Debater's Corner

I’m standing waist-deep in a crystal blue section of the Pacific Ocean, staring out at a coral reef rife with sea-life. The water is as warm as bath – but my wife’s uncle is shivering, saying it’s the coldest water he’s ever been in. We swim for almost two hours in the Pacific. If we were to drive 30 minutes, we’d be swimming in the East China Sea.

We’re on Okinawa, home of my wife’s mother and her family. Though technically a part of Japan, Okinawa is geographically, culturally and linguistically distinct: the history and culture here are truly unique, the people here are the friendliest anywhere, and I’d like to explain over the next few pages just why I love this place so much.

For those of you uninterested in the historical facts and cultural activities, let me cut to the chase: it's tropical, the beaches are unreal, and the snorkeling is among the best in the world. There's so much to do and see here, you’ll never be bored or disappointed.

For those of you who are interested, though, here’s a Cliff’s Notes version of Okinawan history and culture.

HISTORY

Okinawa wasn’t always Okinawa. It used to be the Kingdom of the Ryukyus, an island chain composed of fishers, farmers and traders. This is a comprehensive history if you have some time:
There are much shorter and to the point chronologies here and here.
As you can see from this map,
the islands are uniquely suited to be trading ports. Historically, the Kingdom of the Ryukyus traded all over the place, with China, Japan, Taiwan, what is now Laos, Korea, Vietnam, the Phillipines and Indonesia.

This helps explain why their culture is at least as influenced by China as by Japan -- probably much more so, given the dragon theme in much of the art. Okinawan theater and dance also shows influence from both other countries. Since China and Japan have long hated each other, Okinawa got to be the intermediary for most of its history. If Japan wanted silk, the Okinawans had to trade with China for it, then sell it off to Japan.

If this doesn’t convince you that Okinawa is a completely distinct society from mainland Japan, maybe the language issue will. Okinawans have always had their own language, Uchina Guchi, which older people continue to speak. Many speak both Uchina Guchi and Japanese, shifting from language to language in midsentence.

Uchina Guchi is also called Hogen, the Japanese word for “dialect” – but it isn’t a dialect. This page does a good job of distinguishing between the two languages. Hear the language in RealPlayer: If you’re familiar with Japanese at all, you'll notice that the two languages sound very little alike.

In addition to studying Japanese, I'm trying to learn some Uchina Guchi, too. Maybe these proverbs are a good place to start.

In a story that’s probably familiar to many of us, the language is sadly becoming less and less common as the older generations pass away. Fortunately, Okinawans are the longest-lived people on Earth, so people routinely live into their 80s, 90s, and 100s.

[A sad side effect of this longevity is that hucksters from the U.S. and Japan, including hippie “natural health” cultural vampires, have latched onto this to produce bogus books and diet programs to make a buck off of it.

That includes the “The Okinawa Program,” an Oprah Book Club selection, which tells you how to how to live long like they do. It includes such “traditional Okinawan recipes” as spaghetti. Hey, they traded a lot, but not with Italy. Note to self: if an anthropologist from a university or some hippie ever comes to study you and your family, light them on fire immediately as a warning to the others.]

CULTURE

Dance is important as a way of life in Okinawa. There are many kinds of folk dancing and singing, and you can experience some in this CNN link with sound file and video file.

Probably the most impressive dance is Eisa, which is equal parts dancing, drumming, signing, drama and athletic event. I always like Japanese Taiko drumming: my wife always hated it, saying it was boring. Now I understand why: Japanese drumming isn’t boring as it is, but put it next to Eisa, and there’s no freakin’ comparison. Here’s a picture. I wish I had video to upload, because that only shows you the color. You don’t get the leaping, flinging of drums, singing and whistling, haunting shamisen (three-stringed banjo covered in snakeskin) music and dramatic interludes that make the Eisa experience memorable.

Arts and crafts are ancient practices in Okinawa. Okinawan Kimonos (Yukatas) are more brightly colored and festive than their Japanese counterparts, and I believe more beautiful. Lacquerware techniques were and are highly advanced, producing beautiful pottery.

Stone carving techniques are also used to make Shi-Sa, a sort of dog/lion hybrid which are omnipresent. They’re twin guardian statues that appear on every house/or business that are supposed to welcome your friends and scare away evil.
A traditional story helps explain the importance of the Shi-Sa. Here are lots of Shi-Sa pictures.

There’s one Shi-Sa in Kari’s mom’s small village (Tomori) that predates Columbus, and another that dates to the 16th century. This is the one that pre-dates Columbus: Remember this photo and the greenery that surrounds it.

Shi-Sa also guard Shuri castle, a recreated Ryukyuan place. It’s an incredibly beautiful, must-see place. There’s an entire park devoted to the castle, which has been razed and rebuilt four times. Here are some other snapshots.

The Okinawan indigenous religion is ancestor worship. I won’t do it justice by trying to explain it myself, so go here.
Kari brought back her ancestors' ashes home to Bellingham and made a traditional Okinawa shrine in our house. Though I’m not a religious man myself, it’s a pretty moving thing.

In traditional practices, the ashes of your ancestors go in your house inside a Butsudan and in the kitchen. Bone remnants are wrapped in handkerchiefs and placed inside family tombs, impressive stone structures shaped like Chinese pagodas, but with distinct “turtleback” roofs.

Okinawa is so densely populated there are family tombs everywhere. Literally. Just off the freeway as you drive, on the hills you hike -- near the golf courses you play. The Air Force put in a gold course at Kadena Air Base, and you're never more than one errant four iron away from bouncing one off somebody's ancestors. Here are some pictures of an ancient tomb they uncovered at Kadena.

April is the time you clean your family’s tomb. One of the most moving things we did while I was there was to sweep and weed around Kari’s family’s crypt, where her grandfather is buried. I have no words available that could do that justice.

FOOD

The food in Okinawa is nothing short of incredible. It’s mostly seafood, but sometimes you’ll find pork in the Okinawa soba (noodles). Okinawa soba is different than Japanese soba – the noodles are fatter and the broth less sweet. Here are some examples of Okinawan food.

As far as sashimi (raw fish) goes, I ate a lot of it. I had salmon (eggs too), shrimp, octopus, squid, swordfish, maguro (tuna) and tons of fish only found around Okinawa. Moon snails, too. These critters thrive in the web of life created in and around Okinawan coral, a unique form found nowhere else.

Ever had Goya (bitter melon)? I liked it, but it took me a year of training to do so. After that, I loved it. It's the quintessential "acquired taste." It’s incredibly good for you, if that helps, and the Okinawans (and now the Japanese) go nuts for it. They even have a Goya Day now. Here’s a good Goya recipe.

