I can not see Dusty as racist. He simply has too much respect in so many areas of the baseball community. Over 50+ years it would come out. That said, based on the things I have heard and read about Dusty and the environment he lived through, especially early in life I can totally see him wanting a young black man to succeed, and maybe be influenced by that and give him a bit more of a chance. But much more out of wanting him to succeed than keeping others down. However, I can see this regardless of race. I see it with Dubon as well. There is a very real possibility Dusty would have treated him the same if he was white. Julks probably made a great early impression that influenced Dusty throughout the year.
As for Julks - Dusty believes his bat will be good in the majors. I don't see it, but whatever - I am not a former big leaguer that has been in the game for 65 years.
I think the fact that Julks is black is most likely coincidence and a convenient excuse for racists to attack Dusty. I'm sure Dusty has thought lots of prospects could hit in MLB and some did and others didn't. That's just the nature of scouting and prospects.
I doubt Dusty believes it. He's just living in the shadow of the time he grew up. I saw many people of that generation who were never able to see the change which occurred.
Had not heard that about Berkman but the other guys I can see. Actually thinking about it I could see Lance not being everyone’s cup of tea. I know some people that shared a locker room with JV and they weren’t impressed and it makes me laugh whenever I hear anyone talking about him mentoring Hunter brown. Nope.
We are all a product of our upbringing and environment. I don’t see how it would be possible for him not to be shaped by that. We all are.
Extending Framber who should be cheaper for 200 IP per season than Snell for 150 IP per season. Snell will have high highs and lower lows while Framber is as dependable as SP get.
Justin Verlander is a leader in the same way that Roger Clemens is - they have an awesome work ethic and focus and discipline. However, they are not going to take you under their wing or show any interest unless you ask them a specific question and they will then help you when they decide to help you. Verlander has worked with Brown and Valdez. He agreed to look at film on them and he made some suggestions and showed them how he watches and breaks down film - and that was that. There is no checking in later or small talk. If a player wants something they need to ask because Verlander and Clemens isn’t going to worry or look out for someone else. It is a type of selfishness and aloofness that makes them great. Even Andy Pettite had to go out of his way to do it everything Clemens did in workouts and routines for years before he and Clemens had the type of relationship where Clemens would offer unsolicited help. I’ll say this though - Roger Clemens and Andy Pettite worked harder than any players I have ever seen in an Astros uniform. I would be in MMP at 7-8 am for a noon or 1 pm start and those two were there - running for an hour, working out, stretching - playing long toss. From what I have been told - Verlander is the same way. Nolan Ryan was too…. and all were called dicks.
