Rumors: Bob Castellini and Pete Rose

[RedsManRick]

There's a difference between bringing Pete in as a hitting consultant in ST or for Pete Rose Day then hiring him to coach the team. I don't think he should be allowed to be in the competetive side of the game as a coach or in management, but as a consultant or marketing, I don't see why not.

[iaredsfan]

Originally Posted by Unassisted

I disagree. Although I don't personally want him back just yet, there are plenty of fans, mostly older than us, who do. I'd be surprised if Marge didn't do some lobbying in that regard before she sold the controlling shares.

"Welcome Back Pete Rose" night would be a sellout for sure.

Well, I'm 61 -- I remember all of Pete's career. And, I definitely do not want him back in the organization. I don't see anything positive that he could bring, that would not be out-weighed by the negative.

[IowaRed]

Originally Posted by RedFanAlways1966

I grew up as a kid idolizing Pete. As a grown man... I do not want Pete Rose anywhere near young ballplayers.

Does Pete really want to help others or help himself (not gambling rehab help, but get himself in the public eye)? Think about it.

:thumbdown

Just curious, is this because you think Pete will have such an influence on these young men that would lead them to gambling and other poor decisions as baseball players? What does Pete need to do at this point? I read his book and as much as I love him as a ballplayer and a Red I dislike him as a person. (I received it as a gift because I wouldn't spend the money on it) He's been to jail, he's been kicked out of baseball, he can't get in the HOF, and has deserved most of it. At what point is it enough-once he's dead? How about inviting him to ST for a few days? Have him talk about hitting, gambling, other poor decisions he has made. Let him have a Pete Rose Night at the ballpark. Think about it.

[Team Clark]

If Castellini pulls that off well he might as well walk on water.

[Caseyfan21]

I surprisingly wouldn't mind seeing Pete back. The man, despite his problems, knows how to play the game and knows how to win. If we could have Pete around as a ST coach or have Pete in a special advisor role I would be for it. I think Cast could keep him in line and I think Pete realizes he would be lucky to get a second chance (if he did which I don't think he will). I don't think Pete would screw up again, totally a personal opinion. Pete is a winner and the Reds could use more people with his mentality of playing and winning. A mentality that I think is echoed in Castellini.

[TeamBoone]

I like RedsManRick's point of view. As someone else said, I could think he could teach young ballplayers a thing or three about how bad choices can not only ruin their careers but their lives in general.

I tend to waffle regarding Pete. He was great baseball player, and he deserves to be in the Hall... I don't care what he did.

IMHO, there are a lot worse men than Pete Rose who have excelled at the game WITHOUT PUNISHMENT for their off-the-field actions. Personally, I place drug abusers (and I don't mean steroids either), wife beaters, etc way higher on my list than someone who bet on baseball... such behavior didn't keep some of them out of the hall nor did it keep them out of the game. Heck, some are still playing or coaching or advising.

Plus, don't any of you think that Pete Rose has done his time? He's been banished for years and lost the respect of many people he respected and/or cherished (including his fans). Does no one think he's been punished enough?

Ok, let the battering begin.

[RedFanAlways1966]

Originally Posted by IowaRed

Just curious, is this because you think Pete will have such an influence on these young men that would lead them to gambling and other poor decisions as baseball players? What does Pete need to do at this point?

I respect your opinion, Iowa. I think Pete has shown a pattern of lying for many years. I do not think he has ever come clean... unless it was very beneficial to him in more ways than just getting back to MLB. I do not doubt that Pete wants to get back in b/c he still loves the game. However, I cannot trust him and do not think MLB should have to worry about what Pete may be doing "on the side". Pete, as woy and others have pointed out here many times, had many chances before the banishment to clean up his act. He was brought to the commish's office long before the banishment. He never stopped his immoral-baseball ways. Why should I, as a MLB fan, ever trust Pete? Pete has never given anyone a good reason to trust him. Has he ever sought help for his gambling? Are we to believe that Pete can cure himself of gambling and lying on his own? I have read stories from experts on gambling addicts who say that Pete is not cured. Denial is always a tell-tale sign of a non-cured addict. Pete has and still is in denial. The book and tell-all(?) interview did not convince me.

