Trust, loyalty among teammates a thing of the past
One thing you could always count on was what happened in the clubhouse, stayed in the clubhouse. But thanks to players who would rather make a name for themselves off the field rather than on the field, that is no longer the case.
Now, don't think I condone the use of steroids, HGH, or any other drugs, but it was a code that we lived by from day one. And now teammates are selling each other out, and throwing each other under the bus. That is so sad to me.
If we knew anything about a teammate, we would go and talk to him, and keep it in house.
Times sure have changed and the reason is because of free agency. Guys aren't on a team long enough to build up trust and loyalty to one another.
One thing you could always count on was what happened in the clubhouse, stayed in the clubhouse. But thanks to players who would rather make a name for themselves off the field rather than on the field, that is no longer the case.
Now, don't think I condone the use of steroids, HGH, or any other drugs, but it was a code that we lived by from day one. And now teammates are selling each other out, and throwing each other under the bus. That is so sad to me.
If we knew anything about a teammate, we would go and talk to him, and keep it in house.
Times sure have changed and the reason is because of free agency. Guys aren't on a team long enough to build up trust and loyalty to one another.
Now, don't think I am against free agency! Oh no, not at all. But I am pointing out one of the negatives of it. Guys move around so much that they aren't as loyal to a team as a guy who grew up in a system and stays with that team his entire career. That's just a fact.
Growing up within an organization
Teams are just as much to blame as the players because not many teams keep players around like they use to either. How many teams today keep a guy for their entire career?
So don't start saying it's a greedy player and his agent, OK. A side many fans don't think about is the general manager and the pressure he faces. Say you are in contention, and need a big bat and you have a couple of top notch prospects in the minors that other teams want. Well, you have to decide what to do, pull the trigger and make the trade or hold on to the prospects and continue to develop them.
Either way, it could mean your job.
If you keep them, your team may not win now, and you lose your job, but they develop into star players later for the team and another general manager reaps the benefits of your decision.
Hopefully, the issues with steroids and HGH are behind us so that we can talk about baseball and enjoy the great game that it is. It has been so disappointing to hear some of the comments about teammates, family members, and trainers. Can we all just get along? Has the pressure to win or be the best gotten that out of hand that it has clouded our judgment?
Just remember, everything comes with a price.
Home away from home:
Dunedin, Florida. Spring training home of the Blue Jays. Boy, do I remember that place. Every year we would come to Dunedin with expectancy of making the team and getting back in baseball shape.
When you are young, it's riding the bus full of prospects just like yourself, all of you are scared to death, and not really sure of what to expect. Then you get to the yard and the fans crowd every game!! It was amazing! The city seemed so small yet people came and sat for hours to cheer on a group of guys, most of us they didn't know. Then as we grew a little older, the faces became our friends, our kids started getting excited about Spring Training and we couldn't wait to get back to Dunedin.
That is how this player viewed spring training … I am not a golfer, so no, I didn't golf.
New look Rios:
So, I hear that Alex Rios is sporting a Mohawk. Dude! What is up with that?! But if I looked as good as you and could hit as good as you, it wouldn't matter what kind of hair do I wore!
That reminds me of the time Damaso Garcia came in with a mustache. He was so good looking and all the women thought he looked like some kind of Latin lover, then he came in with this weak mustache! Hey, all of us loved it. Suddenly, he just looked average. But it didn't last long, he cut it after a few weeks … so guys, enjoy the Mohawk while you can!
Time is on your side:
Gustavo Chacin needs to learn to be a bit patient. After shoulder surgery, time is his friend. Maybe he should talk to a veteran who has gone through the rehab would help him understand the importance of patience and what to expect. It was good to hear he threw a good bullpen session, but I still caution him not to rush things.