Lance says Roger should come clean

[Astroholic]

Warning::: Comical link

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/bb/5383082.html

[Fredia]

but only if lance comes clean about his secret stash of twinkies. can you inject that white chream stumm in the middle in the buttox

[Andyzipp]

can you inject that white chream stumm in the middle in the buttox

I don't think Lance could answer that without asking a gay scout.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

can you inject that white chream stumm in the middle in the buttox

Or so I have heard...

[Dobro]

Warning::: Comical link

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/bb/5383082.html

As usual, Lance talks too much.

Although, he didn't say "Roger should come clean."  He said he should issue a more specific statement addressing the matter.  Big difference.

Also, Lance seems more interested in keeping his core group of buddies together than winning ball games.

[Limey]

As usual, Lance talks too much.

He's like Bill Wagner without an axe to grind.

[Lurch]

As usual, Lance talks too much.

He's heard it burns calories.  He modified his McDonald's step counter to record syllables per day.  And he's still behind plan.

[Gizzmonic]

I like how he complains about Valverde's fist pumps.  What, Lidge never did that?

As usual, Lance talks too much.

Although, he didn't say "Roger should come clean."  He said he should issue a more specific statement addressing the matter.  Big difference.

Also, Lance seems more interested in keeping his core group of buddies together than winning ball games.

[LonghornCDR]

can you inject that white chream stumm in the middle in the buttox

Fredia maintaining mid-season form well into the void.  Well done.  She must be using PEDs.

[Dobro]

When Bagwell was speaking to the media in his signature, candid manner, he should have posted a "Kids, Do Not Try This At Home" warning sign in the clubhouse.  He did Wagner and Berkman a disservice.  Neither are nearly as good at shooting off at the mouth, and neither are smart enough to realize it.

[pravata]

He's trying to be a leader on the team.  First step is to take over Bagwell's role as the December grump. http://www.orangewhoopass.com/forums/index.php?topic=104612.0

[HudsonHawk]

I don't think Lance could answer that without asking a gay scout.

Buttox - that white chreamy stuff injected by gay scouts.  Funk and Wagner time.

[Ty in Tampa]

can you inject that white chream stumm in the middle in the buttox

The brilliance of this post blinds me.

[BudGirl]

Lance loves his little buddies that is for sure.

[JaneDoe]

Doesn't anyone read NYCU? 

http://www.orangewhoopass.com/forums/index.php?topic=104612.0

Prav--you do a great job!!!

[pravata]

Doesn't anyone read NYCU? 

http://www.orangewhoopass.com/forums/index.php?topic=104612.0

Prav--you do a great job!!!

Thanks.  Berkman addressed some other issues in that article also.  Team chemistry for one, says it was great last season.  And wants to talk to Valverde about his mound antics.  He should calm down, be more like Brad Lidge probably.

[Tralfaz]

I like how he complains about Valverde's fist pumps.  What, Lidge never did that?

...or Lima Time?

[Andyzipp]

Thanks.  Berkman addressed some other issues in that article also.  Team chemistry for one, says it was great last season.  And wants to talk to Valverde about his mound antics.  He should calm down, be more like Brad Lidge probably.

Team chemistry was great in 2007?!?  Beyond this being a bald-faced lie, if the great team chemistry results in 73-89, it ain't that great.

[Duman]

Team chemistry was great in 2007?!?  Beyond this being a bald-faced lie, if the great team chemistry results in 73-89, it ain't that great.

What is a bald face?

[Astroholic]

What is a bald face?

I use to know this girl....oh nevermind.

[HudsonHawk]

What is a bald face?

Bald-face means without disguise, open or unhidden.  The term "bald-face lie" is a common colloquialism to refer to telling a lie without any attempt to disguise it.

[Duman]

I actually looked it up because, I always thought it was bold faced lie.  Bald is the americanization of the british phrase barefaced lie.  Which implies told with no shame.  I never understood the bald faced part before.  Learn something new everyday.

[pravata]

Team chemistry was great in 2007?!?  Beyond this being a bald-faced lie, if the great team chemistry results in 73-89, it ain't that great.

Lance doesn't think so.  He says he was "very comfortable" last season.  And all these trades are making it "tough" for him "personally".   Last season was comfortable for him personally, not so great for the team generally.
 

[Astroholic]

Lance doesn't think so.  He says he was "very comfortable" last season.  And all these trades are making it "tough" for him "personally".   Last season was comfortable for him personally, not so great for the team generally.
 

Maybe he was to comfortable last year, especially in the first half.

