Paul Sullivan's Pity Party

[Soul]

Bruce Miles is treated differently around here because he posts here and lots of posters, for lack of a better phrase, suck up to him. I cringe when I see some of the "hey Bruce" posts.

 

If Sullivan posted as "Paul Sullivan" he would be treated differently.

 

Both of them do a fine job "covering" the Cubs in my opinion. It's not a difficult job. You report what you know....and speculate on all the rest. No big deal.

 

No. Bruce doesn't write articles with a clear anti-Cub bias. When Bruce is critical, it's backed up with facts. Sullivan doesn't.

 

If Sullivan posted here, he'd be treated like we treat anyone who makes poor arguments. He'd be called out and made to defend his arguments.

 

Bruce more often sticks to the facts he knows instead of going off into a diatribe of his opinions. I like that. Sullivan's opinions mean little to me, but I do understand that having strong opinions, even if they aren't well backed-up, can gain readership -- rightly or wrongly. Look at Mariotti.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

I've never really met Sullivan, so I don't know him personally. He may be a great guy. That being said, I don't like the way he covers the Cubs. Whether intentional or not, he always appears to be snide or condescending. He writes as if he has an axe to grind and takes a tabloid-like approach.

 

I won't attack him personally, because I don't know him; however, his writing seems as if it would be more something I'd read in the The News-Star instead of the largest paper in Chicago.

 

Thank goodness for Bruce Miles.

 

That is fair...you are entitled to your opinion. He is just a disgruntled Cubs fan like everyone else. I guess one gets jaded after so many years in the business which is why they used to rotate beat writers regularly back in the day.

 

I too enjoy Bruce's work out of all of the beat writers in the city.

 

I understand that it might be easy to get jaded. But he is the beat writer for the Cubs for the largest paper in the city. He's probably the most widely read of all the beat writers that follow the team. In my opinion, he has an obligation to put his personal feelings aside and do his job.

 

When he makes snide comments to Cubs fans in his "Ask Paul" column, or when he appears to write with a chip on his shoulder toward certain players or otherwise, I think it reflects poorly on him. It's the same behavior that I faulted Chip and Steve with back at the end of the 2004 season. Yes, I'm sure it's difficult dealing day in and day out with prima donna athletes...some which may be hard to like. But it's a dream job for a lot of people.

 

I can forgive a lot of writers who are overly committed to "old school" thought. I've grown accustomed to that. What makes it harder with Sullivan is the tone at which he takes with his writing. While he may feel that way, as a professional, I think it would be best if he toned it down. He may be a great guy. I don't know. But he writes as if he has an axe to grind, and frankly I think the Trib could find someone much better to do his job.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Bruce Miles is treated differently around here because he posts here and lots of posters, for lack of a better phrase, suck up to him. I cringe when I see some of the "hey Bruce" posts.

 

If Sullivan posted as "Paul Sullivan" he would be treated differently.

 

Both of them do a fine job "covering" the Cubs in my opinion. It's not a difficult job. You report what you know....and speculate on all the rest. No big deal.

 

I think you are half-right with this post. Bruce is treated differently, first because he writes well. I think his articles and thoughts would draw attention even if he had never posted on these forums.

 

Secondly, Bruce at least seems to understand the sabermetric side of things. That appeals to lots of us.

 

Third, is what you said. Because Bruce does take the time to interact with us, we appreciate that.

 

Would we suddenly become fans of Sullivan if he posted here? I don't think so. I'd still take issue with his snarkiness and snide comments. On the other hand, if he were around we might be able to "get a feel" for why he writes what he writes and way he writes it. If he shared with us information and honestly answered questions, our gratitude might help soften the disgust we have with some of his columns.

 

So, while there may be some truth in what you posted, it is not the whole reason Bruce gets much more love and admiration than Paul among the NSBB faithful.

[davearm]

Well I certainly hope you're right and I'm wrong in the general.