You can even get a Goya Burger at an Okinawan fast food restaurant called … wait for it … Jef! Scroll down and see the picture of the sign. Yes, I got my picture taken in front of it and got a paper hat from the gracious and perplexed waitstaff.

Sugar cane is Okinawa's main crop-about 65% of the farmland is used to produce sugar cane fields, which fetch a better price than the depressed rice market will allow. Scroll down for a pic. They make candy called “sato” out of it that it quite delicious.

The soil is given to producing sweet treats. After the crops were destroyed in World War II, someone brought in a purple sweet potato called “Beni Imo.” It’s so sweet you can see the sugar crystals if you cut it open – roughly four times as sweet as any yam you can get here. Scroll down to see a pic: It’s delicious, and you can eat it like a banana – though the color makes you feel like you’re eating one of Grimace’s legs.

“Exceptional cultures almost always have their own unique liquors.” Awamori is a dinstinctly Okinawan rice wine, smoother and better tasting than sake. It packs all the punch of sake, but tastes like a good rice brandy.

If you’re not a rice spirit fan, you can try the local brew,Orion Beer, which is produced in Okinawa. Everyone drinks it. You can get it here now, thankfully.

CRITTERS

It’s densely populated in the south, where we were, but still a wide variety of flora and fauna, from geckos to water buffalo.

One frightening creature: the brushes are occupied by deadly, deadly snakes (habu). Most snakes don’t bite without cause – but the Habu reportedly do. Kari's uncle is a marathon runner. He jogs with a 10 pound rock in his hand, and has had to kill aggressive ones more than once. Scary.

They have an incredible aquarium in Okinawa. Can't find the direct link, but scroll down to the aquarium picture -- we went there. They have THREE Whale Sharks, and dozens of huge Rays. You can get a sense of the size by the people in the bottom of the shot.

The flowers are incredible in their beauty and variety. The Akebana (Hibiscus) is the national flower.

PEACE

In 1945, virtually everything on Okinawa was destroyed in one of the bloodiest battles of World War II. More people died during the Battle of Okinawa than all
those killed during the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

This might explain why, though it’s the birthplace of Karate, Okinawan people are probably the most peace-loving on the planet. On the main island alone, there are over 2,000 monuments to peace. The largest peace park includes a Vietnam-style monument that lists the names of all people killed in the conflict – Okinawan, Japanese, American – in spite of the fact that Japan effectively sacrificed the Okinawan people and their island to protect the mainland.

My father-in-law, a Navy vet, once asked an old-timer what he remembered most about the battle of Okinawa. He got a one-word answer: “Mud.” Remember that picture of the shi-sa dog above, surrounded by lush green vegetation? Check this picture out: The link also gives you some of the horrifying details of the battle, details which I have not the heart to write about right now.

After the war, the U.S. occupied Japan as part of a military protectorate. The people there hated this so much that they supported accession back to Japan, which happened in 1972. But the Okinawans are a distinct people, and that led to other problems we know of here – including assimilation. Today, opposition continues to the military presence, American and Japanese, on the island. This is partially due to the Okinawans’ love of peace, partially due to the dramatic amount of land that is occupied (with virtually no compensation given), partially due to some high-profile (and seemingly annual) rape cases involving servicemen and young Okinawans, in one case a 12-year-old girl. Remarks by American officers haven’t exactly helped: This Macke guy was my sister-in-law’s commander while she was in the Navy here.

FINALLY …

What do the young kids like in Okinawa? You can keep tabs on that through this online zine.

There’s also the Ryukyu Shimpo and Okinawa Times, the island newspapers. I’ll be keeping up with these because at least four of the family will be coming out to our side of the Pacific sometime this summer, and I’ll have to show them around.

Obviously, I had a perspective on the place that not a lot of people will get: visiting for the first time, I was surrounded by family, people who were and are experts in where to go and what to do. Even though I was being rushed from place to place, we didn’t get to half of the things we could have. If you go, you won’t ever, ever be bored.

As for me, I’m already planning a return trip. As soon as I can get away.
^{posted by Jeff Shaw Tuesday, April 15, 2003(comment)}

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^{posted by Jeff Shaw Tuesday, May 28, 2002(comment)}

I haven't blogged in a long time. It's again time. Hibernation is over.

This article by Chris McKendry literally inspired me to start this blog up again. It's about McKendry (a female ESPN sportscaster) meeting Billie Jean King for the first time. It reminded me of how far we've come as a society, and lit a fire under me to start working even harder on the Women's Debate Institute.

My wife Kari and I are going to The National Writer's Workshop. I've never been. I'm excited about it. You can tell by my purple prose.

What I'm most excited about, though, is my chance to interview my current favorite band, The Weakerthans. I'm taking them fishing this weekend.Spin magazine is thinking about running my story about the band, which would be great.

Jon Helfgott, 2001 state LD co-champ and a helluva guy, is in a really good band called Mother Ming. Check it out, especially if you're a disciple of the funk.

^{posted by Jeff Shaw Wednesday, May 01, 2002(comment)}

So, I tried to finish my draft review. But the draft was too damn long.

So instead, I procrastinated BIG TIME, and ended up only having time to blog again after the Seahawks' real, non-fantasy draft.

I was pretty bitter during and after the draft, so I ripped out the following and emailed it to some friends. In need of blog material, I figured I'd put it up here.

***

With the most important draft of the last five years looming, Holmgren really boned it and proved why he should stick to coaching.

The jury has come back on Holmgren as a GM. The verdict? The chair.

A strong draft would allow us (imagine!) to contend for a playoff spot. A weak draft - well, we’re looking at .500 at best. Among the draft sins - the Hawks:

* Said they were going to move up and get an impact player. Didn't. DESPERATELY needed another cover corner, but missed out on the best value pick of round one (Phillip Buchanon) when Oakland traded up to get in front of them. Wanted Daniel Graham, TE, Colorado, but traded down TOO FAR, so he got gaffled from under their noses. Humiliating.

So they selected instead: 1. The third-best tight end available (way to excite your fan base going into the new stadium!), who is 2. a thuggish alcoholic, and 3. Was openly saying he DIDN'T want to play for Seattle just weeks before the draft.

FIVE out of the top six picks have major injury histories. ALL of their picks were at least mild reaches, according to most major analysts' draft boards.

Let me bore you by breaking down (pun fully intended) the Seahawks’ draft picks.

1st round: Jerramy Stevens, TE, Washington. Suffered a foot injury that kept him out for half of the 2001 season. Plus, that whole driving-drunk-into-old-folks’-homes where 92-year-old women are sleeping will catch up with him sooner or later. Spells own first name wrong.

