STANDINGS

SOME GENERAL OBSERVATIONS

Louie Armstrong was right, what a truly wonderful world it is—until my 60-day warranty ran out.  Now, it’s just a cruel summer.

It looks like it’s going to be an interesting year, not Jon and Kate Plus Eight interesting, but it will do.  This is where I’m supposed to start complaining about my team, except I’m not going to go there.  Complaining about your team is like an 85-year-old lady getting her hair done every week.  Other than her, who cares?

The Message Board looks like your parents put a serious cap on your message texting.  You guys do know it’s free, don’t you?  Sneak downstairs to the computer after they go to bed, they’ll never know.  I haven’t been on it at all this year and that’s five times more than most of you.  If it wasn’t for Linda forging our names on Scott’s congratulatory messages, there wouldn’t have been any action on the board for months, except for Ted, our resident ENTP, who I’ll get to later.

James Brown had nothing on Scott, he’s the hardest working man in fantasy baseball.  I feel like going into his office and throwing a cape over him.  It’s impossible to get a player by him.  He has more people on his To Watch List than a peeping Tom and I should know.  Every time I tell him about a player I’m looking at or a neighbor I’m considering peeping in on, he tells me more about the person than their immediate family knows.

Wouldn’t it be great if Dave and Johnny could collaborate on a book about the Hot Stove League?  It might only sell 13 copies, but I would pay to read it.  We are lucky to have such good writers in our company.

Here’s a quick question that might surprise you.  Out of all the players currently on a major league roster, I think the number is 400 plus, how many have a college degree?  I’ll give you a little time to think about it.

Jonathan Sanchez?  Really?  This year I left the Draft thinking that I drafted a better team than Johnny.  After all these years, I still don’t know what it is that you do, but I’m sure you are probably pretty good at it.

THE MYERS-BRIGGS TEST

Instead of the regular old Bellyflop, Ted got me thinking about the Myers-Briggs test and how it might relate to our league.  For those of you who aren’t familiar with the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, it is a psychometric questionnaire designed to measure psychological preferences in how we perceive the world and make decisions.  I have a little history with it that I’d like to share. 

As part of the hiring process at Novartis Pharmaceuticals everyone was required to take the Myers-Briggs test to help in identifying what “team members” would work well together.  There were about 30 of us taking the test that day and there was every size, shape, color and age that you could imagine.  After taking the test the instructor had us each grade our papers and add up our scores.

I looked over at the girl on my left, who looked like Jane Hathaway from the Beverly Hillbillies—she could make a librarian look like Sam Kinison—and on my right was a guy who looked like John Clayton, the football analyst for ESPN, thinning hair, no chin, glasses and he was visibly shaken when someone coughed in the room.  I peeked at her score and it was something like 36 and his was around 30.  I don’t remember exactly what their scores were, only that mine was, like, a 6.  I raised my hand and told the instructor that (a) I wasn’t paying attention when he told us how to grade our papers; (b) I didn’t “get it”; or (c) any combination of A and B.  He came over and said, “No, you did it right.  It’s just that you’re a raging extravert and we don’t see too many of them here.” Also, as part of the exercise, we had to critique each other and I could have sworn I heard someone mutter under their breath, “He’s louder than a Puerto Rican’s shirt.” 

So you can all be thankful that there are some very serious people making your cherry-flavored Maalox and Tavist D decongestant and you can sleep peacefully at night knowing that I’m NOT making your cherry-flavored Maalox and Tavist D decongestant anymore.  I think I may be the one responsible for that skull and crossbones warning label.  My time at Novartis felt like a stint in the service.

