Great news. It will coincide with the release of his new book on Amazon.com:
"How to Ruin Your Baseball Reputation with One Simple Refusal."
Doubleday isn't the publisher.
Baseballdad1228:
Clever!
Clever!
According to mlb.com, he'll be in LF for today's game.
Orlando
He may be out there in left, but he doesn't have to like it one little BIT!
Oh, I made myself laugh.
He may be out there in left, but he doesn't have to like it one little BIT!
Oh, I made myself laugh.
Pobrecito.
Cards fans aren't interested in Soriano (attitude or D); they're talking about Vidro!
Cards fans aren't interested in Soriano (attitude or D); they're talking about Vidro!
With Nationals GM Bowden threatening to request MLB Commissioner that five year vet Soriano be DQ should he again refuse to take the field for a game, Soriano loses bucks and service time.
With that said, Soriano could lose eligibility (if sat out a year...like C. Flood) and when seeking employment elsewhere, (after the season) would lose free agent status with no service time.
If not DQ, Sorianos a free agent after 2006. With his common sense reconsideration of his options (or lack thereof), and after chatting with his bride and agent, I expect power numbers from Alfonso (something to prove scenario) as a motivator for the new Nationals LF (and in a pitcher's ball park).
OBTW: Alfonso is NOT the bad guy here. Never has been, and won't be in the future. Bowden, who never work a jock, (and is considered by many as NOT a baseball guy), may very well be.
I'm off-my fence, and rooting for Alfonso.
There are too many 'administrators' on this thread that have taken sides with the 'owners'.
cheers
Bear
With that said, Soriano could lose eligibility (if sat out a year...like C. Flood) and when seeking employment elsewhere, (after the season) would lose free agent status with no service time.
If not DQ, Sorianos a free agent after 2006. With his common sense reconsideration of his options (or lack thereof), and after chatting with his bride and agent, I expect power numbers from Alfonso (something to prove scenario) as a motivator for the new Nationals LF (and in a pitcher's ball park).
OBTW: Alfonso is NOT the bad guy here. Never has been, and won't be in the future. Bowden, who never work a jock, (and is considered by many as NOT a baseball guy), may very well be.
I'm off-my fence, and rooting for Alfonso.
There are too many 'administrators' on this thread that have taken sides with the 'owners'.
cheers
Bear
quote:Originally posted by Baseballdad1228:
Dear Old Dad,
I think you need an education in sports management as well as a course in tolerance.
Sorry Baseballdad1228,
I have no tolerance for the exploitation of people. Especially Americans! Watching Corporate America dump on American citizens should enrage any true-blooded American. I don't see the Japanese league letting foreigners into their league unchecked. They have limits to keep the game their own and to give their citizens a place to play. MLB on the other hand, pays about $3,000.00 dollars to the average foreigner and runs thousands of them through the Minor Leagues looking for cheap talent. All at the expense of people like you and your son.
Baseballdad1228, you are the one that needs to take a closer look at management policies within corporations in this country. There isn't a single corporation in America that doesn't have quotas for who they hire. What makes you think MLB is any different. The fact that they can bring in immigrants willing to work for a fraction of the cost of what an American would be willing to work for should bother any intelligent non-liberal American.
The Government keeps passing laws to allow illegal immigrants to work in this country for corporate profit. And why not, these corporations are making our immoral politicians rich. This country continues to weaken in comparison to other countries around the world in all categories while our sell-out Government makes millions from foreign sources. They keep telling us diversity is in our best interests as they cut our pensions and give free education and health care to invaders.
Most people in this country have no idea how bad things have gotten. Hospitals all over the Southwest are being forced to shut down due to all the illegals they legally have to care for while receiving no money. Mexican gangs have infiltrated every major city in America bringing drugs and crime with them.
Rupert Murdoch has bought the website Myspace.com and has pledged a billion more dollars to the buying up of the WWW. Since Murdoch bought Myspace, censorship has become commonplace on that website with censorship to follow more and more on the internet. Corporations are in the process of taking back the only media outlet where the truth can be spoken and heard.
These are the people you seem to be siding with Baseballdad1228, so before you take any more cheap shots at me or Soriano, I suggest to you to take a closer look at the pillaging that is going on right in your backyard.
