Q: Didn’t we see Ortiz and Varitek as those people [leaders]? Do you have any theories as to where they were in all of this?
A: They’ve never been those guys. Those guys were accessory leaders. And Jason was one of those guys who would ask me to have a meeting. Here’s what, we need to do this. He was not comfortable for the most part standing up and talking every night.
Then tell me what the "C" on his jersey is supposed to stand for. 'Cuz it sure as hell doesn't stand for "captain."
If you're not a speechmaker, that's okay. We're led to believe Jeter isn't either. But a leader finds a way.
"During the postseason, baseball people around the game have commented on how obvious the Red Sox dysfunction was on the field. The captain, Jason Varitek, for years has been the most immodest player in the clubhouse, evidenced over the past few seasons first by wearing the letter "C" on his chest to signal his captaincy (was he Ray Bourque or a baseball player?) and then by not voluntarily relinquishing it once he ceased to be a regular player. Professional ballplayers take their leadership cues from everyday players, and Varitek hasn't been one since 2008.
Varitek was a key member of their title run, but was more concerned with himself reaching the end of his career than his team. Being a captain means leading. It doesn't mean refusing to address serious issues on a fractured team."
I hate to beat a dead horse, but when Varitek took a swing at A-Rod without taking off his catcher's mask, it told us all we ever needed to know about him.
[3] Agree completely Matt. I'd just like to point out one thing. Varitek didn't swing his fist. Cap'n Facemask shoved his catcher's mitt covered hand into A-Rod's grill. Not just Tools of Ignorance but also Tools of Cowardliness, False Bravado, and Cheap Shotliness. [2] He's definitely no Ray Bourque. Hockey players drop the gloves.
The most interesting thing to me about all of this is that the described uber-douchiness of these folks (e.g., Beckett) is exactly how they always seemed to me as people. As we used to say down south, Like a school in the summertime, you ain't got no class. My guess is that it's no coincidence the fans are largely the same. At least now that it's public, these guys will be treated appropriately by teammates and management.
[5] You'd like to think so, but one thing about douches I've observed is that they usually have no accountability; they'd be doing the unthinkable and blaming themselves for the things that've happened, and indicting their own judgment. It'll be interesting if they do, but I suspect you'll see mostly the same players with the same problems, except acting more gingerly and less cocky in public.
Schilling has irritated me in the past - I mean, he's an asshole, let's face it. But he is also honest and smart.
[5] Agreed that these descriptions are true to my general impressions. The Ortiz thing about him talking big only when he's performing is unsurprising.
Q: Didn’t we see Ortiz and Varitek as those people [leaders]? Do you have any theories as to where they were in all of this?
A: They’ve never been those guys. Those guys were accessory leaders. And Jason was one of those guys who would ask me to have a meeting. Here’s what, we need to do this. He was not comfortable for the most part standing up and talking every night.
Then tell me what the "C" on his jersey is supposed to stand for. 'Cuz it sure as hell doesn't stand for "captain."
If you're not a speechmaker, that's okay. We're led to believe Jeter isn't either. But a leader finds a way.
From Howard Bryant:
"During the postseason, baseball people around the game have commented on how obvious the Red Sox dysfunction was on the field. The captain, Jason Varitek, for years has been the most immodest player in the clubhouse, evidenced over the past few seasons first by wearing the letter "C" on his chest to signal his captaincy (was he Ray Bourque or a baseball player?) and then by not voluntarily relinquishing it once he ceased to be a regular player. Professional ballplayers take their leadership cues from everyday players, and Varitek hasn't been one since 2008.
Varitek was a key member of their title run, but was more concerned with himself reaching the end of his career than his team. Being a captain means leading. It doesn't mean refusing to address serious issues on a fractured team."
http://tinyurl.com/6l23dax
I hate to beat a dead horse, but when Varitek took a swing at A-Rod without taking off his catcher's mask, it told us all we ever needed to know about him.
[3] Agree completely Matt. I'd just like to point out one thing. Varitek didn't swing his fist. Cap'n Facemask shoved his catcher's mitt covered hand into A-Rod's grill. Not just Tools of Ignorance but also Tools of Cowardliness, False Bravado, and Cheap Shotliness. [2] He's definitely no Ray Bourque. Hockey players drop the gloves.
[4] Word.
The most interesting thing to me about all of this is that the described uber-douchiness of these folks (e.g., Beckett) is exactly how they always seemed to me as people. As we used to say down south, Like a school in the summertime, you ain't got no class. My guess is that it's no coincidence the fans are largely the same. At least now that it's public, these guys will be treated appropriately by teammates and management.
[5] You'd like to think so, but one thing about douches I've observed is that they usually have no accountability; they'd be doing the unthinkable and blaming themselves for the things that've happened, and indicting their own judgment. It'll be interesting if they do, but I suspect you'll see mostly the same players with the same problems, except acting more gingerly and less cocky in public.
I could happily keep reading these stories all winter.
[0] Is that from "Talk Radio"? Love that film.
Schilling has irritated me in the past - I mean, he's an asshole, let's face it. But he is also honest and smart.
[5] Agreed that these descriptions are true to my general impressions. The Ortiz thing about him talking big only when he's performing is unsurprising.