| The Downside of Technology: The Death of Camaraderie? and A&M tells Big 12 it will explore its options |
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Ask many coaches, general managers and older players and you'll hear a common gripe: chemistry on teams has been altered because of modern technology, and not for the better. The rise of smartphones, with all their instant-communication and entertainment options, have created insular worlds into which distracted players too often retreat instead of bonding with teammates.Coaches and managers are particularly frustrated at the paradox of players fraternizing less with their own teammates, and more with the "enemy." Players from opposing teams, they say, too often get each other's cellphone numbers and start calling or texting back and forth, often griping about playing time and occassionally giving up little secrets about their teams."There are times I get frustrated, as an older manager," said Ottawa Senators GM Bryan Murray, 68. "You get on the bus after a game and look back, and all you see are guys on their cellphones. [Read the full article] The slugger accepted a trade from Minnesota on Thursday night to return to the Indians, the team he started with and one hoping its career home run leader can help them run down the first-place Detroit Tigers in the AL Central.An unexpected season full of surprises and comeback wins for the Indians now has the most improbable return of all.Thome spent 12 seasons with Cleveland from 1991-2002, hitting a team-record 334 homers and helping the Indians get to two World Series. He hit 52 in his final season before signing as a free agent with Philadelphia, a decision that angered many Indians fans who will have to welcome him back."He's excited," Indians general manager Chris Antonetti said. "He's fired up to come back and join the team. I am hopeful and confident that fans will embrace him wearing an Indians uniform again. He's not only an exceptional player but a person as well. [Read the full article] BALTIMORE (AP) -- Former Cy Young award winner Mike Flanagan died of a self-inflicted shotgun wound to the head, the Maryland medical examiner ruled Thursday.A police investigation revealed the 59-year-old pitcher was upset about financial issues. He left no note.Flanagan's body was found Wednesday afternoon about 250 feet behind his home. An investigation showed he was home alone when he took his life."It's very tragic. He was a good friend. I just wished I'd known he was having a struggle," former Orioles player and manager Davey Johnson said. "I'd sure liked to have talked to him. It's just a terrible loss. Everybody who knew Flanny loved him. He was always a delight to be around.""I was pretty shaken," Johnson said. "I wished I had a chance to talk to him, and cheer him up like he's done me in the past."Flanagan won the Cy Young Award in 1979 and helped the Baltimore Orioles win the 1983 World Series. [Read the full article] 
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