The Smith Factor -- Rambling on for the last issue as Sports Editor
Matt Smith
Issue date: 3/2/06 Section: Sports
By far the most intriguing thing about the WBC has been the on-going Alex Rodriguez soap opera. Rodriguez, who possesses duel citizenship in Puerto Rico, as well as the US, initially declared he would suit up for the Puerto Ricans because of his Latino roots. Then only a few weeks ago, A-Rod executed an about-face and pledged his wavering allegiance to the Red, White, and Blue. Sure, Rodriguez is arguably the best player in the world and gives the Americans an undisputed edge. But if I were US manager Buck Martinez, I'd let A-Rod rot on the pine and leave him to contemplate how he'll manage to choke again in the playoffs. Of course this won't happen because it's merely a sporting event, but imagine if A-Rods actions occurred in the military or political arena. Can you imagine one of our country's best generals saying he'll fight for the Iraqi Army, then comes crawling back to the States looking for refuge? That general would be tried for treason and probably executed, but poor A-Rod and his $252 million dollar contract will receive a hero's welcoming when the US is victorious. Ironically, it is Rodriguez's Yankee infield-mate, Derek Jeter, who for the first time ever I will actually root for in a manner other than "Gee I hope Jeter gets out for the rest of the season." The trend these days - thanks to ESPN baseball dweebs Peter Gammons and Tim Kurkjian -- seems to be to pick one of the Latino countries like Cuba, the DR, or Venezuela. But the Americans' pitching staff is far too deep and no one will match our offense.
-- Perhaps one of the most intriguing aspects of the WBC will be the fantasy baseball factor. My hometown buddy Phoenix and I were discussing this the other day because of our impending fantasy draft this Sunday. No matter how much you watch ESPN News or read the $10 fantasy magazines, there's no scientific formula for picking a team. Basically, whatever owner can avoid the injury bug and resist the temptation to make trades like "Albert Belle for A-Rod" (like my buddy Hog did in our 2001 draft) is most likely to win. The looming question Phoenix and I were debating is what happens if one of your first, second, or third rounders gets injured in the WBC? Is Yahoo! Sports going to issue compensation for all the poor souls who draft their team around Andruw Jones, who could then come down with a season-ending injury?
-- Perhaps one of the most intriguing aspects of the WBC will be the fantasy baseball factor. My hometown buddy Phoenix and I were discussing this the other day because of our impending fantasy draft this Sunday. No matter how much you watch ESPN News or read the $10 fantasy magazines, there's no scientific formula for picking a team. Basically, whatever owner can avoid the injury bug and resist the temptation to make trades like "Albert Belle for A-Rod" (like my buddy Hog did in our 2001 draft) is most likely to win. The looming question Phoenix and I were debating is what happens if one of your first, second, or third rounders gets injured in the WBC? Is Yahoo! Sports going to issue compensation for all the poor souls who draft their team around Andruw Jones, who could then come down with a season-ending injury?