Sportstalk chatter

I listen to too much sports talk radio.  But the content, to the degree it has any substance, gives an idea of what people are thinking about.  Last night's win, six out of seven, has people talking and has prompted, of course, new fears.  If radio talk means anything the latest concern is that the Ms will win too many games.

The argument is that the M's could disqualify themselves from one of the top draft picks next year.  

If you think about this for a bit you can make a case for either side, either start winning now, enjoy it and start to build (and live) a victorious culture or dump the season and pick up a high quality player in the next draft.

I lean to winning now.  While it might move the Ms out of the top five draft picks, they're still going to be in the top ten.   And these players learning they can win now is a key part of what they'll be doing together for the next few seasons.

The frustrating thing about this is the argument is bogus.  Yes, the team is playing better now, but this 6 and 1 run is no more realistic than the 13-2 record they had to start season.  Baseball is all about trending to the mean.  They have yet to turn a corner and there are a few more grim losing streaks around that corner.  This is not, in the long run, a .500 team.  It is a better team than Baltimore or KC, maybe even the A's, Rangers and Angels.  But they are a long way from complete.

So enjoy Mallex' bat waking up, JP realizing he really is a major leaguer, the Nationals regretting letting Adams out of the bullpen.  That's all real. And that will mean alot in two years when they are joined by a bunch more winners.  Enjoy it, but don't kid yourself and don't waste time sparring through a debate that has, in the end, no substance or significance.