Wallace to see more bench time

[OregonStrosFan]

Per Levine (via Twitter):

Sounds like Brett Wallace's playing time is going down for a while. Mills will try to get him going w/favorable matchups.

FML

[Ron Brand]

Soon this whole fucking thing is going to get blown up. It's now just a matter of who can make it to next year.

[Mr. Happy]

Soon this whole fucking thing is going to get blown up. It's now just a matter of who can make it to next year.

That is what it sounds like. Carlos Lee to 1B. I vehemently disagree with this move. Let the kid play through it. We're 100 games below .500. It's not like it matters. Or send him to AAA t work it out. Don't just let him rot on the pine. I can't wait for Mills to go too now.

[OregonStrosFan]

It's now just a matter of who can make it to next year.

You talking SnS'ers or Astros players/staff.  Not sure even watching The Altuve play is going to be enough to keep me around (watching) much longer...

[hostros7]

That is what it sounds like. Carlos Lee to 1B. I vehemently disagree with this move. Let the kid play through it. We're 100 games below .500. It's not like it matters. Or send him to AAA t work it out. Don't just let him rot on the pine. I can't wait for Mills to go too now.

Gross.  I would also like to bitch about this decision.  All I can hope for now is gobs of trades that yield a smasgasbord of prospects we can scrutinize.

[chuck]

If they want to sit Wallace and move Carlos to first that's fine with me as long as they do something nutty like bring up Martinez to give him a look in LF. Swapping Wallace for Michaels makes no sense at all. Wallace for Bourgeois doesn't make a hell of a lot of sense, either.

[OregonStrosFan]

Noe, why is Brad Mills trying to make me long for the Astros to bring back Cooper to manage the club?!?

[Ron Brand]

You talking SnS'ers or Astros players/staff. 

Yes.

[Ron Brand]

I don't like it and I don't know what's going on or how to fix it, but there is this:

May   92 AB, .250 / .317 / .402 / .719

June   74 AB, .230 / .360 / .297 / .657

July   54 AB, .222 / .236 / .278 / .514   

The inside breaking ball kills him and that's what he's been seeing this year. I don't know why coaching and practice doesn't seem to be working. I think sitting him is wrong, but if he's not getting the coaching he needs (Baggy, where are you?) then what the hell is next?

Instead of building something, this really has become a lost season.

[Ron Brand]

McTaggart's whole statement, in his latest Tag's Lines:

Brett Wallace was out of the starting lineup Monday despite facing a right-hander, and manager Brad Mills said he’s going to pick and choose his spots for Wallace to start in the immediate future. He wants to put Wallace in situations to be successful, while giving Jason Bourgeois more time in left field.

[Matt]

McTaggart's whole statement, in his latest Tag's Lines:

He should be playing every day.

[hostros7]

McTaggart's whole statement, in his latest Tag's Lines:

Meh.  Like chuck said, give Martinez a chance or even see if Bogusevic has any chance of being anything superior to a AAA player.  No point in "going for it" with bourgeois.

It's a sad day when the only thing "killer" about the Astros "B's" is trying to spell their last names.

[EasTexAstro]

Wallace, in a lost season, has been moved around the lineup and sits 1/3 of the time. He was brought in as a learning hitter who could play a fair 1st base. Sitting him and waiting until he has a "good chance to succeed" in this lineup sounds like a bust, even though we have seen a good approach and a nice swing. I know I like him alot due to his great character.

Is he not being given a good chance to fail/succeed in this season of disaster? Is ha being pushed aside for the whole Lee situation?

[roadrunner]

It makes absolutely no sense.  I think it's great to work Bourgeois in the lineup, but keep Michaels on the fucking bench.  Why bench a potential 1B of the future for a .211 hitter? 

When will the MLB approve this new ownership?  It somehow just keeps getting worse.

[Ron Brand]

Of course, Mills also said that Downs was going to get the bulk of the time at 3B for a while, which lasted most of one day before he clarified it and said that CJ was going to get the bulk of the time at 3B.

[jbm]

Why bench a potential 1B of the future for a .211 hitter? 

I assume they don't see Wallace as their first baseman of the future.  Don't know why they have come to that conclusion, but it seems like they have.  

[chuck]

I assume they don't see Wallace as their first baseman of the future.  Don't know why they have come to that conclusion, but it seems like they have.  

My guess is that the team has tried to get him to alter his approach in order to keep from getting eaten up on those inside pitches and he's not listening. The benching is a way to send him a message. This guess is based on what happened last year when he wouldn't adjust to the inside pitching.

