So, as I’ve probably made clear, I read a lot, and the last few days I’ve been reading a lot of baseball books — some I’ve read before, some I haven’t. One of the books I’ve read is The Pittsburgh Cocaine Seven by Aaron Skirboll. It was a worthwhile read, despite some PED moralizing that, frankly, I’m sick of in most contexts. Someone asked when I posted my Dave Parker comments a few years ago if there was a book on the Pirates cocaine scandal; there wasn’t then, but there is now. This isn’t a review, but some points of maybe interest.

Merry Christmas.

2011 Official/Potential Hall of Fame Ballot – Baseball-Reference.com.

ANNOUNCER: From Kansas City, it’s the Jeff Francoeur show, starring Jeff Francoeur! I’m your announcer, Melky Cabrera, and tonight, Jeff’s guests are: Miley Cyrus! Verne Troyer! And The Baseball Project! And now, stand and cheer, here’s Jeffy!

There has been speculation that the Braves might trade Derek Lowe to the Yankees due to the Evil Empire missing out on all the major free agents, particularly Cliff Lee, and suddenly having a Sabathia and Hughes and Pray for a Deluge pitching staff. The Braves would be foolish to not consider a Lowe trade, but there are some danger points here. In particular, Lowe, whatever you may think of him, is the most reliable starter that the Braves have from the standpoint of “You know he’s going to go out there and pitch five innings every fifth day.” It’s not much, but it’s not unimportant. If you trade Lowe, you are left with a rotation of:

Well, the Phillies have reportedly signed Cliff Lee. Might as well cancel the 2011 season. Probably 2012 too, just to be on the safe side. Oh, let’s just shut down the game entirely. Obviously, the Phillies’ rotation is the most sublime thing ever created and it would sully it to make it actually have to perform in front of people like circus animals or something. Just imagine it, it’s better that way.

Braves to add Sherrill as third lefty reliever

Technically, it’s still autumn.

Discussion question: If Melky was a breakfast cereal, what kind of cereal would he be?

I don’t really have anything to say. December is always a rough time if the Braves aren’t active.