Jayson Stark: Not A Pittsburgh Historian
Pedro Alvarez is perhaps one of the best prospects in baseball.
Undeniably, he is the single most important prospect for the future of the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Understandably, it makes sports writers a bit peeved that he and agent Scott Boras, already not exactly a media darling, held out during contract negotiations and caused a big stir last season.
However, can we please get over articles expressing sentiments like this one?
Can we please stop pretending that Pittsburgh will never, ever get over the fact that somebody had the nerve to hold out? That the scruffy, blue-collar workers will instantly just turn their back on Pedro Alvarez and hate him despite his production?
You know, just like how they never forgave Mario Lemieux?
I bet you don't even remember, do you?
Mario Lemieux was a big time star, even before entering the NHL. He was undeniably the best athlete in the 1984 draft, and the Penguins took him with their first pick. Did Mario sign right away?
Hell no, he held out like no other. In fact, he didn't just quietly hold out behind closed doors, he told everyone right there in public that he wasn't going to be wearing a Penguins sweater until they made him the first draft pick to be paid $1 million.
It was long, it was ugly, and it was a no-holds-barred media melee. Eventually, the parties agreed on a contract, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Why don't we ask how Pittsburgh feels about Lemieux today?
Will Alvarez ever be forgiven for holding out?
Absolutely. He just has to perform.
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