[jbm]

Hope it is that simple. I hadn't noticed the inside stuff as a fatal flaw, and just thought he looks like a guy who is a little lost and lacking confidence. I wonder if the lack of confidence in him shown by Mills has only compounded his mental woes.

[EasTexAstro]

I'm glad CJ is exempt from benching.

[chuck]

I'm glad CJ is exempt from benching.

I think what happened in they thought they'd teach CJ a lesson and then proceeded to watch Downs strike out four times in succession and thought, Fuck.

[strosrays]

Mills is beginning to remind me of Jimy.  Not good.

[Jacksonian]

Gross.  I would also like to bitch about this decision.  All I can hope for now is gobs of trades that yield a smasgasbord of prospects we can scrutinize.

Why would any team trade any prospects for any player on this team?

[chuck]

Why would any team trade any prospects for any player on this team?

Over the last couple of days I've reached the glum conclusion that the Astros may literally have no one that anyone wants at any reasonable price. No one wants to pay Wandy $30MM to pitch like Wandy. Everyone but the Hunter's Lodge crowd knows that he's a goon.

I would like to think, if only for my pride as a fan, that Barmes and Melancon have some value and could bring some return.

[austro]

I would like to think, if only for my pride as a fan, that Barmes and Melancon have some value and could bring some return.

Melancon, probably not. Barmes would be a good get for somebody if they lose their regular SS, but I don't think he's going to simply replace somebody's SS.

[Reuben]

Over the last couple of days I've reached the glum conclusion that the Astros may literally have no one that anyone wants at any reasonable price. No one wants to pay Wandy $30MM to pitch like Wandy. Everyone but the Hunter's Lodge crowd knows that he's a goon.

I would like to think, if only for my pride as a fan, that Barmes and Melancon have some value and could bring some return.

The Phillies seem to really want Hunter. Maybe the Braves and/or Red Sox too. The Astros FO seems to be playing coy about whether he is or isn't available.

You really think they'd trade Melancon, so soon? There seem to be a lot of RH relievers available, anyway, so I don't think he'd bring back anything special. Now, if they could get some team desperate for a LH 'pen guy - those are in short supply - to fall in love with Escalona or Abad...

[Jacksonian]

Over the last couple of days I've reached the glum conclusion that the Astros may literally have no one that anyone wants at any reasonable price. No one wants to pay Wandy $30MM to pitch like Wandy. Everyone but the Hunter's Lodge crowd knows that he's a goon.

I would like to think, if only for my pride as a fan, that Barmes and Melancon have some value and could bring some return.

I honestly believe that right now the only player who would bring even a modest return is Bourn.  I do not believe any team would trade for any other current Astro and give a major league player in return.

[Jacksonian]

That is what it sounds like. Carlos Lee to 1B. I vehemently disagree with this move. Let the kid play through it. We're 100 games below .500. It's not like it matters. Or send him to AAA t work it out. Don't just let him rot on the pine. I can't wait for Mills to go too now.

It seems the norm to blame Mills for the Wallace jerking.  IMO, Wallace's development is something Wade has to be tied to.  If Wade wanted him played every day he would.  Clearly Wade and Mills are on the same page with the way Wallace is being treated.  I blame Wade not Mills.

[chuck]

Now, if they could get some team desperate for a LH 'pen guy - those are in short supply - to fall in love with Escalona or Abad...

The only general manager who is in love with Abad is the one employed by the Houston Astros.

[jbm]

It seems the norm to blame Mills for the Wallace jerking.  IMO, Wallace's development is something Wade has to be tied to.  If Wade wanted him played every day he would.  Clearly Wade and Mills are on the same page with the way Wallace is being treated.  I blame Wade not Mills.

You may be right in that Wade has agreed.  However, it looks like Mill's signature to me. Just like moving Altuve down after screwing up a bunt, leaving Wallace batting sixth when he was hot earlier, replacing Melancon with Lyon after Lyon came back off the DL. Mills tends to either cut the youngsters little slack, or babies them.

[Jacksonian]

You may be right in that Wade has agreed.  However, it looks like Mill's signature to me. Just like moving Altuve down after screwing up a bunt, leaving Wallace batting sixth when he was hot earlier, replacing Melancon with Lyon after Lyon came back off the DL. Mills tends to either cut the youngsters little slack, or babies them.

