http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/07/14/bill-james-doubles-down-on-the-joe-paterno-defense/

And again

http://mlb.sbnation.com/2012/7/16/3161844/bill-james-joe-paterno-jerry-sandusky/in/2927439

Now, there's something that I should mention before we go any farther ... As you probably know, Joe Posnanski has written a book about Joe Paterno. Posnanski essentially became a part-time resident of State College before the Sandusky scandal hit the front pages; the idea was to follow Paterno around for a year or so, and write something that every college-football fan would want to read, or buy for his father; in fact, the book was supposed to be published just in time for Father's Day ... next year.

But then everything changed. The book's going to be published next month. Because, you know. The publishing business is designed to make money (if not much).

Joe Posnanski and Bill James know each other. I can't say they're friends, because that word means different things to different people. But I've been to lunch with Joe and Bill, and they're certainly friendly. They're both friendly to me, too. So please consider all of these friendly relationships while you're reading this. I cannot claim to be an objective observer. I'm giving it my best shot, though.

I mentioned that because I'm supposed to. But also because Bill, as an accomplished author who is friendly with Joe Posnanski, might have read the manuscript of Joe's book, and thus have a different take on some things.*

* Okay, the truth is that I'm pretty sure that Bill, during the lunch I mentioned, did say something about having read Joe's manuscript. But that's about as far as it went. Who could know this would turn into a thing?

I don't know about you guys but I can't wait to get my hands on that book next month!