Now that he's thirteen, there are times when my son doesn't walk next to me. Sometimes he jumps out in front, or lags behind. Sometimes it is a social situation, or just a visit to the Mall (where he doesn't know a soul). He doesn't want to be seen with me. And, my wife complains of the same thing. More temper outbursts. The Adolescence Fairy has got the radar gun on my son, like a pro scout.
The kid's got a big upside, with increasing potential for power numbers as his limbs elongate and he gets stronger. But, in light of this recent spat of what I consider emotional instability, I am beginning to see why some baseball clubs have trouble dealing with stars who are saddled with the "headcase" moniker. I have to consider not only how I am to handle his emotional turbulence, but I have got to think about how its going to affect my clubhouse. Now that the Blalock/Danks for Josh Beckett/Mike Lowell trade talk has simmered, I am starting to consider my own trade. I wonder if the A's would part with Barry Zito in return my young lefty prospect.
Its just like Rangers GM Jon Daniels related the potential loss of Hank Blalock, "It would certainly leave a scar." I wouldn't just get rid of my boy to get rid of him. He's come up in my system. He knows the protocols because he's been watching my signs since he was old enough to crawl. But, I've got to think about the club. My wife and daughter might warm to the trade after a while. I can just hear it now:
Wife: "Honey, I miss our son."
Me: "Well, sure we all miss him. But, in this game, you've got to give value to get value. Barry here has a career 3.50 ERA. He's 1.22 with hitters in scoring position, for heaven's sake! And, he can reach all those high boxes that Junior couldn't get for you."
Yep. Zito for My Kid sounds so one-sided, it seems unlikely that the Oakland Club would consider it. Wait. There's more to it. Zito's a big name for sure. But, his numbers are trending downward. Like my kid, he's still a young lefty pitcher. However, his best season was three years ago. He zenithed at 23 Wins and 2.72 ERA. Wowzer!! Well, he hasn't sniffed more than 14 wins since. So, when I called dangling this lengthening lefty whose best season is still in front of him, the Oakland Athletics would certainly answer the phone. Bet on it.
He's my kid. But, I have never allowed disrespect or disorder in my organization. The A's don't know about all that. They only know he's got a Plus Fastball, developing change-up and a filthy knuckler. A GM only keeps his job if he can sell-high and buy-low.
Could I pull the trigger on this? My wife thinks I've got to slow down and give it some thought. She says to think about it. Players and sons change. She says sometimes they need space. Our son might have to grow out some in order to grow up some. Its the front-office's responsibility to provide an environment that allows space and growth. She's right, if you use Zito's career as a measure. He's all over the road in terms of his numbers. And, Manager Ken Macha still loves him and gives him all the space he needs. Macha still considers Zito one of the faces of the franchise.
All this talk has given me new respect for what Jon Daniels must have been going through. The prospect of parting with Blalock, the home-grown, former top prospect must have been agonizing. Of course, he is tasked with running a winning organization. The gossip was that the Marlins wanted a sweeter deal. But, there was a point beyond which Daniels wouldn't go. I can relate. I guess my organization will take the bumps and bruises this year while our own top prospect develops. If I work with him, he'll come around. The Adolescence Fairy moves on down the road sooner or later. And, like the A's, I'll continue to stand by the face of my franchise.
