SB Nation User Blog: soco

Baseball's Glass Ceiling; or, Why Not Women?

soco — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 04:19:35 -0000

Amongst the hype of Major League baseball eyeing India or Korea, are people forgetting a group closer to home?

In Japan 16 year-old Eri Yoshida became the first woman to be drafted for Japan's professional league. Although she still has a long way path to navigate through the minor leagues, perhaps this will open the door for other women in Japan to not only have a chance at playing professional baseball, but take up the sport to begin with.

Woman and baseball is not a complete novelty here in the United States, though the sport has long been dominated by men. The All-American Girls Professional Baseball League was created during World War II and inspired the film A League of Their Own. Currently, there is a Boston based North American Women's Baseball League, though it is strictly amateur. USA Baseball has a women's team to go with the men's, and have won a few gold medals in international competitions in the past few years. As long as there has been baseball, women have played it.

An advantage for a woman trying to break in to baseball is that the sport is not immediately gender specific. Though strength helps with homeruns or throwing someone out from the outfield, both require just as much concentration, eye coordination, and technique. The main aptitudes for baseball are being able to hit the ball for hits, a good eye to hit or draw walks, legs to run or steal bases, and sometimes good hops to make leaping catches. Unlike basketball or even football, baseball doesn't require a certain body type. Although short players in basketball can be quite successful, they find a harder road simply because everyone will considerbaly taller than them. In baseball the physical gender differences don't add much advantage, leveling the playing field. The only thing stopping women from playing is experience and opportunity.

One immediate obstacle to women pursuing baseball has been the rise of softball as an alternative. That isn't to say that softball is inferior or that the game should be shunned. It's just that the two sports are separate with similar rules and skill sets, but not exclusively to gender. Approximately 40 million people of both genders in America play softball, so it certainly isn't a "woman's only game." Yet at the same time girls are actively discouraged to pursue baseball as youth, instead being given the softball path. To continue playing baseball through junior high and beyond is not the normality for girls.

So women are given softball as an option, regardless if the girl has been playing in Little League up to this point. The change is fairly smooth, and most girls probably never look back. The two sports share many skill sets and as evidenced by Olympic Softball competitions, the skill level can be extraordinary. If the skills sets are largely the same, and women can reach a high level in softball, why not in baseball? Obviously with men's lengthy head-start in the sport it would be difficult to be the first women competitiors in professional baseball. Being the first of anything is almost always tough, though, so what else is blocking women?

It isn't Major League Baseball, at least not publicly. MLB does not have an active rule currently banning women from its league. In 1952, however, Commissioner Frick did ban women hoping to curb publicity stunts. The rule was eventually revoked, but this hasn't changed matters. This isn't to say that the league officials now are hostile towards women playing. Most likely they are waiting for talent to match current men's levels before making the dive. For a league based on tradition and an Old Boys' Club, it is hard to completely trust this thought process. Admitting a woman to the all-male ranks would be a seismic shift for the game and American team sports, so perhaps owners overall would be less than willing to rock the boat. Without a viable woman player representive, however, it is impossible to test this theory.

So do the fans want women in the game? For the sake of argument we'll assume that we have a Jane Doe entering draft and is talented enough to be taken in the first round or two. Would you want her in the Major Leagues? Would you want her on the Diamondbacks? Or should MLB stay for men, and let the women create their own league like the WNBA?

Emilio Bonifacio On the Move

soco — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 00:54:11 -0000

Emilio Bonifacio On the Move

Former Diamondbacks' minor-league level second baseman/hustla-extraordinaire was traded today to the Marlins from the Nationals in exchange for pitcher Scott Olsen and outfielder Josh Willingham.

soco's Mind Dump - Now with more tackiness!

soco — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 17:46:58 -0000

The season might be over but that doesn't mean there isn't plenty to obsess and chat over. Postseason awards? Free-agency? Puh-leeze.

Up first is a small rundown over ESPN detailing the Diamondbacks' offseason needs. What is there to say that we didn't already know? We need a second baseman, we need consistant offense and less strikeouts, and some serious bullpen shakeup. I'd be surprised if the Diamondbacks are able to make any big free-agent splashes, let alone blockbuster trades, but we'll have to wait and see.

Sources: Cuban Cut from Cubs

Also from ESPN sources are now saying that new Cubs' owner hopeful, Mark Cuban, has little to no chance of being in the final bidding group. His bid is rumored to be over a billion dollars, though the Tribune Company is alledgely considering to sell only part of the team for now.

"The Cubs have got smart, smart people here. I mean they're winning, they're doing great things, I'll just stay out of the way," Cuban said in August, weeks after learning he had made the field of five bidders. "Believe it or not, I can stay out of the way."

