And you believe this is the only way to be a negative influence? Complacency is just as contagious and corrosive as petty blame-storming. It's completely unlikely to happen but if they could find a way to get rid of Lee, I'd be all for it. I don't care what his production level might be. On a team that has a Bagwell or Biggio to set the example, Lee is a good player to have. As the senior, highest paid player on the team, he's the worst possible example for young players that I see on this roster.
No, I don't think it's the only way to be a negative influence. I just thought it odd that you contrasted Lee with guys who "are true professionals who prepare and compete with everything they have. No whining, no bitching about others not doing their job. " Hadn't heard anything of that sort in relation to him.
I think you and Limey make good points, although its hard to know really, how Lee is perceived in the clubhouse. Even Footer might not know the extent to which he does or doesn't rub other players the wrong way, or negatively affect things. There have been lots of players through the ages who catch a lot of shit because they are laid back, and slow, and perceived as not caring. Sure, Lee could set a better example for young players... but he's not quite Manny Ramirez. Have players griped about him to the media? They griped about Cooper, surely they'd find a way to make remarks about Lee beyond "yeah... he probably should've been on time" etc.
Personally, I hope he starts hitting again, right on through next July, enabling him to be traded without eating 99% of the contract.
