Read this article in the Houston Chronicle and would just like to note that I like the effort being put forth by the Astros in keeping a player that has meant so much to the fans. Sometimes it’s better to maybe use a lesser player or in this case aging player that the fans have grown so attached to. I was lucky enough to see Tony Gwynn play his entire career in San Diego and think it was one of the reasons I became such a fan. Identifying with players keeps you coming back for more. Would I have liked to watch a few more winning seasons over the years? Sure, but thinking back on it, I would definitely not have wanted to trade wins for a whole new set of players year every year. Management needs to keep this in mind during the winter if baseball wants to remain popular in the “smaller” markets.
October 25, 2006