tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post3304404209010646934..comments2023-10-20T04:28:04.547-04:00Comments on Nats320 -- A Washington Nationals Blog: NearlyScreech's Best Friendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01094199653375184305noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-89062176197584944832008-06-25T09:49:00.000-04:002008-06-25T09:49:00.000-04:00Like Basil said, 6.5 heading toward 7.5 on the rid...<I>Like Basil said, 6.5 heading toward 7.5 on the ridiculous scale.<BR/></I><BR/><BR/>*in auctioneer's voice*<BR/><BR/>We have 7.5! We have 7.5! Do I hear 8? Do I hear 8? Yes! 8.0...8.0...Edward J. Cunninghamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11925008506185290162noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-43152812295371320732008-06-23T16:08:00.000-04:002008-06-23T16:08:00.000-04:00The real story that is being missed herein: Screec...The real story that is being missed herein: Screech's Best Friend (SBF) - no one has ever asked Screech himself or herself if this is actually true! Screech may have many friends - fish, fowl, mammal, and may not wish to offend them. I think it is a bit presumptuous of SBF to claim this important mantle without apparent authority. This is the real story!<BR/><BR/>Trust in Fundamental Unfairness. All Good.SenatorNathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10049860385485455410noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-69966357038946102882008-06-23T13:20:00.000-04:002008-06-23T13:20:00.000-04:00and he keeps deleting my posts, which leads me to ...<I>and he keeps deleting my posts, which leads me to believe he's hiding something, since i've stated every single time all he has to do is e-mail me directly and i will cease and desist</I><BR/><BR/>I have no real dog in this fight, but this line strikes me as curious. I'm not seeing where SBF owes anyone any kind of explanation. I suspect that the reason for the deletion of your posts doesn't go much further than just wanting postively-oriented comments at his blog. One may disagree with that style of administration, but it's his blog and his rules.<BR/><BR/>You have your own blog? You can engage in unfettered discussion of the ramifications of his coverage of the team over there, I suppose.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-10259851716721494922008-06-23T13:16:00.000-04:002008-06-23T13:16:00.000-04:00I'd bet a large sum of money that he's not using h...<I>I'd bet a large sum of money that he's not using his general press pass to get into things.</I><BR/><BR/>Maybe so. But he's obviously on the mailing list for press releases (as differentiated from the general Nats e-mail spam that I get, for instance.)<BR/><BR/>But as I said before, none of our business really.<BR/><BR/><I>But i don't think it's right for him to attend Ladies Night and the Kids' Clinics under the guise of "reporter". these events are benefits to the fans, not news.</I><BR/><BR/>So if a male Washington Post reporter wanted to cover Ladies' Night for the Style section (they've done stranger stuff) you'd keep him out too?An Briosca Morhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06855174362787324401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-58675337662884288512008-06-23T13:05:00.000-04:002008-06-23T13:05:00.000-04:00I don't see why this is all a big deal, and yes, t...I don't see why this is all a big deal, and yes, this debate is silly. He reports, takes time out of his life to inform us about what the team does.<BR/><BR/>Give it a rest. Just email or call the Nationals if you have a problem with it, or start your own thing and do the work involved.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-64866593796311492502008-06-23T13:01:00.000-04:002008-06-23T13:01:00.000-04:00But i don't think it's right for him to attend Lad...<I>But i don't think it's right for him to attend Ladies Night and the Kids' Clinics under the guise of "reporter". these events are benefits to the fans, not news.</I><BR/><BR/>The team obviously disagrees. Your beef is with Stan Kasten and the Public Relations Department, not SBF.<BR/><BR/>It's good PR for the team. That's why they let him participate. Otherwise, 99.99999% of the fans wouldn't know a damn thing about these things. He's filling a gap in coverage.Chris Needhamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10455692848328638937noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-56044624141986804692008-06-23T12:34:00.000-04:002008-06-23T12:34:00.000-04:00Chris (and all the others),I'm not an anonymous po...Chris (and all the others),<BR/><BR/>I'm not an anonymous poster, in fact I have been transparent with my question to SBF all along. And i have no qualms AT ALL about Nats 320 covering any legitimate newsworthy event, or using his contacts to gather interviews, etc.