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07/20/2004: Unit Watch, Day 4
Not really, but.... The Cardinals Birdhouse pointed us to SI's John Donovan and his analysis of why the Cardinals are the team to beat this year in the NL (The Short Form: best infield in the NL, if not all of MLB). But I liked this comment in the little notes after the main column:
I like Randy Johnson and all, think he's a fine pitcher, you know the routine. But, man, I'll be happy when the "He's going! No, he isn't!" speculation has ended. It gets real old real quick, doesn't it?UPDATE: Yesterday, Brian Doolittle over at Royalties and Cardinalate had some eminently sensible observations about the Big Unit circus and the Cardinals:
Everyone else has done the analysis and potential trade scenarios involving Randy Johnson, so I will just briefly sum up my feelings as a Cardinals fan. I have a severe dislike for the rent-a-player scenario and, generally, do not like late (July) in-season player movement in any sport. I do not enjoy watching a great team all season then all of a sudden they make major changes and you only have August and September to get used to this ‘new’ team before the postseason. As a baseball analyst, I realize the necessity and wisdom of making a (quality) late move; it is simply part of the game and can lead to a championship. I do recall how wonderful Will Clark was, but RJ would take all of the attention away from what everyone else has done. He’s not an endearing personality, already has his title and I really do not want him in St. Louis. Since my argument as to why is pretty weak, it might make me appear a fool - but I still don’t want him. It just changes all of the dynamics of the entire season. I want my perfect world, where a team rolls to a title with ‘their’ guys. I would rather the Red Sox get him than us. If the Yankees get him, it would make me ill.I agree with the visceral reaction to the Yankees getting him.
Len on 07.20.04 @ 07:56 AM CST