One other thing, what do you care if Soriano doesn't want to change positions. In fact, why does anyone have a problem with it. Doesn't he have freedom of choice anymore. Maybe he would rather quit than change positions. He has every right to decide for himself and be the master of his own destiny. In a previous post you say that Soriano is in violation of his agreement. So what. That's his choice. I haven't heard one negative word from Soriano towards anyone involved in this.
Eric Crouch is a BACKUP qb in the Canadian Football League? That being the case, what exactly was the point you were trying to make?
quote:OBTW: Alfonso is NOT the bad guy here. Never has been, and won't be in the future.
Agreed.
I am hoping for "good routes" to all ball hit out that way, and good production from the leadoff spot.
After reading your post, my first suggestion is to forward a copy to your congressman and senator. They will have to address the problems you have with the Unites States government and its laws pertaining to immigration and the growing issue of gang violence.
Baseball is not like any other business. Go and look up its antitrust exemption for a start.
You complain that baseball gives opportunities to immigrants because it only pays them $3,000.00 for the chance of becoming a multi-millionaire like your Soriano, yet you commend the Japanese for controlling rosters and giving foreign players limited opportunity. Baseball is to be played at the highest level by the most talented and best performers, regardless of birthplace, nationality, color or creed. No quota necessary, thanks anyway. Like the way Japan does it? Buy youself a plane ticket and enjoy the sushi.
Freedom and opportunity are the foundation of our nation. Immigrants seeking a better life for their families have come here for centuries to take a shot at the American Dream. Baseball has provided that dream for many. As for its impact on me and my son, I wasn't good enough to play MLB and time will tell if he is. But I will defend the rights for anyone to go for that brass ring, no matter where that individual comes from. I can't imagine a baseball without Roberto Clemente, Sammy Sosa, Ozzie Guillen, Juan Marichal, Albert Pujols or even a Soriano and so many more.
And my guess is that Rupert Murdoch is more concerned with adding to his billions than censoring what people like you have to say. You overestimate your importance. You also have a very strong Constitution protecting you.
Soriano has a contract to play baseball, not to play the position of his choice. What he did was wrong. It's that simple for me.
Your problem areas seem far deeper and wider than baseball and its role in today's society. Perhaps you should run for your town council and begin changing the world in your neighborhood.
Baseball is not like any other business. Go and look up its antitrust exemption for a start.
You complain that baseball gives opportunities to immigrants because it only pays them $3,000.00 for the chance of becoming a multi-millionaire like your Soriano, yet you commend the Japanese for controlling rosters and giving foreign players limited opportunity. Baseball is to be played at the highest level by the most talented and best performers, regardless of birthplace, nationality, color or creed. No quota necessary, thanks anyway. Like the way Japan does it? Buy youself a plane ticket and enjoy the sushi.
Freedom and opportunity are the foundation of our nation. Immigrants seeking a better life for their families have come here for centuries to take a shot at the American Dream. Baseball has provided that dream for many. As for its impact on me and my son, I wasn't good enough to play MLB and time will tell if he is. But I will defend the rights for anyone to go for that brass ring, no matter where that individual comes from. I can't imagine a baseball without Roberto Clemente, Sammy Sosa, Ozzie Guillen, Juan Marichal, Albert Pujols or even a Soriano and so many more.
And my guess is that Rupert Murdoch is more concerned with adding to his billions than censoring what people like you have to say. You overestimate your importance. You also have a very strong Constitution protecting you.
Soriano has a contract to play baseball, not to play the position of his choice. What he did was wrong. It's that simple for me.
Your problem areas seem far deeper and wider than baseball and its role in today's society. Perhaps you should run for your town council and begin changing the world in your neighborhood.
quote:Originally posted by Holden Caulfield:
Eric Crouch is a BACKUP qb in the Canadian Football League? That being the case, what exactly was the point you were trying to make?
Crouch just signed in Febuary and hasn't played QB since college. It makes sense that he would join the team as a backup and have to win the starting QB job.
Baseballdad1228,
I have no doubt that we could argue all day on this and probably other subjects. But my goal is not to hijack this thread forever. Suffice it to say, the support of management on this topic surprises me and that was my original point. Why people get mad at players for sticking up for themselves I will never know.