2nd round: Maurice Morris, RB, Oregon. Split time with Onterrio Smith due to various injuries. As a Duck honk, I am stoked to see Seattle take Maurice Morris in the second round. He has an injury history, though, and we needed defense more than a backup RB ... I like him, even if I don't like the pick at this point in the draft for this team. Which is the best endorsement I have for any one of these picks.

Anton Palepoi, DE, UNLV. Played 17 games in two seasons after a variety of ailments, including a knee injury in his senior season that limited him to six games. My favorite quote of the draft comes from Palepoi: "This is crazy," he said. "They had so many guys ranked ahead of me. ... They had me down as a weak run stopper." EVEN THE PLAYER THINKS YOU REACHED FOR HIM, MIKE.

3rd round: Kris Richard, CB, USC. Pulled a hamstring before the start of the 1997 season and redshirted. Hurt his right knee (sprain and dislocated kneecap) in Game Two vs. Colorado in 2000 and was never close to 100 percent after he returned.

4th Round: Terreal Bierria, S, Georgia
No major injuries is the strongest positive about him. Came out EARLY after a junior year where he failed to intercept ANY passes. Also spells own first name wrong. Pronunciation guide: last name rhymes with “Diarrhea” and “Gonorrhea.”

5th round: Rocky Bernard, DE, Texas A & M.
Tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in fall camp of 2000. “Hey Rocky - watch me pull a torn ACL out of my hat!” I like how we fill our most critical need in the fifth round with a crippled Aggie.

Ryan Hannam, TE, Northern Iowa
Shared time in 1999 and 2000 - at NORTHERN IOWA. “Is this hell? No, you can’t even get a full-time starter from Northern Iowa.” From Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report on him: “Lacks strength as a blocker. Does not have really soft and natural hands and will drop some. Is not a physical player.” So he’s not strong, can’t block, can’t catch, and lacks toughness. Other than that, hey, this guy’s a steal! Will start at TE when Stevens has inevitable drunken relapse.

Matt Hill, OL, Boise State
Look at the Hawks attempt to spin this draft debacle to The Times: "The Seahawks used insider's knowledge to select Boise State offensive tackle Matt Hill in the fifth round when many teams believed he would be available even later. The Seattle coaches got to know him extensively at the Senior Bowl because they led the North squad in the postseason all-star game. Hill, a 6-foot-6, 300-pounder, increased his draft stock after impressive practices and a solid game performance.”

TRANSLATION: "Sure, he would have been available later. But we got to know him. Or something."

6th round: Craig Jarrett, P, MSU
You read that right. He’s a punter. We spent a sixth round pick on a punter. It gets better: in 2001, he had six punts blocked, including four in one game. Is it just me, or after the third block, wouldn’t you, like, THROW the ball or something? Anything? Pooch kick it?

7th round: Jeff Kelly, QB, Southern Mississippi.
Holmgren likes him because he’s a “smart quarterback.” Well, good. He can play scrabble with Holmgren while holding that clipboard during the fourth quarter of another blowout loss. He’ll play the Brock Huard role without the broken kidneys.

Boys, Holmgren is a shitty GM. There is no other way to put it. His drafts and trades -- with the lone exception being Shaun Alexander -- have been AWFUL. AWFUL. No other word for them. My favorite moves:

* Gave up Ahman Green for a backup corner who blew out his ACL twice, never starting a game for the Hawks. I don’t even remember the guy’s name.

* Went into last season with FIVE healthy defensive backs.

* Failed to sign EITHER of his top three tight ends targeted, necessitating taking a TE with the 1st round pick (WHY? When we didn't have a SINGLE defensive end on the roster? Couldn’t we sign one? Please?)

* Holmgren signs players he used to coach in Green Bay, and is SHOCKED that they have deteriorated (George Koonce), or just suck (Matt Hasselbeck).

* And now we're counting on Doug Evans, formerly of the COLTS, to shore up the cornerback ranks??? If the COLTS didn't want him ... shudder.

And another thing: I like Dilfer more than I probably should, but why is all of Seattle convinced he's The Answer? The best you can say of him is that he doesn’t actively cost you football games. Dear God. That makes him an upgrade over Hasselbeck, but it doesn’t make him Brett Favre - or even Jeff Garcia.

It’s gonna be a long year. I need a beer.

^{posted by Jeff Shaw Monday, April 08, 2002(comment)}

Draft Review -- Round seven

1. Jared Ellis -- Portland Beers
Darrin Erstad, OF, ANA
Erstad will bounce back from last year, but how far? He gets so few walks, his average will be heavily weighted, so Jared should hope he goes north from the .250-ish 2001. He's got power and speed, but will the Angels produce enough runs for him to score in RBI or runs?

2. Jared Hager (Haygruh!) -- MedHeads
John Burkett, SP, BOS
What's up with the Red Sox love, Haygruh? Hager asked me the next day "Do you think I messed up by picking Burkett? I was kind of drunk." Yes. Yes, I do. Even before he got hurt. But hey, maybe Greg Maddux's tutelage will follow him back into the AL.

Or maybe not.

3. Charlie Potter -- Postal Workers
Jeff Zimmerman, RP, TEX
Smart move: taking a relief pitcher now that we're near the bottom of the barrel. Questionable move: taking Zimmerman, who has been plagued by arm trouble and could start the season on the DL. Plus, there's everyone's favorite racist reliever who has starred in a slasher movie waiting in the wings to vulture saves. I love Zimmerman's talent and the numbers he puts up -- but hate the situation he is in down in Texas. Risky pick.

4. Jeff Shaw -- Mt. Vernon Geoducks
Mike Sweeney, 1B, KC
Though Sweeney is always an overlooked and an undervalued player, I am still not convinced this was the right pick for me. It was either this or Ray Durham -- but I couldn't pass on a consistent .300 hitter with 30-homer power who steals 10 bases a year. Sweeney is also in his contract year, so he's playing for a contract and should be way motivated. The risk of this? I miss out on a great 2B, plus Sweeney might be traded before the deadline. If he's traded to the AL, bonus! If he's traded to the NL, I'm jacked. Come on, number 7!

5. Chris Coovert -- Coovert Operations
Kelvim Escobar, RP,TOR
As Chris noted, this is his first risky pick of the draft. It's also a pick that inspired a heated debate on the boards! My side of the debate? I think Escobar's a good pick. He seems suited for relief as a power pitcher who has seemed overmatched as a starter. Plus, the Jays are committed to him, so he's guaranteed saves unless he totally flames out. A total flameout is a possibility, but a low enough to make this a good risk for Chris' second reliever.

6. Mike Kobeski -- CounterPlans
Ray Durham, 2B, CHI
I'm sure Mike was thrilled with this pick. I would be if a 20-20 second baseman fell into my lap in the sixth round. I honestly think Durham is a better fantasy option than Soriano at this point in their respective careers, though Soriano will overtake him perhaps by next year. Still, Durham is overlooked, undervalued, and scores in all five categories. I am concerned about the hamstring problem that has afflicted him this spring, but it's well worth the chance.

