The Dawn of a New Era?

For the longest time we've seen college basketball and football players leave school early in hopes of striking it rich in the professional ranks. Well, over the last week, we've witnessed two star quarterbacks pass up those riches for another shot at collegiate glory. While Jason Whitlock wrote a great piece yesterday on foxsports.com analyzing Sam Bradford's decision (and not necessarily agreeing with it), I applaud the decisions of both Bradford and Tim Tebow, not to mention Colt McCoy who decided weeks ago to do the same.

When I heard Bradford decided to come back, I immediately wondered if there has ever been a time when two current players would have a vote for the Heisman Trophy? I couldn't think of any, can you?

A Real Hero

While some may call these quarterbacks trendsetters (that is if it actually becomes a trend), one thing you should not call any of them is a hero. And the reason for that is because we witnessed an actual hero yesterday when the pilot of U.S. Airways flight 1549, safely "landed" the plane on the Hudson River, and saved 151 lives.

Watching the events unfold live on TV, I couldn't help but get goose bumps and chills thinking what an amazing job Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger III did when faced with a dire situation. You often times wonder how you would respond in a situation like that, and I think it's safe to say that not many would, or could, do what he did.

Furthermore, to see how quickly the ferryboats, Coast Guard, and police divers responded made me proud to say that I live in New York City.

There are days in our lives that we remember exactly where we were when something happened, and because of the way everyone responded following the pilot's lead, yesterday will be one of those days.

Possible Destination for Pedro...

This is just a completely random thought, but with salaries for veterans coming down exponentially, could a possible landing spot for Pedro Martinez be the Yankees? While it may seem far-fetched on the outset, if the team does not re-sign Andy Pettitte, and Pedro's asking price falls to say $1 million, it could be worth the risk for him to be the fifth starter. Who knows, just some food for thought...

Boras is Unbelievable

Scott Boras is worth every penny he gets. How this guy seems to get top dollar for each of his clients, even during this economic disaster, is truly remarkable. I don't know what he does, or how he instills such fear into teams, but if I'm a player, the only guy that I want representing me is Scott Boras. For anyone to think that Manny will not get at least a three-year contract is out of their mind. He may not get it from a contender, but he will get his money and his years.

Epstein is the Best

Theo Epstein has once again proven why he is such a good general manager. Despite not landing the player he ultimately wanted (Teixeira), Epstein has not panicked, but instead has acted in a very calculated manner. The signing on John Smoltz is a great one. Because of the organization's depth, there is no need to rush Smoltz back from surgery, and when he does come back, it will provide a jolt to the team.

In addition, signing Rocco Baldelli provides much-needed depth, and gives Terry Francona even more flexibility. He's also re-signed Mark Kotsay, taken a flier on Brad Penny, and locked up both Dustin Pedroia and Kevin Youkilis for the next few years. While none of these moves made the headlines like CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, or Teixeira, they are moves that should scare the other teams in their division and around baseball.

To The Mailbag...

First off, I want to thank everyone for their comments on the last post. I was happy to see that so many people had such strong opinions in regards to Andy Pettitte, as well as some of the other topics. Now, let's get to some of those comments...

Dthom111: I agree with you that walking is a good thing, and that Derek Jeter is on the decline. I have never given him a free pass, nor will I ever. You're absolutely right to say the team should move him away from shortstop, but the question then is where do you put him? It's obviously not going to happen this year, but he could be the starting left fielder in 2010 if they don't re-sign Damon. With that said, let's address A-Rod, clutch hitting, and the myth of protecting players in a lineup.

You, or anybody else, can spew off as many numbers as you want about hitting in the clutch, but nothing substitutes for watching at-bat after at-bat after at-bat. Clutch situations are not always late in games. Clutch situations can happen at virtually anytime where momentum can swing. It can be when a team is up 1 or 2, and they have a chance to put the game away. It can be in a scoreless game in the third inning with the bases loaded and two outs, and they have an ace on the ropes. Or it can be in the 6th, with a runner on third and less than two outs, and the team fails to drive in that run. In other words, trying to define a clutch situation with numbers is difficult, but knowing if someone is clutch or not, isn't, and A-Rod is not clutch.

He may put up ridiculous numbers year after year, but he, more than any other player I have ever seen, makes you look beyond the numbers to see his real value.

Now as for protecting players in a lineup, how would you explain the Dodgers last year with Manny? Was it just coincidence that when he entered the lineup the other players improved? Is it coincidence that the Red Sox were going hard after Mark Teixeira because they needed a bat to replace Manny?

In this day in age, we've become far too reliant on stats and studies, as opposed to just good ol' scouting and watching. There are certain people who have an eye for talent and understand the game, and there are others that don't. Typically those are the ones who write studies based on statistical analysis.

Highlander64 wrote: Pettitte has a right to think he's worth what ever he wants...in America, if you don't think you're being paid at your perceived current value, you have the right to leave and millions have...Pettitte will get a standing O at old-timers games with just a few boo birds who are without a clue... 

Highlander64, you are correct to say that Pettitte has a right to think he is worth whatever he wants, but just because he has the right, it doesn't mean he is right. Part of the problem in America today is that people tend to believe they are a lot better than they actually are, and therefore turn down good opportunities. He may very well get a standing-O at Old Timer's Day, but it won't be the same that he got when he walked off the mound for the final time this past September.

TomGoldkuhle wrote: I don't care what Pettitte does. A 5th starter is simply not worth $10 mil. He doesn't get it, then he can take his act somewhere else. It's time for a change anyway.

TomGoldkuhle, I completely agree that a fifth starter is not worth $10 million, and that's where I believe the problem exists. I don't think Pettitte views himself as a fifth starter, but the Yankees do. Will there be a happy ending? I hope so.

Thanks again for all of the comments, and please keep them coming.