Regardless, if Wade wanted Wallace playing, he'd be playing.  If Wade wanted him in a particular spot in the lineup, he'd be there.

Wade.

[chuck]

Regardless, if Wade wanted Wallace playing, he'd be playing.  If Wade wanted him in a particular spot in the lineup, he'd be there.

Wade.

And this is what I find so perplexing. If Wade puppeteers the deal to get Wallace in the first place you'd think that he'd want to show him off, especially after such a promising beginning. That's why I think they're sitting him because of a refusal on Wallace's part to embrace things they want him to do.

[MusicMan]

This franchise is a complete trainwreck. Top to bottom.

Dump Pence, dump Wandy, and make an honest run at the 62 Mets.

[Jacksonian]

This franchise is a complete trainwreck. Top to bottom.

Dump Pence, dump Wandy, and make an honest run at the 62 Mets.

Ya' know, if Pence keeps this shit up, he won't win his arbitration case this winter.  That'll keep his salary climb down.  That might be enough to get a team to deal for him next summer.

Grasping at less than straws is all I have.

[Jacksonian]

This franchise is a complete trainwreck. Top to bottom.

Dump Pence, dump Wandy, and make an honest run at the 62 Mets.

In all seriousness I wonder, if Wandy pitches in his next start the way he did in previous start, if the Tigers might go for him.  They need a starter, and Wandy is completely different from any of their other starters.

[austro]

In all seriousness I wonder, if Wandy pitches in his next start the way he did in previous start, if the Tigers might go for him.  They need a starter, and Wandy is completely different from any of their other starters.

I can't see Wandy surviving in the AL. I may be completely wrong, but my gut says he'd get chewed up in that league.

[MusicMan]

I can't see Wandy surviving in the AL. I may be completely wrong, but my gut says he'd get chewed up in that league.

I don't give two fucks as long as we get someone who can contribute in 5 years after we finish our time in purgatory.

[austro]

I don't give two fucks as long as we get someone who can contribute in 5 years after we finish our time in purgatory.

Sure, but if Detroit feels the same way I do, I doubt that they'll exchange anybody who will still be employed in 5 years.

[Jacksonian]

And this is what I find so perplexing. If Wade puppeteers the deal to get Wallace in the first place you'd think that he'd want to show him off, especially after such a promising beginning. That's why I think they're sitting him because of a refusal on Wallace's part to embrace things they want him to do.

They just talked about it.  JD pointed out he's an arm hitter.  He doesn't incorporate is substantial lower body in his swing.  They want him to pivot his back foot and open his hips.  He did not do that just now.

[chuck]

Ya' know, if Pence keeps this shit up, he won't win his arbitration case this winter.  That'll keep his salary climb down.  That might be enough to get a team to deal for him next summer.

Grasping at less than straws is all I have.

Hey Ruben? Ed here. Listen, chew on this for a minute, Pence sucks so badly in the field that he's sure to lose arbitration next year and he won't cost you guys nearly as much as you fear. Now send me that left handed guy you have who's batting .220.

[jbm]

There are tradable pieces on this club.  Everyone looks like crap because they are immersed in this culture of suck. Put em on a new club and things will change.

Why couldn't Wandy pitch in the AL, the guy is good.

[Jacksonian]

There are tradable pieces on this club.  Everyone looks like crap because they are immersed in this culture of suck. Put em on a new club and things will change.

Why couldn't Wandy pitch in the AL, the guy is good.

Because we all know better than you.

[Jacksonian]

This franchise is a complete trainwreck. Top to bottom.

Dump Pence, dump Wandy, and make an honest run at the 62 Mets.

I think Wade has to deal Bourn.  He's got to know that Boras is looking at the Astros and thinking he'll get SBB a solid contract with a much better team.

[Reuben]

I think Wade has to deal Bourn.  He's got to know that Boras is looking at the Astros and thinking he'll get SBB a solid contract with a much better team.

I still don't see any team giving up a great haul for Bourn as their trade-deadline deal. Hard to sell non-sluggers as key moves to your owner and fanbase. Maybe in the offseason, I don't know. I think the Astros could get way more for Pence right now, recent shitty OF fuck-ups notwithstanding, than they could Bourn. Pence is a slugger and GMs look good trading for sluggers for their pennant drive. They don't look good trading for a no-power fast guy that nobody's heard of from Houston.

