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Playing the game like Jeter and Vizquel???

infielddadinfielddad10,000+ posts
This morning, on the way to work, I listened to an interview with Eric Byrnes. Apparently he will be doing some Baseball Tonight work during the playoffs. The entire discussion was about him. He only got one hair cut all season, he didn't shampoo his hair for the final 30 days of the season, discussed how greasy and slimy it was,(no kidding), he doesn't like the D'Backs new uniforms for 2007. While he does play the game hard, he also seems to be very "I" oriented. Sort of like his agent wants him to be the Fox version of a baseball player.
Last night I watched Jeter go 5-5 and never change his expression. Hits a homerun, runs the bases and heads into the dugout. Same with Vizquel. Plays the game hard and at an elite level. Sometimes he plays the game so effortlessly and with such a joy and passion, you might overlook what a great player he truly is.
This brought me to thinking. How would you like your son to play the game and handle himself on and off the field? Won't see Vizquel on Baseball Tonight for sure and especially won't have him "harping" at the top of his lungs on Fox. Won't find Jeter or Vizquel ever talking about "I" and Jeter showed that again last night in his post game interview.
Byrnes is flashy, flamboyant, outspoken and outrageous at times. To his credit, he plays the game hard...and likely plays pretty hard after the game.
Is one way or the other better for baseball or for you as a fan. We often post about the need to "market" or "publicize" our sons for college/draft visibility. Isn't that what Brynes is doing, at the next obvious level.
I know which I prefer for my son. What about you?

'You don't have to be a great player to play in the major leagues, you've got to be a good one every day.'

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rz1rz15,000+ posts
I think there is a fine line difference of physical abilities with the top MLB players. It's the players like Jeter whos mental ability to understand "who they are", who can adapt to situations, and who can break the game in a very simplistic nature that seperates them from the rest.
Last edited by rz1
BeezerBeezer1,000+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by infielddad:
....Jeter showed that again last night in his post game interview.


Some of the questions these reporters ask are pathetic. What do you think he's going to say? I've been known to be a bit sarcastic from time to time (it's true) but wouldn't it have been funny as he11 last night if, when asked if he's been thinking about the possibility of winning the MVP, Jeter's response was something along the lines of: "Of course I think about it. I think about it all the time and sometimes I have trouble sleeping at night. I went 5-5 tonight just to make sure I'd win it."
ClevelandDadClevelandDadHSBBWeb Administrator
quote:
How would you like your son to play the game and handle himself on and off the field?


Interesting question. My answer is simple - like Omar Visquel or Derick Jeter Smile

When my son was growing up here in the Cleveland area, Omar was in his prime. Anytime someone made a spectacular play in the infield someone would yell out "Omar" and everyone knew who they were talking about.

I know there are some who say let people show their personalities and that is ok since it is a free country. I like the old school type players that keep their emotions more in check. They usually don't celebrate until there is a reason like winning the championship. They are hard nosed and never quit.
justbaseballjustbaseball10,000+ posts
Jeter is a doggone STUD! I had never seen him play in person until about a month ago and he was better than I ever imagined. He is the best player in the game IMO, all things considered.

Had the pleasure of watching Vizquel this year in San Francisco and he too is as smooth as silk.

Eric Byrnes went to HS just down the street from me. But my lasting memory of him is with the A's a few years ago in the playoffs..against the Red Sox...about to score a run that probably seals it for the A's, but he's more interested in running into the catcher. Then he begins to dance around like a hero by the backstop...problem is he missed home plate. The Red Sox tag him out and he looks like a fool and the A's end up losing. I also heard him speak at a banquet once and he was quite funny, but I'm not much of a fan of him because I think he's wreckless on the field.
Last edited by justbaseball
infielddadinfielddad10,000+ posts
quote:
What do you think he's going to say?


Beezer, maybe he would say what I heard Eric Byrnes say. I,I,I,I,I, I,I,I,I...I!!!! That was the contrast I was trying to suggest.
I don't find anything Fox does insightful or helpful. That includes the inane McCarver comment on Farnsworth needing to know to throw strikes. What did he think Farnsworth was thinking about with the 97mph fastball? I don't want to throw a strike when my team is up 4 and I have a 2-0 count in the 8th?? I plan to walk this guy so I can Rivera in here for a 2 inning save?
But, to the point, I wonder if others like the way Jeter/Vizquel types manage these situations or is the Byrnes and probably others approach favored. Byrnes is clearly marketable and is marketing himself. No harm in that, is there?
infielddadinfielddad10,000+ posts
quote:
Jeter is a doggone STUD! I had never seen him play in person until about a month ago and he was better than I ever imagined. He is the best player in the game IMO, all things considered.


justbb, I agree with you, completely. With the Yankees getting a true leadoff hitter in Damon, Jeter now hits in the 2 slot, where his bat control and control of the strike zone are so dominant. He is also pretty good in the field. Wink
thegame2003thegame2003100+ posts
Byrnes plays the game hard, but he also is more of an entertainer, and I'm sure when he's done with baseball he'll go into broadcasting. I heard him on the Jim Rome show about a year or two ago (I don't like that show btw, my coach was listening to it on the way to a game) and he did an excellent job. I guess my biggest knock on the guy is that he likes to make sportscenter by diving for balls that could be caught standing up. But anyone that plays the game as hard as he does I would like to have on my team.
D DG100+ posts
Jeter is my all time favorite player and I must say Omar is also exceptional. Both guys are class acts. But our local sports radio station KNBR brings Eric Burns on from time to time and I must say that while it is I, I, I, the stories he tells about his own experiences are very funny. He laughs at himself about how stupid he can be on a regular basis. What the heck, its entertainment.
BeezerBeezer1,000+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by infielddad:
That was the contrast I was trying to suggest.


Point taken. To answer, I'd prefer my son emulate Jeter (and think he does to a certain extent). But I also think it's a game and it should be fun within reason.

My question was rhetorical as I'm tired of the staged post game Q&A interviews. You're never going to hear the truth or what they really think.
Last edited by Beezer

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