Here's why Doc is Seattle's best baseball writer:
1. Doc is a fan first. He spares the reader the "I am an objective journalist, doing my job for you subjective, simple minded fans" shtick. But the difference is, he could easily fall into that attitude, and he would be successful, and perhaps increase readership, recognition and opportunities. But he doesn't. Hope and optimism is allowed here, encouraged and valued in the depths of despair. It's a Christian trait, which he allows to subtily influence his perspective on baseball, and existence.
2. As a fan, Doc brings hard headed analysis, and backs it up, explains it with a unique perspective not found anywhere (aki, Fortune 500, sabermetrics, historical context, golf?! Chess?! Flag football?) while remaining a fan who is willing and able to bleed with the reader When heartache comes. Some use metaphors from other areas of life. Doc uses examples. Subtle but rich difference.
3. Funny stuff. Clever, clever stuff that seems to come effortlessly. His shtick is almost perfectly pitched. Now, by sticking "almost" in there, I help keep him humble. He will appreciate that because...
4. Doc connects with his readers. He values their own insights and perspectives. he bleeds with us. He is what's right with the Internet. He attracts the intelligent fan and give him the benefit of listening. A good writer listens as much as he talks because it's how he connects with the reader. And he has been wise enough to know and appreciate that his intelligent readership has made him a more engaging writer. Sometimes, not often, but sometimes, you gotta suffer the fools. Doc knows when to suffer the fools, because he likes people, and values the humanity and at times insight they carefully hide, for whatever the reason. Again, it's a Christian trait: to evangelize in order to help effect change. Without being schmaltzy (he can trash talk, even if it's for entertainment value) he makes the Internet a better place.
5. I read Doc for the baseball but I stay because I learn far more than baseball when I do.