Spectator hits the grandslam on this one. Larue was correct for going with the story because, if it was true, it may well have influenced the outcome of the game. That's his job, to report on events that influence, or potentially influence, the outcome of a game.....or the next game even.
Jr. may well have been snoozing. I would bet that he was if I had to bet. If it came at a time when he may be called upon to pinch hit, then it was worthy of mention. In fact, it needed to be mentioned.
Larue isn't a shill for the Mariners or for Jr. He's supposed to REPORT. "Nap-gate" was reportable. Nobody is assuming Larue made this up. IIRC Larue said that the story was told/confirmed by two "younger" players. Well, it might not be science, but I would assume that means somebody who is young and wasn't around for the hug-fest last year. That leaves (I think) League, Moore and Texeira. League has six MLB seasons, he should know the unstated rules of MLB locker rooms. dThat leaves Moore (who was up for a bit last year) and Texeira. A total seat of my pants guess, of course.
Anyway, Larue owes Jr. nothing. He owes his readers the truth. I suspect they got it.
Wak's response was basically, "This is a family matter." That's an appropriate response from a manager. Sweeney's challenge is a bit over the top, especially since it was behind closed doors but seems to have been quickly leaked. Lee's response was childish. It was also insulting to the fans who make his large salary possible. It was also insulting for other journalists who were there to not be critical of that move. Not answering questions becauseyou don't like one of the journalists who is in the room is a temper tantrum akin to saying, "I'm taking my ball and going home." I wouldn't begrudge him if he refused to answer Larue's questions (well...I do a bit because I think Larue told the truth as he had heard it....and I don't think there are many of us who will deny that it is probable that Jr. was napping at that point OR soon before) but even that would be somewhat childish.
Something has changed this year from early last year....and the frustration is about the same. Perhaps hug-fests have a limited one year lifetime. Perhaps Jr. isn't interested in being a cheerleader with a crappy bat. Even HOF'ers can be selfish. Or perhaps for an already "on eggshells" locker room (see Bradley) this was an event too many.
Option two and three sound about right to me.
This team still has an 8 for 10 or 9 for 12 stretch in it, a few lucky breaks with the bat will coincide with great starting pitching for a while. The snakebit thread above has it right. But the M's need that stretch soon.
moethedog
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