tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3031950757212286354.post8193183493574417949..comments2023-08-06T05:23:18.212-07:00Comments on It Might Be Dangerous... You Go First: New SeasonPaul DePodestahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02560758061177027738noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3031950757212286354.post-20674695840310785462009-02-19T14:00:00.000-08:002009-02-19T14:00:00.000-08:00Paul - I too vote moderated format. What I would ...Paul - I too vote moderated format. What I would like, though I don't know if it's possible, is to be able to search the comments as well as your blog entries. You can on regular google, but you can't in the Blogger search box at the top. You can imbed a google search to allow for that.<BR/><BR/>You also dutifully add labels to your entries, but you don't have an index to search them. Sure it's best for historical purposes and you want this always fresh, but it makes it easy to look back.<BR/><BR/>I would also be interested if you have access to the MLB stats pages for you to set hyperlinks from the player's names to their stats sheets. I really love stats.<BR/><BR/>Thanks for your work.Davidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12977153596017909485noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3031950757212286354.post-49110418284081605932009-02-18T21:49:00.000-08:002009-02-18T21:49:00.000-08:00Paul,I'm a big Dodgers fan (and didn't mind your t...Paul,<BR/><BR/>I'm a big Dodgers fan (and didn't mind your tenure) and just want the front office insight. Even if it is for the Pads. It is cool to hear your opinions regarding the players, transactions, scouting, etc. <BR/><BR/>I think most of us would love your job but in reality are in other careers so the insider info is great and interesting. Keep up the good work. <BR/><BR/>Feel free to offer LA, Peavy for Kershaw and Kemp (I'd do it - if we get Manny...)<BR/><BR/>Josh in Newport BeachJoshhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06199532293419669626noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3031950757212286354.post-85055043884647350442009-02-16T11:57:00.000-08:002009-02-16T11:57:00.000-08:00Paul,I think it's great that you're considering wr...Paul,<BR/><BR/>I think it's great that you're considering writing about some of the inner workings of a MLB front office. Even though some may consider these facts minutiae, others (like me) will be intrigued by an insider's perspective on the business. But, it's your blog, so you call the shots.<BR/><BR/>On a somewhat related side note, I had the chance to meet Kevin Towers in December '04. We talked shop for an hour or so, and he was nice enough to sign my Baseball-Prospectus from earlier that year, and Edit the Padres section. <BR/><BR/>In a way, your blog is an extension of that conversation. <BR/><BR/>Cheers,<BR/>WillWillhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04493246654484965238noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3031950757212286354.post-57004934184331439402009-02-16T11:48:00.000-08:002009-02-16T11:48:00.000-08:00User self-moderation is not out of the realm of po...User self-moderation is not out of the realm of possibility, either. Check out joystiq.com for a proof of concept in action. "trolling" gets voted to the bottom, giving you more time to focus on whatever else instead of moderating as much.axionhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05765467815279661624noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3031950757212286354.post-74749657810597979092009-02-16T10:23:00.000-08:002009-02-16T10:23:00.000-08:00I suggest some screening of comments, although I s...I suggest some screening of comments, although I suspect that people reading your blog are more reasonable than the average message board. Quite frankly, I highly value your input.<BR/><BR/>I was a lifelong Dodgers fan until McCourt changed directions and let you go. You did a great job for the organization and I'm now a Padres fan.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16781795648294895193noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3031950757212286354.post-56669036642946857012009-02-16T09:40:00.000-08:002009-02-16T09:40:00.000-08:00Hi Paul -I would strongly suggest using the Wordpr...Hi Paul -<BR/>I would strongly suggest using the Wordpress engine for your blog.<BR/><BR/>It is extremely flexible and customizable, which will allow you to have a unique setup, based on your own specifications.<BR/><BR/>Comments: I can understand how visitors to your site can get very emotional so I would suggest the need for each viewer to create an account before actually being able to post.<BR/>That way, in the event that this person is a "bad seed", you can disable his account for a time (or forever!)<BR/><BR/>The format of your site is great -- I think readers like myself enjoy reading about the inner workings of a professional baseball team. <BR/><BR/>I am a web developer and if you are interested, I would love the opportunity to assist you with the new version of your site. You can see my portfolio here: <A HREF="http://www.gorirra.com" REL="nofollow">Gorirra Consulting</A>.<BR/><BR/>*Note: My newest sites in the portfolio are actually powered by Wordpress.<BR/><BR/>Regards,<BR/>Joey<BR/>www.gorirra.comgorirrajoehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06895103816937831232noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3031950757212286354.post-59778824887178827912009-02-15T18:40:00.000-08:002009-02-15T18:40:00.000-08:00"amateur scouting, player development, and Major L..."amateur scouting, player development, and Major League operations. For me that big puzzle is what makes this job so much fun, but I don't assume that everyone else is equally interested in non-Major League topics."