[Jacksonian]

I still don't see any team giving up a great haul for Bourn as their trade-deadline deal. Hard to sell non-sluggers as key moves to your owner and fanbase. Maybe in the offseason, I don't know. I think the Astros could get way more for Pence right now, recent shitty OF fuck-ups notwithstanding, than they could Bourn. Pence is a slugger and GMs look good trading for sluggers for their pennant drive. They don't look good trading for a no-power fast guy that nobody's heard of from Houston.

I don't say that thinking they'll get a large haul for Bourn.  I say that because I think they can get more than the equivalent of a supplemental first round pick for him.

[MusicMan]

I don't say that thinking they'll get a large haul for Bourn.  I say that because I think they can get more than the equivalent of a supplemental first round pick for him.

Don't think he'lll make Type A by next year?

[Jacksonian]

Don't think he'lll make Type A by next year?

No power.  Speed isn't part of the equation, IIRC.

[MusicMan]

While we're on the topic of inexplicable decisions:

What the hell does Happ have to do in order to get sent down?  Perform a human sacrifice on the mound?

[Jacksonian]

While we're on the topic of inexplicable decisions:

What the hell does Happ have to do in order to get sent down?  Perform a human sacrifice on the mound?

Prove it's not the team around him.

[MusicMan]

Prove it's not the team around him.

Worst ERA in MLB - by more than half a run.
Worst WHIP in MLB.
2nd worst opponents' OPS.


If you believe he has a future - and I actually do - you've got to get him off that mound before he's completely broken.

[Jacksonian]

Worst ERA in MLB - by more than half a run.
Worst WHIP in MLB.
2nd worst opponents' OPS.


If you believe he has a future - and I actually do - you've got to get him off that mound before he's completely broken.

I thought he took positive steps tonight.  He threw more strikes, was not noticeably nibbling, and with a real right fielder probably keeps the Astros in the game.

[chuck]

While we're on the topic of inexplicable decisions:

What the hell does Happ have to do in order to get sent down?  Perform a human sacrifice on the mound?

Whom do you recommend as a replacement?

[ValpoCory]

Instead of building something, this really has become a lost season.

Such the optimist to think this is lasting just one season.

[MusicMan]

Whom do you recommend as a replacement?

Anyeurysm?  I really don't care.  The remainder of the big club's season means nothing to me.  Go find Chris Holt and have him throw BP for all I care.  Just don't ruin a potential legit starter by continuing to throw him when he's so obviously not right.

[pots]

Whom do you recommend as a replacement?

Kuechel, who happened to pitch last night as well

[Uncle Charlie]

No power.  Speed isn't part of the equation, IIRC.

Which is part of what makes the equation so dumb.  That and defense.  Bourn is a really good CFer and "the equation" doesn't recognize it.

[Uncle Charlie]

Kuechel, who happened to pitch last night as well

Had Kuechel been facing MLB pitching last night he would have given up 6 runs IMO.

[juliogotay]

Had Kuechel been facing MLB pitching last night he would have given up 6 runs IMO.

He's a ground ball pitcher. Was he not getting ground balls last night? Up in the zone?

[Reuben]

Had Kuechel been facing MLB pitching last night he would have given up 6 runs IMO.

Which is about what you can expect Happ to give up...

Maybe MM is right, maybe give Aneury another shot for a while. When they plucked him in the Rule 5, I think the word was that his upside was 3rd or 4th starter, and he has shown flashes of decent stuff and control.

[David in Jackson]

What's most discouraging about Happ and Wallace is that when Wade and the Astros finally realized they needed to rebuild and trade their best well-paid players they aren't capable of identifying younger players who can contribute.

[hostros7]

What's most discouraging about Happ and Wallace is that when Wade and the Astros finally realized they needed to rebuild and trade their best well-paid players they aren't capable of identifying younger players who can contribute.

Especially when you consider that Wade drafted Happ in 2004. 

[JimR]

Happ can pitch. Wallace can hit. some of you guys would cut players when they are 10.

[David in Jackson]

I've always thought of Happ as a servicable 4th-5th guy.  I believe the Astros are Wallace's fourth organization.  I had hoped he would be the young player acquired at last year's deadline (Berkman, Oswalt) that would a piece of the next winning Astros team in 2-3 years.  I've got serious doubts about that now.

[JimR]

I've always thought of Happ as a servicable 4th-5th guy.  I believe the Astros are Wallace's fourth organization.  I had hoped he would be the young player acquired at last year's deadline (Berkman, Oswalt) that would a piece of the next winning Astros team in 2-3 years.  I've got serious doubts about that now.

well, good. doubt away.

