I think a big difference is that Roy, while maybe misguided, at least seems to speak out when he feels the team needs to be improved or is getting worse or whatever. Berkman's pattern just seems to be to speak out because his friends are being shipped off. While it may not be true, it comes across as him being more interested in playing baseball with his friends than being competitive, and the one thing that will piss off fans more than anything else is a perceived disinterest in the success of the team.
That's a pretty big leap of a conclusion simply based on his comments... in fact, that's a more asinine and baseless accusation than anything Lance has said thus far. I'm seeing the fans tired of him whining or talking period... whether or not its because they think he's ruining team chemistry, or isn't greatful for the $15 million the team is paying him (which are also both big stretches). I seriously doubt Lance has no cares of whether or not this team wins, as long as he gets to play with his friends. In this situation, I see him (like Oswalt) more questioning the timing of Woody's dismissal, and the fact that his veteran's presence will be missed (which undoubtedly is looking out for the team's best interests). The timing was definitely off... but it doesn't mean the team didn't ultimately make the right decision. The Burke situation was obviously him sticking up for a friend... but considering how the Astros mis-handled his development, and continued to keep him around behind Biggio despite him having value, I thought management deserved a little bit of criticism (Lance may not have been doing that... but I certainly felt Chris Burke got mostly a raw deal from the time he was perceived to be MLB-ready at age 23-24.)
So long woody, I had hoped it would work out. It was awesome hearing how happy he was to be with the Astros when we first got him. Have a nice retirement.
On a related note, I chuckled when a few suggested Oswalt would be upset when the Astros went in a different direction than Everett's terrific defense/limited offense at SS. He's never been as direct as Lance so it rarely gets reported by the media, but Roy definitely took a few veiled shots about the offense that were clearly in Adam's direction when you read between the lines.
Perception...reality...I think there's an old saying about this. If every time the club sends somebody packing who happens to be a Berkman buddy, he complains publicly about it. The perception that he wants his friends on the team regardless of how crappy they play is not an illogical conclusion to make.
Exactly. Add in things like whining about the new really good closer pumping his fists too much instead of saying "hey, I'm glad we got a great new closer!" , and it sounds even worse. Then add the lackadasical baserunning and forgetfulness in the field, and the perception of not caring too much is out there. Like I said, it may not be reality, but when he keeps saying and doing the stuff he does, it definitely creates that perception.
Well you know what...I kind of question the timing of his release his as well. For a team that lacks any kind of depth in the rotation, what harm could it have done to maybe stick him in the bullpen for the first month or so? I'm not blind...he's obviously sucked for most of the time he's been here, but it is Spring Training and you are paying him a good chunk of money and he is a veteran. So throw him in the bullpen for mop up duty and if he's still offering up beach balls, then cut him after a few weeks. Then again, I guess if the team were in dire straits at some point for a starting pitcher, they could call on him to come out of retirement.
Has there been any indication from Woody that he would be willing to move to the bullpen? I don't really think his style of pitching would be suited for it, but I could imagine that a guy that has been around as long as he has would not really feel like changing his role up after he is on the wrong side of 40.
G-d forbid teammates like each other and are disappointed when their friends are let go/traded. Should Lance make it public? Probably not. I'm not going to fault the guy for being loyal to his friends.
yeah but he has been talking a lil too much about personnel moves he just needs to be in shape and start the season better than he did last season
Is there some history I'm missing here? It's God. If we're not afraid to say, "God forbid," then why are we afraid to spell it? Someone fille me in on the joke I'm missing.
Yes, except no one is faulting him for being loyal to his friends. People are faulting him going public...something you just said he probably shouldn't have done.
Exactly. I find it hilarious that internet geeks like Refman and Major find it necessary to bash Lance for talking to the media. Lance is an honest, stand-up guy and we've got dorks on this message board who think he's out of line by giving his opinion when asked by the media. I wish you could see how absurdly stupid you look making these types of comments when you have no idea what's going on
Of course you do. The point you miss is that when Lance does this over and over again, he stops being such a stand up guy and starts being like you...a giant windbag. Just because you CAN say something doesn't mean that you SHOULD. That is called leadership...something you and Lance just don't get. And of all the people to call somebody a dork or geek on this BBS, it is ironic that you are the one who chooses to do so. I wish you could see how absurdly stupid you look each and every time you post. I realize that Lance doesn't have to look for a microphone. He just jumps at the chance to get to the one that is closest to him at the time...or maybe they are just in the way of the donuts.
