Traces of Inspiration

Can I Be “The Next Great Sports Blogger”?

• September 13th, 2008
• Filed Under: Baseball

I’ve blogged about baseball here in the past. I’ve done some deeper, more analytical baseball blogging. I’ve even run a baseball simulation league. I like this stuff. But on this blog, I’m trying to be more focused on work than play. And I’m handing over the reigns the simulation league. I’m kind of in need of an outlet for the baseball banter.

I’ve considered opening a Twitter account just for short little baseball facts, but the sabermetrician in me realizes I probably need a bit more. Turns out, WEEI (the local—and the nation’s top rated—sports talk radio station) is looking for “The Next Great Sports Blogger”. They just relaunched their website and rolled out a bunch of blogs—but are looking for two more.

I can totally do this.

The contest page states:

Starting on Sept. 2, contestants who believe they have the blogging chops can submit a sample post on WEEI.com. Entries can be up to 500 words and should focus on the Boston sports scene, reflecting the author’s wit, creativity, sports knowledge and unique perspective in a piece of work that will stand out from a sea of candidates. The deadline for submissions will be Sept. 30.

What do I bring to the table?

I’m not going to be a “current events” blogger. The last thing we’d need to read is one more story about how violent Dustin Pedroia’s swing is (as much as I do love him), another Jason Bay/Manny Ramirez comparison, or more injury updates. For example, in the past I’ve written about certain positions and their lack of Hall of Famers (such as catcher, relief pitcher, and third base), specific interesting characters of the game (such as Deacon McGuire and Rick Ankiel), the difference between fantasy baseball and simulation (it’s huge), and other more obscure topics.

What should I submit?

My first submission should be a reflection of what I plan to write. So, the themes of what I wrote seem to be:

• History
• Numbers
• Hall of Fame

I’d really like to touch on a couple of these in my entry. Given the 500-word limit, that could be tricky (for example, the catcher article was merely 4,469 words). So, I’m asking you what you think a good first topic would be. Let me throw out some ideas:

Ideas

• Rating Theo’s Drafts: With Michael Bowden getting the call recently, all five of the Sox #1 picks in 2005 have made the majors (Ellsbury, Hanson, Buchholz, Lowrie, Bowden). That probably would make it his best draft, but how do the others rank (so far) as well?
• What’s Rice Up Against?: Jim Rice will get his 15th and final try at the Hall of Fame this winter. Who is he up against? Who else is returning? Will he make it? Should he? Who else should?
• Reflecting on Dauber: Look at the franchise all-time leaders in slugging percentage. Lots of obvious names… Williams, Rice, Ramirez, Vaughn. Oh, but look who’s tied for tenth? Brian Daubach. I could recap some of the highlights from this fan favorite.
• The Slow Sox: Earlier, Jacoby Ellsbury looked like he was going to challenge Boston’s single season stolen base record. Of course, the season record of 54 looks more like a good two months for Rickey Henderson. Who are the top speedsters in Sox history? Seriously, who ARE these guys? Harper and Hooper? Werber and Wagner?
• Remember Bob Stanley: Bob Stanley’s name has come up a couple times this year—Tim Wakefield pitched in his 500th game with the Sox, second only to Stanley. Jonathan Papelbon moved into second place on the club’s all time save list—behind Stanley. I’d reflect back on his 13 year career (all with Boston).

Do any of these look any good? I’ll be honest. Just while I was making this list I came up with the stolen base one. I might be leaning towards that one. But I’m going to put it out to you, dear readers…

What topic (either listed above or not) should I use for my submission?

Comments incredibly greatly appreciated!