[HudsonHawk]

I actually looked it up because, I always thought it was bold faced lie.  Bald is the americanization of the british phrase barefaced lie.  Which implies told with no shame.  I never understood the bald faced part before.  Learn something new everyday.

"bold-faced" is incorrect.  It's kind of like "wipe on the vaseline".

[Andyzipp]

Lance doesn't think so.  He says he was "very comfortable" last season.  And all these trades are making it "tough" for him "personally".   Last season was comfortable for him personally, not so great for the team generally.
 

I suppose that once Everett went out with his impacted Carlos, no one was left to tell Berkman to pull his head out of his ass on a regular basis.

This was originally Alou's job, and then Caminiti, Bagwell, and finally Everett.  Wonder if Pence immediately jumps into the Alpha Dog role on this team.

[Amy]

Lance doesn't think so.  He says he was "very comfortable" last season.  And all these trades are making it "tough" for him "personally".   Last season was comfortable for him personally, not so great for the team generally.

Glad to know Twinkie was so comfortable with hitting like shit for a good part of the season.

[Amy]

I suppose that once Everett went out with his impacted Carlos, no one was left to tell Berkman to pull his head out of his ass on a regular basis.

This was originally Alou's job, and then Caminiti, Bagwell, and finally Everett.  Wonder if Pence immediately jumps into the Alpha Dog role on this team.

According to Roy, that's Brocail's job now.

[Dobro]

It's a damn good thing Berkman (and Wagner too, for that matter) has superstar talent.

[mihoba]

According to Roy, that's Brocail's job now.

Brocail will be sitting out in the bullpen for most of the game. A leader should be in the dugout or on the field.

[Amy]

Brocail will be sitting out in the bullpen for most of the game. A leader should be in the dugout or on the field.

I don't disagree.  I was just passing on the wisdom of Roy O.  Maybe Wigginton is man you're looking for.  He seems like a play hard, no nonsense kind of guy.

[mihoba]

I don't disagree.  I was just passing on the wisdom of Roy O.  Maybe Wigginton is man you're looking for.  He seems like a play hard, no nonsense kind of guy.

Bullpen phone rings in the dugout.
 
"Hey Lance, it's for you."

Berkman, trying to wash down a twinkie, finally answers.

"Hello? Yeah okay. Did you see that conductor up on that train? This is awesome, sitting up there with his head in the clouds, watching for a long ball... Hey, I saw a cloud today that looked like a cupcake... which reminds me, I gotta go, it's two outs and I'm hungry."
 

[Arky Vaughan]

Glad to know Twinkie was so comfortable with hitting like shit for a good part of the season.

It can't be all that bad if you hit like shit for a good part of the season and still finish with 34 homers and 102 RBI.

[Noe]

Wonder if Pence immediately jumps into the Alpha Dog role on this team.

My hunch, yes... yes he does.

[Astroholic]

My hunch, yes... yes he does.

Hope so too, just that some of the other pack dogs might have to leave before he becomes the true alpha.

[Andyzipp]

Hope so too, just that some of the other pack dogs might have to leave before he becomes the true alpha.

Wonder what WadeSmith could get for Berkman?

[Jacksonian]

Wonder what WadeSmith could get for Berkman?

A big fat "No, I won't waive my no-trade."  Of course it would be all muffled sounding with bits sunflower seeds flying out of his mouth.

[drew corleone]

Buttox - that white chreamy stuff injected by gay scouts.  Funk and Wagner time.

I thought it was the stuff that kept your ass from getting wrinkly?

[Noe]

Hope so too, just that some of the other pack dogs might have to leave before he becomes the true alpha.

Actually, not really.  Alpha dog gets the respect because of leadership qualities, not because of tenure.  Berkman isn't seen as a leader, more of a team funny guy but not a true leader because he doesn't take things as seriously as perhaps a Jeff Bagwell did.  You need balance, like having a Luis Gonzales that keeps a clubhouse loose, but a Jeff Bagwell that provides the leadership.

Lance is great for the clubhouse in the likes of a Luis Gonzales, but the heir to the Bagwell leadership crown has to be Pence and his aggressiveness and take no prisoner way of hitting the field and making everyone notice.  I say it's good in a way, because as soon as Pence establishes himself as that leader in 2008 the team will fall into place in terms of chemistry and leadership.  That is asking a lot from the young player, but he can handle it with Cooper's help.

[The Spleen]

Wonder what WadeSmith could get for Berkman?

At this very moment, not much.
As noted above, he hit "like shit" for much of the year and appeared to be hiding an unknown injury.
If they put him on the market as is they would probably get lowballed bigtime.
If he proves himself to be completely healthy and productive by next year's deadline... and FrankenTeam 2008 is proving to be a bust... that's another story. He'd be like a neutron bomb dropped into any close divisional race. Who knows how high the bidding would go?

