The Florry Story

[Guest 41Forever]

Centerfield wrote: Centerfield wrote: I said exactly that, but without the vulgarity. I said running down the reputation of your top player is a bad thing. You have a visceral hatred of the Wilpons. I get it. I don't like everything they do, either. But I've lived through the M. Donald Grant era, so I know that things can be far worse. If you don't want engage in a discussion of communications practice then jump down to the next post. I thought some people might find it interesting. No. You said it was a bad business decision. Do you not see the difference? Have the Wilpons actually said anything about Cespedes, or are you basing that on something the former general manager said, and assumed he was following their marching orders? You certainly don't need my affirmation to hate anyone. And I can't figure out why you are making it personal. Right now Cespedes has a problem. I was noting how he got there and recommending how he and the Mets should solve it. I guess I look at stuff from a problem-solving approach. I'm quirky that way. You know, it really is shocking. How much you will dance around a simple question. Spinning and spinning and spinning, but never agreeing to (what I think) is a basic, irrefutable, truth. Whether it's the Wilpons or Alderson who believe it, it is a real shit thing to trash your own player, accuse him of dogging it, and suggest that his contract was a bad signing. You have suggested ways they can spin it, you have suggested ways Cespedes could have diffused it, you have claimed to have already agreed with me (you hadn't), and when called out, asked why I need your affirmation anyway (I don't). You have called into question why I'm "making it personal" and now you claim to be a problem solver who is "quirky". But you have never, not once, despite six responses in this thread, despite me specifically asking you a very direct question multiple times, ever said "You're right CF, that is a really shitty thing that they did." If you believe that, if you agree with that statement, it's incomprehensible why you resist saying so. It makes no sense. I mean, I guess maybe you don't agree with me. That's ok. Then own it. "Actually, CF, I disagree. I think it's totally cool to for an organization to make unwarranted attacks on their player's integrity. This is fine." I think I'd be better with that. At least that's an honest answer.

There is no reason to be so personal.

Yes, if anyone on the team -- from the owner to the bat boy -- is accusing a player of dogging it, it's unfair to the player and harmful to the team on several levels. It also sends a bad message to players who might someday consider signing with the team. It's a bad practice personally and professionally.

I should have used that as a preamble prior to discussing how the team and the player can address the problem.

[Centerfield]

I’m glad we were able to agree at the end.

[Guest 41Forever]

Centerfield wrote: I’m glad we were able to agree at the end.

We agreed at the start. My approach was to look how the Mets and Cespedes could address the communications problems they created, which apparently revealed a deep flaw in my character.

Mickey today did give a more in-depth briefing into Cespedes condition and status and said he could potentially be activated and DHing in the MYF series after the break. Good news.

[Centerfield]

If you did agree with me from the start, it was not apparent. And when you refused to denounce those actions despite me asking you directly several times, then one can only conclude that you do not agree.

Your one and only focus is on how to make those behaviors seem less bad. You sprinkle in a dash of “well I’ve lived through much worse”. All of this sends the message that not only do you not oppose the behavior, but that you tacitly condone it.

If, as you say, you find the behavior offensive, then from a communications perspective, this needs to be made explicit in your initial statement. You have never done this. Not in this thread, not in any of our discussions before. I see that you concede that now. I think this will help our discussions going forward.

I would also suggest, from a communications perspective, to leave all comparisons to Grant out of these discussions. The “Well I’ve seen worse” argument is not offered by anyone who agrees that the behavior is offensive. It’s offered by people who believe “what’s the big fucking deal”.

Let me illustrate.

Joe says: “Arod used steroids. What a shit person”

Bob says: “well I’ve seen worse. Chad Curtis raped underage girls.”

Do you believe that Bob thinks ARod did wrong? Or do you think Bob is making excuses for ARod?

This is how it appears all those times you bring up Grant when the name Wilpon appears.

In the end, only you know how you feel when no one else is looking. But I am telling you, as someone who has seen you react to multiple situations, the optics on your responses paint you in a bad light.

[Guest 41Forever]

It’s unfortunate that my level of disdain for the owners of my favorite baseball team doesn’t meet with your approval.

I don’t like many of the things they do, but I’m appreciative that my team has been to the postseason twice in the last four years. My personal experience with Fred Wilpon is limited to a short but pleasant conversation at a spring training game.

I’m sure there is room in the forum for a variety of opinions and approaches to discussion. If I was a professional finance guy I’d probably discuss their financial challenges. If I was a landscaper I’d talk about how they are handling the field. We’ll just have to move on.

[Centerfield]

Your level of disdain for the Wilpons is not the issue. Though that is a nice attempt to pivot.

I don’t care if you like the Wilpons or not. I care how you react to bad acts.

I rip the bad actors. You spin and downplay the bad acts. I get that this comes naturally as this is part of your job.

Condemning the bad acts is an afterthought, if it ever crosses your mind at all.

I think that says something about you and the people you work for.

You’re right. I guess we will just have to move on.