7. Nate Lewis -- MV's Rank and File
Raul Mondesi, OF, TOR
Nate's strategy looks to be paying dividends so far. He went after pitching first in the hopes that good bats would be available in the later rounds. Mondesi certainly qualifies -- he's a four-category outfielder who saw a dip in average last year, but will give you good power numbers and surprisingly numerous steals.

8. Bob Fotheringham -- The Bash Bunch
Roberto Hernandez, RP, KC
With the closers almost exhausted (and his planned pick of Escobar foiled by Chris), Bob goes for Hernandez. I don't blame him for going for the saves, but Hernandez is a ratio-killer who seems to be nearing the end. Unless he experiences a Mesa-like revival, he'll get saves, but at the expense of ERA and WHIP.

9. Jon Helfgott -- Pischachs
Jermaine Dye, OF, OAK
The first guy with a limp has been taken! If Dye is healthy, he's an impact player -- but the guy just broke his leg. His status for Opening Day is up in the air. Still, he has 30-homer and 100-RBI potential -- but the risk at this point in the draft seems too high.

10. Casey Binz -- The Isotopes
Paul Konerko, 1B, CHI
I love Konerko. I second-guessed myself for going for Sweeney, who is a slightly better player, instead of nabbing Ray Durham and trying to get Konerko in the next round. Now, I'm glad I didn't. Not only does he hit in a revitalized White Sox lineup; not only is he a highly-touted prospect who hasn't yet realized his potential; not only does he have 30-homer power; but at 26, he's just entering the prime of his career. This could be his breakout year, if you weren't satisfied with last year.

Draft Review -- Round eight

1. Casey Binz -- The Isotopes
Jason Varitek, C, BOS
I think this is a reach, despite the low quality of catchers remaining on the board. If Varitek is healthy, he'll produce slightly better numbers than the Ben Molinas of the world -- but homie broke his elbow last year, plays a physically demanding position, and is on the wrong side of 30. I'd have let someone else have him.

2. Jon Helfgott, Pischacs
Arthur Rhodes, RP, SEA
Knowing Jon's strategy is to punt saves, this pick makes sense. OItherwise, it's a reach. Rhodes is one of very few dominant setup men who will help your ERA and WHIP while adding some strikeouts. Since all the good save guys are gone, Jon's going for solidifying his pitching staff.

3. Bob Fotheringham -- The Bash Bunch
Edgar Martinez, DH, SEA
Everybody loves Edgar. He's a classy guy and the best right-handed hitter of the last 10 years. But he's also a 39-year-old that only qualifies at the DH slot. I like flexibility, so I don't like having a DH-only player. If you're goign to have one, either Edgar or Frank Thomas is the best -- but I didn't like the Thomas pick either.

4. Nate Lewis -- MV's Rank and File
John Olerud, 1B, SEA
Olerud will have a high average. Other than that, his production is iffy. He topped 20 homers last year and produced a lot of runs in the best lineup in the majors. Assuming the Mariners continue producing runs by the bunches, this is a solid pick.

5. Mike Kobeski -- CounterPlans
C.C. Sabathia, SP, CLE
Questions abound. Will the sophomore slump hit Sabathia? Will the Indians score enough runs to give him the wins he had last year? And what EXACTLY did that man eat this past year? VEnus Williams must be a damn good cook. Starters are hard to come by, and I didn't think Sabathia would slip this low, but I would have shied away from his high WHIP and average ERA due to the previous questions.

6. Chris Coovert -- Coovert Operations
Jamie Moyer, SP, SEA
He's just hitting his prime at the age of 95. I'm not even kidding -- except for the age of 95 part. He throws wads of tissue paper and people miss them. Fans ask for contracts every time this guy pitches -- but it's hard to argue with all the wins he's racked up over the last four or five years. Not to mention last year's stellar ERA and WHIP numbers. I'd take him.

7. Jeff Shaw -- Mt. Vernon Geoducks
Carlos Lee, OF, CHI
This is me settling again for what I think is the best available player. I hoped for one of my higher-ranked speed-and-power OFs. They were gone. I hoped for Moyer. He was gone. But I like Lee here: he's just 26 years old, plays in a potentially potent lineup, hits homers and steals bases. I couldn't get Stewart et. al., so I'll settle for a poor man's Shannon Stewart and hope for a breakout year.

8. Charlie Potter -- Postal Workers
Mark McLemore, IF-OF, SEA
You've gotta like last year's numbers at this position in the draft. Unfortunately, I'm skeptical McLemore will reach last year's numbers. It seems like with Sierra and Cirillo involved, he'll get vastly fewer at bats. Plus, doesn't he have to slow down at some point? As an M's fan, I hope not. As a fantasy owner, I'd be skeptical.

9. Jared Hager (Haygruh!) -- MedHeads
Jeff Cirillo, 3B, SEA
I'll be honest: as an M's fan and as a fantasy owner, I'm far from sold on Cirillo. I think he's a Coors Field mirage -- his road numbers don't even approach his Colorado home numbers last year. In his favor: he's a line-drive hitter moving to a park with spacious gaps. Not in his favor: his spring training numbers look pretty brutal.

10. Jared Ellis -- Portland Beers
Robin Ventura, 3B, NYY
Ventura is an intriguing pick. Sure, he's on the wrong side of 30, but he also plays in a potent lineup and is just 3 years removed from a .301/32/109 season. Yowza! Even if he cracks just 20+ homers, he's worth a pick at this point in the draft.

Draft review -- round nine

1. Jared Ellis -- Portland Beers
Omar Vizquel, SS, CLE

2. Jared Hager (Haygruh!) -- MedHeads
Eddie Guardado, RP, MIN

3. Charlie Potter -- Postal Workers
Joel Piniero, SP, SEA

4. Jeff Shaw -- Mt. Vernon Geoducks
Jose Valentin, SS-3B, CHI
This is the kind of middle-round pick I like to make: a player that qualifies at multiple positions, including thin ones (SS and 3B) and can put up power numbers. Not a spectacular pick, but a solid one, and I needed to start filling out my infield. This also enables me to take the bgest available bat with my next few picks, whether that bat is a SS or a 3B.

5. Chris Coovert -- Coovert Operations
Jeff Weaver, SP, DET
Another pitcher I had my eye on. Weaver has great stuff, but has been handicapped by poor run support and inconsistency. This could be the year he puts it all together. I would have liked to draft him for my team so he and Sweeney could re-enact their epic battle in my clubhouse.

