Joined: 10 Aug 2006
Posts: 2404
Location: Gold Canyon
Posted: Fri Sep 08, 2006 10:06 am Post subject: As the Gonzo Turns (for all the soaps fans)
Nick Piecoro this morning wrote:
The Diamondbacks front office is giving few clues as to what could happen in left field, the patch of grass Luis Gonzalez has patrolled for the past eight seasons, and how that might affect Eric Byrnes, who has been arguably the team's best hitter this season.
Gonzalez remains the face of the franchise, the team's most popular player, a leader in the clubhouse and, while obviously not the hitter he once was, still productive at the plate.
Gonzalez has a $10 million club option that the team will decline, but that doesn't rule out him re-signing at a more market-friendly price.
But in order for that to happen, Gonzalez likely will need assurances that he'll still be an everyday player. Whether the organization still views him that way remains to be seen, although some people close to the club believe he has played better as he has received occasional days off in the second half of the season.
If the club suggests it wants him to start less next season against left-handers - against whom he is hitting only .252 - Gonzalez may go elsewhere, potentially leaving the Diamondbacks with second baseman Orlando Hudson, 29, as the most experienced everyday player.
"I know what I'd like to do is finish out playing here and continue to play as a Diamondback," he said. "But I have no control over that.
"If they choose to not keep me, I just hope they let me know early and I can move on. There's jobs out there for me. Whether it's with the Diamondbacks or somebody else, I'll continue to play. I love playing."
There's always the unknown. The Diamondbacks, while strong one through eight, lack a potent bat in the middle of the order, and it's conceivable that they could try to plug that deficiency by acquiring a different left fielder.
But the price tags of free agents such as Alfonso Soriano or Carlos Lee (whose future may be more as a DH than outfielder) are expected to be high, and the Diamondbacks' top priority in the off-season should be upgrading its inconsistent starting rotation.
"The outfield is an area of strength and flexibility," Josh Byrnes said. "But we'll play out the year and make our decisions as we get into the off-season."
Interestingly enough, the article in its entirety discusses the various possibilities for Arizona's 2007 outfield, and no mention is made of Hairston.
Posted: Fri Sep 08, 2006 10:26 am Post subject: Re: As the Gonzo Turns (for all the soaps fans)
TAP wrote:
Interestingly enough, the article in its entirety discusses the various possibilities for Arizona's 2007 outfield, and no mention is made of Hairston.
Hmmm.. Have to wonder about that. We've heard other indicators that Gonzo won't be back and have heard that there have been inquiries about Byrnes. Would have thought that a Hairston combo was a possibility; OTOH, I could see the organization not want to go with an entire "rookie" OF cast, which would likely have Hairston used as trade bait.
Joined: 10 Aug 2006
Posts: 1868
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posted: Fri Sep 08, 2006 10:47 am Post subject:
Nick Piecoro (quoting Luis Gonzalez) wrote:
"I know what I'd like to do is finish out playing here and continue to play as a Diamondback," he said. "But I have no control over that."
emphasis added
Yes, you do. The choice over whether or not to accept a platooned situation at a much lower price is entirely up to you, Gonzo.
While this team and the fans here will always appreciate and remember your part in winning the World Series in 2001, there is an important point that appears to have been forgotten by the "face of the franchise." That is, this team and the fans owe you NOTHING. You have been well paid for your services, both on and off the field, tangibly and intangibly.
Now, the owners and management of the Arizona Diamondbacks are faced with decision. What is the best move for the team? The answer is not having Luis Gonzalez in left field for every game, or the vast majority of games. Yes, you have no control over what, if anything, they will offer you, when they reach their decision about how best to shape the team for the 2007 season. If what they offer isn't to your liking, then you must move on. If it is acceptable -- it allows you to finish your playing career as an Arizona Diamondback -- fine. But it is going to be on the team's terms -- at least, it should be on that basis -- and not on what you may require. So take the deal; or decline it an find yourself a (shawn) greener pasture elsewhere. But don't whine about being mistreated, or unrespected, or underpaid -- or underplayed.
_________________
Is It Next Season Yet?
If either Hairston or Byrnes was a LH hitter, this would be an EXTREMELY easy decison - Gonzo would be gone.
But it should be pretty easy anyway - Hairston should be in LF, with DaVannon in reserve. The ONLY downside would be the P.R. hit - which I think is over-estimated.
Again - take the money you'd spend on Gonzo and Byrnes and use it on pitching. If we do that we win and nobody thinks about Gonzo.
Sports Weekly has article this week called "For most, there's no such thing as forever" that discusses a number of once star players who aren't likely to remain with their teams.
"I don't know what's going to happen," says Gonzalez, who could be the odd man out in Arizona's youthful outfied mix, which includes talented rookies Carlos Quentin and Chris Young. "It's kind of like the mystery door. You don't know if you're moving on or staying here. I'm pretty much taking the approach that this is where I want to be."
"But at the same time, if I have to move, I'm not afraid to move on. I've had a lot of great times here, a lot of good memories. I've had eight great years here. But if I'm not involved in the direction the organization wants to go, I'm not afraid to move on."
Joined: 10 Aug 2006
Posts: 1868
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posted: Thu Sep 14, 2006 10:05 am Post subject:
moviegeekjn wrote:
"But at the same time, if I have to move, I'm not afraid to move on. I've had a lot of great times here, a lot of good memories. I've had eight great years here. But if I'm not involved in the direction the organization wants to go, I'm not afraid to move on."
The first glimpse of the light at the end of the tunnel!!!
Thanks for everything, Luis. (Really.) Time to move on...
_________________
Is It Next Season Yet?
Joined: 10 Aug 2006
Posts: 1555
Location: clawing my eyes out, praying for sleep. booyah.
Posted: Thu Sep 14, 2006 12:05 pm Post subject:
i second the thanks from EJ. as much as we bitch about him now, he was just incredible for a while there. it was an amazing thing to watch. thanks, gonzo. hope you find a job somewhere next year.
_________________
Hank, you're dead to me.
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
Usergroups
Register
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
