As for Frenchy, the thing he has that’s useful to the kids, especially Hoz and Moose, is how he was also a savior at age 21, then has spent the next six years trying to live up to that expectation. He is living proof to the young guys that talent isn’t always enough, that adjustments have to be made and you can never stop learning and growing as a ball player or as a man. It may be coincidence, but Gordon this year acts like Frenchy, big smile, plays with child like joy: runs with aggression, busts up double-plays, crashes walls, considers it a personal challenge to his masculinity if any base runner tries to advance on his arm. Seriously, had you ever seen Gordon smile before this year?Master Chen, I think, leads by example, kind of like how Gil Meche used to do for Zack, shows the young pitchers how a pro prepares, how he pitches instead of just throws the ball. A young gun like Duffy can watch the Crafty One put on his magic show with everything thrown 10 mph slower that Duffy, and big league hitters looking awkward and off balance, then ranting about how %$@$%& Chen’s got nothing. Yeah, nothing but another year of double digit wins. The best mentors don’t have to say a word.There are/were a couple of less obvious leaders. Chris Getz, unlike Billy and Aviles, didn’t pout and complain about a demotion, instead prepares himself and comes in when needed and gives it his best. Matt Treanor’s another one, Brayan Pena learned a lot from him and his toughness rubbed off on a lot of the players. Jason Kendall’s another, even with injuries and declining skills he showed up for work everyday, prepared, studied for the game, helped the other guys get ready.

As for Frenchy, the thing he has that’s useful to the kids, especially Hoz and Moose, is how he was also a savior at age 21, then has spent the next six years trying to live up to that expectation. He is living proof to the young guys that talent isn’t always enough, that adjustments have to be made and you can never stop learning and growing as a ball player or as a man. It may be coincidence, but Gordon this year acts like Frenchy, big smile, plays with child like joy: runs with aggression, busts up double-plays, crashes walls, considers it a personal challenge to his masculinity if any base runner tries to advance on his arm. Seriously, had you ever seen Gordon smile before this year?Master Chen, I think, leads by example, kind of like how Gil Meche used to do for Zack, shows the young pitchers how a pro prepares, how he pitches instead of just throws the ball. A young gun like Duffy can watch the Crafty One put on his magic show with everything thrown 10 mph slower that Duffy, and big league hitters looking awkward and off balance, then ranting about how %$@$%& Chen’s got nothing. Yeah, nothing but another year of double digit wins. The best mentors don’t have to say a word.There are/were a couple of less obvious leaders. Chris Getz, unlike Billy and Aviles, didn’t pout and complain about a demotion, instead prepares himself and comes in when needed and gives it his best. Matt Treanor’s another one, Brayan Pena learned a lot from him and his toughness rubbed off on a lot of the players. Jason Kendall’s another, even with injuries and declining skills he showed up for work everyday, prepared, studied for the game, helped the other guys get ready.