Fosters Slant

Here’s my problem with sabermetrics — it’s a useful tool that feels like the answer. If we were smarter creatures, of course, we wouldn’t get seduced by the numbers.

From Jonah Lehrer’s article for Grantland on sabermetrics.

The retorts came swiftly from those that value it. Tom Scocca wrote this for Deadspin, but this was the one that won me over, the one I connect with the most.

Lehrer mentions a story from Philip Roth, about a boy at a ball game; about counting, and the changing numbers. Lehrer closes the Roth story with this wonderful line, questioning the love of the game.

If that little kid were around today, he’d be obsessed with sabermetrics. He’d almost certainly win his fantasy league, but he’d miss the point of the game.

I will admit to never being the greatest of sabermetrics fans, but this was due to my lack of knowledge more than anything. I’ve grown this baseball season to appreciate them much more, and use them when making my arguments when talking baseball. And you know what, I still love the game. It doesn’t matter that I know more now, than I did before, I still love the game.

Sorry Jonah, math and baseball can share my heart.

Apr 1

Blue Jay Predictions

My writing has gone off the deep end. Working with 3 year olds on a day to day basis has eliminated my abilities at the keypad. To remedy this situation, I am gonna keep this here tumblr account up to date with things. One of those things I will write about is the Blue Jays, you know, that baseball team.

So head on over to the great baseball site and read some things there, and also write there. Don’t be afraid of all of us. We are nice people.

Feb 26

Your 2009 HSL World Champions

Feb 14

The Blue Jay Hunter: Signs of Spring Training

Really looking forward to the coming months. To think that there are players on the field is an exciting thing.