Hello friends, I am putting aside my policy not to post on message boards for one day because I feel compelled to set the record straight, once and for all, regarding what I do, who signs my paychecks and how I have conducted myself professionally for the eight years I have been on this job.
I am employed by MLB.com. I am not employed by the Houston Astros. My paychecks are signed by someone who I've never heard of from our offices in Chelsea, New York.
I am not a PR arm of the team. I do not show them what I write before I file it, nor do I ever seek their approval before I file something. I cover this team as an objective reporter. I would cover this team the same way if I wrote for the Chronicle, or the Sporting News, or espn.com, or anyone else. Like any other reporter, I have sources that I consult, and I have a terrific, trusting repoire with the players that has helped me tremendously over the years. I do not rewrite press releases. When I meet with Ed Wade, or when I met with Tim Purpura or Gerry Hunsicker in years past, we never, ever "huddled" together to decide how to dupe the public. I would never, ever print something I didn't believe to be true.
My job is to gather every bit of information that I can get my hands on, and, when it's on the record, I tell you guys. When the team stinks, I say so. When it's good, I say that too.
To suggest that I would do anything to compromise my integrity for the sake of a paycheck bugs me. If MLB.com ever told me I had to print something that wasn't true, but would make the team look good, I would find another job. As it is, I'm in tremendous standing with the people who sign my paychecks -- MLB.com -- because I am objective, honest and fair.
I wrote what I knew about Pudge. It changed, and that happens in this game.
Thanks for listening. I respect the people on this board because you know baseball and you know your Astros. But enough is enough. I work for MLB.com and no one else, except for that fun freelance gig I have with 1560.
Thanks for listening.