P.S. The Constitution of the United States has been made obsolete with the passing of the Patriot Act. You and I really do not have rights, sorry to be the one to tell you the bad news.
I have no doubt that we could argue all day on this and probably other subjects. But my goal is not to hijack this thread forever. Suffice it to say, the support of management on this topic surprises me and that was my original point. Why people get mad at players for sticking up for themselves I will never know.
P.S. The Constitution of the United States has been made obsolete with the passing of the Patriot Act. You and I really do not have rights, sorry to be the one to tell you the bad news.
Players should stick up for themselves when negotiating their contract and then go honor it. Soriano's refusal to play was in violation of the contract HE signed. That's my point.
If I remember baseball (really any sport)- back to my t-ball days the manager makes the lineup and the players play where they are told. This isn't about racism, exploitation, fraud, contractual disputes, union issues, freedom, slavery, misrepresentation etc. etc..
Soriano is a baseball player and a member of a team. He signed a standard mlb contract to play (contract don't say much more than that in this regard). Frank Robinson is the manager of the team. Robbie wants the player-Soriano- to play left field (not commit an illegal act, not act in breach of contract, not march on to war).
The player needs to follow his manager's (legitimate) instruction and play left field or refuse to play, breach his contract, not be paid and leave the team.
Soriano may love to play 2b. He may think that's his best position. He may think he can make the most money as a 2b. He may think he can get into the HOF as a 2b. He may think gold is buried under 2b bag. His manager told him to play left field. He should have done so and is now doing so. Every t-baller knows that's what you do when the manager says so.
Soriano is a baseball player and a member of a team. He signed a standard mlb contract to play (contract don't say much more than that in this regard). Frank Robinson is the manager of the team. Robbie wants the player-Soriano- to play left field (not commit an illegal act, not act in breach of contract, not march on to war).
The player needs to follow his manager's (legitimate) instruction and play left field or refuse to play, breach his contract, not be paid and leave the team.
Soriano may love to play 2b. He may think that's his best position. He may think he can make the most money as a 2b. He may think he can get into the HOF as a 2b. He may think gold is buried under 2b bag. His manager told him to play left field. He should have done so and is now doing so. Every t-baller knows that's what you do when the manager says so.
Maybe he hasn't played since college because he was a one-dimensional college player? In his Heisman Trophy season he never passed for over 200 yards. That may fly in college but a pro QB it does not make. Plus, he won in a year where all of the top QBs turned out to be weak:
Eric Crouch,
Rex Grossman,
Ken Dorsey,
Joey Harrington,
David Carr,
Antwaan Randle El
Oh yeah. One more thing. If the NFL was in the midst of a plot to ostracize the running white QB, please explain the career of Antwaan Randle El. Last time I checke, he was being fitted for a new Super Bowl ring for his outstanding play as a, all together now...
WIDE RECEIVER
Eric Crouch,
Rex Grossman,
Ken Dorsey,
Joey Harrington,
David Carr,
Antwaan Randle El
Oh yeah. One more thing. If the NFL was in the midst of a plot to ostracize the running white QB, please explain the career of Antwaan Randle El. Last time I checke, he was being fitted for a new Super Bowl ring for his outstanding play as a, all together now...
WIDE RECEIVER
Soriano played left field today and the reports were that he was happy as a lark even signing autographs before the game
Remembering you will have a W-2 at the end of 2006 that reads $10,000,000 will make one happy.
Mountains out of molehills. Something we seem to do really well on this site. Along with ESPN and most other sports media.
Soriano:
Just hit the ball. Don't try to hard in left field because if you make a lot of errors by hustling on tough plays and have bad fielding STATS, almost everyone will hold it against you if you refuse to switch to catcher. But then, they will hold it against you if you don't hustle either. Oh well, do the best you can kid. Free Agency is just around the corner.
TW344
Soriano:
Just hit the ball. Don't try to hard in left field because if you make a lot of errors by hustling on tough plays and have bad fielding STATS, almost everyone will hold it against you if you refuse to switch to catcher. But then, they will hold it against you if you don't hustle either. Oh well, do the best you can kid. Free Agency is just around the corner.
