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ForumPolice wrote: ↑24 Jul 2025 12:17 pm Yeah, yeah, they love their community blah, blah, blah. MLB players usually retire by the time they're 40 so they've got their entire lives to be in the community of their preference. They've got limited years to play baseball and if they're not playing for a championship I don't want them on the team anyway. Not saying that players should waive their NTC to just go to another middling team but if they've got the opportunity to go to it a city that's playing for the playoffs and a championship they should take it if they're playing to win.

And in many or most cases they're an impediment to the city and team they say they want to be a part of.

ForumPolice wrote: ↑24 Jul 2025 13:18 pm

Jobu's Rum wrote: ↑24 Jul 2025 13:13 pm

freed5179 wrote: ↑24 Jul 2025 12:45 pm Bottom line is that they earned their NTC and nobody forced management to give them one. And no one should be upset, suspicious or whatever if someone chooses to use their contractual rights.

How such a terrible pitcher like Mikolas was able to get a NTC makes Moe look even worse

I asked Mo about that. He told me there's no possible way you're getting someone of his caliber for $18m per year without sweetening the pot. As we well know every team in the league was clamoring for his services....

Wattage wrote: ↑24 Jul 2025 13:28 pm

ForumPolice wrote: ↑24 Jul 2025 12:17 pm Yeah, yeah, they love their community blah, blah, blah. MLB players usually retire by the time they're 40 so they've got their entire lives to be in the community of their preference. They've got limited years to play baseball and if they're not playing for a championship I don't want them on the team anyway. Not saying that players should waive their NTC to just go to another middling team but if they've got the opportunity to go to it a city that's playing for the playoffs and a championship they should take it if they're playing to win.

And in many or most cases they're an impediment to the city and team they say they want to be a part of.

While winning a championship is nice, is it really that important in scheme of things. I think a lot of fans take entertainment too seriously.

Lets say hypothetically you are a baseball player. You have a wife. She found a job and career in the city ypu are playing in. You have kids. Your kids finally have friends and enjoy their school. You have 2 years left on your deal. Do you prioritze winning over being over ypur family? Are you gonna fault players for wanting to stay and keep their home where there family has settled or do ypu think its bstter for a player to live on the road away from his family or force his family to uproot their life once again just whem they are comfortable and finding nornalcy(when some familys were forced to move several times before.)

Not to mention if player made actual friends in the area. Why is a possible championship more important than that stuff? What does it bring really? I understand some players fulfilling their dream if their family is in support but if their family doesnt want to move again, i wont fault any player for making that choice prioritizing their family and stability for them

renostl wrote: ↑24 Jul 2025 12:44 pm

ForumPolice wrote: ↑24 Jul 2025 12:17 pm Yeah, yeah, they love their community blah, blah, blah. MLB players usually retire by the time they're 40 so they've got their entire lives to be in the community of their preference. They've got limited years to play baseball and if they're not playing for a championship I don't want them on the team anyway. Not saying that players should waive their NTC to just go to another middling team but if they've got the opportunity to go to it a city that's playing for the playoffs and a championship they should take it if they're playing to win.

And in many or most cases they're an impediment to the city and team they say they want to be a part of.

Tremendous amount of truth here.

To add. Why work where you're not wanted? No team with a losing record would pursue them
so they're going to a contender. Are they just too comfortable?

I do understand there are some bad fits. City, coaches, playing time but
zero teams you'd go to seems wrong.

blackinkbiz wrote: ↑24 Jul 2025 13:08 pm

Ozziesfan41 wrote: ↑24 Jul 2025 12:39 pm

ForumPolice wrote: ↑24 Jul 2025 12:17 pm Yeah, yeah, they love their community blah, blah, blah. MLB players usually retire by the time they're 40 so they've got their entire lives to be in the community of their preference. They've got limited years to play baseball and if they're not playing for a championship I don't want them on the team anyway. Not saying that players should waive their NTC to just go to another middling team but if they've got the opportunity to go to it a city that's playing for the playoffs and a championship they should take it if they're playing to win.