[Ty in Tampa]

FrankenTeam 2008

This Spleenism is now placed firmly in my vernacular.

[toddthebod]

Team chemistry was great in 2007?!?  Beyond this being a bald-faced lie, if the great team chemistry results in 73-89, it ain't that great.

There are a couple of things that Lance might be talking about that aren't exactly obvious from his quotes about team chemistry.  First, the Astros have been known as a "Christian" team for a number of years.  Lidge, Lamb, and Everett -- all members of the god-squad -- were traded, non-tendered or simply let go this offseason.  Pettitte is also gone.  It is possible that this team is going to have less of a "Christian" character to it and that may be disturbing Lance.  Also, as has been pointed out elsewhere, this Astros team may be the most ethnically diverse Astros team in a really long time.  The Astros now have a Japanese player and there may be some language issues now as well.  Is this going to result in less team chemistry?  And should we care?  I dunno.

[kevwun]

Somebody should just have Lance re-watch Revenge of the Nerds and tell him that Kaz is just like Takashi.

[Froback]

Actually, not really.  Alpha dog gets the respect because of leadership qualities, not because of tenure.  Berkman isn't seen as a leader, more of a team funny guy but not a true leader because he doesn't take things as seriously as perhaps a Jeff Bagwell did.  You need balance, like having a Luis Gonzales that keeps a clubhouse loose, but a Jeff Bagwell that provides the leadership.

Lance is great for the clubhouse in the likes of a Luis Gonzales, but the heir to the Bagwell leadership crown has to be Pence and his aggressiveness and take no prisoner way of hitting the field and making everyone notice.  I say it's good in a way, because as soon as Pence establishes himself as that leader in 2008 the team will fall into place in terms of chemistry and leadership.  That is asking a lot from the young player, but he can handle it with Cooper's help.

You know, I hope somebody like Pence does take the "leadership" mantel on this team.  When I heard Everett was taking that role, I was a bit surprised, because while I loved him as a player, I just wasn't sure how long he would be with the team.  To me a leader on a team probably ought to be one that is going to be around a while, or at least considered an elite player by others, thus giving more weight to his comments.

And pulling from a different sport where leadership has been seen in their actions, I would like to hear that someone on the team was calling all these new guys and doing the old, "Welcome" type conversation.  It was one of the things I liked when I heard the Texans had acquired Shaub, when he was reported to be calling all the players on the team and talking to them.  Maybe that is a silly thing, but I think as a leader your role should be to bring the whole team onto one page, and contacting them when they join the team seems like the first thing a "leader" would/should do.

Just my thoughts.

[Matt]

There are a couple of things that Lance might be talking about that aren't exactly obvious from his quotes about team chemistry.  First, the Astros have been known as a "Christian" team for a number of years.  Lidge, Lamb, and Everett -- all members of the god-squad -- were traded, non-tendered or simply let go this offseason.  Pettitte is also gone.  It is possible that this team is going to have less of a "Christian" character to it and that may be disturbing Lance.  Also, as has been pointed out elsewhere, this Astros team may be the most ethnically diverse Astros team in a really long time.  The Astros now have a Japanese player and there may be some language issues now as well.  Is this going to result in less team chemistry?  And should we care?  I dunno.

Lance just needs to learn the Japanese word for sunflower seeds and he's set.

[Lurch]

Brocail will be sitting out in the bullpen for most of the game. A leader should be in the dugout or on the field.

Carlos, perhaps?  Seems more likely than Pence if for no other reason than age.

[Astroholic]

Carlos, perhaps?  Seems more likely than Pence if for no other reason than age.

Carlos is a clown..at least that is the impression I get.

[JackAstro]

Ausmus?

[Froback]

Ausmus?

Not a terrible choice, but he may not be the right choice.  He is not going to be a regular starter (or at least that is the supposed plan going into the season, even though he will be OD starter).  Also not sure is status with players on other teams.  With so many new faces on the club, I am guessing they are more likely to listen to someone they feel has some skins on the walls outside of the Astros.  I might be wrong on this, but the only ones that seem to have that are Roy, Lance, Carlos and Hunter.  And I don't think the first 3 have many leadership qualities about them.  They are all more the type that would rather be in the background and let their play do their "leading".  People often accused Bagwell of that, but insiders talked about how he did alot of leading behind closed doors, where Biggio was the type to light a fire under people not doing their jobs.

