Joe Morgan Seems Nice

I'd like to have a beer with him and talk ball but I'm really surprised that he's been a commentator for over twenty years. Having Major League stars broadcast for awhile after they retire is a nice novelty, but most of them don't stick. Why did Joe? I usually don't find what he has to say coherent, let alone insightful. I also think that Jon Miller hates his guts.

During the last broadcast of Sunday Night Baseball, Mr. Morgan was talking about how intentional walks are bad for the game. "It takes the bat out of the hands of Pujols and Bonds and the fan doesn't like that." I understand this line of thinking from a marketing perspective. It is, however, not the case for those fans that enjoy the subtle nuances and history of the game.

How would the criminalization of intentional walks ever be enforced? Having an umpire give two bases for what he believes to be an intentional walk? "Whoaaaa there, Wild Thing. That one was also way outside. Batter... take your bases." I realize intentional walks would be harder to execute if the catcher wasn't permitted to stand and hold an arm outside the strike zone... but come on.

By the way, I really enjoy John Kruk on Baseball Tonight. He's knowledgeable, funny, and his presence gives us overweight guys hope for someday working on-air in the world of baseball.