Anyway, I am an ENFP, which surprisingly is very close to Ted.  We are both extraverts and lean towards the Intuition or N, focusing our attention on the big picture rather than the details, and on future possibilities rather than immediate realities.  The big difference comes in the third letter.  Ted is a T, which stands for thinking; they prefer to decide things from a more detached standpoint, measuring the decision by what seems reasonable, logical, causal, consistent and matching a given set of rules.  I am an F, which stands for Feeling; we tend to come to decisions by associating or empathizing with the situation, looking at it “from the inside” and weighing the situation to achieve, on balance, the greatest harmony, consensus and fit, considering the needs of the people involved.  We are both P’s, which stands for Perception, as compared to J’s, which stands for Judgment.  We prefer to withhold judgment and delay important decisions, preferring to “keep our options open” should circumstances change, as compared to J’s, who tend to plan their activities and make decisions early.  They derive a sense of control through predictability, which to perceptive types may seem limiting.

To sum up it all up, we’re both extraverts yelling in different directions so we don’t hear each other.  I think for the most part the vast majority of you will have the T in your own personal makeup.  To relate that to baseball, while the majority of you are carefully measuring and computing statistics, pouring over reversion to the means variables and crunching numbers, I am genetically predisposed to release a player because he wears his hat off to the side and pick up a player because he’s got a hot wife.  Thank God we have a number crunching extravert in the league.  Otherwise, the Message Board would be a barren wasteland.  Keep up the good work, Ted.  The rest of you are doing the same work, and thinking the same ideas, you just don’t say it out loud.

I thought it would be fun to apply what I know or think I know about you guys to the Myers-Briggs Test.  Of course, this is just a blanket perception on my part and according to my own results none of my opinions will be the result of anything reasonable, logical, causal, consistent and matching a given set of rules.  I kind of like that caveat—it’s like a get out jail free card.  Blame Jung and Keirsey for the conclusions, blame me for the typos, for there will be many.  If I ever learn how to cut and paste I’ll be dangerous.  So here we go:

These are the four pairs of preferences:

INTP

Big Guy

Screech

Introversion preferred to Extraversion:  INTPs tend to be quiet and reserved.

N-iNtuition preferred to Sensing:  INTPs tend to be more abstract than concrete. They focus their attention on the big picture rather than the details.

T- Thinking preferred to Feeling:  INTPs tend to value objective criteria above personal preference.  When making decisions, they generally give more weight to logic than to social considerations.

P-Perception preferred to Judgment:  INTPs tend to with hold judgment and delay important decisions, preferring to “keep their options open” should circumstances change.

INTP types are quiet, thoughtful, analytical individuals who enjoy spending time on their own, working through problems and forming solutions.  They are curious about systems and how things work.  They are frequently found in careers such as science, architecture and law.  They enjoy the company of those who share their interests.  They demonstrate remarkable skill in explaining complex ideas to others in simple terms, especially in writing.  On the other hand, their ability to grasp complexity may also lead them to provide overly detailed explanations of simple ideas, and listeners may judge that the INTP makes thing more difficult than they are.  To the INTP they are merely presenting all the information.  During interactions with others, if INTPs are focused on gathering information, they may seem oblivious and aloof, when in fact they are concentrating on listening and understanding.  However, INTPs’ extraverted intuition often gives them a quick wit, especially with language.  They can be charming, even in their quiet reserve, and are sometimes surprised by the high esteem in which their friends and colleagues hold them.

Big Guy, this one seems like it’s tailor made for you.

Screech, I know you guys do these kind of tests.  I would be interested to see how you would fare in this one.

I concur, in high esteem indeed.

ISTP

Mitch

I-Introverson preferred to Extraversion:  ISTPs tend to be quiet and reserved.  They generally prefer interacting with a few close friends rather than a wide circle of acquaintances.

S-Sensing preferred to iNtuition:  ISTPs tend to be more concrete than abstract.  They focus their attention on the details rather than the big picture, and on immediate realities rather than future possibilities.

T-Thinking preferred to Feeling:  ISTPs tend to rely on objective criteria rather than personal values.  When making decisions, they generally give more weight to logic than to social considerations.

P-Perception preferred to Judgment:  ISTPs tend to withhold judgment and delay important decisions, preferring to keep their options open should circumstances change.

