**** Official Pirates at Royals 7/20/15 GDT ****

[Hootie]

Originally Posted by tk13

Guthrie's a clubhouse leader, but it's just not the same.

It's the same thing with Gordon. And it's not exclusive to baseball. If you work in a place and there's someone really good at their job who always sets a good example and works hard everyday, it rubs off on the other employees. They don't want to let the team down and/or be shown up.

Meh. I don't buy it. I never bought into the James Shields leadership crap. If that's the case, what's going on in San Diego? What's up with Cashner? Etc...

[Molitoth]

Originally Posted by Hootie 2.0

Meh. I don't buy it. I never bought into the James Shields leadership crap. If that's the case, what's going on in San Diego? What's up with Cashner? Etc...

I agree. Talk about an over-rated player.

I liked Shields... but WTF.

[tk13]

Originally Posted by Hootie 2.0

Meh. I don't buy it. I never bought into the James Shields leadership crap. If that's the case, what's going on in San Diego? What's up with Cashner? Etc...

Don't be naive. There's obviously more to it than that. I have not watched Cashner pitch. I don't know. But his strikeout rate is actually up this year, he's allowing too many HRs, and he is playing in front of a worse defense. He currently has almost as many unearned runs as the entire Royals pitching staff. That's no joke.

It's not like there's some magic wand and only Shields could help them, but my point was that both Duffy and Ventura have appeared to be mentally fragile from the start of this season. A veteran presence probably could have helped them, because their issues are mental. I don't have any problem with letting Shields walk, just making a point. And I do believe having someone who sets a solid example, and is talented, can make a difference. I like Guthrie, but he just can't play that role.