<BR/><BR/>But i don't think it's right for him to attend Ladies Night and the Kids' Clinics under the guise of "reporter". these events are benefits to the fans, not news. <BR/><BR/>and he keeps deleting my posts, which leads me to believe he's hiding something, since i've stated every single time all he has to do is e-mail me directly and i will cease and desist.<BR/><BR/>Dave at Bottomfeeder BaseballDave Nicholshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05310191107811609232noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-63257835736982795632008-06-23T12:12:00.000-04:002008-06-23T12:12:00.000-04:00I'd bet a large sum of money that he's not using h...I'd bet a large sum of money that he's not using his general press pass to get into things.Chris Needhamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10455692848328638937noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-13245552753306030272008-06-23T12:03:00.000-04:002008-06-23T12:03:00.000-04:00I would guess that SBF (who we know works for a br...I would guess that SBF (who we know works for a broadcast media organization because he tells us this all the time) has been able to get press credentials based on his place of employment, and these press credentials gain him access to many of the events he covers on this blog. I'm sure the Nationals know that he's not covering the team for his employer and they probably tell him not to come and sit in the press box during games, or use his press credentials to try and get into sold out events like Opening Day, just as they would tell (for example) James Carville that he can't do those things either just because he has legitimate press credentials. But for events like Ladies Night and the kids clinic that the real Nationals beat reporters aren't covering anyway, they probably don't mind letting SBF in as a credentialed member of the media who just happens to be a blogger. Which is a different thing than some random guy who has a blog and wants in on account of that. If perchance SBF were to do something untoward whenever he's at an event, they would as a fallback be able to complain to his employer about it. If it were just some random blogger, they'd have no recourse and could end up quite embarrassed. Also, as others have said, SBF has worked hard and built up a high level of trust within the Nationals organization. Other bloggers (e.g. Miss Chatter) have done the same trust-building and have earned access to events or areas not open to the general public. There's nothing wrong with that.<BR/><BR/>And really, this is all speculation on my part, because when it comes down to it it's none of my business. Just as it's none of yours, anonymous. It's not like SBF is hiding anything from his readers. Often he tells us way too much - especially when he reprints interviews verbatim, including the "Hi, how are you?" greetings. If you can't read between the lines of what SBF writes to discover what's real and what's not, anonymous, then you'd have to be blind.An Briosca Morhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06855174362787324401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-57176355026987750302008-06-23T11:37:00.000-04:002008-06-23T11:37:00.000-04:00Anonymous - This is getting old and I feel sorry ...Anonymous - This is getting old and I feel sorry for SBF & TAQ for having this attached to their Blog. You sound like a jealous kid whining that you can't have something you believe you are entitled to. This is America so if you want it---work for it!<BR/><BR/>Like Basil said, 6.5 heading toward 7.5 on the ridiculous scale.<BR/><BR/>They don't have press credentials as MLB won't issue press credentials to Bloggers. <BR/><BR/>Maybe they watch Debbie Taylor on MASN and tape the Post Game for some added insight. <BR/><BR/>They do their homework and work hard and we should all be appreciative for the service they provide.<BR/><BR/>They also paid the same season ticket price as the people that sit next to them. If their tickets were comp'd, the price would say "$o.oo" and their tickets have a price on it.<BR/><BR/>Anonymous, why don't you try showing some respect and appreciation for the time and energy they put in.<BR/><BR/><B>THANKS!!!</B>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-81541487663987767462008-06-23T10:56:00.000-04:002008-06-23T10:56:00.000-04:00C'mon. Do you really need him to explain to you w...C'mon. Do you really need him to explain to you why he has access? No doubt you've got some guesses. And if you don't, I'm sure you could figure out some, even if just reading Basil's comments.