6. Mike Kobeski -- CounterPlans
Toby Hall, C, TAM
A great young player at a thin position.

7. Nate Lewis -- MV's Rank and File
Robert Fick, C, DET
The two sneaky value picks at the catcher position go in a row. Both could approach 20 homers, though Fick will do it patrolling the outfield.

8. Bob Fotheringham -- The Bash Bunch
Trot Nixon OF Bos

9. Jon Helfgott -- Pishachs
David Eckstein, SS, ANA

10. Casey Binz -- The Isotopes
A.J. Pierzynski, C, MIN
Binz fills out his catcher position. While A.J. will hit for average, he won't hit much. I think he would have been around two rounds from now. But at least Binz doesn't have to worry about his catchers any more.

ten
1. Casey Binz -- The Isotopes
Carl Everett, OF, TEX

2. Jon Helfgott -- Pishachs
Jeff Nelson, RP, SEA

3. Bob Fotheringham -- The Bash Bunch
Aaron Sele, SP, ANA

4. Nate Lewis -- MV's Rank and File
Dmitri Young, 1B/3B/OF, DET

5. Mike Kobeski -- CounterPlans
Luis Rivas, 2B, MIN

6. Chris Coovert -- Coovert Operations
Frank Catalanotto, OF, TEX
This would be a good pick if Little Cat qualified someplace other than the outfield. Unofrtunately, he doesn't -- yet, at least. A high-average hitter with a little pop, this is a reach for an outfield pick, but when he (inevitably, I think) gets some games at 2B or elsewhere, will look a lot better.

7. Jeff Shaw -- Mt. Vernon Geoducks
Matt Lawton, OF, CLE

8. Charlie Potter -- Postal Workers
Jeff Conine, 1B/3B/OF, BAL

9. Jared Hager (Haygruh!) -- MedHeads
Bob Higginson, OF, DET

10. Jared Ellis -- Portland Beers
Todd Ritchie, SP, CHI

eleven
1. Jared Ellis -- Portland Beers
Jarrod Washburn, SP, ANA

2. Jared Hager (Haygruh!) -- MedHeads
Kevin Appier, SP, ANA

3. Charlie Potter -- Postal Workers
Cory Lidle, SP, OAK

4. Jeff Shaw -- Mt. Vernon Geoducks
Roy Halladay, SP, TOR

5. Chris Coovert -- Coovert Operations
Esteban Yan, RP, TB
Chris moves into the lead in the saves category (probably) with this pick, making himself the only team with three closers. Yan has performed well this spring, and while he might not have many games to save, he's beaten out Zambrano pretty soundly for the job. You can't argue with having three closers.

6. Mike Kobeski -- CounterPlans
Gabe Kapler, OF, TEX

7. Nate Lewis -- MV's Rank and File
Rick Reed, SP, MIN

8. Bob Fotheringham -- The Bash Bunch
Chris Carpenter, SP, TOR

9. Jon Helfgott -- Pishachs
Homer Bush, 2B, TOR

10. Casey Binz -- The Isotopes
David Wells, SP, NYY

^{posted by Jeff Shaw Tuesday, March 26, 2002(comment)}

Here's my review of our fantasy draft, rounds one through six.

Draft Review -- Round one

1. Casey Binz -- The Isotopes
Alex Rodriguez, SS, TEX
A solid consensus pick -- a five category player at a premium position. Binz gets off to a good start here, and has to sit and wait for his next picks at 20 and 21. As Chris Coovert said, "Casey, if you had drafted anyone else, i would have forever doubted your cognitive abilities." Still, a sweet start. Go 'Topes!

2. Jon Helfgott -- Pishachs
Ichiro, OF, SEA
After consulting with the I Ching, playing Rock Scissors Paper with Benedictine Monks, trying (unsuccessfully) to find the scoring system on the web, and generally delaying the draft single-handledly, the Goat ends up making a good pick in spite of himself. It was either Ichiro or Vlad Guerrero -- good decision, given that Guerrero plays in the National League until the Expos get downsized. Ichiro could lead the league in steals and win the batting title again.

3. Bob Fotheringham -- The Bash Bunch
Nomar Garciaparra, SS, BOS
The shortstop run starts early. Personally, I would not have taken Nomah this high -- even if he's fully healthy, his numbers are comparable to Jeter's, and Jeter has a better supporting cast and isn't coming off a major wrist injury. Still, Bob gets one of the Big Three at a premium position -- and maybe he's making a statement about hating the Yankess, in which case Kudos are due.

4. Nate Lewis -- MV's Rank and File
Mike Mussina, SP, NYY
Nate has no such excuse about Yankee hatred. Moose is tight, but before Pedro? His rationale is that "Pedro's got it all but I don't trust the elbow or the run support." But Petey's also bulked up due to the offseason, outclasses every other pitcher by orders of magnitude, and is younger than Mussina -- though it is true that Pedro is more of an injury risk. I guess I'll call this a low risk, low reward pick. Taking the safe road.

5. Mike Kobeski -- CounterPlans
Pedro Martinez, SP, BOS
Those two sounds you hear are Mike's eyes getting big as he realizes Pedro is about to fall into his lap -- and the sound of Chris Coovert being crushed as Mike snatches Petey away. It's nice to get the number one starter in the league with the fifth pick, especially when his ratios blow everyone else's away.

6. Chris Coovert -- Coovert Operations
Derek Jeter, SS, NYY
The Big Three is gone by pick number six! Chris makes sure he gets one of those three Hall-of-Fame shortstops. Even a full-boar Yankee hater like myself -- and words can't express how much I detest the Yankees -- has to like this pick. If Jeter leads off for the full year, he'll get more steals and runs. If he doesn't, he'll get more RBIs. A can't-lose pick barring injury, and Jeter doesn't get hurt. (Not trying to jinx you there, Chris).

7. Jeff Shaw -- Mt. Vernon Geoducks
Manny Ramirez, OF, BOS
I've gotta admit, I don't like picking seventh. A lot of the talent I wanted is off the board, and I don't get the benefit of the back-to-back picks that the 10th pick gets. But enough whining: I'm pretty happy with this pick. Ramirez is an RBI machine, plays in a hitters park, has a new table-setter (Damon) to drive in and has Nomar back in the lineup. Makes me think Manny's gonna reach 160 RBI this year -- and makes me wonder why Nate's worried about Boston's run support.

8. Charlie Potter -- Postal Workers
Jason Giambi, 1B, NYY
Giambi is currently averaging a third-place selection in ESPN's mock drafts, so Charlie's gotta be happy about taking him here. Even with other quality 1Bs in the AL, Jason will stand head and shoulders above the pack. Again, a pick even a Yankee hater can't quibble with.

