The Wit And Wisdom Of Jim Leyland

by Al Yellon on Jan 19, 2007 11:33 AM CST in Chicago Cubs News

And why should we, as Cubs fans, care about what the Tigers manager has to say?

Because of this article in today's Detroit Free Press, in which Leyland speaks of a certain 2006 Tiger acquisition:

Tigers manager Jim Leyland said the team might have "made a mistake" when it acquired infielder Neifi Perez from the Chicago Cubs in August, telling WDFN-AM (1130) on Thursday that Perez "played terrible" in Detroit.

Reached later Thursday by the Free Press, Leyland said, "We're not ripping Neifi. He was a hell of a player, and we thought we were getting a similar player to that, but Neifi simply did not perform well. 'Terrible' is an exaggeration.

"We're going to look at this in spring training. If he's capable of performing, he'll be on the team. If not, obviously we made a mistake. The fact of the matter is that he did not play well in Detroit. I stand behind that. That's just a fact."

Thanks to BCB reader Jettero2112 for pointing me to this article (through this SI.com page).

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Well

There's always a roster spot for Neifi as long as Dusty Baker has a team to manage. So Neifi had better start lobbying for someone to hire Dusty.

"Eighty-five percent of the $#@&$ world's working! The other 15 come out here! A %&$&# playground for the $&&*@!"

by danimal15 on Jan 19, 2007 11:32 AM CST reply actions

Jim Hendry 1

Detroit Tigers...well actually -5

TRAMMELL!

by Faith plus 1 on Jan 19, 2007 11:41 AM CST reply actions

Talk about a slam...

When was the last time a manager just threw a player under the bus like that(at least for the Cubs). I think Neifi might be officially retired, unless Dusty gets a managerial job.

"Harlem Furniture......You'll like our style!"

by Imtrejo on Jan 19, 2007 11:55 AM CST reply actions

Retired?

Nope. Remember, he signed a two-year deal before 2006. The Tigers have to pay him anyway.

by Al Yellon on Jan 19, 2007 11:57 AM CST up reply actions

I'm sure they will pay him

I'm betting from those comments though they are not going to play him. He's certainly not going to win a spot on the roster, maybe he will play for thier AAA team in case of injury, maybe.

If he didn't play this season but was still paid, would he be eligable for the Hall of Fame in five years or six? Not that Niefi has any shot(at all), just curious.

"Harlem Furniture......You'll like our style!"

by Imtrejo on Jan 19, 2007 1:13 PM CST up reply actions

This year doesn't matter.

Neifi has already played more than ten major league seasons, thus he will be eligible and on the ballot five years after he retires.

Here are the eligibility rules; the relevant part is:

3. Eligible Candidates -- Candidates to be eligible must meet the following requirements:

A baseball player must have been active as a player in the Major Leagues at some time during a period beginning twenty (20) years before and ending five (5) years prior to election.
Player must have played in each of ten (10) Major League championship seasons, some part of which must have been within the period described in 3 (A).
Player shall have ceased to be an active player in the Major Leagues at least five (5) calendar years preceding the election but may be otherwise connected with baseball.
In case of the death of an active player or a player who has been retired for less than five (5) full years, a candidate who is otherwise eligible shall be eligible in the next regular election held at least six (6) months after the date of death or after the end of the five (5) year period, whichever occurs first.
Any player on Baseball's ineligible list shall not be an eligible candidate.

by Al Yellon on Jan 20, 2007 3:21 AM CST up reply actions

So,

According to that, if Neifi doesn't play for the Tigers this season but is still paid by them it still counts as time served and he would be eligable five years from now. I guess we don't have to worry about that.

"Harlem Furniture......You'll like our style!"

by Imtrejo on Jan 20, 2007 3:28 AM CST up reply actions

No...

... he's already eligible, having played in parts of 11 seasons through 2006. If he never plays again, he'll still be on the ballot.

by Al Yellon on Jan 20, 2007 3:35 AM CST up reply actions

You are misunderstanding my question

I understand that he is eligible, its not a matter of if but when. I was wondering if being paid by a major league team would DELAY his five year clock from starting. Apparently it does not, the five year clock starts ticking even if you are being paid.

Sorry for the confusion, and over such an absurd idea. Neifi Perez for the Hall of Fame, HA!

"Harlem Furniture......You'll like our style!"

by Imtrejo on Jan 20, 2007 3:53 AM CST up reply actions

Absurd, absolutely.

Now I understand your point. I'm not certain, but I suspect that if he doesn't play, it doesn't count as a year of service, even if he's getting paid.

by Al Yellon on Jan 20, 2007 5:10 AM CST up reply actions

Hilarious.

And a big, fat no duh.

Farnsworth!

by Teamsleep on Jan 19, 2007 1:26 PM CST reply actions

In a word...

pwned.

I didn't have the ball, bitch!

by daver on Jan 19, 2007 1:42 PM CST reply actions

I had a good chuckle

when I read that article.

At least we didn't sign Batista...

by stelmodad on Jan 19, 2007 1:56 PM CST reply actions

Hysterical

I looked hard for a Neifi jersey at the Convention equipment sale today, but no luck.

BTW, Jose F Macias was just signed by the Nats. (Apologies if this is being discussed elsewhere - I'm posting from my phone and can't browse as easily.)

¡BLANCO!

by 08Cubs on Jan 19, 2007 9:10 PM CST reply actions

Big Difference between a Players' Manager...

and Leyland...I think he may have gone a little too far in saying it in such a way but this is Neifi and the bottom line is that if he'd just said something like: "Neifi needs to earn a roster spot." Everyone would nod in agreement and it's business as usual. And that's really all there is to it, Neifi needs to earn it.

Now Dusty would be making excuses left and right and giving a spot to Neifi or any minor leaguer in the system who could playe better and cheaper.

Although Leyalnd was a little too harsh here the bottom line is that Neifi knows what's at stake and he knows he has to bring it...Whereas with Dusty he'd know that he has sweet gig in the bag. I actually like Neifi and hope that he can get it together and win a roster spot , I'd love to see him rise to the challenge.

by DudeVf11 on Jan 19, 2007 11:04 PM CST reply actions