I am frequently exasperated by hasty speakers lapsing into random media talk by using “double down” incorrectly. It is appearing more and more in supposedly well-considered writing; now I see it in a headline in the New York Times for the second time this month, used even more incorrectly than by most stoners. “Double down” does not mean “insists”, “repeats”, “continues”, “persists”, “tenacious”, or “resolute”. Its original meaning, to double a bid in blackjack in exchange for one more card, has spread to incorporate, in a clever metaphor the first time, engaging in risky (i.e. gambling) behavior, especially when already in a dangerous situation. “Double down” has become an invasive species swallowing up real words like increasing, continuing, repeating, insisting, now communicating only lazy writing and vacant thought.
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...a payroll over $220 million - a baseball team - unbelievable....I think Miami's is less than $85 million.
It bears reflection on free agency, and how it's affected league competition. We all know which teams will be contenders before the season even starts.
I know it was inevitable..but the days when players, on all sports teams, remained with their teams, was my favorite.
The basketball teams - mine was the '78 Bullets - with Unseld, Hayes and Grevey
...the baseball teams - mine was the '71 Pirates of Stargell, Clemente and Mazeroski.
...and of course, football - my '72 Steelers w/Franco, Bradshaw and Swann.
Well, times change and so have the leagues and salaries....but I can reminisce.
...$220 million - amazing..
Hoping for a good season. I'm way too old to still be watching multi-millionaires throw a ball around, but I can't help it. Yanks worked to shore up the hitting but it seemed like situational hitting was their most important weak spot last season. Judge is the only one of the big hitters who seems to really get that. If Sanchez starts going to right field, then watch out.
There’s nothing better for baseball than for both the Yankees and the Red Sox to have excellent teams. The upcoming season should be great fun. The only thing that spoils it is when the haters, who exist on both sides, come out. It’s just entertainment, and it is part of the giant sports entertainment industry. We can be fans without being tools of the industry. Baseball is such a great game, it is a shame when it is sullied by poor sportsmanship by players or fans.
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