Letters

Environmental Impact

Tom Verducci says that where the Rockies' Matt Holliday plays should be taken into consideration when assessing his MVP credentials. As a Holliday supporter, I agree, because in 2007 Coors Field had fewer runs, extra-base hits and homers than Jimmy Rollins's home field, Citizens Bank Park. I hope that those with votes do the same research.
Matt MacAskill, Grand Junction, Colo.

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If Coors Field is really as much of an advantage for hitters as Verducci thinks it is (The Amazing Race, Oct. 8), could he kindly let the Rockies' Jeff Francis (17--9, 4.22 ERA) know where to pick up his Cy Young Award?
Robert Jarosh, Cheyenne, Wyo.

While I disagree with Verducci's vote for Jimmy Rollins over Matt Holliday for National League MVP, I can understand it, as Rollins had a fantastic year. But I find it inexplicable that Rockies manager Clint Hurdle is not even in Verducci's top three for Manager of the Year. Just like Verducci's American League choice, Yankees manager Joe Torre, Hurdle led his team to his league's best second-half record and a wild-card spot in the playoffs. The only difference is that Hurdle did it with a fraction of the payroll.
Mark Brorby, Highlands Ranch, Colo.

I find it amazing that the media says Rollins is a hands-down choice for NL MVP for having at least 20 doubles, triples, home runs and steals, while in the AL, detroit's Curtis Granderson had at least 20 in all of those categories but has received no attention or consideration.
Dan Hedgcock, Big Rapids, Mich.

Jo-Ba! Jo-Ba!

As much as I am against all things Yankees, it's going to be hard to root against a son and father who still say "good night" and "I love you" to each other on a nightly basis (What Love's Got to Do with It, Oct. 8). Bravo to Harlan Chamberlain for not letting life's unlucky breaks get in the way of raising his boy to be a loving, caring man. And bravo to Joba for taking in all his father's teaching. Here's wishing you all the success you deserve, Joba—just not against my Red Sox!
Tim Burns, Plymouth, Mass.

"The glory of hope at the death of expectation." What a great line Gary Smith uses to close his story on Joba Chamberlain. Too often kids are evaluated at a young age and told whether they have the ability and the right to dream about a future in sport. It is wonderful to hear a story about a father and son who persisted even though the boy initially was too small, too heavy and didn't even make his jayvee baseball team.
Beth Kuoni, Greensboro, N.C.

This article should have carried a warning label. I found it difficult to explain why a 45-year-old man was weeping while dining by himself and reading SPORTS ILLUSTRATED.
Doug Wright, Mattituck, N.Y.