The fact that the Astros had 2 such strong leaders is why they gained the strong reputation as the place players wanted to come back to after they left and saw other clubhouses.  The void of leadship was something we have discussed on this site before.  Nobody really has stepped up, yet to fill that void.  THAT is the reason we are all still left wondering and speculating.  (and hoping)

But as far as team chemistry goes, winning leads to chemistry.  Biggio and Bagwell were great leaders, that is true, but it was the fact that the team won under their leadership that gave them the chemistry in the first place.  I view leadership as being something different than chemistry, but the right kind of leadership CAN help teams win (or at least get more out of the team).  But I am not so sure leadership is required in order to win, but it is better to have it than not.

[Astroholic]

Not a terrible choice, but he may not be the right choice.  He is not going to be a regular starter (or at least that is the supposed plan going into the season, even though he will be OD starter).  Also not sure is status with players on other teams.  With so many new faces on the club, I am guessing they are more likely to listen to someone they feel has some skins on the walls outside of the Astros.  I might be wrong on this, but the only ones that seem to have that are Roy, Lance, Carlos and Hunter.  And I don't think the first 3 have many leadership qualities about them.  They are all more the type that would rather be in the background and let their play do their "leading".  People often accused Bagwell of that, but insiders talked about how he did alot of leading behind closed doors, where Biggio was the type to light a fire under people not doing their jobs.

The fact that the Astros had 2 such strong leaders is why they gained the strong reputation as the place players wanted to come back to after they left and saw other clubhouses.  The void of leadship was something we have discussed on this site before.  Nobody really has stepped up, yet to fill that void.  THAT is the reason we are all still left wondering and speculating.  (and hoping)

But as far as team chemistry goes, winning leads to chemistry.  Biggio and Bagwell were great leaders, that is true, but it was the fact that the team won under their leadership that gave them the chemistry in the first place.  I view leadership as being something different than chemistry, but the right kind of leadership CAN help teams win (or at least get more out of the team).  But I am not so sure leadership is required in order to win, but it is better to have it than not.

Coach/Manager can also be the leader.  Just not sure the vets will allow Pence to become the leader while they are still there.  Is Pence going to tell Berkman to pull his head out of his ass and hustle?

[Froback]

Coach/Manager can also be the leader.  Just not sure the vets will allow Pence to become the leader while they are still there.  Is Pence going to tell Berkman to pull his head out of his ass and hustle?

I am not sure when Biggio and/or Bagwell started assuming leadership roles.  It is not a thing you technically take, although you can try, but in the end the other player has to "give" it to you.  I am sure that years of service makes THAT much difference.  I know I have been around those that had leadership qualities, and it never mattered to me if they were younger than I.  In some people's cases (like Berkman's) people WANT someone else to take that role, so they don't have to.

Coach/Manager is the default leader if nobody else steps up on the club, but I hardly think that ideal.  They are sort of like parents to children.  And like children sometimes they don't want to listen to their parents (coach/manager) but they will listen to their peers (the club house leaders).

[Astroholic]

I am not sure when Biggio and/or Bagwell started assuming leadership roles.  It is not a thing you technically take, although you can try, but in the end the other player has to "give" it to you.  I am sure that years of service makes THAT much difference.  I know I have been around those that had leadership qualities, and it never mattered to me if they were younger than I.  In some people's cases (like Berkman's) people WANT someone else to take that role, so they don't have to.

Coach/Manager is the default leader if nobody else steps up on the club, but I hardly think that ideal.  They are sort of like parents to children.  And like children sometimes they don't want to listen to their parents (coach/manager) but they will listen to their peers (the club house leaders).

I agree to an extent with what you are saying, but.  I also know from my experiences that some people do have a problem with youth taking the leadership role.  It depends upon the group of people.  I am sure Hunter has enough to deal with in his second year, besides taking a leadership role.   Again, I don't know these people, so this is all wild ass speculation on my part.

[coop]

I think the timing for Biggio and Bagwell was quite a bit different.  If I remember correctly, they were both new faces on a young team that was completely turned over from the '80s.  In Hunter's case, there are a few longtime Astros/proven veterans that are still in the prime or just past the prime of some really good if not great careers.

[Ty in Tampa]

I was thinking Ausmus as well. Tenured. Observant. Smart. BudGirl might add 'not bad to look at.'

[Astroholic]

I was thinking Ausmus as well. Tenured. Observant. Smart. BudGirl might add 'not bad to look at.'

That is who I would think as well, along with Brocail.  Might be able to help Hunter take over in the future.

[Froback]

That is who I would think as well, along with Brocail.  Might be able to help Hunter take over in the future.

