Damage Control

*laugh*

Cathy flags the damage control coming from the Astros camp and Richard Hidalgo's camp. Both sides are now asserting an earlier Chron article was erroneous in claiming that Hidalgo had asked for a trade. But note the language:

Astros general manager Gerry Hunsicker and representatives from Peter Greenberg and Associates separately denied recent reports stating that Richard Hidalgo formally requested that the Astros trade him this offseason.

Semantics. Further down in the article, everyone admits that Hidalgo had earlier raised the possibility of a trade:

Hunsicker confirmed that during his meeting with Hidalgo, the outfielder expressed his frustration with how he was used -- or not used -- this year, but the closest they got to talking trade occurred when Hidalgo said if he was not going to be a regular starter in the future then he would like to go somewhere else.

That's not a formal trade request, but more of an if-then threat. So who spoke to Jose De Jesus Ortiz, who reported this: "Richard Hidalgo has made public his unhappiness all summer, but he has now officially requested a trade, according to his agent, Peter Greenberg." I am a tough critic of the Chron, but even I have trouble believing they just made this quote up. Maybe.

In any case, it doesn't change my thoughts from a few days ago. The Hidalgo camp needs to quit whining about Jimy Williams and his communication skills, and get their fat outfielder to drop about 40 pounds (that will do WONDERS for his agility) and come to camp ready to play baseball next year.

Because there's probably NOT going to be a trade (who would give up cheap prospects for an overweight, overpaid, underproducing outfielder?), both the Astros and Hidalgo, Inc. need to make the best of things as they are. And if Hidalgo comes into camp leaner and ready to play baseball next year, I don't think he'll have trouble getting playing time from Jimy Williams.

[Posted at 19:17 CST on 10/05/02] [Link]