[sporadic]

I like Wallace, alot, but I saw a rumor somewhere about the D-Backs having an interest in Wandy.  I would include Wallace in that deal if it brought Brandon Allen home...

[Ron Brand]

I think Happ and Wallace have all the tools, but I'm not so sure they have the right coaching. This is the first real serious test both of them have had and I think they're talented enough to get past it but they won't do it alone.

[JimR]

I think Happ and Wallace have all the tools, but I'm not so sure they have the right coaching. This is the first real serious test both of them have had and I think they're talented enough to get past it but they won't do it alone.

one negative i heard thirdhand about Wallace is that he is stubborn and does not listen.

[mrpink]

I like Wallace, alot, but I saw a rumor somewhere about the D-Backs having an interest in Wandy.  I would include Wallace in that deal if it brought Brandon Allen home...

...or Paul Goldschmidt.

[sporadic]

...or Paul Goldschmidt.

no, he is not from Montgomery

[mrpink]

no, he is not from Montgomery

but he is from The Woodlands.

[sporadic]

but he is from The Woodlands.

then make a deal to include the both of them!  GM-ing by geography, that is a sure fire winner!!  Now, if we can just include the Blue Jays and get Kyle Drabek as well...

[mrpink]

then make a deal to include the both of them!  GM-ing by geography, that is a sure fire winner!!  Now, if we can just include the Blue Jays and get Kyle Drabek as well...

Works for me!  And isn't there a catcher out there from Crosby that seems to tear up AA pitching every year?  Let's go get him.....shit, nevermind. 

[strosrays]

one negative i heard thirdhand about Wallace is that he is stubborn and does not listen.

The easy response to this would be, what kid isn't stubborn and does listen?  But I get what you are saying.

Since apparently, at best, we are looking at the team dumping veterans and trying to get prospects in return and then develop them, I assume whoever is going to be in charge after the change in ownership is going to want a manager and coaches geared up for instruction and adept at dealing with younger players.

Is Mills that guy?  I don't know.  The whole Wallace deal bothers me a little, as do some of the things he said during the Lyon/Melancon closer debate.  On the other hand, he has stuck with Lyles, and some of the young bullpen guys.  Not that he had much choice.

I don't think it really matters.  My guess he is gone by the end of the season, if not before. 

[Ron Brand]

My guess he is gone by the end of the season, if not before. 

Down to the studs. To the foundation, even.

[Reuben]

one negative i heard thirdhand about Wallace is that he is stubborn and does not listen.

Right. When you are a .220-hitting rookie and you don't listen to Jeff Bagwell, that's not a great sign. Not all great players are great coaches of course, but it makes you wonder.

[Mr. Happy]

Happ can pitch. Wallace can hit. some of you guys would cut players when they are 10.

I think that Happ can pitch too, but I believe that his stuff is not good enough to pitch up in the zone. He's got to reinvent himself into a groundball pitcher like Charlie Morton has done.

If Wallace doesn't begin to show some power and soon, I think that he is not the answer at a corner position.

[strosrays]

I think that Happ can pitch too, but I believe that his stuff is not good enough to pitch up in the zone. He's got to reinvent himself into a groundball pitcher like Charlie Morton has done.

If Wallace doesn't begin to show some power and soon, I think that he is not the answer at a corner position.

This is the key.  I think it is reasonable to assume at some point Wallace can hit .280-.300 conisitently, with doubles power and a decent OBP.  But, playing 1B, that's just another Lyle Overbay or somebody.  Without the HR power, he isn't all that enticing.

I don't think he is going to develop any power while sitting on the bench, though.

[Lurch]

Ya' know, if Pence keeps this shit up, he won't win his arbitration case this winter.  That'll keep his salary climb down.  That might be enough to get a team to deal for him next summer.

Grasping at less than straws is all I have.

8th in BA and RBI in the NL.  I think he'll do alright.

[MusicMan]

I think that Happ can pitch too, but I believe that his stuff is not good enough to pitch up in the zone. He's got to reinvent himself into a groundball pitcher like Charlie Morton has done.

So watching and copying Halladay's delivery is the answer?  (Except, of course, Happ is left handed.  But this could lead to a great scene is a grucial game where JA announces, "I know something you do not: I am not actaully left-handed!")

[Jacksonian]

8th in BA and RBI in the NL.  I think he'll do alright.

His BA has fallen 15 points in his last 10 games.  He's collected 2 RBI over that time.  This is part of what I mean by keeping this shit up.

