5 tools or 6

Is character the reason? Or does Neagle's abilities not equal his salary and it's the Rockies way of releasing the player, saving $, and looking like moralities "good guy"?

Not that his crime is not an issue. But, unless there are other character flaws is this the type of offense to cut a man? I don't know.

quote:

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Originally posted by rz1:
Is character the reason? Or does Neagle's abilities not equal his salary and it's the Rockies way of releasing the player, saving $, and looking like moralities "good guy"?

Not that his crime is not an issue. But, unless there are other character flaws is this the type of offense to cut a man? I don't know.

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MLB "sells" itself as family entertainment. I do believe that Colorado was concerned about a back-lash from the consumer/fan. More than that, character should matter to an organization that needs to rely on the commitment of an individual to be prepared and ready to fulfill their contractual obligation.

A "moral's" clause isn't uncommon in contracts to cancel it out for conduct deemed detrimental to the club and/or baseball in general.

With my tongue firmly planted in my cheek, I'll add this:
1) If he had won 20 games last year, he would have probably just been suspended without pay (until spring training began).
2) If he had hit 45+ home runs last year, they would say they are waiting for the DA to determine if charges will be brought and him found guilty.
3) If he had hit 60+ home runs last year, they would have blamed it on the steriods and tried to get him off scott free.

Wonderful double standard they have going.... Family entertainment, but you better put a competitive product on the field.

I don't believe that MLB and the Players Union will ever reach a good compromise on testing and penalties... might as well tell McCain to go ahead with his legislation.

HeyBatter- I am in your camp on this one. It is truly incredible as a coach to see how many kids waste talent. It makes you sick sometimes. Character, competitiveness, intensity,...these are the real "tools" that make the difference. I'll take a tough-nosed gamer with average talent over a stud with no heart any day.

The real problem with MLB teams is that they feel that they can change or control a players behavior when that player is with their organization. IMO this will not happen most of the time. Why would anyone invest millions of dollars in a person that has a questionable background and character? The only thing that the clubs have trouble predicting is how the money and fame will change a player, just look at the Matt Bush situation.

Thank you Coach Knight for saying what I have always said. I dont have a problem with the Rockies releasing him for what he did. In my opinion they should have. But does anyone here really think they would have released him if he was a 20 game winner and worth the money they were going to have to pay him? They used it as an excuse to get rid of him and the burden of his salary. Is San Fran going to get rid of Bonds because he uses steroids? Yeah right. The Yankees are trying everything they can to dump Jason right now but it has nothing to do with steroids its all about performance.

rz1, I agree. Phoenixdad, no need to place tongue in cheek. You are absolutely right. If Neagle would have been a 20 game winner last year instead of the DL, he would have gotten a wrist slap. The Rockies were definitely looking for a way to unload his contract.
BTW, he previously was in an accident but got it reduced from DUI to driving while impared, so this was the second strike against him.

I don't condone what he or Giambi did, but it's obvious the Yankees and Rockies were looking for a reason to let them go. It's still not a done deal with either of them and personally I like the moral's clause in the contracts, but like Phoenixdad said, if they were 20 game winners or 50 homerun guys it wouldn't be a deal breaker. Can you say Bonds?

JMO

Coach May, you beat me to the punch. What's that saying about brilliant minds...

I agee, if the players are performing there would be no attempt at release.

It's a business and I personally feel that there are no morals in business

Having enjoyed several Thanksgivings with
Neagle Sr, I assure you the family is distraught over the mistakes made.

HB, a message is being relayed to you via PM.

Don't shoot the messanger

Regards
Bear

Bear - got your pm. just lovely. Hey I was just relating a news story. Is Mr. Neagle denying it. If he has a problem with it let him go to the Rockies or the newsservices, EsPN etc. you and he want to direct your upset and comments to me. What a joke. Hey I didn't cost this dope 19 million dollars. Direct your comments to someone else.

HB, .....a true baseball fan.

Ya shot the messenger.

G od F orgives Y ou

Happy Holidays to you.

Regards

Fungo must be sleeping in this morning.

Bear- I probably did misspeak. At this point the solicitation charge is just that, a charge. I probably should have used the drunk driving conviction that involved another vehicle being struck as the example. In that case the news reports that he plead guilty....
Besides, at least solicitation is a victimless crime unlike driving into someone else while drunk to that end, I think the Rockies are complete hypocrites that they didn't take any action then if these are the steps that they are now taking.

And before you and whoever you claim to speak for want to take it out on me, you can find the whole story on ESPN.com. I think they have a bigger audience than I do so why don't you take them on.