Something to Prove

You know Nomar is taking heat in Gammons recent article and by Kevin Mench of Foxsports.com. Basically tearing him down as the root cause of Boston's problems.

My take on it is, the new ownership did it's best to destroy Nomar in the press so they could get him signed to a low ball offer.

Which is what we know about Epstein. While Nomar did love New England and was a crowd favorite for the way he played, his bitterness toward the ownership ran deep. He signed a below-market contract after his historic rookie season, then when he sat down with owner John Henry, team president Larry Lucchino, et al, in spring training, 2003, he rejected a four-year, $60 million deal. Last fall, that offer dropped to four years and $48 million, and not only was Garciaparra angry about that, but while he was on his honeymoon he found out he was all but traded. While Epstein constantly called to update him, Garciaparra was hurt. As someone who after his wrist surgery seemed increasingly angered by management and media issues, he became overly angry this spring.

Garciaparra did not hang out with teammates, and this season became increasingly distant as his body language became despondent. That he didn't play in Yankee Stadium in the July 1 classic when Derek Jeter gave up his body for an out got a little exaggerated, but veteran teammates constantly made private comments like "he is the biggest disappointment of my playing career -- I never knew what he was like."

1st off you got A-rod making like 20+ million a year along with Derek Jeter and the Boston Redsox's initial offer was 15 million per year? Nomar from what I know asked for about 2-3 million more a year. Which would still put him well behind Jeter and A-rod. So the Redsox's counter with 4 years again and $48 million? Talk about a slap in the face, any player would be bitter and upset. After that the Redsox's broke of negotiations and claimed he refused to sign with the Redsox's, further distancing themselves and pissing off Nomar. Gee what did you expect? Him to just go, "Awe shucks, you screwed me once, might as well let you screw me again!" "Should I just bend over now, and take one for the team?"

Meanwhile Manny Ramirez and Pedro get any amount of money they want from the Redsox, suddenly it is time to resign the heart and soul of the franchise and the Redsox get cheap. Including this..

In time, Epstein, Henry and Lucchino hope to change the Red Sox's culture, which has traditionally been to cater to stars. Once former manager Jimy Williams disciplined Pedro Martinez for reporting late for a start in 1999 and was overruled because Pedro was a star, Williams was done, and Pedro was given carte blanche to do what he felt like doing. Ramirez may occasionally sit himself, but while he has taken a lot of heat, he is liked.

I don't remember Nomar ever being late, or occasionally sitting him self. I think all Nomar wanted was a little respect on a team full of disrepectful people. Boston is rewarding it's malcontents and letting them do whatever they want. But when the straight and narrow Nomar tries to rock the boat that apparently is the last straw in Bean town. They can keep Manny and Pedro, Nomar has a better attitude than those two idiots.