<BR/><BR/>Paul, cover everything you do. I'm interested in everything. If people aren't, they'll skip over. The reason this blog is so unique is that it gives direct access into thoughts from inside the organization. We want that. Why decisions were made, the expected outcomes, and the back-up plans. Thank you for your work. I hope you continue to blog for us for a long time.danhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16811226598051231849noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3031950757212286354.post-64853384710785801822009-02-15T10:41:00.000-08:002009-02-15T10:41:00.000-08:00Like may others have mentioned, I love your blog b...Like may others have mentioned, I love your blog because it offers a look into a side of baseball that most fans never get to see. The additional topics you mentioned are also great: amateur scouting, player development, and Major League operations. <I>There simply is no other resource for these topics.</I><BR/><BR/><B>Blog format:</B> There are two main types of blogging platforms: hosted and self-hosted. <BR/><BR/>Hosted blogging platforms take care of many of the technical details for you - you just sign up for a blog and start blogging (Examples: Blogger, WordPress.com, TypePad). The downside is that they may have certain limitations regarding availability of certain themes (blog's skin design), plugins (add functionality), and more.<BR/><BR/>Self-hosted blogging platforms offer greater flexibility and control, but require a steeper learning curve and time commitment. (WordPress.org is an example - you install the software on a domain you purchase).<BR/><BR/><B>Which blogging platform is best?</B>I use a self-hosted WordPress blog. For what I do, it is simply the best platform.<BR/><BR/>But your needs are different - you need a quick and easy way to reach the masses without spending a lot of time and energy learning the technical side of blogging.<BR/><BR/>Unless you can hire an intern or dedicated blog manager as part of the Padres staff, your best bet is probably a hosted platform like you already have. <BR/><BR/>There are different themes (designs) available for hosted blogs, you just need to find them. Try Googling "Blogger themes," "TypePad Themes," or "wordpress.com themes" to see what is avilable that will fit your needs. As long as you can find a theme that meets the structure you are looking for, you should be able to modify it a bit by adding a photo to the header or changing colors.<BR/><BR/>Best of luck deciding on your blogging platform and thanks for giving the fans insight into the front office. :)Patrickhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11090109526774213562noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3031950757212286354.post-19441717606439284462009-02-14T17:14:00.000-08:002009-02-14T17:14:00.000-08:00Blogger seems to work OK. (My blog uses a custom ...Blogger seems to work OK. (<A HREF="http://www.nationalspride.com/home/" REL="nofollow">My blog</A> uses a custom engine that has been tirelessly engineered just for us by Ian Koski and for which enhancements will roll out in about a month. We used to use WordPress, which wasn't all that great.)<BR/><BR/>Moderating comments is a pain for everybody. My advice would be to try to find a way to validate email addresses, but otherwise just to let the comments flow through and clean up as you go.<BR/><BR/>You've done great with this site and I'm enjoying it even though I'm on the other coast and root for a different team. Please keep it up.<BR/><BR/>See you guys at Nats Park in July.Mikehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01915120760049904431noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3031950757212286354.post-53012940874221894322009-02-14T13:25:00.000-08:002009-02-14T13:25:00.000-08:00Please continue posting "anything and everything" ...Please continue posting "anything and everything" baseball operations.wwilsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02774915574250701764noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3031950757212286354.post-47232959840083473482009-02-14T08:02:00.000-08:002009-02-14T08:02:00.000-08:00Paul,I think the content has been great so far, an...Paul,<BR/><BR/>I think the content has been great so far, and more of the same would be my hope.<BR/><BR/>As a diehard Padres fan I come here for the insight you offer on all aspects of the organization. That includes drafting, development, free-agency, roster construction, trades, player analysis, acquisitions, negotiation processes, and anything else that you care to offer. In my opinion there is nothing you have ever written here that was not worth the read.<BR/><BR/>As for the comments, I think it is very important to keep things from devolving into what you run into in most other fan forums. I won't pretend to know the best way to do that, but I strongly suspect that it does NOT involve allowing open comments without some form of moderation.Deadcat2https://www.blogger.com/profile/02890126412740402630noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3031950757212286354.post-13875178074107427602009-02-13T21:02:00.000-08:002009-02-13T21:02:00.000-08:00Paul,Thanks for setting up this blog. I appreciate...Paul,<BR/>Thanks for setting up this blog. I appreciate the insight into why certain things are being done. We all want to win, some fans just don't understand the economic side of it.padredudehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14162961010199872080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3031950757212286354.post-91629873337786650122009-02-13T19:01:00.000-08:002009-02-13T19:01:00.000-08:00Paul,One enhancement to your blog that would serio...Paul,<BR/><BR/>One enhancement to your blog that would seriously spark more attention is to conduct weekly Podcasts. I envision three Podcasts per month as follows:<BR/><BR/>1. Minor League Updates<BR/>2. Dominican League Updates<BR/>3. Front Office insights/interviews<BR/><BR/>MichaelUnknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09638663873182878516noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3031950757212286354.post-84066848455695995852009-02-13T17:49:00.000-08:002009-02-13T17:49:00.000-08:00Paul,I would like to get your thoughts on the 2b p...Paul,<BR/><BR/>I would like to get your thoughts on the 2b position. Are we seeing a changing of the guard at the position?