Spot on, Craig. As if it wasn’t already incredibly frustrating to be a Royal fan, then this garbage comes out. Seems the players have apathy toward the organization and its leadership. Now they’ve rendered themselves less desirable as trade targets to boot. You are right, nobody wins. Least of all, the fans.
just cancelled my subscription. Didn't need to be lectured about the vaccine. Many things have been disproven about it. So many lies told by the supposed experts.
I was trying to remember how many World Series Craig Brown has won as a GM or Manager, that's right Zero. Yet he attacks Dayton Moore every chance he gets. easy to do behind a keyboard. Hey Craig, why don't you get hired and build a small market team into a World Series champion, oh that's right, no one would hire you because you're not qualified, same as telling us about getting an unproven, untested vaccine.
The point of all this isn’t as much about the vaccine as it is that players have chosen to disregard the good of the team over their own choice. That was Craig’s point. This trip to Toronto has been scheduled for months.
not one but two brain dead takes in the same comment, bravo. "many things" are wrong with your approach to thinking critically about this situation. I hope you reflect on that some day and improve the trajectory of your life.
I respect the players' decision either way. Receiving an injection that has the potential to destroy your life is a big decision.
I believe that a lot of the information being disseminated by governments and media is slanted by political leanings. It's not right to vilify those who harbor some doubt.
Getting the virus, or getting a more severe case of the virus is way way way more likely to "destroy your life". If that's the reasoning for _not_ getting it, the conclusion is just flat wrong. And that's true regardless of your stage of life or personal fitness.
Been reading you since the days of Royals Authority. Always appreciate your thoughtful, nuanced perspective on things, and today's post is exactly what I've come to expect over the years. Thanks for articulating the frustrations so many of us have right now with this organization.
Based on their quotes in the Star article this is just factually not true.
This is a really difficult subject to address and you did it beautifully, and I think, fairly. There's no _reasonable_ justification for not getting the vaccination. Just fear, uncertainty, and doubt.
Thank you, Seth. You're correct, this isn't an easy topic. Fairness was front of mind while I was writing. I knew not everyone would agree with what I had to say. But I had to say it.
I'm with you on the failures of the Royals organization, but to criticize Royals players for not getting the jab is completely wrong on multiple levels. The blame lies with Canada and MLB for their stupid Covid restrictions. Statistically, young healthy athletes are in no danger from the virus. Players have every right to be concerned about their health long term, and you have no right to condemn them for that or assume that they're not really team players. We have plenty of data now from all over the world that shows that the jab does not prevent you from getting COVID or spreading it. And there's plenty of data showing that it is hurting some people. You're out of line, and I'm unsubscribing.
So Whit, just so you know, I won't be rooting for you anymore. That might change down the road. Something happens and you happen to start being a better teammate, maybe that changes.
I agree with a lot of this, but I have a couple of differences. However, I will not be canceling my subscription. Sorry. First, I am more willing than you to give a bit of grace to the younger players (MJ, Singer, Coleman, Isbel). They have screwed up, but I wouldn't declare them "not winners" yet. The older guys, especially Whit and Dozier who should be team leaders, deserve plenty of scorn. While they do have a choice on taking the vaccine, they definitely put themselves ahead of the team. It is apparent the locker room will need new leadership, much like an earlier version needed James Shields and Raul Ibanez. My other disagreement is on how much blame the front office gets. From Sam McDowell's column in the Star, it sounds like they pushed for the players to do what needed to be done. Ultimately, to me that's on the players. But if you want to ask why this front office has treated some of these guys, especially Merrifield, Dozier, and Keller, as leaders worthy of contract extensions, that seems fair.
I understand where you’re coming from and your points and thanks for bringing those up, because they are definitely worth discussing. On the younger players, I would say the dynamics of a major league clubhouse aren’t easy. The veterans have a certain amount of respect and I imagine with such a large group of outspoken players on this topic, some of the younger players may be reluctant to go in another direction. This obviously can change. And it’s clear to me that it’s something that needs to change.
As for the leadership, I can see it both ways. They built this culture with purpose. They are reaping what they sow. They’re the one’s who have extended Merrifield and Dozier and propped them up as the core—and the leaders—of this organization. On the other hand, it’s apparent they’ve assembled a group of players who lack respect for leadership from the front office and management. If you become ineffective as a leader, it’s difficult to recapture any kind of positive status.
1st time commenter, long time reader (also going back to Royals Authority). Enjoy your blog.
I'm vaccinated. However - your take on the 20-35 year old professional athletes (presumably with no comorbidities) who chose against vaccination, as being ignorant people and bad teammates at best, and more likely just flat out selfish and bad people (not stated but implied), seems way too much.