And in many or most cases they're an impediment to the city and team they say they want to be a part of.

The cases are different for each player. Arenado will take a trade but only to team he wants to go to. I get that why would he want to take a trade to a team he doesn’t want to play for in city he doesn’t want to play in when he has his family to think about. Gray I’m not sure he did horrible in New York so I’m pretty sure he’s more of a mid western kind of guy and doesnt want to just play for anyone. Contreras has said before he likes it here he thinks he can be a benefit to the team and the young players and can help them win it may be delusional but I get that also

Arenado is easily the most pathetic "superstar" I've ever seen in a Cardinals uniform, which is only 20 years or so that I've followed closely. Just when you thought his numbers couldn't get any worse than last season ... I mean does the guy never lift a weight in his life or something? I half expect to see him doing water aerobics at the Y. You'd think he's nearing social security with quickly he's dropped to nothing.

Wattage wrote: ↑24 Jul 2025 13:28 pm

ForumPolice wrote: ↑24 Jul 2025 12:17 pm Yeah, yeah, they love their community blah, blah, blah. MLB players usually retire by the time they're 40 so they've got their entire lives to be in the community of their preference. They've got limited years to play baseball and if they're not playing for a championship I don't want them on the team anyway. Not saying that players should waive their NTC to just go to another middling team but if they've got the opportunity to go to it a city that's playing for the playoffs and a championship they should take it if they're playing to win.

And in many or most cases they're an impediment to the city and team they say they want to be a part of.

While winning a championship is nice, is it really that important in scheme of things. I think a lot of fans take entertainment too seriously.

Lets say hypothetically you are a baseball player. You have a wife. She found a job and career in the city ypu are playing in. You have kids. Your kids finally have friends and enjoy their school. You have 2 years left on your deal. Do you prioritze winning over being over ypur family? Are you gonna fault players for wanting to stay and keep their home where there family has settled or do ypu think its bstter for a player to live on the road away from his family or force his family to uproot their life once again just whem they are comfortable and finding nornalcy(when some familys were forced to move several times before.)

Not to mention if player made actual friends in the area. Why is a possible championship more important than that stuff? What does it bring really? I understand some players fulfilling their dream if their family is in support but if their family doesnt want to move again, i wont fault any player for making that choice prioritizing their family and stability for them

ramfandan wrote: ↑24 Jul 2025 13:36 pm

blackinkbiz wrote: ↑24 Jul 2025 13:08 pm

Ozziesfan41 wrote: ↑24 Jul 2025 12:39 pm

ForumPolice wrote: ↑24 Jul 2025 12:17 pm Yeah, yeah, they love their community blah, blah, blah. MLB players usually retire by the time they're 40 so they've got their entire lives to be in the community of their preference. They've got limited years to play baseball and if they're not playing for a championship I don't want them on the team anyway. Not saying that players should waive their NTC to just go to another middling team but if they've got the opportunity to go to it a city that's playing for the playoffs and a championship they should take it if they're playing to win.

And in many or most cases they're an impediment to the city and team they say they want to be a part of.

The cases are different for each player. Arenado will take a trade but only to team he wants to go to. I get that why would he want to take a trade to a team he doesn’t want to play for in city he doesn’t want to play in when he has his family to think about. Gray I’m not sure he did horrible in New York so I’m pretty sure he’s more of a mid western kind of guy and doesnt want to just play for anyone. Contreras has said before he likes it here he thinks he can be a benefit to the team and the young players and can help them win it may be delusional but I get that also

Arenado is easily the most pathetic "superstar" I've ever seen in a Cardinals uniform, which is only 20 years or so that I've followed closely. Just when you thought his numbers couldn't get any worse than last season ... I mean does the guy never lift a weight in his life or something? I half expect to see him doing water aerobics at the Y. You'd think he's nearing social security with quickly he's dropped to nothing.

