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TAP
Veteran Presence
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Location: Gold Canyon
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 Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2006 5:34 am Post subject: Counsell doesn't see return in '07 |
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| Nick Piecoro this morning wrote: |
Craig Counsell isn't ruling anything out. He's not angry. He's just telling it like he sees it, and right now, he doesn't see himself with the Diamondbacks in 2007.
"I don't think there's a fit here for me next year," Counsell said. "They've got three guys on the infield that are going to play every day. I guess I don't see the at-bats."
Counsell was referring to second baseman Orlando Hudson, third baseman Chad Tracy and shortstop Stephen Drew, the positions at which Counsell has primarily played throughout his career.
Counsell, 36, would like to find a job playing every day, either at second base or shortstop. He has shown in the past few seasons that he can handle both positions defensively, and he says it doesn't matter which one he's at, just so long as he can play regularly.
Counsell has been with the Diamondbacks since 2000, except for a one-year stay in Milwaukee after he was a part of the Richie Sexson trade.
"Not many people get to play six years in one place," Counsell said. "And obviously, you have the World Series in there. It means something to me. It's not just another team." |
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TAP
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| Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2006 5:55 am Post subject: |
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Craig confirmed this with Mike Tulumello as well...
| Mike Tulumello in this morning's East Valley Tribune wrote: |
Craig Counsell, whose playing time has been reduced by the rise of shortstop Stephen Drew, expressed skepticism on Tuesday that he will return to the Diamondbacks next season.
“I’m not sure the situation would be right for me to come back,” said Counsell, a key member of the 2001 championship team who is in the final year of his contract.
“The team has to do what’s best for them. I have to do what’s best for me.
“I think I’ll have better opportunities elsewhere, frankly.”
Counsell has played in 644 games for the D-Backs, third most in franchise history.
He had been the starting shortstop until suffering a rib injury that sidelined him in mid-July. When he returned in late August, Drew was hitting well over .300 and had established himself as a top-tier defensive player.
“This isn’t ideal,” Counsell said of his part-time status. "I realize the situation. They’ve made a decision.
“I’m comfortable with that part of it. I understand what’s going on.”
Counsell has struggled to hit since he returned from the disabled list on Aug. 22.
“I haven’t been good for it. There’s no excuses for it.”
Manager Bob Melvin said Counsell is in a tough spot.
“Since he’s been with me, he’s used to playing every day," Melvin said. “But he won’t use that as an excuse. (He) prepares as hard as anybody.”
Asked if he’d rather play in 150 or so games or if he’d be better suited to playing somewhat less while playing in a variety of positions, Counsell replied: “I want to play. I don’t think anybody would say different.
“That’s the way it is. That’s why you’re here. That’s why you got into baseball, because you love playing.”
Counsell also was asked if club officials have asked him about a post-playing career with the club.
“No,” he said. “But I don’t think it’s time for that.”
He said he and his family are “very comfortable” in the Valley.
“I’ve spent six years playing here. Not many guys spend six years in the same place. I like it here. But it’s got to be a fit for both sides.” |
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moviegeekjn
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| Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2006 7:38 am Post subject: |
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| No surprise... Craig remains a competitor, but is also realistic and has great baseball sense. Would be nice to see similar piece on Gonzo. |
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charlie
AA Prospect
Joined: 11 Aug 2006
Posts: 43
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| Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2006 8:53 am Post subject: |
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(Unpublished article on Luis Gonzalez, long-time outfielder with the Diamondbacks and on the bubble for a spot with the team for 2007.)
Luis Gonzalez, whose playing time likely would be reduced next year if retained by the Diamondbacks, expressed disappointment that the team hasn't already resigned him.
"I'm sure the best situation for both sides would be for me to come back and play full time", said Gonzalez, a icon to fans in the valley.
"The team has to do what is best for them and resigning me would also be the best for me. This team needs effective leaders and I fit that description to a T".
"Playing part-time wouldn't be ideal", Gonzalez said of that possibility next season. I realize that the team has young players coming up and all I want is a chance to compete with them. I know I can still outplay anyone in LF for the Diamondbacks. If they don't realize that, I can't understand why".
Gonzalez acknowledged that he has struggled much of this year.
"I haven't been my real old self, I know, but I still think I've been as productive as anyone on the team and I'm sure I can get back to hitting 40 or more homeruns and drive in 100+ runs like I used to do".
Manager Bob Melvin said Gonzalez is in a tough spot.
"Since I've been here, he's used to playing every day", Melvin said. "So how could I play him part-time if he's here next year when he is the face of the franchise? After all, he's a proven veteran. Besides, the media would get on me something terrible plus you know how important clubhouse chemistry is".
Gonzalez also was asked if club officials have asked him about a post-playing career with the club.
"No", he said. "But I don't think it is time for that when I'm still one of the best players they have on the field. If I can't play here, I'm sure some other team will make me a good offer".
He said he and his family are "very comfortable" in the Valley.
"I've spent a lot of years here and led the team to many victories, including the World Series. Not many players can say that about their careers. I like it here and there is no good reason why they shouldn't resign me, even for an extended contract. I still can play with the best of them. And I know the fans would want me back. The front office ought to listen to the fans on these things or bad feelings are generated and dissention results".
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matt
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| Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2006 9:11 am Post subject: |
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| That's really good charlie. |
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Dangerfield
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| Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2006 10:25 am Post subject: |
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I haven't been my real old self, I know, but I still think I've been as productive as anyone on the team and I'm sure I can get back to hitting 40 or more homeruns and drive in 100+ runs like I used to do"
No you've been your old-self. lol.