Unfortunately Hunter (if indeed he ever will be) will always have some issues with the more established people like Roy, Lance and Carlos.  That is if they would have an issue today, they probably would in the future.  Also, leadership is not something you can choose to do, and then do well.  Often times leaders just are.  That is not to say that everyone doesn't have some leadership ability, but that true leaders show the quality all the time, even before they become "leaders".  I don't have any inside contact to determine who would or would not be a good leader for this team. 

That is why you often hear the need to add a veteran to a young club.  It is often not the veteran aspect but the leadership aspect they are looking for.  It is just that teams are more willing to let these types of leaders go when they are older than when they are younger and in their "prime".

Leaders are also alot more important to the young players than the older players.  That does not mean they are meaningless to the older players, just that the impact of good leadship is more evident in younger players and their development and performance.

[Andyzipp]

Problem is, it's not typically the guy who makes sense.  Ausmus has had many years with the Astros, and if it isn't a role he's assumed in the past, it's not a role he's going to just all of a sudden be in.

I think Biggio was trying to give Pence the crash course last year...

[pravata]

He can't or wont shut up, "In my opinion, we have to have to have another starter. …I don't think Brandon's (Backe) been healthy for a full season. ….Woody who’s getting older and more susceptible to injury."

"If nothing else, we have to have another arm or two in case these guys can't go. Now as far as I know we have absolutely nobody, …We've traded away all our upper level minor league pitchers. I would be shocked if they stood pat with the staff they had now."
Link

[Froback]

He can't or wont shut up, "In my opinion, we have to have to have another starter. …I don't think Brandon's (Backe) been healthy for a full season. ….Woody who’s getting older and more susceptible to injury."

"If nothing else, we have to have another arm or two in case these guys can't go. Now as far as I know we have absolutely nobody, …We've traded away all our upper level minor league pitchers. I would be shocked if they stood pat with the staff they had now."
Link

I would say it's safe to say Berkman probably SHOULD NOT be the leader because of things like this.  Even Bagwell generally knew when to stay quiet.

[pravata]

I would say it's safe to say Berkman probably SHOULD NOT be the leader because of things like this.  Even Bagwell generally knew when to stay quiet.

Not in December. 

[DVauthrin]

Not in December. 

Regardless of their candor to the press, the difference is bagwell also led by example on the field while lance is the kid in little league picking the dirt for flowers.

[Noe]

He can't or wont shut up, "In my opinion, we have to have to have another starter. …I don't think Brandon's (Backe) been healthy for a full season. ….Woody who’s getting older and more susceptible to injury."

"If nothing else, we have to have another arm or two in case these guys can't go. Now as far as I know we have absolutely nobody, …We've traded away all our upper level minor league pitchers. I would be shocked if they stood pat with the staff they had now."
Link

That is closest I've seen a leader throw a couple pitchers under the bus in a while.  Even Jeff Bagwell had to clarify his statements to Oswalt when it looked like Jeff threw him under the bus after the Michael Barrett flare up.  Oswalt was fumed at Bagwell and Jeff did the right thing and met privately with Roy to let him know his feelings as a leader on the team.  Oh yeah, Bagwell should've never said it for public consumption and that was what irked Oswalt more than anything else.

Berkman has to face up with Backe now and he better be ready to give a good explanation of what he said and most especially *why* he said it for public consumption.  Same with Woody.

[Astroholic]

That is closest I've seen a leader throw a couple pitchers under the bus in a while.  Even Jeff Bagwell had to clarify his statements to Oswalt when it looked like Jeff threw him under the bus after the Michael Barrett flare up.  Oswalt was fumed at Bagwell and Jeff did the right thing and met privately with Roy to let him know his feelings as a leader on the team.  Oh yeah, Bagwell should've never said it for public consumption and that was what irked Oswalt more than anything else.

Berkman has to face up with Backe now and he better be ready to give a good explanation of what he said and most especially *why* he said it for public consumption.  Same with Woody.

Backe could be that leader they are looking for.

[DVauthrin]

That is closest I've seen a leader throw a couple pitchers under the bus in a while.  Even Jeff Bagwell had to clarify his statements to Oswalt when it looked like Jeff threw him under the bus after the Michael Barrett flare up.  Oswalt was fumed at Bagwell and Jeff did the right thing and met privately with Roy to let him know his feelings as a leader on the team.  Oh yeah, Bagwell should've never said it for public consumption and that was what irked Oswalt more than anything else.

Berkman has to face up with Backe now and he better be ready to give a good explanation of what he said and most especially *why* he said it for public consumption.  Same with Woody.