ISTPs excel at analyzing situations to reach the heart of a problem so that they can swiftly implement a functional repair.  They are interested in understanding how systems operate, focusing on efficient operation and structure.  They are open to new information and approaches.  But contrary to their seemingly detached natures, ISTPs are often capable of humorously insightful observations about the world around them, and can be closet daredevils who gravitate toward fast-moving or risky hobbies (such as bungee jumping, racing and parachuting).  To master the tool of their interest, ISTPs require a certain degree of seclusion in which to practice.  The result is often a virtuosity that other types find difficult to match.

Mitch, you were the hardest for me to pin down.

ISFJ

Chuck

I-Introversion preferred to Extraversion:  ISFJs tend to be quiet and reserved.  They generally prefer interacting with a few close friends rather than a wide circle of acquaintances.

S-Sensing preferred to iNtuition:  ISFJs tend to be more concrete than abstract.  They focus their attention on the details rather than the big picture, and on immediate realities rather than future possibilities.

F-Feeling preferred to Thinking:  ISFJs tend to value personal preference above objective criteria.  When making decisions, they often give more weight to social considerations than to logic.

J-Judgment preferred to Perception:  ISFJs tend to plan their activities and make decisions early.  They derive a sense of control through predictability

ISFJs are interested in maintaining order and harmony in every aspect of lives.  They are steadfast and meticulous in handling their responsibilities.  Although quiet, they are people-oriented and very observant.  Not only do they remember details about others, but they observe and respect others feelings.  Friends and family are likely to describe them as thoughtful and trustworthy.  They are modest caretakers who do not demand credit or thanks for their efforts.  But while they are essentially very compassionate, their shyness with strangers can lead others to misread them as standoffish.  Only among friends and family may this quiet type feel comfortable speaking freely.  ISFJs are serious people with a strong work ethic, not inclined to self-indulgence.

I think I’m close here.  One of the nicest guys I’ve ever met.

ISTJ

Jim

Linda

I-Introversion preferred to Extraversion:  ISTJs tend to be quiet and reserved.  They generally prefer interacting with a few close friends rather than a wide circle of acquaintances.

S-Sensing preferred to iNtuition:  ISTJs tend to be more concrete than abstract.  They focus their attention on the details rather than the big picture, and on immediate realities rather than future possibilities.

T-Thinking preferred to Feeling:  ISTJs tend to value objective criteria above personal preference.  When making decisions, they generally give more weight to logic than to social considerations.

J-Judgment preferred to Perception:  ISTJs tend to plan their activities and make decisions early.  They derive a sense of control through predictability.

ISTJs thrive on organization.  They keep their lives and environments well-regulated.  They bring painstaking attention to detail in their work and will not rest until a job is well completed.  They are often dissatisfied with unresolved issues, whether in life or in fiction.

ISTJs are faithful, logical, organized, sensible, and earnest traditionalists.  They earn success by thoroughness and dependability.  They enjoy creating order in both their professional and personal lives.  ISTJs prefer dealing with the present and factual.  Keen observers of life, they weigh various options when making decisions.  They believe in practical objectives, and they value traditions and loyalty.

Jimmy, you were another hard one, but I think I’m right here.

Linda, you’re one of us, so under the microscope you go.  To be as incredibly efficient as you are, you have to be my polar opposite.  Not only is Dave lucky to have you, all of us have benefited from your help and expertise.  You have kept our little club running smoothly for all these years and I am eternally grateful.  Now, stop what you’re doing right now and go parachuting with Mitch.  Life’s short.

ENTJ

Johnny

E-Extraversion preferred to Introversion:  ENTJs often feel motivated by their interactions with people.  They tend to enjoy a wide circle of acquaintances, and they gain energy in social situations.

N-iNuition preferred to Sensing:  ENTJs tend to be more abstract than concrete.  They focus their attention on the big picture rather than the details, and on future possibilities rather than immediate realities.

T-Thinking preferred to Feeling:  ENTJs tend to value objective criteria above personal preference.  When making decisions, they generally give more weight to logic than to social considerations.

J-Judgment preferred to Perception:  ENTJs tend to plan their activities and make decisions early.  They derive a sense of control through predictability, which to perceptive types may seem limiting.

