I Think I Need a Day Off

by John Sickels on Jan 10, 2026 2:45 PM EST

If you will permit me to whine a little, other than Christmas Day I haven't taken a day off since early October. I think I am starting to feel the effects...my right hand is involuntarily twitching and shaky.

There is still a lot to do to get the book ready. Jeri is starting the editing process and I still have to get the Top 50 Hitters and Top 50 Pitchers lists together. We have lots of orders to process.

The 50/50 thing is the main issue for me now. I have the Top 10 hitters done, but after that it gets really complicated. How do you balance the overall ceiling of the player, how polished or close to the majors they are, positional factors, etc. etc. etc. I find it much easier to rank pitchers than hitters. There are just a lot more variables with the hitters, even though the stereotype is that pitchers are more difficult to project.

Forward march!

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Mental break....

It is always good to get a mental break… maybe take two 1/2 days back to back ;-)…
Now let’s see the top 50 ;-)

by zeuspower on Jan 10, 2026 2:49 PM EST reply actions

Thanks

It’s not like you’re curing cancer or rooting through trashcans for your next meal, but you work hard at something that many of us enjoy (and take too seriously), so thanks!

by Burlin White on Jan 10, 2026 2:49 PM EST reply actions

right

Oh, I have one of the best jobs on the planet. I have no illusions about that.

I admitted I was whining, lol.

by John Sickels on Jan 10, 2026 2:51 PM EST up reply actions

of course

And we’re all entitled to a good whine, especially when working hard to please others.

@burlinwhite

by Burlin White on Jan 10, 2026 2:54 PM EST up reply actions

It's okay for people to whine about their job every once in a while...

even if they are lucky enough to have a job they love. I do it too John. Enjoy your day off, you deserve it!

Or, imagine, being able to be magically whisked away to... Delaware. Hi. I'm in Delaware.

by etothesecondpower on Jan 10, 2026 6:41 PM EST up reply actions

For God's Sakes Man

You’ve got all summer to lollygag around - why weren’t you out there working on Christmas Day? Sheesh, what are we paying for???

The wind is in the buffalo.

by journeymen on Jan 10, 2026 2:50 PM EST reply actions

enjoy your day off!

Thanks for the good work. You know what they say, even if you like your job.

(A job I would not like: being the person who actually had to type all that.)

Not actually affiliated with whygavs.

by WHYG Zane Smith on Jan 10, 2026 3:25 PM EST reply actions

Thank you!

I appreciate your work, John. Take all the time you need.

Play ball!

by tmannino on Jan 10, 2026 3:38 PM EST reply actions

"...my right hand is involuntarily twitching and shaky."

All I could think of is the scene from Blazing Saddles:

“Jim: Look at my hand.”
“Bart: Hmm, steady as a rock…”
“Jim: Yeah, but I shoot with THIS hand…”

Have a breather, John - I think we can manage ourselves for a day or two without going completely insane.

by dbreer23 on Jan 10, 2026 3:51 PM EST reply actions

Take two days off. No need to Ripken through this stuff.

"These are thin mints. I put them in the freezer. My favorites. So good."
--Reds outfielder Adam Dunn, on the girl scout cookies he keeps in his locker

PRMLB: The Brew Crew

by Resolution on Jan 10, 2026 5:52 PM EST reply actions

everyone needs a mental break once awhile

we’ve been thoroughly entertained and informed already-enjoy yourself John!

"Fantasy, reality, science Fiction. Which is which? Who can tell?"

by feslenraster on Jan 10, 2026 6:37 PM EST reply actions

Yeah, I have to say I don't have much sympathy for someone who goes to work everyday in his pajamas complaining about needing a day off.

Seriously, cowboy up!!

(Kidding of course)

by Kelsdad on Jan 10, 2026 7:21 PM EST reply actions

$100 dollars says you don't have a job and are sitting in your parents' basement ;)

Big Sexy

Follow KBR and Dewey on Twitter! @KBRandDewey

by King Billy Royal on Jan 10, 2026 9:56 PM EST up reply actions

(Kidding of course)

Big Sexy

Follow KBR and Dewey on Twitter! @KBRandDewey

by King Billy Royal on Jan 10, 2026 9:56 PM EST up reply actions

yikes!

John Sickels, you are a dynamo. Loosen up your schedule and we’ll still be here.

by whichthat on Jan 10, 2026 8:57 PM EST reply actions

Take it!

You need the day off, take it. You’ll work much more effectively after.

by footballstu on Jan 10, 2026 10:13 PM EST reply actions

Must be time for your all star break, John.

Take some time, the mind needs rest just like the body if it’s being worked hard consistently.

by Aussie Mariner on Jan 11, 2026 12:07 AM EST reply actions

Much Appreciated

We know everyone says this, but it never hurts to say it again. We greatly appreciate the work you put into this site — the lists, the book, the questions answered, the dedication. We are on here several times a day and have come to rely on what goes on here. Thank you for all the effort, John.

by Hairylady on Jan 11, 2026 7:19 AM EST reply actions

Enjoy the off day

I’m lucky enough to be working out of my basement today… I certainly can see how you can enjoy it, but everyone needs a day off. Thank you for all of your hard work.

by diehardtwinsfan on Jan 11, 2026 9:21 AM EST reply actions