Hmmm ? So for 20 years you have followed Arenado closely ..So you type I mean does the guy never lift a weight in his life or something ? ..doing water aerobics at the Y ..
Apparently , you have not followed him closely and especially what he did this past offseason to improve . I just took 30 seconds on the computer and found this past winter's program he followed . You can argue that he did not play well this year but before you criticize him for NOT working out and trying to improve himself , you should do some research . Here is the program he dedicated himself to

Here is a copy/paste of what his program was this past winter in California

In the winter of 2024 (heading into the 2025 MLB season), St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado dedicated his training to improving his bat speed and overall physical condition.

Here are some details about his training regimen:

Focus on Faster Bat Speed: Arenado aimed to increase his bat speed, which had declined in the previous season. This is crucial for hitting success, and he worked on it in a variety of ways.

Weight Loss and Agility: Arenado reported to Spring Training noticeably leaner, having lost weight. He also incorporated agility drills into his routine, which he had previously avoided due to concerns about his back. This suggests a focus on regaining quickness.

Muay Thai Sparring and Pilates: He engaged in challenging Muay Thai sparring sessions, aiming to improve hip rotation. He also took Pilates classes to enhance his body's "elasticity".

Hitting Drills: Arenado performed hitting drills in various locations, including Hawaii, California, and Texas. He also worked on adjusting his swing, attempting to keep his arms further from his body during the load phase.

Motivation and Mindset: Arenado expressed feeling like he had "something to prove" after a down year in 2024, approaching the 2025 season with renewed hunger and desperation.

blackinkbiz wrote: ↑24 Jul 2025 13:49 pm

ramfandan wrote: ↑24 Jul 2025 13:36 pm

blackinkbiz wrote: ↑24 Jul 2025 13:08 pm

Ozziesfan41 wrote: ↑24 Jul 2025 12:39 pm

ForumPolice wrote: ↑24 Jul 2025 12:17 pm Yeah, yeah, they love their community blah, blah, blah. MLB players usually retire by the time they're 40 so they've got their entire lives to be in the community of their preference. They've got limited years to play baseball and if they're not playing for a championship I don't want them on the team anyway. Not saying that players should waive their NTC to just go to another middling team but if they've got the opportunity to go to it a city that's playing for the playoffs and a championship they should take it if they're playing to win.

And in many or most cases they're an impediment to the city and team they say they want to be a part of.

The cases are different for each player. Arenado will take a trade but only to team he wants to go to. I get that why would he want to take a trade to a team he doesn’t want to play for in city he doesn’t want to play in when he has his family to think about. Gray I’m not sure he did horrible in New York so I’m pretty sure he’s more of a mid western kind of guy and doesnt want to just play for anyone. Contreras has said before he likes it here he thinks he can be a benefit to the team and the young players and can help them win it may be delusional but I get that also

Arenado is easily the most pathetic "superstar" I've ever seen in a Cardinals uniform, which is only 20 years or so that I've followed closely. Just when you thought his numbers couldn't get any worse than last season ... I mean does the guy never lift a weight in his life or something? I half expect to see him doing water aerobics at the Y. You'd think he's nearing social security with quickly he's dropped to nothing.

Hmmm ? So for 20 years you have followed Arenado closely ..So you type I mean does the guy never lift a weight in his life or something ? ..doing water aerobics at the Y ..
Apparently , you have not followed him closely and especially what he did this past offseason to improve . I just took 30 seconds on the computer and found this past winter's program he followed . You can argue that he did not play well this year but before you criticize him for NOT working out and trying to improve himself , you should do some research . Here is the program he dedicated himself to

Here is a copy/paste of what his program was this past winter in California

In the winter of 2024 (heading into the 2025 MLB season), St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado dedicated his training to improving his bat speed and overall physical condition.

Here are some details about his training regimen:

Focus on Faster Bat Speed: Arenado aimed to increase his bat speed, which had declined in the previous season. This is crucial for hitting success, and he worked on it in a variety of ways.

Weight Loss and Agility: Arenado reported to Spring Training noticeably leaner, having lost weight. He also incorporated agility drills into his routine, which he had previously avoided due to concerns about his back. This suggests a focus on regaining quickness.