ENTJs focus on the most efficient and organized means of performing a task.  This quality, along with their goal orientation, often makes ENTJs superior leaders, both realistic and visionary in implementing a long-term plan.  ENTJs tend to be fiercely independent in their decision making, having a strong will that insulates them against external influence.  ENTJs often excel in business and other areas that require systems analysis, original thinking, and an economically savvy mind.  They are dynamic and pragmatic problem solvers.  They have a high degree of confidence in their own abilities, making them assertive and outspoken.  In dealings with others, they are generally outgoing, charismatic, fair-minded, and unaffected by conflict or criticism.  However, since ENTJs rely on provable facts, they may find subjective issues pointless.  ENTJs appear to take a tough approach to emotional or personal issues, and so can be viewed as aloof and cold-hearted.

Poor Bastard.

INFP

Mouse

Denny

Blongo

I-Introversion preferred to Extraversion:  INFPs tend to be quiet and reserved.  They generally prefer interacting with a few close friends rather than a wide circle of acquaintances.

N-iNtuition preferred to Sensing:  INFPs tend to be more abstract than concrete.  They focus their attention on the big picture rather than the details, and on future possibilities rather than immediate realities.

F-Feeling preferred to Thinking:  INFPs tend to value personal preference above objective criteria.  When making decisions, they often give more weight to social considerations than to logic.

P-Perception preferred to Judgment:  INFPs tend to withhold judgment and delay important decisions, preferring to keep their options open should circumstances change.

INFPs focus much of their energy on an inner world dominated by intense feeling and deeply held ethics.  They seek an external life that is in keeping with these values.  Loyal to the people and causes important to them, INFPs can quickly spot opportunities to implement their ideals.  They are curious to understand those around them, and so are accepting and flexible except when their values are threatened.  The polite, reserved exterior of INFPs can at first make them difficult to get to know.  They enjoy conversation, however, taking particular delight in the unusual.  When INFPs are in a social mood, their humor and charm shine through.  Disposed to like people and to avoid conflict, INFPs tend to make pleasant company.  INFPs prefer to be flexible unless their ethics are violated.  Then, they become passionate advocates for their beliefs.  They are often able to sway the opinions of others through tact, diplomacy, and an ability to see varying sides of an issue.

Mouse, might be a borderline extravert, but I’m going with the accountant exterior here.

Blongo, you were another tough one, until I read the part about being “flexible except when their values are threatened.”  That’s got you written all over it.

Denny:  You don’t think Denny’s passionate?  Ask his Republican brother in-law, if he ever comes out from under the kitchen table.

INFJ

Scott

I-Introversion preferred to Extraversion:  INFJs tend to be quiet and reserved.  They generally prefer interacting with a few close friends rather than a wide circle of acquaintances.

N-iNtuition preferred to Sensing:  INFJs tend to be more abstract than concrete.  They focus their attention on the big picture rather than the details, and on future possibilities rather than immediate realities.

F-Feeling preferred to Thinking:  INFJs tend to value personal preference above objective criteria.  When making decisions, they often give more weight to social considerations than to logic.

J-Judgment preferred to Perception:  INFJs tend to plan their activities and make decisions early.  They derive a sense of control through predictability.

INFJs are conscientious and value-driven.  They seek meaning in relationships, ideas, and events, with an eye toward better understanding themselves and others.  Using their intuitive skills, they develop a clear vision, which they then execute decisively to better the lives of others.  INFJs are quiet, private individuals who prefer to exercise their influence behind the scenes.  Although very independent, INFJs are intensely interested in the well-being of others.  INFJs prefer one-on-one relationships to large groups.  Sensitive and complex, they are adept at understanding complicated issues and driven to resolve differences in a cooperative and creative manner.  INFJs have a rich, vivid inner life, which they may be reluctant to share with those around them.  Nevertheless, they are congenial in their interactions, and perceptive of the emotions of others.  Generally well-liked by their peers, they may often be considered close friends and confidants by most other types.  However, they are guarded in expressing their own feelings, especially to new people, and so tend to establish close relationships slowly.  INFJs tend to be sensitive, quiet leaders with a great depth of personality.  They are intricately and deeply woven, mysterious, and highly complex, sometimes puzzling even to themselves.