 

Doesn't change my opinion of the specific. ARam's mucked things up in the past by standing and admiring near-homers. It's frustrating to see it continue even when it doesn't wind up costing the Cubs.

 

When?

There are millions of babies starving in Africa, although if you wanted to challenge me on that, I couldn't name you even one.

 

I can't recall the exact dates and times when ARam's standing at the plate while the ball caroms off the wall has bit him and the Cubs in the behind.

 

But I can recall it happening more than once.

 

Not good enough. You can't disparage a guy's reputation with absolutely no evidence to back it up.

 

Name me one time where he's been thrown out because he jogged out of the box on a hard hit ball. I'll bet you can't.

I'VE ALREADY TOLD YOU THAT I CAN'T!!!

 

I also couldn't tell you the exact date and time that I last saw Seinfeld, or visited the Post Office, or ate at Applebee's, or had my car washed, or a bazillion other things that simply aren't worth committing to memory.

 

This thing with ARam standing and admiring balls that end up not leaving the yard happens too often (IMO), and you're deluding yourself if you think it has never once cost the Cubs either an extra base or an out. It has.

Edited July 18, 2007 by davearm

[CubinNY]

Bruce Miles is treated differently around here because he posts here and lots of posters, for lack of a better phrase, suck up to him. I cringe when I see some of the "hey Bruce" posts.

 

If Sullivan posted as "Paul Sullivan" he would be treated differently.

 

Both of them do a fine job "covering" the Cubs in my opinion. It's not a difficult job. You report what you know....and speculate on all the rest. No big deal.

That is one of the more uninformed posts I've read on here in a long, long time.

 

stupid spelling

Edited July 18, 2007 by CubinNY

[CDBears1259]

Bruce Miles is treated differently around here because he posts here and lots of posters, for lack of a better phrase, suck up to him. I cringe when I see some of the "hey Bruce" posts.

 

If Sullivan posted as "Paul Sullivan" he would be treated differently.

 

Both of them do a fine job "covering" the Cubs in my opinion. It's not a difficult job. You report what you know....and speculate on all the rest. No big deal.

That is one of the more uniformed posts I've read on here in a long, long time.

 

How uniform is it? Is it a nice uniform, like the Marines? :wink:

[Transmogrified Tiger]

People liked Bruce Miles' writing long before he posted here, and people hated Paul Sullivan's writing even longer before that.

[nolanwood]

People liked Bruce Miles' writing long before he posted here, and people hated Paul Sullivan's writing even longer before that.

 

+1

 

=D>

[CubinNY]

Bruce Miles is treated differently around here because he posts here and lots of posters, for lack of a better phrase, suck up to him. I cringe when I see some of the "hey Bruce" posts.

 

If Sullivan posted as "Paul Sullivan" he would be treated differently.

 

Both of them do a fine job "covering" the Cubs in my opinion. It's not a difficult job. You report what you know....and speculate on all the rest. No big deal.

That is one of the more uniformed posts I've read on here in a long, long time.

 

How uniform is it? Is it a nice uniform, like the Marines? :wink:

More like the 1970s Houston Astros or Chicago White Sox

[BigbadB]

I guess it's not Paul. But apparently someone that does have access to why Teddy doesn't cover the Cubs any longer. :)

 

She has expressed in other threads that she prefers (and likely for employment's sake) to stay anonymous.

 

My issue with some of these beat writers is that it's just the same drivel on a different day. What Bruce Miles has done is embrace new statistics for defining a players worth, team value, etc....

 

I had a job that I perfected my craft once and technology passed me by like a ship in the night. That's what you have with the Sullivan's and Muskat's of the world. Sure, because of who they work for, they do have to tow the company line, but other than being creative at forming sentences, they don't supply anymore talent than half the people who post in this forum. And I actually prefer to read half the people in this forum rather than Sullivan or Muskat. Actually, I don't read Muskat at all anymore. I value my time much more than that.