TW344
Originally posted by WillieBobo:
Sorianno may be the most productive second baseman in the history of the game.[/QUOTE]
Sorianno is no good to the nationals @2b he has 102 errors since 2001.The current 2b only 41 since 2001.The nats should have talked to about the move before the trade.But if his contract doesnt state that he play 2b he needs to suck it up and play.he wont make any more error in the of than he does at 2b
Sorianno may be the most productive second baseman in the history of the game.[/QUOTE]
Sorianno is no good to the nationals @2b he has 102 errors since 2001.The current 2b only 41 since 2001.The nats should have talked to about the move before the trade.But if his contract doesnt state that he play 2b he needs to suck it up and play.he wont make any more error in the of than he does at 2b
TW
Agree completely. Do you remember how many errors Jeter made in the beginning? And he has gone on to win the rings and fans are still complaining about his range, etc.
Soriano had to borrow an outfield glove last night. This was the comment from the Washington Times:
The Nationals now face the daunting challenge of teaching Soriano how to play the outfield in less than two weeks before the April 3 regular-season opener. Aside from five spring-training games in left field with the Yankees in 2001, Soriano has never played the position.
quote:Soriano:
Just hit the ball. Don't try to hard in left field because if you make a lot of errors by hustling on tough plays and have bad fielding STATS, almost everyone will hold it against you if you refuse to switch to catcher. But then, they will hold it against you if you don't hustle either. Oh well, do the best you can kid.
Agree completely. Do you remember how many errors Jeter made in the beginning? And he has gone on to win the rings and fans are still complaining about his range, etc.
Soriano had to borrow an outfield glove last night. This was the comment from the Washington Times:
The Nationals now face the daunting challenge of teaching Soriano how to play the outfield in less than two weeks before the April 3 regular-season opener. Aside from five spring-training games in left field with the Yankees in 2001, Soriano has never played the position.
Soriano will have no problem in the OF--his bat precedes him
Someone came into work today and said they heard on the radio that Soriano changed his mind after talking with the manager and his wife. No bad mouthing Robinson, but I think the latter told him to get off his duff and get to work!!!
Tim Robertson
Tim Robertson
A recent Baseball Tonight report made me pull up this old thread and read through it again. BT reported that Soriano is now telling the Nats he WANTS TO STAY!
What a difference 4 months can make. He's been pretty decent in left, his offense is awesome, the team isn't a contender but it's respectable and moving in the right direction. Maybe he sees a chance to be "THE GUY" on a future winner?
Congrats to him on his attitude adjustment. Always glad to see a guy reap rewards from doing the right thing, too.
I still think his playing for Frank Robinson is probably the best thing that could ever have happened to him.
What a difference 4 months can make. He's been pretty decent in left, his offense is awesome, the team isn't a contender but it's respectable and moving in the right direction. Maybe he sees a chance to be "THE GUY" on a future winner?
Congrats to him on his attitude adjustment. Always glad to see a guy reap rewards from doing the right thing, too.
I still think his playing for Frank Robinson is probably the best thing that could ever have happened to him.
Midlo Dad
You bring up a good point.
Is Baseball a ego driven must be the guy type Game.
Or is it supposed to be a Team type Game?
I know Basketball is That way, they have such Fragile Ego's.
But there only 5 player's on the Court at one time.
It seem's like Football WR are Ego Driven, need to be Pampered.
But Baseball, I feel should not be that way.
There so much Failure, and so little Glory.
That I believe that Ego would get in the Way of Success.
JMHO EH
quote:Maybe he sees a chance to be "THE GUY" on a future winner?
You bring up a good point.
Is Baseball a ego driven must be the guy type Game.
Or is it supposed to be a Team type Game?
I know Basketball is That way, they have such Fragile Ego's.
But there only 5 player's on the Court at one time.
It seem's like Football WR are Ego Driven, need to be Pampered.
But Baseball, I feel should not be that way.
There so much Failure, and so little Glory.
That I believe that Ego would get in the Way of Success.
JMHO EH
Maybe the "I want to stay" comment is part of the "Mind Game" that happens when trade talks or contract negotiations come up. In Milw Carlos Lee did the same thing two weeks ago. He went public saying that he wanted to stay a Brewer, Milwaukee offered him 48 mil over 4 years and Lee/agent never even countered. He was in Texas the next day. Talk is cheap at times.