9. Jared Hager (Haygruh!) -- MedHeads
Freddy Garcia, SP, SEA
The First Mariner is off the board. And with the dearth of quality starting pitching, it's hard to argue with this pick. Plus, Freddy has improved every year, winning the ERA title last year. A couple of question marks: he's not a strikeout pitcher, for one; and the M's offense may not be as rock-solid as it was last year. But with true No. 1 starters going fast, it's a good value pick.

10. Jared Ellis -- Portland Beers
Tim Hudson, SP, OAK
The run on starting pitching is officially on! Ellis is the first one to take one of the Oakland trifecta. Hudson is nursing an ankle injury this spring, but it doesn't appear to be serious. Like Garcia, he is a quality starter with a couple of question marks: what does the A's lineup look like without Giambi? Will he strike out enough hitters with that sinker? But with starters in short supply, this appears to be a wise move. Ellis either gets a pitcher here or has to wait 20 slots.

Draft Review -- Round Two
1. Jared Ellis -- Portland Beers
Ivan Rodriguez, C, TEX
There was just some serious cursing in Minneapolis. My sources tell me that Hager very much wanted Pudge to slip to him. Instead, Pudge will be playing in Portland, probably going out for drinks with Ellis and Pointer. Not only does Ellis have himself a fine battery with his first two picks, he has a catcher that's (arguably) head and shoulders above the competition. He is an injury risk -- but so is mos tevery other catcher, and they don't have Rodriguez' upside.

2. Jared Hager (Haygruh!) -- MedHeads
Bret Boone, 2B, SEA
The Second Mariner is off the board. And there's more cursing coming from Minneapolis! Hager thinks Boone's 2001 season was probably a fluke, but still considers Boone the top second sacker -- and there just aren't too many AL second basemen with decent factasy numbers. Even if Boone has a steep decline, he'll probably be the top fantasy producer in the AL at this position with Roberto Alomar out of the league.

3. Charlie Potter -- Postal Workers
Mark Mulder, SP, OAK
On his way to the state IE tournament, Charlie picks the second A's starter. Mulder was a dominant force in the second half of last year, and looks to anchor the Postal Workers rotation. Cross-apply the above comments about the run on starting pitching: it looks like if you want a first-rate starter, be prepared to spend a high pick.

4. Jeff Shaw -- Mt. Vernon Geoducks
Barry Zito, SP, OAK
The run is on -- and may be almost over. I really wanted to take Magglio Ordonez with this pick, but I already had a stud OF, and figured all of the starters I wanted would be gone 14 picks from now. Plus, I like Zito -- anybody that does Yoga before pitching is right with me. I also like his WHIP numbers as an indicator of future success.

5. Chris Coovert -- Coovert Operations
Magglio Ordonez, OF, CHI
It's my turn to curse now, as I watch the player I really wanted go. I think this is a great pick. Ordonez is a top-10 player. He scores in all five categories, doesn't get hurt, and he put up gaudy numbers last year without Frank Thomas in the lineup to protect him or to drive him in. He may not steal as much this year with the Big Hurt back, but he'll make Chris a very happy manager.

6. Mike Kobeski -- CounterPlans
Juan Gonzalez, OF, TEX
Some are worried about his back and/or attitude. Some say he could drive in as many runs as Manny. I say both are right. When healthy and motivate, Juan can put up numbers with the best of them. A return to Texas may be just what he needs -- not to mention hitting in that loaded lineup! It looks like the run on stud outfielders is starting now. This is a moderate risk for an extremely high reward. Mike also has good balance with a slugger and a top-notch pitcher.

7. Nate Lewis -- MV's Rank and File
Roger Clemens, SP, NYY
Nate now has one-half of the Yankee rotation. Considering he was thinking about taking him with his first pick (and that Jon would have snatched him up if Bob didn't), this is a steal at the end of the second round. Nate's well on his way to being set in the wins and strikeouts categories, and probably ERA and WHIP as well. One question: what happens if the Yankees' offense goes south? I know, it won't happen. I'm just saying ... Seriously, this pick pretty much makes Nate's pitching rotation dominant. But what about batters? We'll see five picks from now.

8. Bob Fotheringham -- The Bash Bunch
Alfonso Soriano, 2B, NYY
Bob prefaced this pick with "Since second base is so thin ..." Ain't that the truth. And getting Soriano is a strong move is he develops the way people think he will. At worst, this gets Bob a ton of steals and runs -- at best, he'll improve his average and power, which gives this pick major upside. Especially when you consider this is the only top-tier second baseman left. This gives Bash Bunch a stellar keystone combination -- though doesn't having a Yankee-Red Sox double-play duo seem odd?

9. Jon Helfgott -- Pischachs
Chan Ho Park, SP, TEX
The search for a #1 starter continues! Park has been one of the top starters in the NL, and he will be backed by major run support by the softball team known as the Texas Rangers. But will the league switch throw him off? And will Rocker call him a racial slur? And if so, will there be a three-way brawl involving Park, Rocker and Everett? I need answers, people.

10. Casey Binz -- The Isotopes
Troy Glaus, 3B, ANA
I love the selection of Glaus here. A young third basemen who could lead the league in home runs, is still on the way to his prime, and is backed by an improved offense is a nice asset. Plus, there are only two other top-notch third sackers in the AL by my count. His average went south last year, but if he boosts that (even to .275), he's a monster.

Draft Review -- Round three

1. Casey Binz -- The Isotopes
Brad Radke, SP, MIN
Not as sold on Radke. Starting pitching is at a premium, but personally, I like Minnesota's number two starter (Eric Milton) better than Radke due to Milton's strikeouts and youth. Radke's a ground ball pitcher, and if the Twinkies' defense and run support takes a turn for the worse, there's trouble. Still, he's an Opening Day starter in the fourth round.

2. Jon Helfgott -- Pishachs
Carlos Delgado, 1B, TOR
Love Delgado. Besides steals, he's the total package -- Giambi with less press. His average dipped last year (but how could it not, after his monster 2000?). But he's a true power hitter who also strokes line drives consistently. I have him rated second after Jason G. Plus, he's an activist who protests U.S. bombing of his native Vieques, Puerto Rico. Go Delgado!

3. Bob Fotheringham -- The Bash Bunch
Bartolo Colon, SP, CLE
A young -- though not as we thought -- fireballer makes a nice fit here. Bob needed a starter, and Colon will get strikeouts for sure. Not sure about how many wins this Cleveland team is good for, but the fact that this piece gets Bob a true number one starter makes it a good one.

4. Nate Lewis -- MV's Rank and File
Mariano Rivera, RP, NYY
Three picks, three pitchers, three Yankees. Ordinarily, I'd scoff, but this is the best relief pitcher in the league available in round three. World Series notwithstanding, Mariano's automatic. Awesome value here. I just hope Nate takes Ramiro Mendoza in round four.