 

Bruce gets the respect he deserves around here because he understands that Neifi Perez should not bat first, ever. He knows what OBP is. He has made advances to improve his knowledge of the game and share that knowledge with his readership.

 

I don't mind it if someone wants to defend Carrie or Paul's creative writing skills, but no one should get upset at people who basically see their columns as "seen one, seen 'em all". That would be me.

[Ding Dong Johnson]

Bruce Miles is treated differently around here because he posts here and lots of posters, for lack of a better phrase, suck up to him. I cringe when I see some of the "hey Bruce" posts.

 

If Sullivan posted as "Paul Sullivan" he would be treated differently.

 

Both of them do a fine job "covering" the Cubs in my opinion. It's not a difficult job. You report what you know....and speculate on all the rest. No big deal.

 

I needed that laugh

[CubinNY]

I guess it's not Paul. But apparently someone that does have access to why Teddy doesn't cover the Cubs any longer. :)

 

She has expressed in other threads that she prefers (and likely for employment's sake) to stay anonymous.

 

And yet she throws out unsubstantiated bits of drivel with almost every post.

 

Maybe she's Paul Sullivan's wife.

[Ding Dong Johnson]

I guess it's not Paul. But apparently someone that does have access to why Teddy doesn't cover the Cubs any longer. :)

 

She has expressed in other threads that she prefers (and likely for employment's sake) to stay anonymous.

 

And yet she throws out unsubstantiated bits of drivel with almost every post.

 

Maybe she's Paul Sullivan's wife.

 

OMG, IT'S LOIS LANE!

[daske17]

I guess it's not Paul. But apparently someone that does have access to why Teddy doesn't cover the Cubs any longer. :)

 

She has expressed in other threads that she prefers (and likely for employment's sake) to stay anonymous.

 

And yet she throws out unsubstantiated bits of drivel with almost every post.

 

Maybe she's Paul Sullivan's wife.

 

OMG, IT'S LOIS LANE!

 

Or Carol Slezak or Toni Gianetti from the Sun-Times. (only other two female sports reporters I could think of)

Edited July 18, 2007 by daske17

[BigbadB]

And yet she throws out unsubstantiated bits of drivel with almost every post.

 

Maybe she's Paul Sullivan's wife.

 

And your point would be? If we all had the same identical substantiated bits of drivel, there wouldn't be a whole lot to say here, would there?

 

People have the right to remain anonymous (myself included) and they have the right to form their own opinions. As long as it's respectful, who cares?

[CubinNY]

And yet she throws out unsubstantiated bits of drivel with almost every post.

 

Maybe she's Paul Sullivan's wife.

 

And your point would be? If we all had the same identical substantiated bits of drivel, there wouldn't be a whole lot to say here, would there?

 

People have the right to remain anonymous (myself included) and they have the right to form their own opinions. As long as it's respectful, who cares?

 

Neither you nor I pretend to be "in the know" and have "sources" we can't reveal.

 

There is nothing wrong with being anonymous. However, if I had inside information that I couldn't or wouldn't substantiate I wouldn't post inuendo on freaking Cubs fan message board to make myself look important.

[Ding Dong Johnson]

As long as it's respectful, who cares?

 

respectful is the key, I don't think it always is

[BigbadB]

As long as it's respectful, who cares?

 

respectful is the key, I don't think it always is

 

I've always just viewed her responses as defensive.

[BigbadB]

Neither you nor I pretend to be "in the know" and have "sources" we can't reveal.

 

There is nothing wrong with being anonymous. However, if I had inside information that I couldn't or wouldn't substantiate I wouldn't post inuendo on freaking Cubs fan message board to make myself look important.

 

Based on her posting history, I haven't seen any reason to believe she is pretending to have inside information or sources.

 

I'm giving her the benefit out the doubt. From other threads I've read, it sounds like there are lots of management people within the Cubs organization and its affiliations that check out NSBB routinely (mostly lurking), why chase them off?

