This is not a post defending Counsell, but rather defending veteran presence. As none of us are in the clubhouse, we have no idea of the effect. Maybe Kotsay gives the guys tips he's learned. Maybe Counsell farts at meeting to keep the mood light. The Red Sox put together their Cowboy up Series team by finding personalities that meshed, along with talent. Counsell should get no real playing time, and I agree that he is better suited to a bench coach role at this point, but I'm tiring of the feelings that are rampant on this board that personality counts for nothing. This isn't stat-o-matic baseball. There is a human element that can't be ignored. There is a reason that these guys are signed year after year, they bring something to the table. It may not be measurable to the fan, but most every team has someone like this. You don't have to be an All-Star to be a clubhouse leader. On a much lower level, I played NAIA college basketball at the age of 27, I played 2 minutes a game, and was well past my prime. Our coach couldn't figure out why all the kids listened to me, and rallied behind me. They had a level of respect for me, regardless of talent level, because even if I wasn't great, they saw the level of effort being given. Could be the same thing with CC.