Don't forget about his comments towards Valverde.

"Valverde had a good year last year, but I am not going to lie," Berkman said. "I am definitely concerned about his antics. He's one of the more demonstrative pitchers in the league, and I know that from playing against him that rubs guys the wrong way.

"It reflects poorly on the team and doesn't do anything but give the opposing team fuel for the next time he goes out. I hope those issues are addressed. "

[Froback]

Not in December. 

While I know Jeff had the occassional foot-in-mouth issues, I don't recall him ever doing a scortched earth type thing like Berkman is now about current teammates still on the roster, especially ones he has never played with yet (thus developed a history with).

And typically when Jeff had gone off on a current player you see him quickly try to do damage control with that player.  Berkman doesn't seem to have that history, based on things we have (or better have not) heard.

[Noe]

Not in December. 

Bagwell went off on the organization when they shipped out Brad Ausmus and gave the job to Mitch Melusky: "No team that considers themselves a contender ever makes a change at catcher that puts a rookie behind the dish.  You can go look for yourself, when is the last time a team won a pennant using a rookie catcher?"

Bagwell went off on the organization again when they got rid of Carl Everett: "What are they doing?  They just got rid of the guy who was the team MVP.  I don't care what anyone says, it was a bad move"

Those are the sort of things I remember Bagwell saying in two occasions and Berkman sure sounds a lot like Bagwell.  However, Jeff Bagwell was also very good at mending fences with the other players (except maybe with Melusky, that took a good while to work itself out).  In the case of C4, he was sure to find Richard Hidalgo before the season starter to let him know he meant no knock on Hidalgo that he now had a chance to play everyday and prove himself.  He told him he had confidence in Reeshard to do the job.

Will Berkman seek out Valverde and others (Backe) to give them a slap on the back and say "let's go get them... we're in this together and I know you can do the job!".

That is what Bagwell would've done (again, maybe not so quickly when it came to Mitch Melusky, but you know... one out of.... whatev).

[Astroholic]

Bagwell went off on the organization when they shipped out Brad Ausmus and gave the job to Mitch Melusky: "No team that considers themselves a contender ever makes a change at catcher that puts a rookie behind the dish.  You can go look for yourself, when is the last time a team won a pennant using a rookie catcher?"

Bagwell went off on the organization again when they got rid of Carl Everett: "What are they doing?  They just got rid of the guy who was the team MVP.  I don't care what anyone says, it was a bad move"

Those are the sort of things I remember Bagwell saying in two occasions and Berkman sure sounds a lot like Bagwell.  However, Jeff Bagwell was also very good at mending fences with the other players (except maybe with Melusky, that took a good while to work itself out).  In the case of C4, he was sure to find Richard Hidalgo before the season starter to let him know he meant no knock on Hidalgo that he now had a chance to play everyday and prove himself.  He told him he had confidence in Reeshard to do the job.

Will Berkman seek out Valverde and others (Backe) to give them a slap on the back and say "let's go get them... we're in this together and I know you can do the job!".

That is what Bagwell would've done (again, maybe not so quickly when it came to Mitch Melusky, but you know... one out of.... whatev).

You mean like replacing Ausmus this year with a rookie?

[Froback]

Also most of Bagwell's rants were more directed at the Organization, where as Berkman's seem to be more directed at the player.  IMO

[Noe]

You mean like replacing Ausmus this year with a rookie?

The 1998 Houston Astros were the prohibited NL favorite to go to the World Series.  Larry Dierker got rid of Brad Ausmus that off-season because he was tired of openly having his decisions questioned by Brad in the clubhouse.  Dierker managed to get rid of Ausmus out of spite and Bagwell let them know in an indirect way (and then later so did Mike Hampton in a very direct way) that this was bullshit.

This year's Houston Astros are hardly prohibited favorites to be the NL rep in the World Series. 

[Dobro]

Berkman pisses and moans about team chemistry in one breath, then turns around and completely shoots it in the ass in the next.

[DVauthrin]

The 1998 Houston Astros were the prohibited NL favorite to go to the World Series.  Larry Dierker got rid of Brad Ausmus that off-season because he was tired of openly having his decisions questioned by Brad in the clubhouse.  Dierker managed to get rid of Ausmus out of spite and Bagwell let them know in an indirect way (and then later so did Mike Hampton in a very direct way) that this was bullshit.

This year's Houston Astros are hardly prohibited favorites to be the NL rep in the World Series. 

I don't think there is a prohibitive favorite in the National League right now.

[Arky Vaughan]

This year's Houston Astros are hardly prohibited favorites to be the NL rep in the World Series.

