joe sheehan

IGD: Padres vs Braves (12 Jul 08)

Saturday, July 12, 2008
by Geoff Young

Padres vs Braves 7:15 p.m. PT Channel 4SD, DIRECTV 737 AM 1090, FM 105.7, XM 189 MLB, B-R We had a great time at the Baseball Prospectus event Friday night. Big thanks to Dave Pease and Joe Sheehan for organizing, the Padres for hosting, and of course Paul DePodesta for being incredibly generous with his time. I'm sworn under threat of Very Nasty Things, Indeed (TM) not to repeat what was said, but I think it's safe to note that DePo referenced Schopenhauer, Thomas Paine, and Malcolm Gladwell in his talk. He also answered all of our questions with patience, thoughtfulness, and as much candor as his position permits. Several Ducksnorters made it ...

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Posted in In-Game Discussion | 31 Comments »

Familiar Refrain

Thursday, February 14, 2008
by Geoff Young

On pages 141-143 of his 1985 Baseball Abstract, Bill James launches into a discussion of whether baseball dynasties are a thing of the past. This is technically his essay on the San Diego Padres, who were the defending National League champions, although only two paragraphs focus on the Padres: I do not see the Padres as a great team, and I do not see them as likely to repeat. They've got three infielders that I wouldn't put in the top fifteen men at the position. With Terry Kennedy's defense and baserunning, he's got to hit a whole bunch before he can help you, and he hit .240 last year. Their bench is thin. They've got a couple of great young outfielders and real good depth in ...

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Posted in Open Thread | 78 Comments »