Why it's so great to be a BBWAA member

Regarding the Yankee-Oriole game 8/24/08, an error was charged to Ivan Rodriguez for his play in the 9th inning. Described in the NY Times by Tyler Kepner:

• "At Camden Yards on Sunday, Rodríguez brought disaster within 90 feet. There were two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning when

• he hesitated before throwing wildly to second base.

• Brian Roberts was safe on the steal and took third
• on the error."

The Times makes no mention of Derek Jeter being involved or contributing to the disastrous play.

• That is not the case in Ed Price's description of the same event in the N.J. Star-Ledger. (Price is a voting member of the BBWAA).

From the N.J. Star-Ledger, 8/24/08:

• "After Rivera walked Brian Roberts with two out in the ninth,

• Roberts stole second and went to third when the throw from catcher Ivan Rodriguez

• went off shortstop Derek Jeter's glove and into center field.

• But Rivera struck out Nick Markakis to end the game."...

It wasn't complicated but was a huge play in a close game. Price's account leaves the impression that it was Jeter's deficiency (the throw "went off ...Derek Jeter's glove"...) that caused the nightmare:

• Price leaves out the important fact that there was an error on the throw.

• And that it was charged to Ivan Rodriguez.

Anyone relying on the Star-Ledger's Ed Price would have no choice but to blame Jeter, and would have no idea Rodriguez made a late and wild throw officially scored an error.

• There will be no negative consequences for Ed Price for writing an article like this. He will continue to grant and deny immortality with his BBWAA vote.
• No one will complain.

Price was long ago granted the opportunity for immortality in connection with the name of Derek Jeter. He took that opportunity.

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