<BR/><BR/>Last year at times we saw Colorado use Ian Stewart and Jeff Baker at 2b. Now I'm hearing about Mark Teahen in KC, Skip Schumaker in St.Louis and possibly Mark Reynolds in Arizona (a long shot) being used at 2b. Maybe one would consider Jeff Kent the mold for these types of moves where you sacrifice a little defense to get a whole lot more offense.<BR/><BR/>How do you weigh the defensive side of the position vs the offensive upgrade you'd get with a better yet less mobile hitter playing there?<BR/><BR/>I pose this question because right here in SD we seem to have a log jam in the OF (Giles, Headley, Hairston, Gerut, Floyd... maybe Venable/Macias). With a definite need for Offense, why not consider Chase Headly or Scott Hairston at 2b this spring?<BR/><BR/>I understand we signed David Eckstein to play the position and we want to give L.Rodriguez a shot at SS. Wouldn't it be nice to at least let Headley & Hairston get some innings at 2b this spring to give Bud more options later in the game if we need offense? Or on days where he wants to give Eckstein or Rodriguez a day off?<BR/><BR/>My expectation is that Antonelli and Denker need to play every day so they'll be in AAA. <BR/><BR/>I'd think you'd want Headley and Hairston to play every day as well but you need to play your other OF as well. Do you really need to play Eckstein every day when he's really not in your long term plans?Steve24https://www.blogger.com/profile/18331925011982529563noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3031950757212286354.post-38158154387443505922009-02-13T13:57:00.000-08:002009-02-13T13:57:00.000-08:00Paul,Like everyone else, I enjoy the blog.I'm ...Paul,<BR/><BR/>Like everyone else, I enjoy the blog.<BR/><BR/>I'm not big on the tech side of things, but I think it might be cool if you had an MLB and Minor league section. I like to read about both, but sometimes it's nice if it's broken up so you can just get the info on one or the other.<BR/><BR/>I think ESPN allows commenting in real time. Half the time the comments are outta left field but I think everybody understands that the opinions expressed there are not espn's and they just ignore them until deleted (at least thats what I do). Keith Law will reply to the comments at lot of times which is one main reason why I always look forward to his work.<BR/><BR/>A separate chat area would also be cool.<BR/><BR/>Links to the Pads minor league teams with their stats and stuff would be fun too. Maybe people who write for their websites could come in and be guest writers here and chat us up about whats going on with their teams.<BR/><BR/>I think it would be fun to set up a fantasy baseball league for the blog follows, sorta like what they do on mighty xx with rotohog & football.<BR/><BR/>I'd also like to get your thoughts on Sports Management Worldwide. Been thinking about taking some of their classes but never feel totally confortable signing up for something I'm not sure is legit. You guys ever consider grads of SMWW when hiring?Steve24https://www.blogger.com/profile/18331925011982529563noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3031950757212286354.post-13735901945412390182009-02-13T13:54:00.000-08:002009-02-13T13:54:00.000-08:00Whatever you do, please don't make me join Twitter...Whatever you do, please don't make me join Twitter or Facebook. I am happy to have been able to stay tweet-free up until now.mweldonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15257556433335294348noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3031950757212286354.post-45760169512829821942009-02-13T12:58:00.000-08:002009-02-13T12:58:00.000-08:00I disagree that pre-moderation increases the quali...I disagree that pre-moderation increases the quality of the conversation. I think it creates an environment where many are trying to appease the moderator. You end up with a bunch of yes-men, instead of an honest discussion. Just look at the blogs with pre-moderation. They almost always are preaching to the choir. Pre-moderation discourages dissent.Someone is less likely to post if they feel that the moderator will disapprove of their viewpoint.<BR/>A true quality discussion includes many different viewpoints. Not just variations of the same theme.<BR/>If you want a honest and open discussion, open it up. Just put a comments policy in place, and enforce it consistently, and across the board.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12043873610380390344noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3031950757212286354.post-59759667076293277142009-02-13T11:29:00.000-08:002009-02-13T11:29:00.000-08:00I agree with many of the other comments on moderat...I agree with many of the other comments on moderation. Moderation is needed to keep the quality of conversation high on this blog.<BR/><BR/>I think having a few posters moderate this blog for you would keep this a positive experience for you. Anything to lighten your load and allow you to just post and answer questions without any extra hastle.