MLB Analyst Defends Players Amid Criticism Of Effort
Major League Baseball is a rapidly changing game.
Certain players who have been around for quite some time may not be able to do some of the things they used to be able to do in their younger years.
Often times, this is met with criticism from fans and media members.
However, it is important to note that certain players may be playing more carefully in order to preserve their bodies and stay healthy for a full 162-game season.
On “The Opening Drive,” a St. Louis sports radio show, MLB insider Greg Amsinger discussed how the game is changing and how players are doing their best to take care of themselves.
He also discussed whether or not it’s the right move to do such a thing.
Should players think about their future first and their teams second?
Greg Amsinger had a definitive answer for #TheOpeningDrive in light of Ohtani’s injury and questions about effort with certain #STLCards players.
Full Interview: https://t.co/A3jwGXOQzP pic.twitter.com/NfKhFrANoX
— 101 ESPN St. Louis (@101espn) August 25, 2023
Amsinger vehemently stated that earlier in the season, when St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Tyler O’Neill was sprinting at a slightly slower pace, he was unfairly criticized.
Manager Oli Marmol discussed it with the media after O’Neill was thrown out at home plate and criticized the young outfielder’s effort.
However, Amsinger notes that players trying to preserve their bodies is often frowned upon and used Carlos Correa as an example.
Correa isn’t stealing as many bases as he once did due to injury concerns.
That has come with some criticism from outside sources.
Amsinger says he thinks people need to understand that players don’t have much time to make as much money as they possibly can and that nobody should ever second-guess whether or not that is being considered while they are playing.
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