Is "prohibited favorites" kind of like a "mute point?"

[Noe]

Is "prohibited favorites" kind of like a "mute point?"

For an ESL, yes it is.

[VirtualBob]

Is "prohibited favorites" kind of like a "mute point?"

Or maybe a fredia moment?

[Froback]

Berkman pisses and moans about team chemistry in one breath, then turns around and completely shoots it in the ass in the next.

Seems to be something MLB was trying to clean up with the Mitchell report... oh wait you meant figuratively... nevermind.

[Dobro]

The 1998 Houston Astros were the prohibited NL favorite to go to the World Series.  Larry Dierker got rid of Brad Ausmus that off-season because he was tired of openly having his decisions questioned by Brad in the clubhouse.  Dierker managed to get rid of Ausmus out of spite and Bagwell let them know in an indirect way (and then later so did Mike Hampton in a very direct way) that this was bullshit.

This year's Houston Astros are hardly prohibited favorites to be the NL rep in the World Series. 

Ausmus also remains an integral part of this team.  He wasn't shipped out this time.

[legs_of_eggs]

I'm trying to understand what Lance intended by making these comments.  Obviously Wade will be looking for starting pitching now, did Lance really need to throw the whole rotation under the bus to make this point?  I'm sure this isn't the warm welcome Valverde expected either. Why does he care about those antics if they're going to be annoying the other team now? Also I could stomach these obnoxious comments better if they were coming from the 06 Lance not the let-down 07 Lance.

[Reuben]

I wonder how extensive a leadership role Tejada will have on this club. he always seemed like a hard-nosed-play kind of guy, and a fairly loud one too... Obviously he's new but it's not totally unfathomable that a veteran star player could come in and have some authority, right?

[Fredia]

I'm trying to understand what Lance intended by making these comments.  Obviously Wade will be looking for starting pitching now, did Lance really need to throw the whole rotation under the bus to make this point?  I'm sure this isn't the warm welcome Valverde expected either. Why does he care about those antics if they're going to be annoying the other team now? Also I could stomach these obnoxious comments better if they were coming from the 06 Lance not the let-down 07 Lance.

you know how when you behead someone they say the optic nerve does not die for a few seconds and you see your headless body .. well i think berkman is like that he says his words then a few days later realizes what he has said...

[legs_of_eggs]

I wonder how extensive a leadership role Tejada will have on this club. he always seemed like a hard-nosed-play kind of guy, and a fairly loud one too... Obviously he's new but it's not totally unfathomable that a veteran star player could come in and have some authority, right?

I don't think its ridiculous to think seeing as how many new faces there will be in camp, new faces could decide to put their allegiance in the hands of a Tejada. I don't think this team needs just one voice though its gotta be many voices saying the same thing. So in essence Tejada better be invited for Pancakes with Carlos and Lance when ST comes around.

[pravata]

While I know Jeff had the occassional foot-in-mouth issues, I don't recall him ever doing a scortched earth type thing like Berkman is now about current teammates still on the roster, especially ones he has never played with yet (thus developed a history with).

And typically when Jeff had gone off on a current player you see him quickly try to do damage control with that player.  Berkman doesn't seem to have that history, based on things we have (or better have not) heard.

In 2000 when they were talking about hitting Roger Cedeno first, he had a lot to say about that.

[Twoniner]

Berkman pisses and moans about team chemistry in one breath, then turns around and completely shoots it in the ass in the next.

Perfectly put.   Maybe the new guys aren't thrilled to play with a lackadaisacal goofball.    At least they haven't put it out in the papers yet.

[Randy Watson]

Everett was the leader in the clubhouse.  Roy is the strong silent type.  Berkman is the court jester.  Ausmus is smart, but leads more  by example and serves almost a consiglerie (sp?) role.  But for Everett's injury, and the concerns that he would not return to form in the field, he is our guy at short and leader.  And that would have been a good thing.  Pence is our best bet for a leader.  Brocail is a short timer.  Backe needs to worry about staying healthy.

Berkman is not the sharpest tool in the shed (and, in addition to that being obvious from his public statements, I can say that is based on personal knowledge as I have been around him in person on many hunting trips).  What we had the last two years was a serious lack of talent.  With our roster the past two years, we were trying to ice skate uphill and it did not matter how much chemistry we had.  It's not like the talent will be fixed immediately, but changes needed to be made.  And if the chemistry was so great, why have we started off so crappy the last 4 years (in 2004-05 we turned it around to make the playoffs, in 2006 we came close courtesy to both bettwe play and a crappy division, and this past year we pretty much blew all year).

