Bitter Wizard?

there are already some comments on the background of this subject at the end of sunday's regular post (5/21). To me, it's really a bit of both: "legitimate beef with new manager" and "aging superstar who can't let go." Unfortunately for the Oz, his obsession with this makes us forget about the "legitimate beef" part. I wish he'd just wake up and realize that if he acted like he was above it all, the memories would be that TLR screwed him and Ozzie would be twice the hero he already is by rising above it. As it is, he looks petty and foolish. I still love the guy, but damn...LET IT GO.

And I also didn't know about this whole Ozzie fall out.  Considering my consumption of Natural Light at the time pretty much kept the city of St. Louis in the black, you would think they would have let me know personally about all of this.

the more I'm inclined to agree with Tony on this one.  Look, I've expressed on this blog numerous times my beef with Ozzie and I'm trying not to let that cloud my judgment here, but this is the situation as I see it.

Ozzie was borderline mediocre his last year here. Granted in hindsight Royce Clayton did not pan out to be the second coming of Ozzie liked we all hoped in 1996, but Tony was trying to build a pennant contender and groom for the future.  The deal he struck was that Ozzie would start at least one game a series so that he could do his farewell tour.  Ozzie bitched about that.  

Ozzie comes across as someone who thinks he DESERVES everything and doesn't thank god for what he's been blessed with.  Look its a honor and privilege to have the skill set to exceed at anything at a high level, be it medicine, professional sports or any trade or skill.  Its more of a honor when the spots reserved at a level or capped, like they are at a major league level.  I know that all of us would probably openly weep if we were allowed the privilege of wearing a Cardinal uniform for just one game, let alone for 14 years, win countless gold gloves, win one WS ring, win three division rings, be named to the hall of fame AND have your number retired by the organization.  

Now Ozzie thinks that he's the one controlling whether he gets invited to help at spring training?  It's Tony's, and to a lesser extent Walt's camp, they call the shots.  Better men then Ozzie are willing to come down just to be a part of the team and help the organization that GAVE to them.  I watched 80 plus Red hit grounders to Scott Rolen. Now, Red could pull the same trick and say "F you" I'm Red "MFING" SCHOENDIST!!  But he doesn't.  

Lou Brock comes down, Stan comes down, and notorious curmudgeon Bob Gibson comes down.  I'm sure these guys could make twice the cash in an afternoon of signing autographs, but they come back to help the organization, to give back, and to wear the uniform again.  I'm sure they are fed well, put up in a nice hotel, and it feels good to have fans clamoring for you again.  For Ozzie to say that he won't do that, that's fine with me.  To make it public shows that he wants attention, he wants this to be about Ozzie.  To that I say, good night and good luck.