<BR/><BR/>I think it's bad form for him to delete posts, but I think it's also bad form for the peanut gallery to take cheap shots at him and get all pissy when he doesn't respond to people being Aholes to him.Chris Needhamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10455692848328638937noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-48636375668686695272008-06-23T10:43:00.000-04:002008-06-23T10:43:00.000-04:00because anytime someone tries to call him on his "...because anytime someone tries to call him on his "access", he either deletes their post or tell them he doesn't owe them an explanation.<BR/><BR/>so if SBF can't be up front about how he gets to go to these things that the public can't, don't we have to assume he's hiding that fact for a reason?<BR/><BR/>if he's going as a member of the press, it's no big deal and he should just say so. if it's something else, then he's hiding something.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-44302215696211038552008-06-23T09:29:00.000-04:002008-06-23T09:29:00.000-04:00On a scale of ridiculous discussions from 1-10, th...On a scale of ridiculous discussions from 1-10, this would have to rate at least a 6.5 -- ridiculous enough, I'd say.<BR/><BR/>SBF's method for gaining access to things like these can't be that difficult to figure out: he started out (relatively) early in the Nats blogger scene, he displays a tremendous amount of passion for the team (on the field and in the social sense), and he shows a lot of initiative. I'd imagine he's earned the trust of some people high up in the organization, they know he'll enthusiastically attend even the most low-profile of events, and he has who-knows-how-many fans of the team reading his reports. If the Nats don't have a problem with him attending a kid's function, then why should we?<BR/><BR/>More power to him, I say.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-17375755961510286412008-06-23T09:08:00.000-04:002008-06-23T09:08:00.000-04:00Just one response to Randy, who said:All SBF is do...Just one response to Randy, who said:<BR/><BR/><I>All SBF is doing is preventing other bloggers from joining him in providing access to the team. As you may recall, this was started by a fellow blogger who was curious as to how SBF got in to "Ladies Night" despite not being a lady. Everybody sees the world through different lenses, so what harm is there in having more bloggers trying to get access?</I><BR/><BR/>Now SBF hasn't let me in on any of his secrets, so this is pure speculation on my part, but I have a pretty good idea this ISN'T happening:<BR/><BR/>Ted Lerner: Hey, SBF! Your blog is so successful in promoting the Nationals, we are going to give every blogger the same "extras" you've been getting for four years!<BR/>SBF: *choke* No! Unless it's only given to me, I won't write "Nats320"!<BR/>Ted Lerner: *shrugs shoulders* OK, have it your way...<BR/><BR/>SBF doesn't own the team---the Lerners do. If he happens to get unfettered access that many fans--and others in the media do not receive---I'm pretty sure it's because he's somebody the Lerners can <B>trust</B>. SBF and TAQ have earned that trust, and I respect them for it.<BR/><BR/>Here's another scenario I don't think is happening...<BR/><BR/>Mark Lerner: SBF, you've been so supportive of our team the past couple of years, you get to attend Nats games for free!<BR/>SBF: Thanks, Mark!<BR/><BR/>Occasionally, SBF may be invited to some shindig that he reports about on his blog. He also may be invited to sit in the Presidential Suites behind home plate. But I'm pretty sure he pays for his full season tickets in 218 out of his own pocket---and unless some emergency crops up, he's usually sitting in them at a home Nats game. I can't afford those tickets---at least on a season basis, but I don't begrudge SBF because he can.<BR/><BR/>Last scenario I don't think is happening.<BR/><BR/>Mark Lerner: SBF, we're going to give you an inside tour of _________, but keep it to yourself! Don't talk about it on your blog!<BR/>SBF: My lips are sealed!<BR/><BR/>In other words, when SBF is usually given access, it isn't just a "thank you" for all the hard work he's done. The Nats I'm pretty sure KNOW about this blog and they WANT him to report on this stuff for the rest of us. Does this mean he's on the Nats' payroll? Probably not, but in my opinion HE SHOULD BE and he <B>has more than earned his money!</B><BR/><BR/>Anyway, I'm off to Ocean City. Hope my hotel covers the Nats game!Edward J. Cunninghamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11925008506185290162noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-91433340826090605032008-06-23T00:00:00.000-04:002008-06-23T00:00:00.000-04:00The only problem that the team giving access to hi...The only problem that the team giving access to him is is that it means that any ol' hack blogger who strings three sentences together every other day for a month now thinks its their birth right to get to go to these events.