The Thought Experiment: A Manager’s Perspective
TAMPA — Imagine if SNY suddenly told me that I was no longer a writer but a staff accountant. Or if the Yankees informed Aaron Boone that they now viewed him as a coach. What if we both recognized these changes as mistakes? Wouldn’t it be more honest and ultimately more productive for us to voice our concerns and stand up for what we believe in, rather than lie and pretend to be content with the new roles? This thought experiment came to mind after a conversation with Yankees manager Aaron Boone, who was addressing reporters about Marcus Stroman’s recent comments. Stroman, a pitcher known for his outspoken nature, declared, "I won’t pitch in the bullpen. I’m a starter." When asked about this, Boone responded, "Yeah, I wouldn’t want someone to lie." He further added, "This is a nothing burger to me right now. It’s irrelevant right now." The Yankees have nearly six weeks before they need to finalize their April starting rotation, and Boone’s reaction suggests a level of understanding and patience.
The Fan Reaction: A Complex Dilemma
The knee-jerk reaction from fans when a player expresses a preference, as Stroman did, or exercises a collectively bargained right, such as skipping early spring workouts, is often to label the player as selfish and side with management. The common refrain is, "We’d play this game for free, and this guy is making millions and complains about it." However, this view is overly simplistic and fails to capture the nuances of the situation. There are at least two ways to interpret Stroman’s stance: 1) it is honorable and ultimately rewarding to subjugate oneself to a greater or group cause (i.e., go to the bullpen if it helps the Yankees) OR 2) people should stand up for their belief in themselves and advocate for their self-interest. The Stroman/Yankees situation is complex, and both perspectives have valid points. It’s a reminder that in the world of professional sports, where the stakes are high and the spotlight is intense, there is often more to the story than meets the eye.
The Authenticity of Stroman’s Stance
Stroman’s comments and actions have certainly stirred the pot, but they also highlight the importance of authenticity. While his criticism of the media, including a tweet that read, "Loudest talk from the smallest minds … media just trying to make a story out of absolutely nothing," is not particularly endearing, it does show that he is willing to speak his mind. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman acknowledged this, saying, "I want players to be authentic and honest. They should be allowed to have a platform to speak their minds and share what they are thinking. It’s not an easy platform to perform in. Most people don’t have their jobs covered on a daily basis, with successes and failures or perceptions or opinions. And so I think it’s more difficult when you try to steer their opinions in the way you want them to be steered." Cashman’s point is well-taken. How would any of us feel if our boss tried to assign us to a role we weren’t comfortable with? It’s a challenging position, and it’s understandable that Stroman would want to voice his concerns.
The Team Player Mentality
On the other hand, there are valid reasons why some might disapprove of Stroman’s decisions. Many ballplayers derive real meaning from the "there’s no I in team" cliche. They believe in the importance of putting the team’s needs above their own. Some have privately expressed that Stroman could have handled the situation differently. For instance, he could have participated in his physicals and fitness program (PFP) with everyone else and then politely declined to discuss his status as the odd man out in the team’s starting rotation. This approach would have avoided bringing negative attention to himself and the team. However, it’s also worth noting that Stroman handled his demotion to the bullpen last season with supreme professionalism, even though he went unused for the entire postseason. His current stance could be seen as a way to ensure that he is used effectively and not sidelined again.
The Human Side of the Equation
To be human is to battle selfishness, and this is true for everyone, including professional athletes. Boone himself acknowledged, "I love Stro" — and he meant it. Despite the controversy, people at Yankees camp like Stroman. His teammates, such as Gerrit Cole and Max Fried, greeted him with genuine hugs and smiles. This human element is often overlooked in the heat of the moment. It’s easy to criticize a player for standing up for himself, but it’s also important to recognize the personal and professional challenges they face. Stroman’s decision to speak out is a reflection of his belief in himself and his role as a starter. It’s a reminder that even in a team sport, individual players have their own aspirations and concerns.
The Broader Implications
Marcus Stroman, both as a Met and now as a Yankee, has always forced us to think. His actions and words, while sometimes controversial, have sparked important discussions about the balance between individual and team interests in professional sports. Stroman’s willingness to be honest and authentic, even when it’s not the easiest path, is a trait that can be admired. It’s a reminder that the world of sports, like any other, is filled with complex individuals who are trying to navigate their careers and personal lives in the face of intense scrutiny. Whether we agree with his stance or not, Stroman’s actions have added another layer to the ongoing conversation about what it means to be a team player in the modern era.