5. Mike Kobeski -- CounterPlans
Eric Chavez, 3B, OAK
Two out of three stud third sackers gone now. Chavez won't clout as many homers as Glaus, but might hit for better average. Plus, he's still a young player getting better -- and assures Mike a chunk of the thin third base pool. This is almost exactly where Chavez should go. I had Koskie rated higher -- because Chavez doesn't steal and Koskie does -- but questions about Koskie's wrist make this the safer pick.

6. Chris Coovert -- Coovert Operations
Miguel Tejada, SS, OAK
I am deeply bitter about this pick, as Chris snatches Tejada from right under my nose. I considered taking him in round two, but thought that was a bit early -- and now I pay the price. Needless to say, I think this is a teriffic pick here -- a shortstop with 30 homers and speed? Please. Stick him in your middle infield slot and watch the points roll in.

7. Jeff Shaw -- Mt. Vernon Geoducks
Jorge Posada, C, NYY
I'll be honest: I'm not thrilled with this pick. I would have rather had Rivera or Tejada. But with those two off the board, since I can't take the best reliever, I'll take the second-best catcher. Problems: 1. He's an injury risk coming off shoulder surgery (though that's also true of Pudge); 2. This leaves me vulnerable to missing out on EVERY good infielder; and 3. I friggin' hate the Yankees almost as much as I love the M's. Fantasy mercenary behavior wins out, though, as I think he's the best value available. (Also considered here: Koskie, Rivera.)

8. Charlie Potter -- Postal Workers
Carlos Beltran, OF, KC
I wondered where he would go, and I love the pick. I'm a big fan of mutli-category players, and Beltran -- assuming Charlie bought the 2001 and 1999 model, not the 2000 model -- provides all five categories, and doesn't get hurt. Question mark: is he one of those Brady Anderson-type players that shows up in odd years? If not, Charlie has a steal at the end of the third round.

9. Jared Hager (Haygruh!) -- MedHeads
Frank Thomas, 1B, CHI
Haygruh knows I love him, and he'll probably be right in the long run -- but I've gotta say this is a big reach here. Coming off a major injury is one thing, but especially when you consider that there are plenty of other options at 1B left and that Thomas hasn't exactly been the model of consistency throughout his career, I woulda waited a round or two on this one. If Haygruh gets the real Big Hurt here, his numbers will be excellent. If he doesn't ... well, he might get last year's .221, 4 and 10 model. Left me scrizatching my hizead.

10. Jared Ellis -- Portland Beers
Kazuhiro Sasaki, RP, SEA
Sasaki is a solid pick here. We'll see if this heralds a run on relievers -- I'm planning on taking an RP with my next pick, and it was going to be Sasaki if he was available. Some people just look at his ERA and think he's not as good as Foulke or Percival: not so. Kazu's strikeouts per inning rate and WHIP numbers stack with anybody, including Rivera, and he gets more saves than anyone except the great Mariano.

Draft Review -- Round four

1. Jared Ellis -- Portland Beers
Jim Thome, 1B, CLE
I like this pick better than Thomas, but I still have two first sackers (Sweeney and Palmeiro) rated higher than Thome at this point. Cleveland lost a lot of offense (Alomar), and that means lost RBI chances for big Jim. Ellis needed a slugger to go with his two pitchers and catcher, though, so Thome fills the bill.

2. Jared Hager (Haygruh!) -- MedHeads
Johnny Damon, OF, BOS
This is another high-risk, high-reward pick that I think Hager might have waited on. I bet Damon would have been available for his next pick coming off such a high-profile and brutal year. Still, hitting in Boston, hitting in front of Manny and Nomar ... .325 with 45 steals is not out of reach, and if he gets on base, he'll score runs. Lefties do well in Fenway, too.

3. Charlie Potter -- Postal Workers
Joe Mays, SP, MINN
I already said I liked Milton the best out of the Minnesota starters, but Mays is arguably better. Mays has better ratios (ERA and WHIP), which are very important for a young pitcher. Milton has more strikeouts. Matter of taste, I guess: though Milton also has a longer track record than Mays.

4. Jeff Shaw -- Mt. Vernon Geoducks
Keith Foulke, RP, CHI
Haygruh also considered Foulke briefly before settling on Damon. I had decided I was going to grab a closer here. I figure now is the time to grab closers 'cause there's only 12 or 13 of them with full-time jobs, and if you wanna win the stat, you need two. I'd rather hunt for homers, RBIs and steals with prospects than hope there are good relievers left when I pick next, 14 slots from now. I was also high on Troy Percival (who gets more strikeouts), but Foulke pitches more innings and has better ratios, plus his team will likely win more.

5. Chris Coovert -- Coovert Operations
Troy Percival, RP, ANA
As I said, I considered taking Percival too. Chris and I think a lot alike, it seems, given that he snatched Tejada away from me and I gaffled Foulke from him. Percival's a great consolation prize, though: throws gas, gets strikeouts, and his team should give him more chances this year. As Chris said, "the run on closers is commencing."

6. Mike Kobeski -- CounterPlans
Mark Buerhle, SP, CHI
This is a nice value pick. Mike figured he missed out on the top tier of closers, so he'll grab a quality starter that at least three other owners had their eyes on. He should be even better this year with another season of experience and an improves ChiSox offense. Starting pitching is getting even thinner by the pick ... Mike second-guessed himself on this pick, but I think he'll be happy with this at the end of the year.

7. Nate Lewis -- MV's Rank and File
Cristian Guzman, SS, MIN
Nate's first batter, and to augment his powerful pitching with a big stick, he takes ... Cristian Guzman? I could see this if you were trying to fill out a lineup of boppers with some speed, but Guzman's a player who scores in only one category, really. He had one year of a good average -- but promptly hurt his shoulder and wasn't the same afterward. Who knows how he comes back? As for the Twins, they will probably come back to earth as well, diminishing his run production. Guzman will steal bases, but I think he's a rich man's Mark McLemore or Frank Catalanotto -- minus those two players' multi-position eligibility. I can think of three shortstops I'd rather have that are still on the board. Think Nate probably shoulda waited to catch Guzman on the rebound.

8. Bob Fotheringham -- The Bash Bunch
Jose Cruz Jr. OF, TOR
A high upside pick with some risk. Cruz had a phenomenal year last year -- a 30-30 year with a .272 average, in fact -- but he's been a low-average hitter in the past, and he's nursing a rib cage injury this spring. If Bob gets a year comparable to last year (say 25 HR and 25 steals with a .270 average), this pick is a great value.

9. Jon Helfgott -- Pischachs
Eric Milton, SP, MIN
As people look to fill out their rotations with second starters, Jon gets a high-quality leftie. I like this pick a lot. Milton gets strikeouts, has a potent arm, and is the best available starter left in my estimation. The same warnings about the Twins coming back to earth that apply to Radke and Mays apply to him, but this is exactly the pick I would have made here.

