Useless phrases (again)

Here's another couple terms for the useless phrase and words pile: nationally ranked. I saw that one on a billboard promoting a local institution. My first thought was, all it had to be was on a list garnered nationwide to be nationally ranked. Placing 498th out of 500 would qualify for that. Big deal.

Then reading about a Detroit Tigers prospect this morning, I came across the praise, such as it is, that he has 'legitimate times in all his performance numbers'. But similarly to the above paragraph, isn't a low time a legitimate time? Sure, it was meant as a compliment, so it's easy to presume his numbers are good. So why not just say 'his numbers are good?'

That's my two cents for today. See you tomorrow.