Nats Update Wardrobe, Still Terrible

The Washington Nationals unveiled new uniforms this week for the road, and two new alternates. The two alternates (one red and one blue for Independence Day) are rather bland, but the away is gorgeous. Now if only their home uniform would get on board to that design. If this was the design the Diamondbacks copied, I would be a happy man.

University of Oregon Determined to Look Like a Joke

College baseball isn't really talked about too much around here, and for generally good reason. I saw this over at Uni-Watch, though, and it was too good to pass up. Nike sponsors the University of Oregon in exchange for "artistic freedom," and as you can tell, their designers need to be dragged outside and put out of their misery. Most college baseball uniforms are pretty goofy, but this takes the cake.

Dodgers Have More Money Than Sense

ESPN is reporting that the Dodgers offered Manny Ramirez a $25 million a year contract, for either two or three years. If accepted the deal would make Ramirez the second highest per-year player in baseball behind Alex Rodriguez. No word yet if Manny plans to pursue any 80's pop stars, but I hear Boy George is available.

WBC Sees New Format

The 2009 edition of the World Baseball Classic introduces double elimination in the first rounds, foregoing the complicated tiebreakers of the previous tournament. 16 games are expected to be broadcast on the brand-new MLB Network, which launches in January.

The MLB Network

This isn't news by any strech of the imagination, but I imagine there are still some people that haven't heard the good word. Not much is known about the new channel, but it seemingly willl be in basic or tiered cable packages. Don't quote me on that, though. Beyond the 16 WBC games, an additional 39 games are expected to be broadcast through the season. Hopefully these will be a roving matchup deal, and not the "Red Sox/Yankees Matchup of the Week" that we get on ESPN and Fox. Personally, I'm hoping for a good mix of historic programming, highlights/analysis, and general baseball interest. It launches January 1st, 2009.

Mark Ellis Off the Market; What Now?

soco — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 15:22:15 -0000

Mark Ellis Off the Market; What Now?

Looks like Oakland has locked Ellis away for at least a few years, though the terms haven't been announced yet. So now where do the Diamondbacks go from here?

Playoffs? PLAYOFFS!? [NSF56K]

soco — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 16:24:16 -0000

For the NL:

In this corner, we have the Philadelphia Phillies, winners of the NL East.

Taking on a fiesty group not seen in the playoffs since 1982, the Milwaukee Brewers, winners of the NL Wild card.

On the other side of the NL, we have the Central champs Chicago Cubs, championship-less since 1908:

They take on the West winners, the Los Angeles Dodgers. Let's be honest, if anyone here is supporting either of these teams, you might as well get out.

On the AL side:

The first time division winner and playoff contenders, AL East champs the Tampa Bay Rays:

They take on the mighty Chicago White Sox, the winners of the AL Central:

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Angels, winners of the AL West:

Their foe is the team from the town everyone's grown sick of: the Red Cubs of Boston, 2nd place in the AL East:

Personally I'd pull for the Brewers the most out of these four, I guess. The AL side intrigues me more, and it works like this: White Sox first, and then if they get eliminated the Rays, then Angels, and finally the Red Sox. Honestly I'd rather any of those four win before any of the NL teams beyond the Brew Crew.

So what about you? Have a second favorite team you want to support? Maybe a most hated team you want to watch go down in flames? Or has your mind already switched over to football and basketball seasons?

Yankee Stadium: the End of an Era

soco — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 03:49:16 -0000

Yankee Stadium: the End of an Era

No matter what you might think of the teams that have played on the field at Yankee Stadium, both the classic design and the 1970's revamp, tonight marks the end of one of the most historic stadiums in the United States.

I managed to catch the last three innings of the game tonight, and it was a sight to see. Unfortunately, I never had a chance to see a game there, but the new Stadium looks amazing so hopefully I'll be out soon.

Goodbye, Yankee Stadium.

Baseball Experience vs. Intellect

soco — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 02:18:57 -0000

A recent discussion between foulpole, Jim, et al. made me think for a second. In baseball there seems to be a difference between the knowledge you hold playing the game and watching it.

The start of the debate was that the average modern baseball viewer would know more about Joe Morgan, for example that wins aren't a good measure for pitcher's success. Knowing that a win doesn't measure much doesn't make someone pitch better, yet it is at the basis of modern baseball thought.

With the growth and popularization of baseball statistics, there are many things that have become outdated, and some have been replaced with new ways to watch and think about the game. The game, from an observer's point of view, has changed.

Playing the game has changed as well, but perhaps not as signficantly. Three outs an inning, of which there are nine, and runs are still scored by crossing the plate after touching the previous three sequentially. Players have more advantages to prepare and survive, and in many ways are more skilled, but the way the game isn't that different than twenty or thirty years ago. Of course, the farther you go back, the less familiar the tactics become, but the rules haven't changed signficantly for quite some time.

