That's What Cheesehead - 00.13 - Smith in Dog House

[7teen]

Despite the Madison Wolves' 35-19 and comfortable 10.5 game lead over its nearest divisional rival, things aren't all happy go lucky for the Wolves. In fact, things have gotten rather uncomfortable for one particular Wolves player. A player who earned a special, closed door meeting with manager Remy Gauthreaux. Some of the details between Gauthreaux and said player were released today by Remy during an interview with WLVS radio in Madison.

William Entry, WLVS radio: "So coach, rumors are you pulled a player into your office recently, can you elaborate on who the player was and what occurred?"

Remy: "Well, me and Clifford Smith had a lengthy chat about his play."

Entry: "What was discussed"

Remy: "It wasn't as much as a discussion as me talking and Smith listening. I told him that I wasn't very pleased with his play, nor his general attitude on the field."

Entry: "Did the fact that Smith is hitting just .199 on the season come up in the conversation?"

Remy: "You can bet your ass it did. I mentioned is putry average, his miniscule on-base percentage and his weak slugging."

Entry: "For those listening and aren't aware, Smith has a .292 on base percentage and a .284 slugging percnetage. So coach, what do you make of this situation? I know that with Bolt still on the disabled list, what efforts are going to be made to get this situation rectified?"

Remy: "I think everyone is aware that Smith was a highly though of prospect. And I todl him that. But it seems as though he felt he was going to get by on talent alone. He hasn't gotten the amount of playing time he has desired over his time here thanks to our solid outfield trio. He was given a great opportunity this season to prove himself to us and the rest of the league with Bolt's injury but thus far, he hasn't taken advantage of the situtation. I told him that if he doesn't get straightened out over the next couple of days, he could see himself right back on the bench he's been sitting on for the better part of a season now."

Entry: "So coach, if he doesn't get straightened out, what move do you have? Your outfield situtation with Bolt out appears bleak."

Remy: "Well, Ty Coon has been playing well in his limited chances this season. He was called up when Bolt went down. He's chomping at teh bit to play more."

Entry: You're right coach. Coon is batting .455/.486/.758 with a couple of homeruns and 15 RBI in 33 at-bats. Obviously he can't keep that up, but that sort of production is way better than what Smith is putting up right now. Let me ask this coach, is there any chance Smith gets traded this season or soon? The guy has to have some value considering he hit34 homeruns one season and has consistently hit over 20 homeruns a year for a bulk of his career?"

Remy: You'd have to ask GM Wilson about that. I know there were efforts to trade him last year. Either him or Guam. I think Wilson tried to seek out offers for Guam so that Smith could see more time in the lineup. But now it appears as though Smith may be on his way out. But like I said, you'd have to ask Wilson about that. I just hope Smith sees this meeting and all of this coversation as a wakeup call and gets his act together and starts producing.

Entry: "Well, thanks for your time coach. I hope things get straightened out. Good luck with the rest of the season and into the playoffs.

Remy: "Well, the playoffs are still a long way off in the future. But thank you.

[recte44]

Nice chat. Love to see the old players as managers and stuff. "Goat" is the man.