Come To Think Of It: What Really Grinds My Gears in Baseball

The WBC

Ah yes, the World Baseball Classic. MLB's attempt to market its product throughout the world. Maybe it will increase its MLB.TV package, but other than that and a few extra sore arms, what good is it?

Look, I have nothing against it really. I just don't have a lot of interest in it. It reminds me of a preseason NFL game. Or an AHL hockey game. Or soccer.

If it's on, and nothing better is available, I'll watch it. Otherwise, I won't go out of my way to see it. Although, I must admit I set the DVR to record the very first game because I wanted to see Yu Darvish throw a baseball (he was pretty filthy, by the way).

I know it's probably good for the game. But like Jennifer Anniston, sorry WBC but I'm just not that into you. Although, how can any red-blooded American male not be into her?

What's your opinion of the WBC?

Alex Rodriguez

I'm sick and tired of all things A-Rod. How about you? The non-stop coverage of his steroid use and now his on-again, off-again, on-again hip surgery is really getting old.

I know the Yankees have money to burn, but I don't see the value in trading away young talent to acquire a third baseman who will only sit on the bench once A-Rod returns. But it's the Yanks, after all, so you never know.

But do I care? Hardly. After all, the Yankees dominated the offseason with all of their high profile signings. I've had enough of them.

Steroids

Speaking of A-Rod, I'm pretty sick of reading about steroids. Look, most everyone cheated, including both pitchers and hitters, so call it a wash and move on. Yes, it sucks that the home run record belongs to a guy who's hat size is matched only by his ego, but it is what it is.

The Barry Bonds Saga

Speaking of Barry Lamar Bonds, this ongoing attempt to incarcerate him for lying is getting old. Whatever you call it, this investigation, witch hunt, trial, in its various iterations, is plain boring. I don't know about you, but I'm done with it.

Either send him to jail or let it go. One month he's a lock to go to prison, and the next month they have no case against him. I say he ends up walking. Either way, can we all just move on already?

And now he wants to play again, but his agent knows that no team will take him on. In fact, I think the only reason they're gauging interest from all teams is to boost their inevitable case against MLB for collusion.

Sports and The Economy

Speaking of money, another thing I don't want to hear about any longer are teams saying they can't spend money on players due to the economy. Puh-leeze. In many cases, these are millionaire, if not billionaire owners and anyway, this isn't the real world, it's sports people.

Listen, even when baseball teams lose money, they usually more than recoup those losses when they sell the team. Look at what the Tribune company paid for the Chicago Cubs ($20M), versus what the Ricketts are paying (nearly $900M).

And OK, I'll give you the fact that consumers have less money to spend on sporting events because they have less disposable income. But players who talk about being able to "feed their families" and "provide security" just sickens me. I'm out of work, I'll show you what real sacrifice is. And it's not athletes having to take a pay cut from $7 million to $1 million, I'll tell you that.

Jake Peavy Rumors

As a Cubs fan, this one really grinds my gears. Just like last winter, when all we heard was that Brian Roberts was coming, this offseason has been much of the same, albeit with a different name.

Look, Peavy is not coming to the Cubs. The new owner is having to sell off ownership in TD Ameritrade in order to finance the Cubs, he's not going to pour $74M into Jake Peavy.

Enough already.

The Curse of the Billy Goat and Other Excuses

Speaking of the Cubbies, I've also had enough of this supposed curse affecting the Cubs ability to get to a World Series.

Forget the excuses already. Look, the Cubs did not get swept in the playoffs two years in a row because of any curse. It also had little to do with not having enough left-handed hitters. It was because Lou Piniella made bad decisions and the team choked.

Plan and simple.

ESPN

Perhaps this has more to do with their non-stop coverage of A-Rod and steroids, but ESPN is grinding my gears these days. All you read and/or hear about are some of the things mentioned above. And in baseball, if you're not the Red Sox or Yankees, forget about it.

Then you keep hearing about how this guy is not happy with his contract or his team and wants to be released, traded, or loved. Pity the poor millionaire athlete.

Bud Selig

Speaking of a pity party, now here's a guy who needs to go on Wheel of Fortune so he can buy a clue. Look, Mr. "Don't Blame Me", you were the man presiding over the steroid era who turned a blind eye to it because MLB was raking in cash by the truckloads.

Despite your denials, Commish, it is your fault. Not solely, of course, because the players are certainly the main culprits.

In fact, a lot of baseball people are to blame for this mess, including agents, front office staff, and media. To say you're not at fault, Mr. Used Car Salesman, is just plain ignorant.

But enough about me. I'd like to hear your thoughts, come to think of it.