Khalil Greene Contract Voided By Rangers

by LeSaboteur on Mar 10, 2010 7:41 AM CST

I didn't see this posted anywhere. If it has been, I apologize.

Citing continued problems with "social anxiety disorder," Greene informed the Rangers that he wouldn't be reporting to ST, and the club voided his contract.

http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/fantasy/wsfb/news/index.jsp?action=locate&pid=425867

The question: should the Cubs be looking to shore up the middle-IF, is this somebody they should take a look at? He was signed on the cheap by Texas ($750k), and after seeing his defensive skills on display in '07, I would take a shot on him. A rather promising career has been undercut by these mental health issues, and if he can overcome them, could be a valuable asset starting, or off the bench.

Of course, we could all be in love with Castro by then.

Greene's career stats:

G▼	AB▼	R▼	H▼	TB▼	2B▼	3B▼	HR▼	RBI▼	BB▼	IBB▼	SO▼	SB▼	CS▼	AVG▼	OBP▼	SLG▼	OPS▼	GO/AO

2003	SD	20	65	8	14	26	4	1	2	6	4	0	19	0	1	.215	.271	.400	.671	1.67	135
2004	SD	139	484	67	132	216	31	4	15	65	53	10	94	4	2	.273	.349	.446	.795	0.68	135
2005	SD	121	436	51	109	188	30	2	15	70	25	3	93	5	0	.250	.296	.431	.727	0.55	135
2006	SD	121	412	56	101	176	26	2	15	55	39	0	87	5	1	.245	.320	.427	.747	0.66	135
2007	SD	153	611	89	155	286	44	3	27	97	32	3	128	4	0	.254	.291	.468	.759	0.71	135
2008	SD	105	389	30	83	132	15	2	10	35	22	1	100	5	1	.213	.260	.339	.599	0.55	135
2009	STL	77	170	21	34	59	7	0	6	24	15	1	35	2	1	.200	.272	.347	.619	0.73	138
CAREER		736	2567	322	628	1083	157	14	90	352	190	18	556	25	6	.245	.302	.422	.723	0.66

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.

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Comments

No.

Apparently, Greene’s having too many problems battling social anxiety disorder, the same thing that caused Zach Greinke to miss quite a bit of time.

It’s a shame and I hope Greene can conquer this problem, but I suspect his baseball career is over.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al Yellon on Mar 10, 2010 7:58 AM CST reply actions

holy cow no, not with a 100 foot pole!

This is a serious personal issue for Mr. Greene and probably explains why he has had a precipitous decline from his budding All Star career. Social Anxieties are serious issues where ironically line up as the exact opposite what you need as a MLB player:

“causing considerable distress and impaired ability to function in at least some parts of daily life. The diagnosis can be of a specific disorder (when only some particular situations are feared) or a generalized disorder. Generalized social anxiety disorder typically involves a persistent, intense, chronic fear of being judged by others and of being embarrassed, humiliated, or criticized by one’s own actions. These fears can be triggered by perceived or actual scrutiny from others. While the fear of social interaction may be recognized by the person as excessive or unreasonable, overcoming it can be quite difficult.”

Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."

by Ivy Walls on Mar 10, 2010 8:25 AM CST up reply actions

He couldn't survive in San Diego

How is he supposed to battle SAD in Chicago, much less at Wrigley?

by Kornchex on Mar 10, 2010 10:38 AM CST up reply actions

social anxiety...

at wrigley field, with Chicago’s pressure cooker media.

No thanks.

It’s sad though

by RMRZisMYmanCRUSH on Mar 10, 2010 7:59 AM CST reply actions

IIRC, Greene rejected the Cubs years ago when MacFail drafted him.

"Elder White! Look at the talent on those Cubs!" Harry Caray, KMOX Radio, 4/22/62

"And you have to wonder – What's the matter with Broglio?" Harry, KMOX, 5/24/64

by ernaga on Mar 10, 2010 8:56 AM CST reply actions

I think I remember seeing

that Greene would cut himself with a plastic knife in between innings if he made an error while at St. Louis.

by Don't Fear the Reaper on Mar 10, 2010 9:26 AM CST reply actions

That's an awful thing to hear...

by Arbusto on Mar 10, 2010 9:34 AM CST up reply actions

Seriously?

I hope he gets the help he needs.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al Yellon on Mar 10, 2010 9:55 AM CST up reply actions

I had an ex-gf

who had anxiety issues and used to cut herself. It was really sad.

She was a terrific girlfriend, but inevitably, it ended badly. I think this disorder can be treated, but the therapy and meds are pretty intense.

by azjazzman on Mar 10, 2010 1:13 PM CST up reply actions

Why would you take a shot on a guy...

…that’s clearly unable to play?

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by daver on Mar 10, 2010 9:38 AM CST reply actions

Yeah, that would be a GREAT signing-LOL

All we need is a guy who strikes out all the time, beats himself up for every little mistake he makes and has trouble playing in front of crowds. Sounds like the missing piece to me.

by bluekoolaide on Mar 10, 2010 9:53 AM CST reply actions

To state the obvious

How does it shore up our infield to sign a guy whose anxieties prevented him from showing up at Rangers Spring Training? What makes you think he would show up at our Spring Training, let alone Wrigley Field?

by Orval Overall on Mar 10, 2010 9:56 AM CST reply actions

The caveat that...