I do not believe Pete would accept a minor role. Pete seems to want to return the game as if it is 1987 and nothing ever happened.

I firmly believe in the lifetime banishment rule for gambling on the game, regardless if you only bet on your team to win. Sports participants and their gambling on the game they are involved with is a poisonous mix. It almost destroyed the game that we all love long before we were born. I do not believe Pete ever threw a game, but it does not matter. The roads that it could lead to are something that should never be encountered. Pete was warned and given chances long before the 1989 banishment. He proved that he could not and would not heed to those warnings. He then had chances after the banishment to take steps and possibly get back. He blew it again. It is a definite pattern... one that has never sought help. Not to mention doing things like setting up a money-making venture down the street from the Hall ceremonies for many years.

Hall of Fame... definitely. On the field or around the active players... never IMO. Pete cannot do anything to change my opinion. But let's not forget that he had numerous chances already. Chances that he blew (again) all by himself. I rooted for Pete's cause back in 1989. I felt used and felt stupid that I believed in him. I do not think MLB on the field has suffered w/out Pete. It scares me to think of the damage that could be done again if he comes back and continues a pattern that he has had for many-many years. I have two killer framed autographed pictures of Pete hanging here in my den. I was a huge Pete fan and still remember Pete the player. But I think MLB is a better place w/out him involved today.

[pedro]

Pete needs to go find a rock and climb under it IMO. I don't want him anywhere near the Reds.

[George Foster]

Originally Posted by Caseyfan21

I surprisingly wouldn't mind seeing Pete back. The man, despite his problems, knows how to play the game and knows how to win. If we could have Pete around as a ST coach or have Pete in a special advisor role I would be for it. I think Cast could keep him in line and I think Pete realizes he would be lucky to get a second chance (if he did which I don't think he will). I don't think Pete would screw up again, totally a personal opinion. Pete is a winner and the Reds could use more people with his mentality of playing and winning. A mentality that I think is echoed in Castellini.

I totally agree. How much of a price does he have to pay? How much has he lost not being a manager? How much shame has he endured? When is enough, enough? It's been 17 years. He has a lot to offer.

I would make him make a public statement that if allowed back in the Reds organization, he will not participate in any form of gambling. That includes, casino's, racetracks, church bingo, etc. If he will not agree to this, no dice!

[Slider]

This Castellini guy is getting pretty interesting...what's next... a St Bernard named Castie?

[Heath]

Originally Posted by KronoRed

Living in the past = Bad idea

Remember our teams' motto - The Power of Tradition

[StillFunkyB]

I am really on the fence on the whole Pete Rose issue.

I have been against this whole idea of the Reds hanging on to the BRM, and bringing back all these guys, because it just hasn't worked. However, if there was one player I think could actually do what the Reds have been trying it's Pete.

It pisses me off that he continues to spit in the face of MLB, and just can't stay away from the gambling scene. I really feel that he could help teach these players alot about baseball. The guy KNOWS the game.

I wish he would just seek help, and really make a conscious (sp?) effort to tackle his addiction. The problem with that is that he would have to be very public with it, and I don't think he likes to air out his personal stuff like that.

It's not gonna happen, but I wish it would.

[marcshoe]

There was a time when I would defend Rose, and argue that he belongs in the Hall. I may still believe that, I don't know. To decide would mean I would have to spend time thinking about it, and at this point, I just don't want to think about Pete Rose anymore.

Too many bad choices; too many blown chances. He doesn't seem to have a clue as to what he should be doing to salvage the last few shreds of his reputation.

And I don't care anymore.

[MartyFan]

Originally Posted by NewEraReds

i still think mlb should let him rove around the minors talking to young players about how to hit, play and not gamble or do the bad things that can happen

and all that

Problem is, Rose believes he was reformed over the several years he lied to his friends, fans, many supporters and to himself.

Rose, even in discussing his sons situation with roids shows he has no concept of what is right or wrong and he cannot preach a message he does not practice (oh man I wish preachers would read this! ).

Okay, I am off my soapbox.

[KronoRed]

"Hey Young players, you can break all the rules and make millions at it then in a few years be allowed to teach youngsters to do the same!"

Pete in the hall..not near any MLB team.