 

As much as I like to hear myself talk, if I had an important position within the ranks of the Cubs organization, I'd probably have a tough time staying off message boards while attempting to remain anonymous.

 

If your employment (and working for the Cubs in any capacity would be an awesome job) depended on your anonymity and protecting insider knowledge, I don't think NSBB or any other message board exposure would be worth losing my job over.

[CubinNY]

Neither you nor I pretend to be "in the know" and have "sources" we can't reveal.

 

There is nothing wrong with being anonymous. However, if I had inside information that I couldn't or wouldn't substantiate I wouldn't post inuendo on freaking Cubs fan message board to make myself look important.

 

Based on her posting history, I haven't seen any reason to believe she is pretending to have inside information or sources.

 

I'm giving her the benefit out the doubt. From other threads I've read, it sounds like there are lots of management people within the Cubs organization and its affiliations that check out NSBB routinely (mostly lurking), why chase them off?

 

As much as I like to hear myself talk, if I had an important position within the ranks of the Cubs organization, I'd probably have a tough time staying off message boards while attempting to remain anonymous.

 

If your employment (and working for the Cubs in any capacity would be an awesome job) depended on your anonymity and protecting insider knowledge, I don't think NSBB or any other message board exposure would be worth losing my job over.

 

Did you read her comments about Teddy Greenstein? She practically slandered the guy in one inuendo dripping sentence. Or how about how the other MLB clubs are embarrased by Loria? Her follow up to those posts were to the extent of "trust me, I'm in the know". BFD.

 

I'll tell you what. This isn't worth getting worked up over. I'll just put her on ignore.

[BigbadB]

Well, I was referring to being respectful of other posters on NSBB, which is in the member guidelines. We all do a pretty good job of ripping players, management, brass and beat reporters, etc.... :P

[CubinNY]

Well, I was referring to being respectful of other posters on NSBB, which is in the member guidelines. We all do a pretty good job of ripping players, management, brass and beat reporters, etc.... :P

Except we don't pretend to be someone we're not.

 

Boy do I know some stories about Yosh, the equipment manager. Let's just say no one walks by him without a cup on. But I can't say anymore. I like a paycheck, it's a good thing to be paid. But I really can't tell you whom I'm payed by. But let's just say, it has something to do with Clark and Addison streets. But I won't say anymore becuase I like my job. It's a great job. Trust me.

[BigbadB]

Except we don't pretend to be someone we're not.

 

She's also not trolling on here like someone who would pretend to be someone they are not just to get a rise out of people.

 

This site has become quite popular. Roster moves have been announced before they became public knowledge. People of importance post here occasionally. NSBB has gotten some air time on WGN by Len and Bob. There are minor league family members posting here. There are minor league broadcasters posting here. We'd probably be amazed at some of the people who read (lurk) this board, even it only periodically.

 

I just see zero reason to call people out unless they post something that really deserves calling out.

 

RedIvyCub's posts have been pretty harmless. When she posts that Lou and Hendry are sleeping together, maybe then I'll get alarmed.

[jersey cubs fan]

Except we don't pretend to be someone we're not.

 

She's also not trolling on here like someone who would pretend to be someone they are not just to get a rise out of people.

 

This site has become quite popular. Roster moves have been announced before they became public knowledge. People of importance post here occasionally. NSBB has gotten some air time on WGN by Len and Bob. There are minor league family members posting here. There are minor league broadcasters posting here. We'd probably be amazed at some of the people who read (lurk) this board, even it only periodically.

 

I just see zero reason to call people out unless they post something that really deserves calling out.

 

RedIvyCub's posts have been pretty harmless. When she posts that Lou and Hendry are sleeping together, maybe then I'll get alarmed.

 

Is this not the person who ranted about Ryno ruining his marriage or something like that?

[BigbadB]

Don't know, Goony.