…I didn’t appear to make clear (given the hour of the day) was “if he can noticeably demonstrate having his disorder under control” would you take a shot on him? Like I said, I saw him play in SD a few times and liked what I saw. I might take that shot. Factoring in the media pressure cooker that is Chicago though, and it might not be a good fit.

"With Chance on first, and Evers on third,
Great things from the Cubs will soon be heard."

by LeSaboteur on Mar 10, 2010 6:14 PM CST up reply actions

I think that if he’s telling the Rangers he can’t report to ST, he’d turn the Cubs down anyway.

Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.

by drewishdrewid on Mar 10, 2010 10:14 AM CST reply actions

As someone who used to suffer from

social anxiety disorder, I feel really bad for the guy. It sucks, and it feels like you have to endure a constant stream of criticism about yourself that simply isn’t there. Like, walking in a grocery store becomes a task because you start to worry about what EVERYONE is thinking or saying about you, and it starts to drive you away from contact altogether, unless it’s with friends or family members, and even then…

I got over my stuff for the most part, but it’s obvious he hasn’t. I hope he gets the treatment he needs so he can enjoy his life. I’m sure his situation isn’t the same as mine, but it still sucks, and I wish him the best.

www.facebook.com/craighudak

by Craig in South Bend on Mar 10, 2010 11:13 AM CST reply actions

Wishing you the best too.

It’s great that you are doing better.

"Chicago Cubs baseball is on the air."-Pat Hughes

by katie casey on Mar 10, 2010 11:30 AM CST up reply actions

I'm much better than I was

and I’m probably in the best place I’ve been in all my life. I really don’t have those issues now, but every now and then I feel out of place. For instance, I went to visit a buddy at a bar a week or two ago, and I hadn’t felt that awkward in a long time. That’s primarily due to me really not being the bar guy anymore, having a wife so I’m not hitting on any women, and not drinking more than a beer because I don’t want to get a DUI. It was just a really unfamiliar world, but it was one I had been very used to 3 or 4 years ago.

The other thing is, a big problem with social anxiety discorder, at least for me, was an extreme lack of self confidence and a very low self esteem. Given the high pressure situation Greene plays in, I wouldn’t be surprised at all if he had very little confidence in himself. I would imagine it’s very easy to “crack” as a professional in any sport.

www.facebook.com/craighudak

by Craig in South Bend on Mar 10, 2010 11:39 AM CST up reply actions

Yes

the low self-esteem piece is a big part of it. Sometimes it stems from having a very demanding parent who was quick to criticize and never gave praise. Don’t know if this was the case with Khalil, but could be. It’s too bad, because he really was a pretty good SS before all these problems surfaced.

by azjazzman on Mar 10, 2010 1:22 PM CST up reply actions

And thank you!

I’m sorry, but that should have been the first thing I said in my response to. Thank you again!

www.facebook.com/craighudak

by Craig in South Bend on Mar 10, 2010 11:40 AM CST up reply actions

Thanks for sharing

this with us Craig. Glad you are doing better and wish the best for you.

OK I don't know shit about basketball.

by SoulEater7 on Nov. 5, 2009 9:51 PM CST

by sue369 on Mar 10, 2010 4:22 PM CST up reply actions

So what is he scared of being with other players?

This is the year...

by Chanman25 on Mar 10, 2010 12:55 PM CST reply actions

he's scared of being

judged, he’s scared of failing, he’s scared attention…

Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.

by drewishdrewid on Mar 10, 2010 1:34 PM CST up reply actions

What Drew said

www.facebook.com/craighudak

by Craig in South Bend on Mar 10, 2010 2:36 PM CST up reply actions

He's Milton Bradely.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 16, 2010 6:30 PM CDT up reply actions

Definitely not

Everyone is focusing on Greene’s social anxiety disorder, but even if he gets the help he needs and has counseling/therapeutic services on a regular basis, I still wouldn’t want him. He had some good raw power and could make some phenomenal plays at SS, but hasn’t shown that power since ‘07. He also hasn’t performed too well off the bench statistically, although that is in a limited number of ABs. I’ll pass…

by Ryjo on Mar 10, 2010 12:56 PM CST reply actions

Ugh...

The “previous” message board that I would frequent had an obsession with Greene and loathed Ryan Theriot. Then that season The Riot went out and hit over .300 and Greene turned into the Izturis that he really is.

Let us not speak of this guy again unless we are referencing Sean Penn in Fast Times at Ridgemont High.

"...but you the living, you're stuck here with the Cubs. So it is ME who feels sorry for you." - Steve Goodman, "A Dying Cub Fan's Last Request"

by HoSs. on Mar 10, 2010 1:09 PM CST reply actions

I think we need to cut Greene some slack because he's got a recognized disorder.