Muay Thai Sparring and Pilates: He engaged in challenging Muay Thai sparring sessions, aiming to improve hip rotation. He also took Pilates classes to enhance his body's "elasticity".

Hitting Drills: Arenado performed hitting drills in various locations, including Hawaii, California, and Texas. He also worked on adjusting his swing, attempting to keep his arms further from his body during the load phase.

Motivation and Mindset: Arenado expressed feeling like he had "something to prove" after a down year in 2024, approaching the 2025 season with renewed hunger and desperation.

I get that you're a Nado ... well, let's just be honest about it, a bit of a Nado homer, but the guy is terrible. At the young age of 34 he's no more than a replacement-level player getting paid a superstar's salary. He's not the team's biggest issue this year as the starting pitching has suddenly turned to garbage, but he's a big reason they were terrible last year, in 2023, and his abysmal performance in the 22 playoffs both offensively and that horrific gaffe in the 9th which opened the door to the Phils victory, he has most definitely not lived up to the "superstar" status the Cards believed they were acquiring.

In fact, the team's fall from grace may have already started before he arrived, but he's a big part of the anvil that sunk it to the bottom.

I look forward to the day he's gone and we never have to waste energy on him again.

renostl wrote: ↑24 Jul 2025 13:40 pm

Wattage wrote: ↑24 Jul 2025 13:28 pm

ForumPolice wrote: ↑24 Jul 2025 12:17 pm Yeah, yeah, they love their community blah, blah, blah. MLB players usually retire by the time they're 40 so they've got their entire lives to be in the community of their preference. They've got limited years to play baseball and if they're not playing for a championship I don't want them on the team anyway. Not saying that players should waive their NTC to just go to another middling team but if they've got the opportunity to go to it a city that's playing for the playoffs and a championship they should take it if they're playing to win.

And in many or most cases they're an impediment to the city and team they say they want to be a part of.

While winning a championship is nice, is it really that important in scheme of things. I think a lot of fans take entertainment too seriously.

Lets say hypothetically you are a baseball player. You have a wife. She found a job and career in the city ypu are playing in. You have kids. Your kids finally have friends and enjoy their school. You have 2 years left on your deal. Do you prioritze winning over being over ypur family? Are you gonna fault players for wanting to stay and keep their home where there family has settled or do ypu think its bstter for a player to live on the road away from his family or force his family to uproot their life once again just whem they are comfortable and finding nornalcy(when some familys were forced to move several times before.)

Not to mention if player made actual friends in the area. Why is a possible championship more important than that stuff? What does it bring really? I understand some players fulfilling their dream if their family is in support but if their family doesnt want to move again, i wont fault any player for making that choice prioritizing their family and stability for them

Which is why players do make their homes in cities other than where they play.
All kinds of different scenarios. Including in a player like Miles, it's a 2 month temporary
thing for a shot at a ring.

vegascardsfan5890 wrote: ↑24 Jul 2025 13:32 pm Interesting. What are your thoughts on Mike Trout?

3 playoff games his entire career and refuses to ask for a trade from the Angels. He seems content playing in So Cal for the rest of his life, especially since he started a family.

ForumPolice wrote: ↑24 Jul 2025 12:51 pm

freed5179 wrote: ↑24 Jul 2025 12:45 pm Bottom line is that they earned their NTC and nobody forced management to give them one. And no one should be upset, suspicious or whatever if someone chooses to use their contractual rights.

MLB owners are dumb as [shirt] so of course I blame them for handing out NTC's. I actually think Mo starts out every contract negotiation with one attached because he's a box of rocks. Doesn't change my opinion on a player sitting on a team without a prayer of the playoffs being content in that situation. I'm sure some of them actually enjoy playing for a team that's spinning their wheels because they don't want the stress or pressure of actually having to produce. If you're on a team with no prayer and have no interest in playing for a contender then you're playing baseball to cash a check, not to win. That's why I don't want them

Alex Reyes Cy Young wrote: ↑24 Jul 2025 12:17 pm

ForumPolice wrote: ↑24 Jul 2025 12:17 pm Yeah, yeah, they love their community blah, blah, blah. MLB players usually retire by the time they're 40 so they've got their entire lives to be in the community of their preference. They've got limited years to play baseball and if they're not playing for a championship I don't want them on the team anyway. Not saying that players should waive their NTC to just go to another middling team but if they've got the opportunity to go to it a city that's playing for the playoffs and a championship they should take it if they're playing to win.