Berkman thought his buddy Burke deserved to stay on the team at CF last year.  That dumbfuckery tells you all you need to know about Berkman's GM skills.

[Arky Vaughan]

Everett was the leader in the clubhouse.  Roy is the strong silent type.  Berkman is the court jester.  Ausmus is smart, but leads more  by example and serves almost a consiglerie (sp?) role.  But for Everett's injury, and the concerns that he would not return to form in the field, he is our guy at short and leader.  And that would have been a good thing.  Pence is our best bet for a leader.  Brocail is a short timer.  Backe needs to worry about staying healthy.

Berkman is not the sharpest tool in the shed (and, in addition to that being obvious from his public statements, I can say that is based on personal knowledge as I have been around him in person on many hunting trips).  What we had the last two years was a serious lack of talent.  With our roster the past two years, we were trying to ice skate uphill and it did not matter how much chemistry we had.  It's not like the talent will be fixed immediately, but changes needed to be made.  And if the chemistry was so great, why have we started off so crappy the last 4 years (in 2004-05 we turned it around to make the playoffs, in 2006 we came close courtesy to both bettwe play and a crappy division, and this past year we pretty much blew all year).

Berkman thought his buddy Burke deserved to stay on the team at CF last year.  That dumbfuckery tells you all you need to know about Berkman's GM skills.

Who cares? I don't think he's interviewing for GM or clubhouse leader. He just needs to continue to knock the snot out of the ball.

[HudsonHawk]

Who cares? I don't think he's interviewing for GM or clubhouse leader. He just needs to continue to knock the snot out of the ball.

Amen.  Berkman is paid to hit, not be a babysitter.  Just shut the fuck up and hit.

[remy]

Amen.  Berkman is paid to hit, not be a babysitter.  Just shut the fuck up and hit.

Joey Jesus agrees.

[MikeyBoy]

Joey Jesus agrees.

That just may be the blog equivalent of 2girls1cup. JdJO is such a little bitch.

[S.P. Rodriguez]

Joey Jesus agrees.

Okay, so I don't want to defend how Berkman made his comments publicly, although I do agree with the content for the most part.  However, if Berkman lacks the credibility to critisize, where does JdJO measure up in that equation?  These "columnistas" need to realize their statements have an impact as well.  He's the last person who needs to be scolding someone else for doing the same thing he himself does daily.

[Andyzipp]

Roy is the strong silent type. 

Roy is not silent.  Roy is a whiny bitch.

[Ty in Tampa]

Okay, so I don't want to defend how Berkman made his comments publicly, although I do agree with the content for the most part.  However, if Berkman lacks the credibility to critisize, where does JdJO measure up in that equation?  These "columnistas" need to realize their statements have an impact as well.  He's the last person who needs to be scolding someone else for doing the same thing he himself does daily.

Except that he is paid to do just that. Ballplayers are paid to play ball.

[pravata]

Except that he is paid to do just that. Ballplayers are paid to play ball.

Correct, Ortiz is not only within his rights, but merely doing his job.  Baseball players should play the game and when confronted by a reporter spew cliches at gaitlin gun frequency.  Sport reporters are paid to call up groggy 22 year old players who have just been traded, pretend they are his friend, and print the first thing that comes out of their mouths.

[Froback]

Correct, Ortiz is not only within his rights, but merely doing his job.  Baseball players should play the game and when confronted by a reporter spew cliches at gaitlin gun frequency.  Sport reporters are paid to call up groggy 22 year old players who have just been traded, pretend they are his friend, and print the first thing that comes out of their mouths.

By comparing JdJO to Sports Reports, are you insulting all Sports Reporters or JdJO?  Sometimes it is hard to tell.

[Randy Watson]

Roy is not silent.  Roy is a whiny bitch.

He makes some comments that get in the paper.  But I have been around him and many of his teammates quite a bit.  He is a quiet person.  His teammates would tell you the same thing.

[pravata]

By comparing JdJO to Sports Reports, are you insulting all Sports Reporters or JdJO?  Sometimes it is hard to tell.

One at a time and only specifically.

[Andyzipp]

He makes some comments that get in the paper.  But I have been around him and many of his teammates quite a bit.  He is a quiet person.  His teammates would tell you the same thing.

I'm not doubting your knowledge, but when you routinely (and I can think of more than three seperate situations) call out your teammates for not giving you enough run support, you are a whiny bitch. 

The fact that he's quiet the rest of the time might make it worse...If you want to call out a position player (or anyone) do it behind closed doors.

Pitchers whining about run support is bush league.  Especially him.