BBIAB
When I started this blog 4 years and 9 months ago, I was 42 1/2 years old, my son was just a one-year old, my daughter was only two months away from her 3rd birthday, and I had a job that afforded a somewhat reasonable work/life balance.
Today, I’m 47 years old, my daughter is now 7 1/2 years old, my son is four months away from his 6th birthday, and my current job has more of a “trading floor” pace to it (except this floor is open for a minimum of 9 hours a day, Monday to Friday).
Also, today, I have an increased focus on taking care of myself – much more than I did back in 2005.
Basically, I don’t have the time to write this blog that I used to have at my disposal – now that the kids are older, my job has changed, and I have other – and frankly more important – interests (such as maintaining good health).
So, I’m at a crossroads in terms of which way to go…with respect to the future of WasWatching.com.
I once thought that a change in my posting pattern was the solution – fitting it in where I could, etc., (rather than trying to make 4 or 5 posts a day). But, at the same time, on a back burner, I’ve been considering adding other voices to the blog (to offset my lack of posts and fill in the gaps).
But, lately, I’m starting to think that perhaps it’s time to just shut it down – completely.
Like I said, I’m at the point where there’s three ways I can go with this – and I don’t have a strong feeling, at this junction, as to which road I want to take (as I move forward). Each route has its pluses and minuses – and I need to play the pro and con game to sort it all out.
To that end, since this should be a slow week for news, etc., I’m going to take a few days off from the blog – unless something major breaks in Yankeeland. In the interim, while I’m away, feel free to use the comments section of this post to discuss anything you want that’s Yankees related. (Heck, I might even chime in, here and there – as time allows. But, I can’t say that for sure now.)
See you in a bit…
Cool, man. Good luck in whichever path you choose.
Feels like yesterday that you started this blog. Netshrine seems so long ago.
I respect whatever decision you make. I would prefer you stick around and maybe have some of the guys post things like before..but like I said, I respect your decision. It would be a huge loss to the blogging community if you left. Good luck with everything!
Who will keep Brian Cashman honest?
As much as I love this blog and the small community of engaging personalities that come with it, your health and happiness always comes first Steve. If you choose to move on we’ll all miss what you’ve built, but do what’s best for you.
Regardless, thanks for all the time you’ve put in on creating a fun environment for so many Yankee fans.
Figure out what would make you happiest, and then do that, Steve.
If you decide to close it down, you’ll be missed, but we’ll survive and move one.
We’re big boys (and girls?).
Well, most of the time.
Leave it open and post as infrequently and sporadically as you like, as long as you keep the outlet open. Whenever a new post shows up, I will read it. Many of us have news readers that alert us whenever you post something new.
Hopefully the ads can cover the hosting fees so that you break even.
Twitter is inadequate especially for you as 160 characters are way too small.
If you are relegated to simply commenting on other blogs, your voice will get drowned out.
Big season for change in Yankees blogging — Kat O’Brien, Pete Abe, Melanie Greenfield among those already gone, and now you thinking of joining the list. Not to mention Jack Curry leaving as NYTimes national baseball reporter and apparently Tyler Kepner leaving the Yankees beat the take his place, and who knows who takes TyKep’s spot on the beat (maybe Shpigel, since the Mets beat apparently has served as training ground before for people who moved up to the NYY beat). Mustn’t grumble, though — hope all the moves are good ones for those involved, and definitely understand that the time does come for a change.
As for WW, I have a humble request, since I like finding it here each day. Consider taking on a partner and, if that’s still not working out for your health and family life, leaving the blog in his or her hands?
It’s a good group here. Shame to disband it.
Whatever you do, though, my thanks and best wishes!
I echo all the sentiments here: do whatever’s best for you knowing that if you continue the site, it’s great news for all of us here that feel like a part of the WW community. And if you don’t, the site will be missed and remembered fondly but never replaced.
I also agree with what everyone above has said. I haven’t been posting very much because I moved in the fall and haven’t had much time to post, although I have been reading almost everyday.
Whatever you decide to do, Steve, is fine by me. I do hope that you give a scaled-down version of the blog a try, or that you allow others from the blog to make posts as you have done before. It would be a shame to lose the small community that is here… and so hard to find on other Yankee blogs.
If you want to change the format, site name, etc. to preserve what you did with WW, that is understandable, but there should be some transition where the community on this blog can remain to talk about the Yankees.
Again, thanks for all the great Yankee news, commentary, and opinions. Excellent work, Steve.
Boy, I’d hate to see you go. You’re oly one of two blogs I read ea day (the other being LoHud to get news). Yours is the only Yamkee blog that says it like it is. Not everything is rah-rah. You’re smart, funny and make me think of Yankee aspects differently. Plus, you loved the Scooter and even named the blog w/ him in mind.
So, for completely selfish reasons, I really hope you keep posting, even if once a day.
redbug wrote:
ditto.
Just wanted to check in, quickly, while I had a chance, and say thanks to all for the kind words, thoughts and feedback. It’s all very much appreciated. (Thanks to those who have emailed on this, as well.) As promised, I’m still thinking all this over – weighing the options, etc., on each route.
In the meantime, again, please feel free to use the comments section of this post to discuss anything you want that’s Yankees related…while I’m taking a time-out to mull this all over.
cr1 wrote:
Nah, it wouldn’t be right
Whats everyones thoughts on the Beltre signing?
steve leaving would be a big loss to the yankee blog community. i personally cant stand the arrogant young bloggers who like to think they are saber types. just insufferable to read daily. guys who dont get it.
clintfsu813 wrote:
Good deal for the Sox, and for Beltre.
Beltre can very easily be one of the best defensive 3Bs in the game, and can hit 30 HR and really slug his way through 2010. Only paying $9 million for that is pretty good for the Sox.
For Beltre, he can inflate his numbers in a little league field and opt out for bigger money next year. Win win deal. It certainly makes the Red Sox better.
Again, thanks to all for the feedback here and via email. I’m still mulling this all over – but, here’s an update as to where I am on this.
Closing up shop, completely, would – without a doubt – address the “time ” issue for me. And, it would also take away the displeasure of having to deal with the trolls, miscreants and sociopaths that come along with a having a website where you share your opinions, real name, photographs, family stories and contact information. But, at the same time, that means no more forum here. And, it means losing contact with a community of buds that I truly do enjoy – as I feel as if I have made many, many, valued “cyber” friends here via them leaving comments and us getting to know each other. Plus, then, I’m also pulling the rug out from my friends – since they won’t have a hangout to use, etc. And, that’s a bummer – for me.
Just posting whenever I can, like I am now, as opposed to four or five times a day – like I used to, someone addresses the “time” matter – to an extent. But, is that the best thing for the site? Yes, it’s better than closing it down completely – but I suspect that a “slowdown” would only lead towards less people reading, leaving comments, etc. – and sort of become a dying on the vine situation for the blog and its community.
Then, there’s the option of adding other writers. That would help with getting content on the site more frequently. But, where it may seem like that would free up some time for me, at the start, it would actually require more time – making sure that we don’t have formatting issues, people tripping over themselves, dupe posts, etc. Once we got into a rhythm, that should go away. But, at the start, it’s not going to mean “less time” spent for me. Also, it would require me to find a new theme/skin for the blog – one where author names are published so that we would know who was writing what. And, that takes time – finding one that works, that I like, and then updating it with all the code that’s needed for the SNY stuff. So, this option is a lot of time in January and maybe February – with hopefully less time thereafter. But, again, this keeps the blog open and fresh.
If pressed, right now, I would say the odds are 40% shutting down, 40% adding authors, and 20% posting whenever I can. I just need to think about it some more. Thanks to all for their patience during this time. And, again, while I’m MIA, please use this comment section to chat Yankees-stuff…and enjoy!
@ YankCrank:
I really hope people arent freaking out over Bostons moves. (I had a Yankee friend send me a stressful text yesterday.) I still think we’re better on paper, though it should be a tough and competitive year in the AL East. Which makes winning it that much more delightful IMO.
YankCrank wrote:
Great deal for the Sox, crummy deal for Beltre. I think he signed too quickly, before the market for his services could develop. Teams tend to have priorities lists and after Lackey, Bay and Holliday — the latter two signing within a week of eachother — Beltre was looking like one of the better free agents in a weak winter. Had he waited just a few more weeks, he could’ve gotten a multi-year deal. After all, everyone knew Boston wanted him, especially since the Red Sox went through the trouble of trading Mike Lowell and $9M for a replacement player. Beltre should’ve waited a bit longer…
YankCrank wrote:
He’s only topped 26 homers once in his career (back in 2004) a season that sticks out like a sore thumb, in retrospect. I don’t see a 30 homer season for Beltre but I do think that maybe a hitter-friendly park will help him get back to being a league-average hitter, as he was from 2006-2008.
YankCrank wrote:
Agree with you there. It remains to be seen if next year would be a better year for him in free agency, considering that he was the 27th-ranked free agent in this year’s list (according to Keith Law) and given how talent-rich the market will be next year, how much higher will Beltre really be?
clintfsu813 wrote:
Freaking out, no? Acknowledging that Boston is considerably better today than they were at any point in 2009? Absolutely. Objectively, I think the Red Sox are better than the Yanks right now, but not by so much that I think one or the other will miss the playoffs. We’re both making it to October, it’s just a question of who wins the division and who gets the Wild Card.
MJ wrote:
MJ wrote:
What actually makes this crummy for Beltre is that he should have just accepted arbitration from the Mariners and make over $13 million this year. Where I disagree with you though is where he sits in next year’s crop. If he has a monster year will he be rated higher than Crawford or Lee? No, but he’ll certainly be the top FA 3B. Next year’s 3B class is very weak with the likes of Atkins, Lowell and Inge being the best options.
On that note, aren’t the Phillies kicking themselves for jumping so fast on Polanco? Three years for $18 million…gross.
clintfsu813 wrote:
No Yankee fans should be freaking out over Boston’s moves. Are they a much improved team? Of course. But ever since the 2006 offseason where they spent $300 million that resulted in a WS win, Yankee fans need to realize that they can spend money and acquire the necessary talent to win as much as the Yanks can.
Also, by now we should know they run a very intelligent operation. The Red Sox are going to be good for a long time, so everybody should accept that and stop freaking out when they make a move to improve their squad.
Man, if Yankee fans are freaking out over Marco Scutaros and Mike Camerons, imagine next year when they clear Ortiz/Beckett/Martinez off their payroll and spend some serious money on that big FA class?
Steve, what you are feeling is Middle Age. Screw Middle Age, you’ll have plenty of time to be old later! Keep up the great work, it may be something (like Youth) that you’ll never quite be able to recapture if you do walk away. Please give it as much thought and time as you can before closing shop. Anyway, it’s been a real blast reading your blog, keep it up, go Yankees!
Kevin in Ocala
YankCrank wrote:
Beltre was the #2 ranked FA 3B, according to Keith Law. It’s not like he’s going to stand out any more next year than he stood out this year. Given the names available next year, Beltre probably won’t surpass his #27 ranking by that much, if at all, even if he reverts to ’06-’08 form. He was a better player in a weaker market this year. Next year, even coming off a good year, he’ll still be overshadowed by far better players.
YankCrank wrote:
Agree completely. I have no idea what the Phillies were thinking here by jumping the gun. Polanco doesn’t fit their lineup and costs more years and more money. Proof that buying early doesn’t make sense, especially when we’re dealing with the margnial free agents.
@ YankCrank:
I dont freak out over those fools, lol. I just worry about what we do and let things play out. I feel we are run pretty intelligently too. It looks like this rivalry aint goin no where.
MJ wrote:
That’s a pretty good point, maybe he’ll just pick up the option on that second year and become a free agent in two years?
My name is Dylan, I’m 23 and have been reading this blog for about two years, but never posted till now.
Do what you gotta do, but know that I have THOROUGHLY enjoyed reading your blog. Yours and LoHud’s I consider the best two Yankee blogs around. I love all the statistics I’ve never heard of, your mathematical skills, and your passion.
I’ll miss it if you go sir, but do what you gotta do!
haha my first post and its #27.
YankCrank wrote:
Somehow I doubt it, if only because it’s inconceivable to me that he’d go from $9M in 2010 to $5M in 2011. That’s a drastic paycut for a guy that seems to expect that a year in a hitter’s park will do his reputation some good.
For that reason alone, I prove my point that Beltre jumped the gun on his contract with Boston. Who the hell signs a deal with a $5M player option? Why would your option year be worth half as much as your first year? You’re betting against yourself that much that you think you’ll be lucky to at least get $5M in 2011? Beltre is a fool and I have to assume that either Boras steered him to Boston or he didn’t take Boras’s advice and took whatever nonsense was thrown his way.
Either way, he botched it.
Steve Lombardi wrote:
*koff* Netshrine *koff*
Hey, NetShrine is still open…it’s just that nobody goes there anymore..
@ Steve Lombardi:
I started here, on WW, but I have been to netshrine, just to check it out. Some questionable members of your netshrine….Prime Time?
MJ wrote:
or that reason alone, I prove my point that Beltre jumped the gun on his contract with Boston. Who the hell signs a deal with a $5M player option? Why would your option year be worth half as much as your first year? You’re betting against yourself that much that you think you’ll be lucky to at least get $5M in 2011? Beltre is a fool and I have to assume that either Boras steered him to Boston or he didn’t take Boras’s advice and took whatever nonsense was thrown his way.
Either way, he botched it.
***************************************************
You missed an important element of the contract, MJ: There is an escalator clause on the player option year: With a full season of plate appearances, it becomes $9 million. Beltre isn’t betting against himself, but in giving up control over the roster spot by giving a player option meant that Theo wanted protection against Beltre declining or getting another injury and taking the player option because it is the best he can do, or he wants another season to prove himself out of Safeco.
@ Corey: Playing in both the NFL & MLB at the same time got him in.
One thing about visiting that site – keep in mind that it’s been untouched in the last 4 years. So, it’s somewhat dated stuff.
Steve Lombardi wrote:
Ah. It didn’t add up to me, because Sanders seems like the complete opposite of what you like in a player, personality wise. All talk and flash.
Can someone explain Netshrine to me?
clintfsu813 wrote:
http://www.netshrine.com was the site that I ran from 1999 to about 2006.
OnceIWasAYankeeFan wrote:
From the looks of it, Beltre hasn’t gone over the 640 PA kicker threshold since 2006, and has only topped 640 PA three times in a 12 year career. Seems like the number is set high enough to where there’s a good enough chance he doesn’t get his 2011 option triggered up to $10M from $5M.
Saw this on RAB:
Olney: Towers expected to work for Yanks as a consultant
I like this. It can only add to the intelligence of the running of our team.
@ clintfsu813:
Agree. I’m happy about that. He scouted the sh*t out of the big leagues for great bullpen talent and I’m more than happy if that’s the only thing he does for us. If he builds our bullpens the way he built those out in SD, I’d be thrilled.
Thought I’d throw a shout out to #62 for his Munson Award recognition.
clintfsu813 wrote:
What’s the award for?
Philanthropy
clintfsu813 wrote:
Doesn’t a lot of the credit he gets probably due to the fact that he had to do things for the community cause of the DUI?
Corey wrote:
Isn’t*
More time for philanthropy and less time for boozing/eating McDonald’s for Chamberlain is fine with me.
Even if he’s only doing it because the Nebraska judicial system said he has to, it keeps him away from two of the things that are stunting his growth as a potentially successful big league pitcher.