Nailed it.

ENTP

Ted

E-Extraversion preferred to introversion:  ENTPs often feel motivated by their interaction with people.  They tend to enjoy a wide circle of acquaintances.

N-iNtuition preferred to Sensing:  ENTPs tend to be more abstract than concrete.  They focus their attention on the big picture rather than the details, and on future possibilities rather than immediate realities.

T-Thinking preferred to Feeling:  ENTPs tend to value objective criteria above personal preference.  When making decisions, they generally give more weight to logic than to social considerations.

P-Perception preferred to Judgment:  ENTPs tend to withhold judgment and delay important decisions, preferring to keep their options open should circumstances change.

The ENTP has been described variously as the innovator, the originator, the lawyer, the inventor, the explorer and the visionary.  To the ENTP, competence and intelligence are particularly prized, both in themselves and in other people.  ENTPs are frequently described as clever, cerebrally and verbally quick, enthusiastic, outgoing, innovative, flexible, loyal and resourceful.  ENTPs are motivated by a desire to understand and improve the world they live in.  They are usually accurate in sizing up a situation.  They may have a perverse sense of humor and sometimes play devil’s advocate, which can create misunderstandings with friends, co-workers, and family.  ENTPs are ingenious and adept at directing relationships between means and ends.  ENTPs think outside the box, devising fresh, unexpected solutions to difficult problems.

This was a given, as Ted has already told us that he was a ENTP, but I would have selected this one as well for Ted.  I love a guy who “says it, like it is.”

ENFJ

Dave

E-Extraversion preferred to Introversion:  ENFJs often feel motivated by the interaction with people.  Then tend to enjoy a wide circle of acquaintances.

N-iNtuition preferred to Sensing:  ENFJs tend to be more abstract than concrete.  They focus their attention on the big picture rather than the details, and on future possibilities rather than immediate realities.

F-Feeling preferred to Thinking:  ENFJs tend to value personal preference above objective criteria.  When making decisions, they often give more weight to social considerations than to logic.

J-Judgment preferred to Perception:  ENFJs tend to plan their activities and make decisions early.  They derive a sense of control through predictability.

ENTJs excel at picking up on the tone of a situation and acting accordingly, adding warmth to a cool setting or turning a sour into sweet.  They naturally seek to know what people do well, what they enjoy, and where and how they work.  They seem to have an infinite number of acquaintances from all walks of life and are always on the lookout for people in need and those who can help out.  ENTJs weave and strengthen the collective fabric of social conventions and interactions.  Inclusiveness is important and they are particularly sensitive to those who are excluded.  ENTJs enjoy organizing group activities and tend to take their commitments seriously.  In general, they are reliable and do not like to disappoint others.  They are loyal and they expect loyalty.  They carry conversations well, finding common ground with their speaker.  They tend to find the correct and gracious way to respond in any given situation, no matter how tense or uncomfortable it is.

This one was another easy one.  It fits Dave to a T.

 EPILOGUE

So that’s it.  That’s my take on our merry band of brothers.  Some of you guys hold your cards pretty close to the vest.  I hope I haven’t offended anyone with “my take” on your personalities.  Just remember my caveat, that I operate under no logic whatsoever.  Of course, the interpretation and explanation of the type qualities from the Myers-Briggs Indicator website are of the garden variety Chinese fortune cookie kind, meaning we only get a glimpse of side A of the record, the sunny, cheery side.  While we share the same personality traits and qualities of the Einsteins, Shakespeares, Lincolns and Edisons of the world, we also share the qualities of the Bernie Madoffs, Adolf Hitlers, Darth Vaders, and anyone involved in the production of a musical.  All in all, pretty fascinating stuff, to me anyway.

The answer from the previous question is 27; 27 players currently playing have a college degree. 

Underbelly or Slopay or anybody you want it to be.