Titles by Jayson Stark

Every baseball fan knows that Derek Jeter and Albert Pujols are among the best to ever play the game. But how do their high-priced contracts impact their teams’ abilities to compete for a World Series title? Which managers and executives are best at getting the most out of their roster, year-in and year-out? And how does sabremetrics play into all of this? In this book, veteran ESPN columnist Jayson Stark explores these questions and many more. Supplemented with insightful commentary from countless baseball insiders, it gives baseball fans a rare, fascinating glimpse into the why behind the game’s winners and losers.

<P>The first comprehensive biography of this Philadelphia Phillies&#8217; icon, this book provides fans a detailed look into the life of legendary third baseman and feared slugger Mike Schmidt. Schmidt was not always a fan favorite&#8212;he was somewhat misunderstood and seen as standoffish by many fans who referred to him as &#8220;Mr. Cool.&#8221; Author Rob Maaddi dispels the myths by transporting readers back to key events in Schmidt&#8217;s life and Hall of Fame career that make him come alive and help to create an understanding of the hardworking ballplayer he really was. The book not only uncovers the real man behind the remarkable numbers, but also allows fans to relive the most memorable moments from Schmidt&#8217;s legendary career including his 500th career home run and the 1980 World Series victory. It also delves into his close relationships with teammates like Pete Rose, Dick Allen, and Garry Maddox. This satisfying portrait of one of the games&#8217; most celebrated players is one that baseball fans of all ages will not want to be without and will cherish for years to come.

Every baseball fan knows New York Yankee shortstop Derek Jeter is a great all-around player. But how about Alex Rodriguez, Jeter's teammate, former American League MVP, and probable future Hall of Famer? Many would argue he's even better than Jeter. And what about Jeter's seemingly unassailable status as one of the greatest Yankees of all time? Such discussions highlight one of the great joys of being a baseball fan: arguing over who's really great and who falls just short, who doesn't get the respect he deserves and who gets too much. In other words, who's overrated and who's underrated.