Chicago Cubs’ Matt Garza comes to the support of teammate–MLB News
The Chicago Cubs on Tuesday, June 19, kept up the support being extended to Alfonso Soriano after what he had to undergo last week. The experienced player was booed at by the seemingly angry fans for what might have been a misunderstanding, or a tactical mistake on the player’s part.
Nonetheless, the very fact that he was booed elicited an altogether different response. It all came down in the form of support for Soriano. This time it was Matt Garza who publicly voiced his support for Soriano after Jeff Samardzija had expressed the same sentiment on Saturday.
"He's a gamer," Garza said while talking about Soriano. Soriano did not stop there. For him and the entire team, the very presence of Soriano inspires love.
"I love the guy to death. I'll back him to the end. We love to have him out there and I love having him in the lineup. He cares so much about what he does and takes pride in his craft. He deserves a lot more respect from the fans than he's getting,” said Garza.
While Soriano was himself quite appreciative of the support proffered selflessly by the teammates, there were a few things that needed immediate attention. Part of the reason why the fans feel agitated to some extent was the player’s perceived inability to live up to the expectations of the fans, and charge up the offence.
Just when the team has signed a deal worth $136 million, for a period of eight-years, Soriano – so the fans might well be saying, should be a player of impeccable skills, lending credible strength to the team.
"When you give somebody the amount of money they gave him, fans expect him to be 28 forever," Garza said. "I'm sorry, but time catches up, and for this guy to still do what he does, that's amazing, it's outstanding.”
Anger channelling in different forms, nonetheless, shall have small impact considering the reality that looks in the eyes of the players. Soriano has really worked hard to prove his merit and credentials. From what it seems, he will continue to give his best to strengthen the team no matter how intense the negative criticism is.
Tags: