Insider | Short Hops | Love Letters

We're beyond the preseason predictions, so get over it already. I'm going with a couple of straggler e-mails this week having to do with the predictions based simply on humor and creativity, and that's it. So if you've got something to say about me picking Boston to win the AL East, or the Chicago White Sox to finish behind the Minnesota Twins again in the AL Central, you should have said it last week.

And as we move on, one other thing: Signing your full name will increase your odds of getting published in our little "Love Letters" corner of the world. And if you sign your full name, even if your opinion is that I know more about the rocks in my head than about baseball, I promise I will not hunt you down and make you watch videotape of the Detroit Tigers.

On with the letters ...

From: Mike Rowley

You're dreaming Miller! Sorry to ruin your whole article in the third paragraph but when the Royals come to Chicago they are going to lose at least TWO of those games, mark my words. I guarantee it. Funny article though.

If I'm dreaming, you'll know it. The first clue will be that Elizabeth Hurley will appear in the story, not the Kansas City Royals or Chicago White Sox.

From: Todd Kramer

Scott, you are right on with the article on the Royals, though I do think an 18-0 start is a little optimistic (after all, this is a team that is "supposed" to lose 100 games). But it is nice that the Royals are finally showing that they aren't the Cincinnati Bengals of baseball, and even nicer that people recognize this.

Which would be worse, being the Cincinnati Bengals of baseball or being the Los Angeles Clippers of baseball?

From: Peter

You are an idiot. You honestly believe that the Royals will beat the White Sox three straight at Comiskey this month ... again? Wow dude, you are really naïve ...

Yo, dude, it's called a sense of humor. Get one.

From: C. Crawford

Who cares about K.C. except a few from that area?

The only reason I'm printing your letter is in case this is the supermodel Cindy Crawford. I wouldn't want to start off on the wrong foot.

From: Ryan Scott

I'm with you dude, 162-0. My only problem is that your thinking is slightly shortsighted. They have everyone but (Joe) Randa and (Raul) Ibanez coming back next year. So let's think 346-0 over the next two years with two World Series to boot (or in the alternative, enough wins to keep (Mike) Sweeney and his ridiculous contract around for the full five years. Peace, out.

OK, I was willing to give you 162-0 this year. But 346-0? Isn't that a bit unrealistic?

From: Andy

Scott, I couldn't agree more about the Royals. No bigger factor for them to have a successful season is the fact that the Central division is basically the Twins and a bunch of mediocre-to-bad teams. And with the good, young and extremely talented pitching the Royals have, I say that gives them a chance to compete in the division. Now if we can just trade Beltran's greedy butt for some more quality pitching ... the division is ours for the taking.

Another reason why the Royals might keep it up: They were one of the few teams I didn't get to see during my spring tour. So by missing them, I didn't get a chance to put a whammy on anybody (you know, sweep into camp, do the big complimentary story on Joey Phenom, only to have him blow out shortly after the story runs). So keep the faith.

From: David Rebant

Your article on the Royals is the first I have been able to find of its kind on the Internet. The other major sports sites have basically ignored their 5-0 start. Even if it turns out to be a fluke, they still deserve some recognition now.

Especially now that they won again Wednesday and Thursday and are 7-0. There might be no stopping them.

From: StL Dan

Jumpin' on the Royals bandwagon with the rest of the rats, huh?

Typical.

The only rats I see Dan are the ones in your basement. I'd call somebody.

From: Mike Cooper

Opening day should be in Cincinnati. I couldn't agree more. I'm glad someone in the media agrees. I know Cincinnati isn't the glamour location of the world, but it is the original home of baseball. I'm a life-long Reds fan and attended college in Cincinnati during the height of the Big Red Machine. It pains me that the baseball powers that be think it necessary to start the season anywhere else.

See, that's what I'm saying.

From: Don

No way the Orioles finish last in the AL East!

Do you care to reassess that after this week's series with Tampa Bay?

From: Linda Angevine, St. Louis, Mo.

Scott, has anyone told you lately that you are brilliant? Of course the Cardinals are going to win it all. Everyone else is wrong, you are right!

Linda, do you think you could spare a few moments to write every week?

From: Ken Ruggiero, Niagara Falls, N.Y.

I'll disagree on your (Erick) Almonte opinion. Sure he doesn't hit for average, but he's a decent fielder who can actually go into the hole as well or better than (Derek) Jeter. Batting eighth or ninth, hitting .250-ish with some power, the Yanks will play him and win with him for six to eight weeks and then welcome Jeets back. It's gotta be that way -- Almonte is currently on my fantasy team after all.

The first rule of successful scouting is to not become emotionally involved, Ken.

From: Ty Moore

Granted Jeter is an above-average shortstop, but to suggest Erick Almonte is an inadequate replacement is absurd. Give the guy a chance. There is no telling what he can do as a everyday player. I hate when writers suggest ONE player makes the whole team. I hope the Yankees lose every game, but Almonte bats .350!

Now I never said Jeter makes the whole team. I'd also include Alfonso Soriano, Roger Clemens, Mike Mussina and David Wells.

From: Tim Johnson

Scott, please stick to west coast baseball coverage, because you apparently know less than nothing about east coast teams. Your "feel" for the way teams are run out here, as well as ALL of your predictions, both past and present, have proven dead wrong in the past and will no doubt continue to do so.

Believe me, I would love to be more specific with regards to my disagreements with you ... but there's little point. How do I single out just one?

You're fired.

But I'm scheduled to see both the Yankees and Boston in Anaheim in a couple of weeks. Couldn't I just hang around a little longer, so I can write more on each team so I can make you even angrier? It's part of the fun.

From: Tony

After reading your article on DJ Kenny Lofton, I'm convinced you have found your calling ... it's a shame you wasted all these years "writing" about sports. Rolling Stone will be lucky to have you.

Now that you mention it ...

From: Michael Jones

You never seem to have anything positive to say about the Colorado Rockies. You always seem to make some condescending or acerbic remark about them -- more so than any other team in MLB. Do you really hate them that much? I want to tell you now -- they are going to surprise everyone this year.

They look good so far. No, I don't hate them at all, that's got nothing to do with it. I just wish they'd come up with a plan and stick with it. There is absolutely no continuity there -- players come and go as if the clubhouse is a bus station.

From: Aaron Torrelio

It seems as if the critics have already pronounced Boston's closer-by-committee approach dead on arrival this year. I read your March 25th article and am wondering, how long do you think Boston can hang on to such a plan when it seems as if everyone is already jeering them for it.

On a second note it seems as if (John) Smoltz, (Greg) Maddux and (Tom) Glavine are all suffering from phantom limb syndrome. What type of year do you expect for these three, especially Glavine? They have operated together for so long and so flawlessly; can Glavine survive in the "brave" new world of Queens, N.Y.

Regarding Boston, the Red Sox swear they are going to stick with the closer-by-committee all season. I wouldn't read too much into the jeering -- if anything, it will make them even more stubborn. They're not going to let public opinion dictate policy. Second, I think all three of the pitchers you mentioned will be just fine. Each of them not only is talented, but smart as well. Smart enough to make the needed adjustments.