And in many or most cases they're an impediment to the city and team they say they want to be a part of.

I know it’s really weird.

Wattage wrote: ↑24 Jul 2025 13:56 pm

renostl wrote: ↑24 Jul 2025 13:40 pm

Wattage wrote: ↑24 Jul 2025 13:28 pm

ForumPolice wrote: ↑24 Jul 2025 12:17 pm Yeah, yeah, they love their community blah, blah, blah. MLB players usually retire by the time they're 40 so they've got their entire lives to be in the community of their preference. They've got limited years to play baseball and if they're not playing for a championship I don't want them on the team anyway. Not saying that players should waive their NTC to just go to another middling team but if they've got the opportunity to go to it a city that's playing for the playoffs and a championship they should take it if they're playing to win.

And in many or most cases they're an impediment to the city and team they say they want to be a part of.

While winning a championship is nice, is it really that important in scheme of things. I think a lot of fans take entertainment too seriously.

Lets say hypothetically you are a baseball player. You have a wife. She found a job and career in the city ypu are playing in. You have kids. Your kids finally have friends and enjoy their school. You have 2 years left on your deal. Do you prioritze winning over being over ypur family? Are you gonna fault players for wanting to stay and keep their home where there family has settled or do ypu think its bstter for a player to live on the road away from his family or force his family to uproot their life once again just whem they are comfortable and finding nornalcy(when some familys were forced to move several times before.)

Not to mention if player made actual friends in the area. Why is a possible championship more important than that stuff? What does it bring really? I understand some players fulfilling their dream if their family is in support but if their family doesnt want to move again, i wont fault any player for making that choice prioritizing their family and stability for them

Which is why players do make their homes in cities other than where they play.
All kinds of different scenarios. Including in a player like Miles, it's a 2 month temporary
thing for a shot at a ring.

July and august are months when your kids are home from school so if your team is close to your city, why would ypu want to leave during those months.

Abd lets be real, there are reaspns other than miles mikolas no trade clause for why he cant be traded. I dont think gms are desperately hoping for him and begging mo for mikolas

ramfandan wrote: ↑24 Jul 2025 13:36 pm

blackinkbiz wrote: ↑24 Jul 2025 13:08 pm

Ozziesfan41 wrote: ↑24 Jul 2025 12:39 pm

ForumPolice wrote: ↑24 Jul 2025 12:17 pm Yeah, yeah, they love their community blah, blah, blah. MLB players usually retire by the time they're 40 so they've got their entire lives to be in the community of their preference. They've got limited years to play baseball and if they're not playing for a championship I don't want them on the team anyway. Not saying that players should waive their NTC to just go to another middling team but if they've got the opportunity to go to it a city that's playing for the playoffs and a championship they should take it if they're playing to win.

And in many or most cases they're an impediment to the city and team they say they want to be a part of.

The cases are different for each player. Arenado will take a trade but only to team he wants to go to. I get that why would he want to take a trade to a team he doesn’t want to play for in city he doesn’t want to play in when he has his family to think about. Gray I’m not sure he did horrible in New York so I’m pretty sure he’s more of a mid western kind of guy and doesnt want to just play for anyone. Contreras has said before he likes it here he thinks he can be a benefit to the team and the young players and can help them win it may be delusional but I get that also

Arenado is easily the most pathetic "superstar" I've ever seen in a Cardinals uniform, which is only 20 years or so that I've followed closely. Just when you thought his numbers couldn't get any worse than last season ... I mean does the guy never lift a weight in his life or something? I half expect to see him doing water aerobics at the Y. You'd think he's nearing social security with quickly he's dropped to nothing.