10. Casey Binz -- The Isotopes
Bob Wickman, RP, CLE
Nearing the end of the closer run, Binz puts away one of the best and most consistent closers. This is a wise move. Wickman is very underrated -- doesn't throw 100 miles per hour, looks more like John Kruk than Alex Rodriguez from an athletic perspective -- but all he does is get hitters out and save games. Remember when John Rocker was gonna replace him in Cleveland? The Wick has shown he can handle the pressure of challengers as well as the pressure of games. Casey gets a quality closer, and avoids having to scrounge for saves.

Draft Review -- round five

1. Casey Binz -- The Isotopes
Andy Pettitte, SP, NYY
Casey's rotation is shored up with the selection of Pettitte. He's a lock for 15 wins -- likely 17 -- and is a good, safe pick here. Gives Casey a quality second starter to go with Radke.

2. Jon Helfgott -- Pishachs
Bernie Williams, OF, NYY
I find it hard to believe Barnie slipped this far. A former batting champion, he brings average, power and run production to the table. Nursing a hammy pull last year, he didn't steal as many bases (11) as in the past -- but he's still a top-flight outfielder. This pick might have heralded the run on power and speed outfielders.

3. Bob Fotheringham -- The Bash Bunch
Matt Anderson, RP, DET
It's hard to turn down a young pitcher that can throw in the triple digits. Evidently, Bob noticed the run on relievers as well, and selected the Tigers' only closing option. Anderson has experienced shoulder stiffness this spring, but assuming he's healthy, you can pencil him in for all the saves the Tigers will get -- it's not like they have any other options in Detroit.

4. Nate Lewis -- MV's Rank and File
Mike Cameron
Cammy, besides being a hometown favorite, is a stud in all categories but average. Outside of Safeco, his numbers would be even better: check out his home-road splits. If only there was a defensive category, he'd be a first-round pick. As it stands, though, this is a terrific value for Nate, who needs outfielders (and hitters in general). I would be concerned about the batting average category at this point, though.

5. Mike Kobeski -- CounterPlans
Ugueth Urbina, RP, BOS
Ticket to a Mariners game: $35. Pint of low-quality, high-foam beer at ballpark: $6. Owning a closer nicknamed "Oogie": priceless. Seriously, this is one of the relievers I wanted after I made my last pick. Boston looks to be improved offensively, meaning Urbina will have lots of leads to protect. He has some arm trouble history, which is scary -- but not as scary as some of the other closer options. I had him ranked right with/slightly after Wickman, and higher than Koch, who I ended up taking. I wanted Wickman or Urbina as my second reliever, but I also wanted Winthrop to beat Duke. Oh well.

6. Chris Coovert -- Coovert Operations
Rafael Palmeiro, 1B, TEX
For the second time this draft at least, Chris has taken the player I wanted right out from under me. Palmeiro's 47 dingers last year looked pretty darn good to me -- and to him as well. Not only is this a great value pick, it fits in with Coovert's lineup well -- he's getting probably 60 homers out of his shortstops alone, PLUS Magglio and now Palmeiro? I think we have an early leader in the power categories.

7. Jeff Shaw -- Mt. Vernon Geoducks
Billy Koch, RP, OAK
This is me settling. I liked both Wickman and Urbina better, but thought I could get them on the cheap. I was wrong. If I couldn't have them, instead of going a notch down on my closer list, I was gonna grab Palmeiro. No dice. Instead, I'll take Koch -- he's money for 30-35 saves. Even if Oakland's offense takes a step backward, those five starters will turn over plenty of leads to him. This enables me to be sure I'm competing in the saves category and allows me to think about something else with my next few picks. Even though I had other players rated higher, this is a strategy pick for me.

8. Charlie Potter -- Postal Workers
Corey Koskie, 3B, MIN
I agree with Coovert: this is a tremendous value pick. He's easily one of the top three 3Bs, and after Koskie, the quality drops dramatically. I don't believe that Charlie's a rookie owner with some of the pick's he's making -- his moves seem right on to me. He's one of the players I had rated higher than Koch, but 1. I thought all the closers would be gone when I picked next and 2. That bone bruise scared me off of taking Koskie. Two weeks ago, it sounded like he would begin the season on the DL. It seems like the injury is no big dea, though, and this pick is a solid one.

9. Jared Hager (Haygruh!) -- MedHeads
Garrett Anderson, OF, ANA
The run on power-and-speed outfielders is on earlier than I expected. I had hoped to get in on some of this, but it appears they're going fast. Anderson is a nice pick for fantasy leagues because, like Ichiro, he doesn't get hurt and he doesn't walk -- so you're assured lots of plate appearances, RBI chances, and a heavily weighted average. He had 672 at bats last year!

10. Jared Ellis -- Portland Beers
Shannon Stewart, OF, TOR
What did I say about power and speed outfielder? Stewart had a power outage last year (13 homers) and has been troubled by a finger injury -- but there are ALSO rumors he might be traded to the Yankees. If that happens, his stock flies upward. Plus, he's always had 30 homer potential. Is this the year he puts it together? I'd gladly spend a draft pick to find out.
^{posted by Jeff Shaw Friday, March 15, 2002(comment)}

Warning: specious debate content.

I have been HELLA swamped lately. Work has been very busy, debate season is ending, and I've been writing a lot. (Watch for my review of David Halberstam's "War in a Time of Peace" is the next issue of SAIS Review!)

Matter of fact, I've just got one thing for you that's debtish: A sweet Iraq attack takeout. Seems the war on Afghanistan used all the toys we would need to rain death on the Iraqis. Shows you just how much devastation we wreaked on the Afghani people.

Don't think that's all I'm bringing to the table, though ...

Fantasy Baseball
Like most debaters, I like to play competitive games. So when Mike Kobeski asked me and a bunch of debater buds to join a fantasy baseball league, I jumped in with both feet.

The draft is going on right now, and you can follow the action. Watch your favorite dee-bate personalities (or lack of personalities -- no, wait, Plumridge isn't in the league) slug it out cybernetically! Mike Kobeski! Casey Binz! Chris Coovert! Charlie Potter! Nate Lewis from Mt. Vernon! Two Guys Names Jared! Mike's brother-in-law Bob! and, of course, the One And Only Jon Helfgott.

Helfgott on the league: "Dude! You mean it's an American League only league?" (After making his first pick.) Extinction is at hand.

Once we finish three rounds of the draft, I'll began posting my witty repartee on peoples' picks. Merciless? Yes. Accurate? Perhaps? All in good fun? Of course.
^{posted by Jeff Shaw Tuesday, February 26, 2002(comment)}