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John/z28jdJay is right on with the media starting stuff that might not really be there and with Bonds starting in Pittsburgh i have a good example with helps that case.
Tony Alvarez is a minor leaguer with the Pirates whos been quoted as having an attitude problem.I used to write for the Pirates so ive talked to alot of other writers,especially recently when Alvarez got recalled.
There is a couple writers who follow the team day in and day out who say Alvarez is no more than a 5th outfielder and it just so happens these writers have had personal run-ins with him and interviews.When I talk to writers who can not let personal experiences get in the way of how they report they all have higher regard for Alvarez.
The 2 reporters who hadnt seen him play a game since he was in the majors in sept 2002 were commenting on how bad his fielding was but when i talk to a reporter who is able to go to alot of minor league games he tells a different story.
It really makes you wonder how so many reporters let their personal life get in the way of doing their job right.Being longtime Pirates writers as most of them are its little wonder a guy like Bonds can get a bad rep that has followed him thru his career