This seems of a piece with so much of the "bullying" and cancellation mania that's been going around in recent years. Perhaps their decision on vaccination should affect their compensation (personal choice making them unavailable for a certain portion of their work). But I can't get behind the character condemnation here.
My takeaway - the Canadian government regulations that cause these guys to be unable to play in Toronto should give MLB pause to the idea that we need to bring back Montreal or add another Canadian city to the league.
Thanks, Federico. I apprecate you reading for so long. The players will lose pay for the four games they miss. The comments from certain members of the team after this reveals that there most definitely is a schism in the clubhouse. It's the nature of the team sport. Players aren't into teammates who sacrifice the team for themselves. Those who are on the restricted list may claim they have support. It doesn't sound like it. Merrifield crossed a line with his comments. He's going to have a very difficult time coming back from what he said.
I remain stuck on the fact the Royals have 10 players on the restricted list when no other team has had more than four.
Nicky Lopez tonight called the victory in Toronto "an unselfish win." I don't know how else to read that other than as a direct message to his missing teammates.
I will point out the US government has similar regulations in place for foreign nationals. That means a player from the Dominican or Mexico or Japan has to be vaccinated to play.
Fair points all, Craig. I do agree with you about Merrifield's remark that maybe he changes his mind if he gets traded to a contender. Doing so would be complete BS and I would hope he apologizes and walks that back, though some damage is already done.
Witt should have said he didn't want the vaccine and left it at that. His attempts to justify an irresponsible decision sound exactly as selfish and stupid as they are.
Spot on, Craig. As if it wasn’t already incredibly frustrating to be a Royal fan, then this garbage comes out. Seems the players have apathy toward the organization and its leadership. Now they’ve rendered themselves less desirable as trade targets to boot. You are right, nobody wins. Least of all, the fans.
Thanks, Brad. I agree. There are no winners here.
just cancelled my subscription. Didn't need to be lectured about the vaccine. Many things have been disproven about it. So many lies told by the supposed experts.
I was trying to remember how many World Series Craig Brown has won as a GM or Manager, that's right Zero. Yet he attacks Dayton Moore every chance he gets. easy to do behind a keyboard. Hey Craig, why don't you get hired and build a small market team into a World Series champion, oh that's right, no one would hire you because you're not qualified, same as telling us about getting an unproven, untested vaccine.
"Unproven, untested vaccine"??? Results over the last two years are the rock-hard proof.
The point of all this isn’t as much about the vaccine as it is that players have chosen to disregard the good of the team over their own choice. That was Craig’s point. This trip to Toronto has been scheduled for months.
Seems like Kirk is hiding behind a keyboard……and drinking chlorine. Best of luck.
not one but two brain dead takes in the same comment, bravo. "many things" are wrong with your approach to thinking critically about this situation. I hope you reflect on that some day and improve the trajectory of your life.
Good riddance. I hope you come to know better and I hope it's not the hard way.
Try science. it's enlightening.
Agree 100%, Craig. Was terrifically sad to see this news yesterday. Calls into question leadership and teamwork of everyone.
Great post, Craig.
Excellent writing Craig. Probably the worst I've felt as a Royals fan in a long time. It's an embarrassment for the organization.
Thank you, Eric. You are not alone in your sentiments towards this organization. I'm hearing that a lot.
Everything has turned so political.
I respect the players' decision either way. Receiving an injection that has the potential to destroy your life is a big decision.
I believe that a lot of the information being disseminated by governments and media is slanted by political leanings. It's not right to vilify those who harbor some doubt.
Baseball is a game; life is much more.
Getting the virus, or getting a more severe case of the virus is way way way more likely to "destroy your life". If that's the reasoning for _not_ getting it, the conclusion is just flat wrong. And that's true regardless of your stage of life or personal fitness.
Nailed it. What a complete failure of the manager, coaches, and front office. I hate the losing, but I'm truly embarrassed by this.
Thanks, David. A lot of fans have used the word "embarrassed" to describe how they feel. For good reason.
I can't handle the stupidity of all you ignorant motherfuckers. I'm out. Craig you suck at this shit.
bye felicia
Been reading you since the days of Royals Authority. Always appreciate your thoughtful, nuanced perspective on things, and today's post is exactly what I've come to expect over the years. Thanks for articulating the frustrations so many of us have right now with this organization.
Royals Authority? That's a long time! Thanks for hanging with me all these years...and the comment today. I appreciate that.
> ... to make very informed decisions.”
Based on their quotes in the Star article this is just factually not true.