<BR/><BR/>He's worked hard to get to know the team and its officials, and he's doing them a huge favor: getting the word out about these things that'd otherwise go uncovered. He's worked hard to develop trust from the team, despite a few initial misteps, and that -- more than anything -- is the reason why he, unlike just about anyone else who'd ask, gets to go to these things.Chris Needhamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10455692848328638937noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-82017638722295032332008-06-22T23:50:00.000-04:002008-06-22T23:50:00.000-04:00The children are on the field for two hours with t...The children are on the field for two hours with the coaches. The player is with them for 30 minutes after. There is plenty of time for everyone. Sadly there are many uninformed people commenting here.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-7894640380716766012008-06-22T23:06:00.000-04:002008-06-22T23:06:00.000-04:00@Gina -- my apologies for the lack of formating, b...@Gina -- my apologies for the lack of formating, but the Nats community web site [http://washington.nationals.mlb.com/was/community/clinics.jsp?loc=form] describes the clinic on June 21st (and four others that will take place this summer) as sponsored by Smithfield, open to children 6 to 17, free to the children attending, and including a two hour clinic, lunch, player visit and 2 game tickets per participant. <BR/><BR/>In that context, maybe a brief conversation and photo with a player wouldn't have had that much impact on the children's experience. If there were team staff around handling reigstation/clinic logistics/equipment/lunch and whatnot, in addition to player(s) and/or coaches conducting the clinic, I could picture SBF looking (to the children) like one more miscellaneous grown up--or part of the scenery.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-75923666811691957452008-06-22T22:27:00.000-04:002008-06-22T22:27:00.000-04:00SBF, You work hard and pay attention to the games....SBF, You work hard and pay attention to the games. How do you do it? You are respectful toward everyone and are a fair reporter. What is your secret? Come on, come clean!<BR/><BR/>Seriously, about last night's game, Garrett Mock pitched really well and was undone by the defense. Unless Wily Mo starts smoking the ball, we can't justify putting him in there.paulhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15683734720896529408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-22438932635505955312008-06-22T22:17:00.000-04:002008-06-22T22:17:00.000-04:00My issue isn't "how" SBF gets his access. It's hi...My issue isn't "how" SBF gets his access. It's his inability to distinguish fandom from media opportunities.<BR/><BR/>Because he chats up Saul Rivera and takes a picture with him (a fan-like experience), he takes away from the experience of the children that paid to attend.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-88916615762825415032008-06-22T22:16:00.000-04:002008-06-22T22:16:00.000-04:00Quoted by Randy - Imagine if instead of just SBF w...<I><B>Quoted by Randy</B> - Imagine if instead of just SBF we had SBF, Chris Needham, and goodness knows who else all working their angles! </I><BR/><BR/>Randy, you can't be serious. The "who else" probably have the same opportunities as SBF and TAQ if they want to devote an immense amount of time during their Spring and Summer following the Nationals and showing up at every game and doing their homework and probably breaking open the piggybank because "premium access" costs money starting with buying great season's tickets to traveling to Spring Training to paying to go to the Dreams Foundation Gala and Golf Events and other events.<BR/><BR/>For the insider's angles, it goes to the old sayings of "It ain't what you know, but WHO YOU KNOW" and "He with the gold, makes the rules".<BR/><BR/>I wish you and others luck in your quest to the "secret" formula; however, I don't really think it is a "secret".Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-56179472845499331402008-06-22T21:43:00.000-04:002008-06-22T21:43:00.000-04:00All the more reason for SBF to come out! If this i...All the more reason for SBF to come out! If this is a service for everybody, and he isn't profiting from it, then what incentive does he have for excluding other bloggers? Imagine if instead of just SBF we had SBF, Chris Needham, and goodness knows who else all working their angles! All SBF is doing is preventing other bloggers from joining him in providing access to the team. As you may recall, this was started by a fellow blogger who was curious as to how SBF got in to "Ladies Night" despite not being a lady. Everybody sees the world through different lenses, so what harm is there in having more bloggers trying to get access?