A few items of interest…

• For those of us who grew up reading Bill James, Rich Lederer has posted a terrific interview with the man who brought the Baseball Abstract into the world and got so many of us starting to think more deeply about this great game. There’s so much information here that I’m not going to try and abstract it for you (pun intended). Actually, the bit about Enos Cabell is pretty cool. Anyway, go read it; it’s well worth your time.
• Back in December I mentioned that the Padres were holding a contest to find a new theme song.The results are in and the very talented Gary Hoey has won. Congrats to Mr. Hoey. [thanks to San Diego Blog]
• Speaking of interviews, Batter’s Box talks with Toronto GM J.P. Ricciardi. Candid stuff: “Every time we spend money, you guys get disappointed. It’s almost like you think we should put the 25 cheapest guys out there and win.” [via Value Over Replacement Blog]
• And speaking of blogs and ballclubs, Will Carroll has some thoughts on this very topic. Be sure to read the ensuing discussion, as some of the best stuff can be found there.
• GM Towers in spotlight over Caminiti remarks (U-T). I’m leaving this alone for the most part; not that it’s not an important issue, but right now we’re still at the tabloid stage and there isn’t a lot of light being shed. We’re moving in the right direction, even getting this out in the open, but we’re not there yet. Actually, what I wanted to mention in this is the sidebar. Former Olympic hurdler LaTonya Sheffield is working with the Pads on their running skills. This is brilliant: “Asked which Padres most impressed her, Sheffield gave a surprising answer. ‘No. 20 . . . (Miguel) Ojeda?’ she said, referring to the 6-2, 190-pound catcher. ‘He’s a big guy, but he has great technique.’” Who knew!

Finally, if you’ve e-mailed me in the past year or so, can you drop me a quick line? Unless you’re in one of my Scoresheet leagues, I probably no longer have your e-mail address. God bless computers…