[Mr. Happy]

So watching and copying Halladay's delivery is the answer?  (Except, of course, Happ is left handed.  But this could lead to a great scene is a grucial game where JA announces, "I know something you do not: I am not actaully left-handed!")

He doesn't have Halliday's stuff. However, by dropping his arm slot a bit, somewhat like Wandy does and by keeping the ball down, I think that he can have success as a lefty. Happ misses up a lot for balls and also leaves too many balls up in happy land right now. The league has figured him out. Simply wait on your pitch because Happ's command is not good enough to be worried about. He gets behind too many hitters to be effective because, unlike Wandy, his equalizer is not as sharp as it needs to be.  

[JackAstro]

This is the key.  I think it is reasonable to assume at some point Wallace can hit .280-.300 conisitently, with doubles power and a decent OBP.  But, playing 1B, that's just another Lyle Overbay or somebody.  Without the HR power, he isn't all that enticing.

I don't think he is going to develop any power while sitting on the bench, though.

Yeah, I keep thinking his ceiling is a shorter, less chatty Sean Casey.

[Lurch]

His BA has fallen 15 points in his last 10 games.  He's collected 2 RBI over that time.  This is part of what I mean by keeping this shit up.

Ah, sorry.  Missed the context.  I'm assuming his poor play in the field wouldn't matter much in an arb hearing as its difficult to point to a stat to make that case.  That goofy mf is going to bank with his current hitting stats.

[Navin R Johnson]

Right. When you are a .220-hitting rookie and you don't listen to Jeff Bagwell, that's not a great sign. Not all great players are great coaches of course, but it makes you wonder.

The not listening to Bagwell thing didn't happen.

[JimR]

The not listening to Bagwell thing didn't happen.

i believe it did. the source on that one is beyond argument.

eta: that one is not from any source of mine.

[EasTexAstro]

i believe it did. the source on that one is beyond argument.

eta: that one is not from any source of mine.

Not trying to argue, just trying to clarify:

It was not one of your sources, but you believe the information from someone else's source? Or did your eta mean to discount your first statement?

I thought I remembered hearing Wallace DID work with Bagwell, but I don't remember where and have no direct sources.

[MusicMan]

Not trying to argue, just trying to clarify:

It was not one of your sources, but you believe the information from someone else's source? Or did your eta mean to discount your first statement?

I thought I remembered hearing Wallace DID work with Bagwell, but I don't remember where and have no direct sources.

I took it as "this is not one of my personal sources, but the source is unimpeachable"

[EasTexAstro]

I took it as "this is not one of my personal sources, but the source is unimpeachable"

Got it. Thanks.

[JimR]

I took it as "this is not one of my personal sources, but the source is unimpeachable"

yep. you should be my ghostwriter if i ever write anything.

[Navin R Johnson]

I heard it from someone who asked Bagwell personally, Bagwell said the story wasn't true.

[hostros7]

I heard it from someone who asked Bagwell personally, Bagwell said the story wasn't true.

Not saying your information is incorrect.  However, Bagwell seems like a "keep it in the clubhouse" guy, maybe more than any other player I can remember.

[Navin R Johnson]

Not saying your information is incorrect.  However, Bagwell seems like a "keep it in the clubhouse" guy, maybe more than any other player I can remember.

That is a very fair point.  I can't remember now, but how did the original, "Wallace refuses to work with or listen to Bagwell" rumor start?  Who reported it?

[OregonStrosFan]

Not saying your information is incorrect.  However, Bagwell seems like a "keep it in the clubhouse" guy, maybe more than any other player I can remember.

If I know what I think I know, I'd put my money on Navin having reliable info on this...

[JimR]

That is a very fair point.  I can't remember now, but how did the original, "Wallace refuses to work with or listen to Bagwell" rumor start?  Who reported it?

not my place to say. it comes directly from a team source, but not to me.

[hostros7]

If I know what I think I know, I'd put my money on Navin having reliable info on this...

I'm not questioning his honesty or sources at all.  My point was that Bagwell could have told a white lie to keep the issue behind closed doors.

[Navin R Johnson]

not my place to say. it comes directly from a team source, but not to me.

Gotcha.  Did anyone in the media ever report it?

[Ron Brand]

The only thing I remember is reading, perhaps via McTaggart, that Pence was disregarding Bagwell's instruction and Baggy alluded to it in a broadcast but tried to downplay it. Nothing I remember about Wallace.