Which then makes me wonder (with all respect to foulpole, who planted the seed), although Joe Morgan couldn't teach the average baseball fan much about the game when it comes to watching it, what could he teach us about playing it. And more importantly, is this information even relevant to the average fan?

And I wonder, is baseball different from other sports in viewing?

Obviously baseball is slower paced, and much of a game to chat and discuss not only the game at hand, but there is a strong tradition of discussing the past while you take in the present. Basketball is so high paced that you don't have much time, except perhaps during a timeout or at a Pistons' game, to talk about the game.

With this culture of discussion, there seems to be an entirely different set of necessary knowledge sign posts. To play baseball you need to know the rules and have the physical processes down, but you don't need to know a single thing about the numbers behind it. Conversely, fans hoarde, trade, and spin numbers in debates and intellectual fencing matches.

So I will posit foulpole's original question, with a slight spin:

What does a baseball player, perhaps especially a Hall of Fame player, have to teach a fan about baseball, and is it something they need to enjoy watching the game?

Unbreakable Wooden Bat--Coming to a Mark Grace signing near you!

soco — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 04:58:56 -0000

Unbreakable Wooden Bat--Coming to a Mark Grace signing near you!

Josh Byrnes Q&A 8/23

soco — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 04:30:57 -0000

By popular demand, I will attempt to recreate the questions and answers from the Q&A over the weekend. As previously noted, I didn't take notes so I cannot guarantee a complete account. If anyone has a more accurate answer or question, please jump in. Okay? Let's go.

Bullpen. What gives? You still confident in Lyons, or what?

Well, yes. We are. Day to day usage is dependent on match-ups, previous work, et cetera.

Any plans for September Call-ups?

It's coming up in a week and Scherzer and Upton are definites. Scherzer was built up to 85 pitches in case they needed him to replace Davis today for a start, who apparently has an ailing back. Upton is looking good and rehabbed, right now they're trying to get his swing back. Both are eligible for the postseason roster.

Any possibility for the 2011 ASG?

Have they even announced 2010? [ed. Yes, they have for Anaheim] Other than that, we're confident we can make a run for it, and MLB believes in rewarding franchises that are run well, but it's still at least a year from being announced.

Obligitary Byrnes V. Quentin question?

Context is needed, we weren't sure the extent his injuries played in his poor play last year, and we wanted to clean up the various spots going into Spring Training. Transition into investing money into pitching instead of offense the past few years.

Were you aware of Byrnes' second half slumps?

Yes.

Who will be on the AZFL roster this year?

Expect a roster soon, as they're still working on it. Apparently Byrnes has volunteered to work out in it? Note: the Diamondbacks will be associated with the Desert Dogs who play in Phoenix Muni, not the Scorpions in Scottsdale.

What's the daily life of a GM?

Evaluating talent, answering phones, email, wake up early and go to sleep wait, but hey, free bagels! [ed. the last part may be an exaggeration by the writer]

What was Byrnes' injury?

He tore a ligament [ed. I think?] about a centimeter of the bone.

What will happen in the outfield when Upton comes back?

We don't know. Acknowledges possibility of signing Dunn.

How is the Webb extension going?

Well, it's been tabled at a good spot. The Player's Union about certain symbolic victories, so don't expect much of a hometown discount.

Do you like doing Q&A's?

Yes.

Ryal for second base?

Eh, higher impact would be nice.

2009 for Randy, in a Diamondbacks uniform or somewhere else?

That depends on what Randy wants to do, we want him back if he wants us.

Reynolds has problem with D, would 2nd be a better option?

Yes, he has trouble sometimes, but mainly from throwing. They would consider plugging him in at 2nd, but [JB] comes from Cleveland School of Second Base Is Offense First. Tracy doesn't seem to be an option at 3rd.

Dantona?

Eh.

Why does our baserunning suck?

We expect it to get better, and it will get better. Part of it might be [in regards to the stealing being down] is having Byrnes out of the lineup.

Draft Strategy?

We want to take what's best on the board, even if we already have that spot filled since you don't know what the future holds. More draft picks means more room to take high risk, high reward players.

What is the future of the Diamondbacks in Tucson with the Sidewinders and White Sox (and then potentially the Rockies) skipping town?

Grim. A push is being made to have all of the Cactus League in Phoenix, and the teams are shooting for a 12 month developmental cycle, things going on all year round. No word on where the Diamondbacks would train if they come to the Valley.

Any chance on AAA coming back to Tucson?

Nope, you're pretty much SOL.

Then Jeff Munn thanked us for coming and there was a raffle. The wife and I won a Doug Davis signed ball!

Diamondbacks V. Astros II: Overflow Bloodbath

soco — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:50:35 -0000

Getting a pitching change, with our boys in Red ahead 11-1 and Miggy and CY leading charge. Yeah, I guess that's pretty good. Let's lock this down!