like he left that door open.
November 30, 2006 at 11:16 pm
CM,
It makes no sense to me that they would offer arbitration to Chan Ho Park, considering his salary last year and how relatively little they are allowed to slash it (20%/30?) under the arbitration rules. Perhaps the guidelines have changed?
Also, I thought that once they bought out Klesko’s option there is no arbitration offering process. Again, I may not know the rules here so any help on that would be appreciated.
I like the slight risk they are taking to offer Roberts arbitration - i.e. he could accept and sign a one year deal even though they don’t really want him if they can get a power bat for LF.
I’m not sure about why they are offering it to Walker. I guess if he accepts, he is the Padres 2b in 2007, which might not be a bad stopgap.
December 1, 2006 at 7:13 am
I think that a combination of Graffanino and Walker would give us really good production from 2B.
December 1, 2006 at 7:32 am
I agree, I think Walker/Graffanino is the perfect 2B combo. Plus, Graffanino can play the other IF positions in a pinch.
December 1, 2006 at 7:42 am
I like the Walker option at 2B…The Todd Walker Experience…now there is a T-Shirt.
I don’t know enough about arbitration rules to know how far a salary can drop. I am pretty sure that the new CBA has a new rule that says after salary figures are exchanged, a player can be released. So, I would assume that if the Pads felt that they would be on the hook for a huge sum to Chan Ho, they would just release him.
December 1, 2006 at 8:19 am
59 - wow, that’s a huge blow to the player’s leverage if that’s true.
December 1, 2006 at 8:29 am
59– Wouldn’t you automatically offer everyone arbitration then?
December 1, 2006 at 9:29 am
CM, I think you are right about the release part. I just read about that.
I also read elsewhere that 6+ year free agents are not subject to the salary reduction rules. Can anyone verify that?
BTW, Richard, I would agree with you that almost every call in to XX about the Padres is awful, and it seems to have become worse as the team has become more popular. The sad thing is that most of the hosts are brutal as well when it comes to discussing the team.
December 1, 2006 at 8:12 pm
62: Josh Rosenberg comes in first on that list.
December 1, 2006 at 9:19 pm
Dang. My post didn’t hit yesterday. Geoff, just wanted to let you know you have my continuing support in your efforts, and although I’m as cheap as you, I will go ahead and buy the book. In fact, I’m very much looking forward to it.