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Counsell
MLB Rookie
Joined: 28 Aug 2006
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| Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2006 12:59 pm Post subject: |
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Craig Counsell is the class act of all class acts - both on and off the field. That why I've adopted his name as my username on this board. 95% of all MLB players are more talented than Craig Counsell, yet only a relatively small percentage have been more productive than him.
But the D-Backs have three talented starting LH hitters at 3B, SS and 3B, so he knows he doesn't "fit" anymore, unless they trade away Hudson (which they very likely will not). So he accepts it maturely, as do I. But it's not going to be the same without him here.
I totally agree with the sentiments about Gonzales - the stark contrast between he and Counsell. But maybe we should focus a little more on celebrating Craig Counsell, rather than using the occasion to run down Gonzo (even though he totally deserves it).
Remember, if it wasn't for Craig Counsell (MVP of the 2001 NLCS), Gonzo would never even have gotten an at bat in the World Series. |
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B. O. N. D.
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| Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2006 1:39 pm Post subject: |
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| Quote: |
| unless they trade away Hudson (which they very likely will not) |
Talk about a downgrade...
Don't get me wrong, I love me some Counse, but I'd choose O-Dawg over him. O-Dawg's actually starting to look like the guy promised.
Excepting that pesky range to the right thing. 
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matt
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| Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2006 1:47 pm Post subject: |
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| Counsell had three nice years from 2000-2002. He's been done since then but for some reason he has his fans. I don't understand the love for a guy that has exceeded 500 PA's three times in 10 years. Sure he's a great guy and he was hot in the playoffs in 01 but I think the hype is overboard. |
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Hock
A-Ball Kid
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| Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2006 2:05 pm Post subject: |
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He's just one of those role playing, guys. Always there, reliable, quiet, and seems to be nice.
This whole issue is boring to me because as a whole, I could care less if he leaves.
Fans attach themselves to the strangest players sometimes. |
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McCray
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| Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2006 2:41 pm Post subject: |
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the hype is definitely overboard, but i'm still a huge counsell fan, for many of the reasons mentioned by counsell (that reads weird, but makes sense). the guy did more with less than i've ever seen. i'm not saying he "knows how to win" or anything like that, but he does succeed a lot more often than i'd expect looking at him. so that part is fun to watch.
and i'm guilty of being a rabid fan of his batting stance. 
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TAP
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| Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2006 2:55 pm Post subject: |
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| McCray wrote: |
| the guy did more with less than i've ever seen. |
Those are the players that make the best coaches once they retire.
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moviegeekjn
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| Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2006 3:18 pm Post subject: |
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| McCray wrote: |
| the hype is definitely overboard, but i'm still a huge counsell fan, for many of the reasons mentioned by counsell (that reads weird, but makes sense). the guy did more with less than i've ever seen. |
Same here; I even chose his number "4" to complete my personalized AzDbks license plate. I really like these kind of players--the David Ecksteins and Craig Counsell's of the baseball universe--the "everyman" types that compete with supreme effort and succeed by playing baseball the way it was meant to be played.
Not that I'm totally attached to these guys either--no way would I hang on to Craig when we have players like Hudson and Drew manning the middle. What is additionally cool about Counsell and the latest press coverage is the additional evidence that the man can realistically assess the situation and will adjust. He would likely make a tremendous coach if that's what he eventually decides to pursue.
Last edited by moviegeekjn on Wed Sep 06, 2006 6:39 pm; edited 1 time in total
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Robert S.
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| Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2006 3:52 pm Post subject: |
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| I never liked Counsell until '05. I'm not a big fan now, but I respect him. |
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Counsell
MLB Rookie
Joined: 28 Aug 2006
Posts: 220
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| Posted: Fri Sep 08, 2006 1:50 pm Post subject: |
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Yes, I'll take Hudson over Counsell, especially given their ages. But that doesn't mean Hudson is a LOT better than Counsell. Remember, Hudson is having a career year - offensively. His norm isn't that much above Counsell, though, if you take into account EVERYTHING (fielding, base-running, etc).
And you can make an argument that Counsell's fielding at 2B was equal to Hudson's when Counsell was a bit younger - at least compared to what Hudson has done this year. Plus Counsell can play SS.
Counsell also seems to be one of those guys that plays better when there's more at stake - a bit like Reggie Jackson (1970's) or Billy Martin (1950's). In fact, he'd probably be better off going to a contender than staying here. |
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shoewizard
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| Posted: Mon Sep 11, 2006 5:56 am Post subject: |
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Sun Sentinel
| Quote: |
Counsell ponders managing
Former Marlins World Series hero Craig Counsell says he has interest in managing.
If he does pursue it, he'll make Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) look prescient. It was McCain who cited Counsell as one of his favorite players in a recent Esquire cover story and said he thought Counsell would make an excellent manager someday.
"It was really flattering," said Counsell, a Diamondbacks infielder. "He's told me that before. It's a great compliment from a man who's obviously a great leader."
Counsell's brother-in-law told him about the article, and word quickly spread through his circle of friends and family.
"I actually saw [McCain] afterward," Counsell said. "He brought it up and we kind of laughed about it. I told him my voice mailbox was full after that article."
McCain gets to a handful of Diamondbacks games a year, but he watches the team on TV whenever possible.
"He's a big Diamondbacks fans," Counsell said. "I got a chance to know him a little bit after the World Series, and we've exchanged correspondence over the years. He's been really supportive. I've always been a supporter of his, for sure. You already know what he's accomplished in life and what he's stood for."
And if Counsell changes his mind about managing, there's always politics.
"It is intriguing," said the Notre Dame graduate. "I'd love to have that conversation with [McCain]."
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