Hmmm ? So for 20 years you have followed Arenado closely ..So you type I mean does the guy never lift a weight in his life or something ? ..doing water aerobics at the Y ..
Apparently , you have not followed him closely and especially what he did this past offseason to improve . I just took 30 seconds on the computer and found this past winter's program he followed . You can argue that he did not play well this year but before you criticize him for NOT working out and trying to improve himself , you should do some research . Here is the program he dedicated himself to

Here is a copy/paste of what his program was this past winter in California

In the winter of 2024 (heading into the 2025 MLB season), St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado dedicated his training to improving his bat speed and overall physical condition.

Here are some details about his training regimen:

Focus on Faster Bat Speed: Arenado aimed to increase his bat speed, which had declined in the previous season. This is crucial for hitting success, and he worked on it in a variety of ways.

Weight Loss and Agility: Arenado reported to Spring Training noticeably leaner, having lost weight. He also incorporated agility drills into his routine, which he had previously avoided due to concerns about his back. This suggests a focus on regaining quickness.

Muay Thai Sparring and Pilates: He engaged in challenging Muay Thai sparring sessions, aiming to improve hip rotation. He also took Pilates classes to enhance his body's "elasticity".

Hitting Drills: Arenado performed hitting drills in various locations, including Hawaii, California, and Texas. He also worked on adjusting his swing, attempting to keep his arms further from his body during the load phase.

Motivation and Mindset: Arenado expressed feeling like he had "something to prove" after a down year in 2024, approaching the 2025 season with renewed hunger and desperation.

renostl wrote: ↑24 Jul 2025 14:10 pm

Wattage wrote: ↑24 Jul 2025 13:56 pm

renostl wrote: ↑24 Jul 2025 13:40 pm

Wattage wrote: ↑24 Jul 2025 13:28 pm

ForumPolice wrote: ↑24 Jul 2025 12:17 pm Yeah, yeah, they love their community blah, blah, blah. MLB players usually retire by the time they're 40 so they've got their entire lives to be in the community of their preference. They've got limited years to play baseball and if they're not playing for a championship I don't want them on the team anyway. Not saying that players should waive their NTC to just go to another middling team but if they've got the opportunity to go to it a city that's playing for the playoffs and a championship they should take it if they're playing to win.

And in many or most cases they're an impediment to the city and team they say they want to be a part of.

While winning a championship is nice, is it really that important in scheme of things. I think a lot of fans take entertainment too seriously.

Lets say hypothetically you are a baseball player. You have a wife. She found a job and career in the city ypu are playing in. You have kids. Your kids finally have friends and enjoy their school. You have 2 years left on your deal. Do you prioritze winning over being over ypur family? Are you gonna fault players for wanting to stay and keep their home where there family has settled or do ypu think its bstter for a player to live on the road away from his family or force his family to uproot their life once again just whem they are comfortable and finding nornalcy(when some familys were forced to move several times before.)

Not to mention if player made actual friends in the area. Why is a possible championship more important than that stuff? What does it bring really? I understand some players fulfilling their dream if their family is in support but if their family doesnt want to move again, i wont fault any player for making that choice prioritizing their family and stability for them

Which is why players do make their homes in cities other than where they play.
All kinds of different scenarios. Including in a player like Miles, it's a 2 month temporary
thing for a shot at a ring.

July and august are months when your kids are home from school so if your team is close to your city, why would ypu want to leave during those months.

Abd lets be real, there are reaspns other than miles mikolas no trade clause for why he cant be traded. I dont think gms are desperately hoping for him and begging mo for mikolas

True story.
Which is why I termed it "like Miles", pending FA' and mentioned players that have homes
other than where they play and there are several scenarios.

These NTC are overblown. The players that are of subject here, Arenado, Gray, Mikolas
Contreras could veto trades without a NTC. it mostly a non-issue and used simply
as things to throw at MO. He has real stuff to throw at him, this one is
irrelevant in these cases. And as you say Miles has other reasons.