I would like to use this post to clarify my purposes and goals in contributing to On the Record Sports as well as address some criticism I have received.  I am here, simply, to provide commentary on sports topics and events as well as pass on interesting articles and information.  Since almost all of the sports news Blast currently has the capabilities to report would be from wire articles and not firsthand information and sources, I will not just post news.  You can get that from national websites such as ESPN.com, FOXSports.com, CBSSports.com and any regional newspaper site.  I expect this blog would not be your first source for sports news.

So if I do not supply you with news, then what do I provide?  I will link you to interesting stories that are not getting the star treatment on the major websites and will also write analysis that goes beyond the mere facts of an event.  While the Internet–and blogging in particular–has enabled much quicker access to information than previously allowed by print media, I believe that it has had the counter-effect of watering down the analysis.  An AP article can tell you that a team made a move or that a player did something but it generally will stop short of saying what that occurrence actually means.

Today I received a comment, which I interpreted as a sarcastic swipe (if it was not, my apologies), thanking me for the “mindless” sports info because it was just what he “needed.”  For starters, if a person actually needed sports information, which likely is information about the teams and athletes he or she follows, he or she likely would go about finding it on his or her own.  Secondly, I do not know what readers “need.”  What I can do, is write and reccommend material I think sports fans would find interesting.  Last Friday’s post was a collection of links.  One link was an article on SI.com about BC linebacker Mark Herzlich and the support he has received in his battle with Ewing’s Sarcoma.  While it did not concern an outcome or player transaction, it was a heartwarming, well-written article that I believe conveys the true spirt of sportsmanship.  Whether you are a BC fan or not, it is worth every sports fan’s time to read.  National sports media however are sometimes so busy reporting on Michael Vick, Brett Favre and steroids that some good articles and writers slip through the cracks.  The lines about the Red Sox being engaged in discussions with the Indians about Victor Martinez (who is now in the everyday starting lineup) as well as the Pirates not making a move that day were relevant to the Major League trade deadline.

David Ortiz’s June performances and comparisons to other teams’ sluggers is another example of an observation that isn’t worthy of a news article but still insightful.  Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain do not play for the Red Sox or Yankees but their performances warrant attention from all baseball fans.

Blogging breaks down the barriers between writers and readers.  Commenting allows readers to share information or post criticism.  An unfortunate side effect is that commenters–at least from what I have seen on this blog–also leave their politeness and courtesy offline.   Suggestions and questions are highly welcome and will be considered.  Jabs that insult my writing or deride a post with no valid suggestion or information are just a waste of your time.  Saying that you would like to see more non-Boston material is a valid comment and one that I have considered.  Asking my thoughts on a team, player, transaction or any other sports issue is a good comment.  Responding to a post or another comment with your own thoughts is also a good comment and stimulates discussion which is something blogs should do more often.  So is sharing related stories and information.  I will respond to those comments and encourage you all to do the same.  Corrections, especially when it comes to statistics, are also welcome.  I previously worked as a newspaper sports writer and received my fair share of criticism.  If you have a complaint, I ask that you back it up.