Hope he gets help and gets better, even if he doesn’t play baseball gain.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al Yellon on Mar 10, 2010 1:36 PM CST up reply actions

That's also what makes it so sad...

alot of people never heard of this disorder and it is not understood. I hear it can be devestating not only on the victim of it but on their whole family. It really is very very sad.

" It’s spring fever - you don’t know what it is you want, but it fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so. "--Mark Twain

by cooliogirl47 on Mar 10, 2010 1:40 PM CST up reply actions

Yup

and you can’t disregard the disorder when considering his performance on the field. And it is treatable. Look at Zach Greinke.

by azjazzman on Mar 10, 2010 1:45 PM CST up reply actions

Yes, it's treatable

and that makes it a little more manageable, but there’s no real cure it. For those that suffer through depression, it’s not like taking a Paxil (prescribed for social anxiety), Zoloft, Wellbutrin, or whatever is going to be like taking a magic pill. Sometimes that stuff just works enough to not go crazy.

www.facebook.com/craighudak

by Craig in South Bend on Mar 10, 2010 3:04 PM CST up reply actions

This is highly disrespectful.

www.facebook.com/craighudak

by Craig in South Bend on Mar 10, 2010 2:39 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs

Are we to psychoanalyze every player?

Alright, let’s take a look at the mental issues of Milton Bradley and Ronnie Woo Woo Wickers…two people that are frequent targets of this board. We may not know exactly what is wrong with them mentally, however, I’m sure most people would agree that they do suffer from some sort of mental disorder. The fact that neither has had it diagnosed does not take away from the disorder.

I’m not taking anything away from Greene as a person. I wish him all of the luck in the world. I was merely stating that we don’t need him on the Cubs. I apologize to anyone that I have directly or indirectly offended.

"...but you the living, you're stuck here with the Cubs. So it is ME who feels sorry for you." - Steve Goodman, "A Dying Cub Fan's Last Request"

by HoSs. on Mar 10, 2010 3:06 PM CST up reply actions

It's fine.

Greene turned into the Izturis that he really is.

I just felt that, given the guy’s mental issues, this wasn’t needed.

www.facebook.com/craighudak

by Craig in South Bend on Mar 10, 2010 3:10 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs

His affliction is treatable

Zach Greinke was able to overcome and is fresh off winning a Cy Young in the aftermath.

Khalil Greene is a very good defensive shortstop and has a track record for being a run producer. Hopefully he is successful in treatment and eventually resumes his MLB playing career.

The Blackhawks and the Stanley Cup in 2010.

by BLou on Mar 10, 2010 4:16 PM CST reply actions

I don't know about a track record as a run producer...

…though, now that you mention it, he did have that 97 RBI season for the Padres in ’07. He did/does have a pretty good defensive reputation.

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by daver on Mar 11, 2010 8:40 AM CST up reply actions

No doubt

I am a 100% sure that Khalil will get the help he needs. Hopefully he has a good support system at home and can take a year or whatever he needs to get his head straight and I bet he comes back with a renewed energy and zest for the game and ends up reaching the potential that all the scouts envisioned when he was a hot prospect!

Unless he learns how to hit left handed and gets over his problem in the next 1-2 months, we will not need him, because Theriot is playing great and once Starlin Castro turns into a mini Hanley Ramirez, we will not have a hole at SS for the next decade!!!!

by MrShowtime on Mar 10, 2010 4:34 PM CST reply actions

no way. please for the love of wrigley no

Sunday Feb 28 at 7 PM CST free webcast of the live taping of The Austin Variety Show www.austinvarietyshow.com/

by Cubbie-Tim on Mar 10, 2010 5:41 PM CST via mobile reply actions

no way. please for the love of wrigley no

Sunday Feb 28 at 7 PM CST free webcast of the live taping of The Austin Variety Show www.austinvarietyshow.com/

by Cubbie-Tim on Mar 10, 2010 5:41 PM CST via mobile reply actions

I really hope he can get himself sorted.

Stuff baseball, if this guy can get healthy his quality of life will be so much better. I’ve battled similar conditions all my life. Good luck to him.

"Keep pushin till it's understood,
And these badlands start treating us good."

by AussieCub on Mar 10, 2010 6:29 PM CST reply actions

The Cardinals tried to fix Greene last year... and he had to quit on them too.

"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)

Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.

by SackMan on Mar 10, 2010 10:52 PM CST reply actions

If he can't make it in St. Louis

he’s not going to make it in Chicago. St. Louis is probably the biggest slurpfest there is in MLB.

Go State!

by Spartan1979 on Mar 16, 2010 8:44 AM CDT up reply actions

Reading over the article, it seems like you guys are getting a little more worked up than you should be

It seems like Lou implied that nady would still be up for the occasional start, but he just wouldn’t be capable of going back-to-back in the field. I guess an analogy would be that when relievers come back from injury, throwing on back-to-back days can be an issue. But for a bench player, not being able to play the field in back-to-back days wouldn’t exactly be the end of the world.

Brad Miller is god.

by Poloplaya14 on Mar 11, 2010 4:43 AM CST reply actions