The Petey Predicament

[donlever]

Ass-backwards.

These fucking guys....

[Lancer]

Ass-backwards.

These fucking guys....

What coulda been...

Thing is, what can management learn from this experience - assuming they're capable of such introspection (and that our take of the behind-the-scenes is halfway accurate; and it may not)?

I'll start:

Never fall in love with your core - ever, no matter who; no matter when. Talent is a salient quality, but character should be weighted further - even after a player is drafted and makes it into the lineup. If management gets a whiff that the player isn't committed to the team - or himself if management senses a lack of heart/will/work-ethic - then they shouldn't be afraid to trade that player in a moment for the right return. Doesn't matter how well the player is playing or how well the team is doing. If management gets the slightest hint of rot, cut it out decisively instead of hoping it will work itself out. You run the risk of jettisoning a player who flourishes elsewhere or later in their career, but if the return is right it should only set the team back only so much.

Anyone else?