Lance Berkman has an assload to say (Clemens, Pettitte, Wade,Valverde)

I remember when we (I think mainly Jimy Williams and now possibly Lance after reading this) told another closer to show less emotion on the field after he got saves for us - Octavio Dotel. That didn't work out too well for us, nor for him. I am not saying that is the only reason he didn't work out as closer for us, but I do think it was a pretty big factor. Some players thrive on that emotion, and others let it destroy them. I, personally, loved watching Papa Grande show all that emotion down the playoff stretch last year for the dbacks, it was just fun to watch as a fan of the game. How about we don't tell the man how to do his job, and let him hopefully dominate like he did last year?

 

I read an article that said Gibson pumping his fist like he did after that HR really upset team chemistry.

 

Random sidenote, but Lance's most repeated clubhouse activity last year before games was sitting down and doing the crosswords with Loretta, Ausmus and Lamb -- so I'm not sure why he's so upset -- two of his three are back!

 

Exactly what I was thinking as I read the article. I'm all for speaking one's mind, but only after you use that mind before speaking.

 

i like berkman a lot, i think he has intelligent things to say concerning baseball, but on this issue he needs to open a can S T F U

berkman and burke then cuttino and steve

 

u got back a middle if and a 7th inning guy and a minor leaguer ....haren was part of ur other deal

 

fixed


my fault

 

The downturn of the Dodgers since 1988 has been linked to that very fist pump. Completely ruining not only team chemistry, but the fabric of Los Angeles as we know it today..... ummmmm riots???

Personally, I think players SHOULD show a little more emotion on the field. It sure as hell would make things a little bit more exciting. Hell I love it when a basketball, football, or hockey player gets pumped up on my team - it pumps me up and gets me excited in the process. Can you imagine if we had an NBA or NFL full of players that displayed no emotion after a huge play, pass, dunk, run, shot, or kick? Sure you see emotion in walk-off home runs, and in the playoffs, but overall its pretty much kept in check.

Ozzie Smith did back flips, would he be chastized by Berkman?

 

Same here because last time I checked we weren't selling girlscout cookies but trying to win ball games.

 

OK, I just went and watched highlights on MLB.com of a few of Valverde's saves.

You know what?

I thought the "antics" were AWESOME!

I mean, it's not like Pujols admiring each HR he hits. That's showboating. This looked like enthusiasm.

 

Enthusiasm is not a part of Houston Astro lore.

 

No passion or enthusiasm would be fine in he were Joe Greenvalley from Spring...

But he is Jose Valverde from San Pedro de Macoris. They call him "Papa Grande" and he is our closer. Has Lance has ever been to the Dominican Republic? Maybe they could both organize a mission trip there to help the poor.

 

His biggest complaint is that the chemistry is going to be affected now, and that the guys aren't going to be comfortable around each other.
1) A great way to ruin any kind of chemistry you might have with your new teammates is by alienating them before they even step foot in the locker room. Great way to be a team leader there, Berkman.
2) Chemsitry comes when teams start winning. You automatically bond with guys when you're creaming the other teams. It's not a coincidence that T-Mac and Yao were both saying this is the deepest team they've ever had when we were 6-1...now they're both complaining about how nobody has set roles, and that there isn't a set direction for the team. So which is it, guys?

Berkman is remorseful that the Astros traded away his friends (Burke especially), but what he's not willing to admit is that when Burke was giving his chances, he never took advantage of them. The responsibility has to fall on the players, too. It's not just Big Bad Wade that traded away your friend, Berkman.....your friend didn't produce when he was supposed to. Get over it, and go win some freaking baseball games.

 

The clips actually reminded me a bit of Octavio Dotel when he was a dominant 8th-inning guy...

But, yeah, I know what you mean.

 

I like Lance being honest and there is truth to chemistry...Chemisty can develop over time, so I think he's just venting his frustration on how things have sucked the past couple of season and the uncertainty of where they're headed...

 

If "chemistry" means each player blows chunks equally, then to hell with chemistry.

 

You like our "leader" calling out new players in the media before the season even starts? No wonder we were terrible last year with him as the main guy in the clubhouse. Maybe Lee, Pence or Tejada can step up and be the leader this team needs.

 

Lance is an ass. His best friend is Chris Burke so he is pissed Valverde was traded for him. He was pissing over last year with they sent down Burke for Pence. Get over it. This team is better on paper than last years. Astros need some excite me and Towles, Pence, Bourn, Matsui, Tejada, and Valverde bring that rather than Lane, Ensberg, Everett, Burke, Lidge, and Qualls.

 

My kinda post, I miss u.

 

You know, this reminds me of Milo's call when the Astros won the NLCS in 2005. It had to be the most boring call of this kind of moment in the history of sports broadcasting.

"The Astros won the NLCS."