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-40453973127590670332008-06-22T20:52:00.000-04:002008-06-22T20:52:00.000-04:00I think SBF and TAQ do such a great service that I...I think SBF and TAQ do such a great service that I had said to them last night that they deserve full Media credentials to which SBF replied that Bloggers can't get any Media credentials.<BR/><BR/>It is amazing what great insight they have while not being afforded the same resources as the "paid" media.<BR/><BR/>Keep up the great work----I for one greatly appreciate it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-59439861880054797402008-06-22T20:36:00.000-04:002008-06-22T20:36:00.000-04:00One more thing SBF has not commented on. I noticed...One more thing SBF has not commented on. I noticed today that the Nats replaced the Canadian flag in center field with a red flag emblazoned with a white curly W representing the ball club.<BR/><BR/>I know why they did this, and I'm surprised this did not happen sooner. As soon as I saw the drawings of Nationals Park with the Canadian flag in center field, I realized a mistake had been made and I was shocked when that flag was actually flown on Opening Night.<BR/><BR/>Why? Because flag protocol at MLB parks requires that the Canadian and U.S. flags to be flown together at EQUAL heights. This is not usually done unless a Canadian team is playing. Should the Toronto Blue Jays ever come to Nationals Park, you should see the U.S. flag on the left flagpole and the Canadian flag on the right with nothing on the center flagpole. This is how things were done at OPACY when the Blue Jays and future Nationals came to town. It was also done when the Cuban national team came to Baltimore as well. It was only a matter of time before somebody---possibly from the Canadian embassy---noticed and complained.<BR/><BR/>Anyway, nothing has been said publicly about this, so at least there is no bruhaha. If I'm wrong, then I hope somebody will correct me.Edward J. Cunninghamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11925008506185290162noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-29551060120976697822008-06-22T20:29:00.000-04:002008-06-22T20:29:00.000-04:00What part of "It's not open for discussion" is not...What part of "It's not open for discussion" is not clear? I don't question how SBF gets the access because I appreciate the information he passes along. I don't view his blog as self-serving---SBF gives me a lot of information that I either want or need to know as a fan. For example, how many Nats fans might have gotten stuck on the Metro if SBF hadn't told us all about the scheduled maintenance?<BR/><BR/>If you want to bash somebody, bash the Lerners if you think he's cheap. Bash Jim Bowden if you think he's done a lousy job signing or trading players. Bash Manny Acta if you think he's not managing the team right. Bash the players you think are screwing up. Disagree with SBF on any of his opinions about the team.<BR/><BR/>But do NOT question why SBF gets the access that he does. Just accept that what we read about on this blog, we're getting from the horse's mouth. I would hate to see this great source of information on my favorite baseball team go away because my fellow fans became jealous of SBF rather than grateful.<BR/><BR/>And unlike some people who post on this thread, I use my real name whenever I postEdward J. Cunninghamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11925008506185290162noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-2810998953325318502008-06-22T20:27:00.000-04:002008-06-22T20:27:00.000-04:00Despite endless attempts by thousands of people, C...Despite endless attempts by thousands of people, Colonel Sanders took the mystery of his "secret recipe" to his grave. So how can we reasonably expect SBF to reveal his secret recipe for obtaining access to so many events? Who cares? Whatever his methods or connections, you must admit that he has unbelievable access for someone who is "just a fan." But you can probably ask and ask and ask, and I doubt that we will ever know the true story. Just another in a long list of life's little mysteries.<BR/>SBF? Colonel Sanders? OK, maybe that is stretching it just a bit, but I'm sure you get my point. <BR/>If SBF were to reveal that he is being paid $50K/year, or even $100 per post to report the company line, would you stop reading Nats320? If this is causing you so much aggravation, why do you still read it? You do have a choice. Just accept it for what it is, whatever "it" is. He has access. We don't. The End.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com