BaseballProspectus.com - BP’s David Laurila talks with Ryan Lavarnway.
“Q: Can you say a little more about your studies at Yale?
Lavarnway: It’s a liberal arts education, so along with the philosophy courses I enjoyed taking applied physics and economics courses. I tried to be as broad with my education as I could. In the philosophy field, I focused on ancient and Eastern philosophy. A lot of the more modern philosophy I didn’t like immediately, not in the way that I took to the ancient. I really liked the Plato and Aristotle that I read, and then there was the Eastern philosophy. Much of the ancient philosophy [courses] surveyed human and societal capability and perspective. Some of the Eastern philosophy I studied focused on who we are beyond our bodies, which paralleled some of my personal searches for meaning. I enjoyed it for giving my spiritual side a more rounded perspective.”
Philly.com – John Gonzalez sits down with Tim McCarver to talk about Phils/Dodgers series.
“Q: Are you surprised by the heat you’ve taken for criticizing Manny?
McCarver: I am. I love free spirits. Steve Carlton is one of my closest friends. Bob Gibson – people don’t know what a big heart he has. They think he’s this hulking, arrogant guy. I love him. But you can’t do some of the things Manny did. And when you do, the consequences will be criticism. I’m surprised – it’s as though I did those things. But I don’t retract my comments.”
It’s Just Sports - Patrick Hayes interviews Ian Casselberry of Bless You Boys.
“Q: Do you have a favorite all-time Tiger?
Casselberry: You know, I should say Kirk Gibson, because he’s the Tiger I have the most affection for to this day, but Tony Phillips was a player I really admired as I began to follow baseball closely. He didn’t come to Detroit as a good hitter, but over his five years here, he became one through work and determination. I also loved how he could play most any position. And the man was a champ at spitting sunflower seeds. I just snuck two answers in there, didn’t I?”
Bernies Crew - BC interviews Tim Dierkes of MLBTR.
“Q: As it’s on the forefront of many Brewers fans’ minds, what are the chances that Milwaukee is able to resign CC Sabathia? Do you think it would be a beneficial move for Doug Melvin?
Tim Dierkes: I would put the chances at less than 5%. I don’t think it’d be a good move for the franchise, putting over 25% of payroll in one pitcher.”
LoHud Yankees Blog – Mailbag covering offseason issues.
“Q: What to do about the first base situation? Should we sign Mark Teixeira? Should we leave the position as a repository for all our aging big contracts? Or perhaps we should squeeze Posada in there? What do you think about Posada becoming a player coach?
Answer: I think it’s fair to say Jorge is not going to be a player coach. The Yankees aren’t paying him $13.1 million for three more years (yikes) to be a coach. As for your other questions, the Yankees are correctly focusing on their rotation and figure to sign at least one one and probably two free agents. This could prohibit them from signing Teixeira.”
