I read this blog often and every once in a while a come across a comment or two condemning the World Wide Leader, for those unfamiliar, that’s ESPN.  This is not a problem for me because I feel that most of the comments are either made in good humor or are warranted to some extent. Personally, I watch ESPN daily and I really enjoy Baseball Tonight, John Kruk in particular.  He is light hearted and funny in an overreacting little brother type of way.  However, recently, I am beginning to see more and more of the things that make ESPN annoying and in some ways, hurtful to the community of fans that we are all a part of. 

ESPN eventually becomes a forum for over analyzation, not based on solid theory and idea formulation, but on over-hyped and sensationalist rhetoric.  To people like us, people who choose to take our place in fandom a little more seriously (sometimes to a fault) this becomes annoying and sometimes downright unbearable.  When a story is continuously covered only because of the negative aspects involved it begins to replace a joyous pastime with anger and hate. 

The first thing that comes to mind is the Michael Vick situation (I know this has nothing to do with the Cardinals, but I am getting there, humor me).  They had an entire forum in the city of Atlanta to discuss if what had happened was right or wrong.  There may be some who disagree, but the opinion of a panel, and invariably the opinion of the audience, is not important because the law says he was wrong and the law takes over.  I felt more angst toward the people that attended that forum than I do when I hear politicians trying to get themselves elected by beating down opponents or making promises we all know they will not be able to keep.  (Both Parties do this).  How does this help me? How does this help the community? How does this help the sport? To me this is not sports.  This is not a pastime I choose to enjoy because it reminds me of the times when I used hit a ball off a tee and run around with a whole in the crotch of my shorts because my insanely powerful uppercut swing at the age of 6 ripped my hand-me-down shorts while producing a slow dribbler to the “pitcher” (only me?).   This is the news, not sport. 

I am not at all saying we need to sweep such matters under the rug.  However, the need for ratings causes these negative, yet hot topic issues to be discussed ad nauseam. The Vick situation had to be taken care of, the steroids issue, something near and dear to all of our hearts here at VEB, had to be addressed.   But how much do we need to know about Brian McNamee’s personal situation? E:60 ran a story tonight about Miguel Tejada.  He lied about his age and misspelled his last name.  Ok, that is wrong and Miguel needs to deal with the life he has woven for himself.  But, was he bushwacked on national TV for the sake of “finding the truth though professional journalism” or was it because we knew the reaction would generate ratings for a TV show that most ESPN viewers don’t even care about?  That is where ESPN turns me off.  That is what put this little shindig in my head, and I felt like the most understanding and intelligent community to share it with is this one.  VEB, where hard, cold STATS are everyday conversation.  Where hot topic issues are generally discussed with class and dignity and people come to enjoy the team they love.  So, VEB am I wrong?  Do I need to take a chill pill? Or, am I one of many?

Basically, this is my odd way of saying thank you (really odd).  For all that you guys do.  For me, for us, and for Fandom.  To me this is the new forum for constructive and interesting information.  A place where I can learn and voice my opinion without the negativity and mindless coverage ratings enhancers.  (I can also rant apparently)  Keep up the good work.  Appreciate the escape that is the 2008 Central division Champion St. Louis Cardinals (please).

Pwill.

Sidebar,

I also found this on ESPN.

Brian Barton (owned in 0.2 percent of ESPN leagues): With defensively challenged players such as Duncan and Ankiel in the outfield, Barton has been getting plenty of action as a late-inning replacement, which would explain why he has played in 15 games but has just 28 at-bats. Still, in that time, he's hitting .321. Unfortunately, he went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts Sunday, which doesn't bode well for his keeping up his nice stats to start the season.

Written by James Quintong, and riddled with inaccuracies.

I think Lboros gets to take this guys job because he obviously has no idea what he is talking about.