Congrats to the Cubs for ending the Giants 9-game win streak, 9-5, Monday night at Bob Moore. They simply played fundamental baseball and we didn't, despite exercising my option to not let the Cubs use an under-age player.
For anyone who took pot shots at me, you could have said something at the game. I at least approached Donnie Ball about it. Our team started 1-4 in last place, and now are battling our butts off to try and get one of the top 4 seeds in a very close race. We also have several players 47 and over on the team, and I don't believe it's right to ask them to play guys that much younger. One team brought in a 29-year-old a few weeks back. And I was put in a compromising position because the 29-year-old was asked to play before I was contacted to say he was coming. I didn't feel right about sending him home, though I could have. Fortunately for us, we were rained out, so his appearance became moot.
So, 29 or 37, where do you draw the line? I'm 57, Bill Smith is 56, Jack Perry is 47, and think it's too much a disadvantage playing against guys that many years younger than we are. You can say it's a 38+ division, but there are also very few 38-year-olds on teams' rosters.
I also have 18 guys on my roster. No, all the players don't come to every game, but it affords me the comfort of knowing I don't have to borrow players. And as far as I know, everyone is happy.
I knew I'd get criticized for this, but I'm protecting my players, so I don't much care if you don't like it. But more importantly, my teammates agree, and obviously so do others in the 38 division.
And I like to credit Joe Fitz for calling me personally. It was hard to say no to him because I've known him for a few years now and we have a great relationship. I explained it to him and he seemed to accept my explanations. It wasn't personal, but someone decided to make it that way. Again, I'll sleep well tonight.
Hey, I have links to some great 28 players guys. Trust me, you won't want me borrowing them. Now see where this can lead?
So, in closing, if your teams are having trouble getting players, expand your roster. Don't rely on 10-11 solid players then try to "borrow'' younger, talented players to bail you out. As Jimmy Preller said, it's not fair to anyone, not just me. And yes, Dennis is a first-class person/manager as is Donnie Ball. The Cubbie who decided to flap his gums on this venue should have talked to me at the game. My phone number is 461-7850 if you want to talk about it. oh, and by the way, this is also just the Giants second season.
I'm away on business and am just getting caught up on all this.
Would you believe that with 17 players on my roster (2 more than last year), I thought the biggest problem I'd have this year would be getting everyone enough playing time?!?! Mix injury after injury in with a few family vacations and the odd business trip and you get the season we've had. But now that we're getting our numbers back, we hopefully won't have to borrow players again, and can finish strong.
Damn it Jonny, Fitz called me himself and NEVER metioned beer. If he had a few packed for me, I might have reconsidered!!! Apparently, HE hasn't hung out with Maney and Poleto enough, esp. in Fla.
As the veteran liasion to the CDMSBeerL, I find it all important that you take charge in these matters. JK