This is a really difficult subject to address and you did it beautifully, and I think, fairly. There's no _reasonable_ justification for not getting the vaccination. Just fear, uncertainty, and doubt.
Thank you, Seth. You're correct, this isn't an easy topic. Fairness was front of mind while I was writing. I knew not everyone would agree with what I had to say. But I had to say it.
I'm with you on the failures of the Royals organization, but to criticize Royals players for not getting the jab is completely wrong on multiple levels. The blame lies with Canada and MLB for their stupid Covid restrictions. Statistically, young healthy athletes are in no danger from the virus. Players have every right to be concerned about their health long term, and you have no right to condemn them for that or assume that they're not really team players. We have plenty of data now from all over the world that shows that the jab does not prevent you from getting COVID or spreading it. And there's plenty of data showing that it is hurting some people. You're out of line, and I'm unsubscribing.
So Whit, just so you know, I won't be rooting for you anymore. That might change down the road. Something happens and you happen to start being a better teammate, maybe that changes.
I agree with a lot of this, but I have a couple of differences. However, I will not be canceling my subscription. Sorry. First, I am more willing than you to give a bit of grace to the younger players (MJ, Singer, Coleman, Isbel). They have screwed up, but I wouldn't declare them "not winners" yet. The older guys, especially Whit and Dozier who should be team leaders, deserve plenty of scorn. While they do have a choice on taking the vaccine, they definitely put themselves ahead of the team. It is apparent the locker room will need new leadership, much like an earlier version needed James Shields and Raul Ibanez. My other disagreement is on how much blame the front office gets. From Sam McDowell's column in the Star, it sounds like they pushed for the players to do what needed to be done. Ultimately, to me that's on the players. But if you want to ask why this front office has treated some of these guys, especially Merrifield, Dozier, and Keller, as leaders worthy of contract extensions, that seems fair.
Thanks for not canceling!
I understand where you’re coming from and your points and thanks for bringing those up, because they are definitely worth discussing. On the younger players, I would say the dynamics of a major league clubhouse aren’t easy. The veterans have a certain amount of respect and I imagine with such a large group of outspoken players on this topic, some of the younger players may be reluctant to go in another direction. This obviously can change. And it’s clear to me that it’s something that needs to change.
As for the leadership, I can see it both ways. They built this culture with purpose. They are reaping what they sow. They’re the one’s who have extended Merrifield and Dozier and propped them up as the core—and the leaders—of this organization. On the other hand, it’s apparent they’ve assembled a group of players who lack respect for leadership from the front office and management. If you become ineffective as a leader, it’s difficult to recapture any kind of positive status.
1st time commenter, long time reader (also going back to Royals Authority). Enjoy your blog.
I'm vaccinated. However - your take on the 20-35 year old professional athletes (presumably with no comorbidities) who chose against vaccination, as being ignorant people and bad teammates at best, and more likely just flat out selfish and bad people (not stated but implied), seems way too much.
This seems of a piece with so much of the "bullying" and cancellation mania that's been going around in recent years. Perhaps their decision on vaccination should affect their compensation (personal choice making them unavailable for a certain portion of their work). But I can't get behind the character condemnation here.
My takeaway - the Canadian government regulations that cause these guys to be unable to play in Toronto should give MLB pause to the idea that we need to bring back Montreal or add another Canadian city to the league.
Thanks, Federico. I apprecate you reading for so long. The players will lose pay for the four games they miss. The comments from certain members of the team after this reveals that there most definitely is a schism in the clubhouse. It's the nature of the team sport. Players aren't into teammates who sacrifice the team for themselves. Those who are on the restricted list may claim they have support. It doesn't sound like it. Merrifield crossed a line with his comments. He's going to have a very difficult time coming back from what he said.
I remain stuck on the fact the Royals have 10 players on the restricted list when no other team has had more than four.
Nicky Lopez tonight called the victory in Toronto "an unselfish win." I don't know how else to read that other than as a direct message to his missing teammates.
I will point out the US government has similar regulations in place for foreign nationals. That means a player from the Dominican or Mexico or Japan has to be vaccinated to play.
Fair points all, Craig. I do agree with you about Merrifield's remark that maybe he changes his mind if he gets traded to a contender. Doing so would be complete BS and I would hope he apologizes and walks that back, though some damage is already done.
Witt should have said he didn't want the vaccine and left it at that. His attempts to justify an irresponsible decision sound exactly as selfish and stupid as they are.
Bye bye.
Will this be the nail in the coffin of this organization? Clearly a ship that's lost it's way. Time for a new captain and crew.
Just a terrible display of incompetence and completely tone deaf explanations from ALL involved,