skyking162

It’s the week of November 11th and you’re a baseball fan. What’s going on in your world?

• The BBWAA awards will be announced this week. Ryan Braun and Dustin Pedroia were named NL and AL Rookies of the Year on Monday.
• The 15 day restriction on signing other teams’ free agents is lifted today. Teams can (and will) go crazy.
• Jacque Jones was traded to the Tigers for Omar Infante.

What else? Any major events this week? Any news stories we’d want to remember next off-season? Add them in the comments throughout the week.

Popularity: 25% [?]

It’s the week of November 4th and you’re a baseball fan. What’s going on in your world?

• The Elias rankings for free agent draft pick compensation were released.
• ARod and Scott Boras demanded a $350 million offer to begin negotiations with the Yankees.
• Crazy trade rumors are starting to circulate, mostly because there isn’t much going on. Names like Tim Lincecum, Erik Bedard, and Scott Kazmir have been mentioned along with more viable candidates such as Johan Santana.
• Players continue to file for free agency.
• The debates over the major awards (RoY, CY, and MVP) are starting up again, in anticipation of the upcoming announcements.

What else? Any major events this week? Any deadlines? Any news stories that we’d want to remember next off-season?

Popularity: 24% [?]

I’ve had an idea for a project for a few months, and now is a great time to start it. Not only did the 2007 World Series finish last night, but the first big decision for the 2008 season was made during the sixth inning — a day Janus would be proud of.

Here’s what I want to do: for each week of the baseball calendar, make note of what us fans are paying attention to. What is the media covering? Is there a deadline of some sort approaching? Are we gearing up for the All-Star game? Are the winter meetings wrapping up? Much of baseball’s popularity goes beyond the game on the field. The official season lasts seven months, but the off-season is just as much of a season and there are many sub-seasons within each.

So, as a fan, what’s going on this week? What are you following? These can be general events that happen every year or specific things special to 2007. Here are some obvious ones:

• Red Sox win the World Series.
• World Series parade coming up in Boston.
• ARod opted out of his ginormous contract in hopes of even more money.
• Free agents have fifteen days to declare their free agency.
• Baseball coverage is switching full steam towards off-season moves.
• Award winners should be announced soon.

What else?

Popularity: 23% [?]