D-Backs facing leadership questions

A leader is a dealer in hope.

Napoleon said it, life experience confirms it and the Diamondbacks are under scrutiny because of it.

The search for answers to a season that is less stable than its first-place berth suggests has raised questions about the presence of leadership. Has the team stumbled to a 15-27 record since May 20 because it's punch-drunk on unaccountability?

"Is this about the T.C. thing?" Diamondbacks manager Bob Melvin asked.

Ah, the T.C. thing. Many fans have it stuck in their craw that that team's failure to bring back Tony Clark this season has had an impact on the clubhouse. Clark was a respected veteran who engaged younger players in dialogue and coddled those who were struggling.

When San Diego was in negotiations with Clark in February, Padres outfielder Scott Hairston told the organization that Clark, 36, was considered by players the main leader when they were Diamondbacks teammates.

"Tony is a unique guy in that wherever he's gone, after he left, leadership was raised as an issue," Melvin said. "He's special. But I'm not really worried about that with this team.

"What's happening to us right now is pretty much what's happening to everyone in the (NL) West. So apparently the rest of the league is having leadership issues, too."

Delicate point

It's a tricky subject. Teams hate to acknowledge that leadership is missing and often are blissfully unaware if it is. It comes in a variety of forms, from outspokenness to example to experience. It's deceptive. A vocal player doesn't always translate to a strong leader and an older player doesn't necessarily have the tools to guide younger ones.

True leaders help young hitters survive slumps and hold those who make mistakes accountable without disrupting the clubhouse. Because of the Diamondbacks' struggling offense and spotty defense, leadership came into question.

Before Eric Byrnes went down with a left hamstring strain Monday - shifting first baseman Conor Jackson to left - the Diamondbacks didn't have a starting outfielder hitting better than .236. Their 59 errors are tied for second worst in the National League.

"Those are concerns but I really don't think it's about leadership and I don't think anyone else in here does either," third baseman Mark Reynolds said. "Not once have I seen any finger-pointing, no 'Why did you strike out with the bases loaded?' no 'Why did you make that error?'

"Last year we had Tony and that was great but we're all buddies here, we encourage each other. This is a good clubhouse."

When Milwaukee pinch-hitter Craig Counsell came to the plate in the sixth inning at Chase Field on Tuesday night, he received a warm reception from fans who remember a time when leadership here was at its pinnacle: the 2001 World Series season.

"When I look back at it, I think it was just about guys doing their job," Counsell said. "And there were different kinds of leaders, from Gonzo (Luis Gonzalez) and the way he was with people off the field, to (Todd) Stottlemyre, (Mark) Grace, Matt Williams and even Jay Bell in his own way.

"It's hard to define but you know it if you have it."

Old school is out

That clubhouse was unique in that many players lingered long after the game was over, drinking beer and trading stories. For most major-league teams, that era has passed. Players come in earlier on game days but leave earlier, too.

Detroit reliever Todd Jones, 40, recently wrote in the Sporting News that he remembers a clubhouse where "guys would hang around until 2 or 3 in the morning after every game. An older player would call a team meeting, so to speak, and guys would grab a garbage can full of whatever guys drink, sit down and figure out whatever was going on that particular night.

"If it was 2 a.m. when everything was figured out, then everybody would shower and leave. If it was 4 a.m., then it was 4 a.m. The best times in my career have been with teammates figuring it out."

The Diamondbacks admit they're still trying to figure out a way to rise above their struggles. Melvin lit into the team after a lackluster 3-1 loss to Florida last week and didn't speak to the media for only the second time in his four-year tenure here.

Moments like that are rare with this group. They are an even-keeled bunch. Depending on your perspective, that will serve them well or stunt their growth. Emotions can light a fire or fracture a clubhouse. It's a delicate balance.

The biggest issue with this team seems to be youth. In many ways, catcher Chris Snyder seems like a natural leader. In a rare moment recently when Brandon Webb had a bad outing and skipped out on the media, Snyder, 27, made himself available. But he's young, and with just three-plus years of major league service even he understands that unconditional respect takes time. "I'm comfortable with that kind of role," Snyder said.

"My position's kind of a take-charge position anyway and I'll do whatever I can to help the team."

With Byrnes sidelined, it's rare to find a position player older than 30 in the lineup.

"I know there's a lot of discussion about how the youth of this team is showing," General Manager Josh Byrnes said. "But by the same token, the Mets have gone through this same progression and they're one of the older teams in the league."

Fair enough. But until the Diamondbacks turn it around, the leadership questions will keep coming.

Diamondbacks' Manager Bob Melvin talks with Diamondbacks' coach Kirk Gibson in the dugout before a game earlier this season.