<BR/><BR/>If you do choose to enlist some moderators here, I hope they will moderate with an iron fist. The comparison in conversation between this place and the UT comment sections is unbelievable.SwingingFriar19https://www.blogger.com/profile/05245735827115903341noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3031950757212286354.post-11604335159802663932009-02-13T10:25:00.000-08:002009-02-13T10:25:00.000-08:00I would love to see you do more posts on the scout...I would love to see you do more posts on the scouting and talent evaluation side of the game. Knowing a bit about the process and the guys you're taking a look at makes Padres fans more knowledgeable and allows us to get excited about and acquainted with the kids coming up through the minors. Right now, the future is really all we have to get excited about so I think it'd be fun to know more about the process.Russellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00834617023447528895noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3031950757212286354.post-56843599135284083422009-02-13T10:17:00.000-08:002009-02-13T10:17:00.000-08:00There is so much great stuff here. Thanks to ever...There is so much great stuff here. Thanks to everyone for taking the time to respond with your thoughts and ideas.<BR/><BR/>I have to say that some of the responses weren't exactly what I was expecting, which makes me even happier that I did this. <BR/><BR/>Thanks again.Paul DePodestahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02560758061177027738noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3031950757212286354.post-63702410578071587632009-02-13T10:14:00.000-08:002009-02-13T10:14:00.000-08:00Paul,Enjoy your blog and appreciate a "front offic...Paul,<BR/><BR/>Enjoy your blog and appreciate a "front office" perspective on team and general baseball issues. <BR/><BR/>I frequent a couple of blogs were arguments become heated, and whatever your policies for commenting are they should clearly state what behavior will get someone banned - and them you haver to follow through and ban them! It puts an added responsibility on to you, but your site will suffer it the trolls aren't controlled.<BR/><BR/>The situation at Ducksnorts got crazy, but I'm not sure the site will be as interesting without real time comments. I'll have to see when the season starts whether I feel compelled to visit. <BR/><BR/>One suggestion during spring training - since I'll be in Peoria during spring, I'd be interested in who you'll be watching in the minor league camp and what to look for; maybe the guys who aren't highest on the radar screen. I know you can't play favorites, but...<BR/><BR/>ThanksM Oswellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12801932006369611385noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3031950757212286354.post-32028585471175679522009-02-13T09:29:00.000-08:002009-02-13T09:29:00.000-08:00Unfortunately, I don't have the technical expertis...Unfortunately, I don't have the technical expertise to recommend a blog software for you; however, I would like to suggest that comments continue to be pre-screened for the site. The content changes that you suggest are exciting-occasional chats would be a good additionPaul Reamshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05604428708854861666noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3031950757212286354.post-15636605903850348332009-02-13T08:44:00.000-08:002009-02-13T08:44:00.000-08:00Paul,Thanks for doing this. You give unique insigh...Paul,<BR/><BR/>Thanks for doing this. You give unique insights.<BR/><BR/>As far as content, the elephant in the room is the ongoing ownership change, which has gone unnoted here. I realize it's awkward to analyze your past and future bosses, but there must be a safe angle of approach.<BR/><BR/>I thought you were at your best during the draft and would love to hear more about the minor league affiliates.JEBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13795025351852676864noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3031950757212286354.post-60364745929141975232009-02-13T08:08:00.000-08:002009-02-13T08:08:00.000-08:00Paul, I'm a big fan of WordPress because of its cu...Paul, I'm a big fan of WordPress because of its customizability, although the self-hosted version does require a bit of maintenance. As for comments, I've fallen in love with pre-moderation. Part of the reason you can run 90% of what is submitted is that people know their comments will be moderated, which forces them to think before they engage the keyboard. Speaking from personal experience, this makes a huge difference in the quality of conversation. Yes, you lose some immediacy, but if people want instant gratification, there are plenty of forums available. I'd prefer to see a higher level of conversation here.<BR/><BR/>And thanks for asking.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09934717704107119309noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3031950757212286354.post-7184108774634408722009-02-13T06:23:00.000-08:002009-02-13T06:23:00.000-08:00I use Blogger and have been happy with it, despite...I use Blogger and have been happy with it, despite some limitations.<BR/>Once in a while, I receive a comment from a "male enhancement" visitor, but it is easy enough to remove.<BR/><BR/>I would open up the comments.<BR/>If it turns into a problem, you can always go back to approval only comments.<BR/>The reason the UT threads devolve into a free for all, is because they are not strict enough, or consistent enough with their removals.<BR/>Let people post freely, but have a comment policy that you fully enforce.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12043873610380390344noreply@blogger.com