It's been two weeks since I wrote an "actual" column, and I did not feel like being the Stephon Marbury of the NBA -- "MIA." Besides just picking NFL games, which I might add after two weeks I am a stunning 26-6, I need to be more productive.
I have had a ton of book ideas that I have either written down or kept in my head, so I thought I would be generous and share. This is one idea that I thought would be absolutely "MONEY!"
(Note: Before you read this; Go in with an open mind; Don't hate; and Put your food down.)
Caveat: The reason why I said put your food down is because the ending of this may make you choke, therefore, continue to eat but put it down when you see the letters T.I.T.L.E..
Here IT is ... A book about first basemen in Major League Baseball, and their conversations with the runners. Honestly, why has there NOT been a book about this? Let me set the scene: Albert Puljos standing at first base while Kosuke Fukudome stands at the base after slashing a single down the third baseline. (I am not lying, I saw this during the season.) Can someone please explain what the EFF a Japanese player is going to talk about to a guy (who is on the list of "Skeptical") that came from the Dominican Republic. And it is not like they show one camera shot of them saying (with a chuckle), "Hey, what's up." No. Instead, there are multiple camera shots of them and every time they are on camera (after every pitch), the two are literally carrying on a conversation.
(Note: Even if you think this book would be irrelevant as far as outcomes of games, you are aberrant to think that this book would be unsuccessful. People love insight.)
(In all seriousness) ... How fascinating would it be to read about the conversations that go on around the league? I say it would be exhilarating.
Here's my theory: (Note: Bare in mind, I have all the access I want during this production/publishing.) "Mic up" all first basemen in the National League for two consecutive seasons. No cheap microphones. I want to be able to hear the runner without having to put a 'friggin' microphone on him too. Study the tape, prepare, and "letter rip." There are unlimited possibilities. You could obviously use quotes and add your personal thoughts (what I would do) or you could simply make it a research book such as telling the readers' what three topics are talked about the most (or something like that). Remember, this book does not have to be a 750 page manifesto. A short 200 page pop-up book would be perfect (Just kdding about the "pop-up" part). Of course, then you could make this an entire series. (Hint: Just writing about the National League for two years is NOT enough. I need more. I need the American League.)
Why have we NOT had a book come out with something within this idea. I love it. How can you not? If we can know about the catastrophic drugs injected into these players and the tainted records that come along with it, why can we not have a book about conversations at first base? Exactly my point. This would be an absolute "gem."
Title Idea: "Chatting It Up At First"
Title Idea #2 (One that MLB Commissioner, Bud Selig, would NOT approve): "Chatting It Up At First" ... followed by a bunch of subtitles scattered around the cover with question marks looking like this ... "HGH?" - "Derek Jeter's everlasting list of women?" - "Is Albert next on the "List of 103?'" - "Is your cup bothering you?" - "Is (fill in any manager) really that old?" - "The nastiest ..." (Ok I will stop there.)
If anyone would like to get me the access, I am here to type, type, type, and write, write, write.
