Henderson's Dilemma

In 1983 the A's Rickey Henderson hit .292 with 103 walks and had 108 stolen bases in 127 attempts. But now, manager Steve Bows wants Henderson to make some changes in his game, and Henderson doesn't like it.

"They're asking a guy to do everything," Henderson says. "I just don't understand it, a ballplayer of my caliber who's been doing great."

What Boros wants from Henderson is fewer steals of third base with none out or two out, and more pop from his bat. He thinks Henderson, a well-built 195-pounder, should be more conscious of "turning" on fastballs when the count is in his favor. "Perhaps," Boros says, "he shouldn't think as much about walks. I believe Rickey has the ability to hit 20 homers and drive in 70 runs and steal 100 bases."

"I think [changing] takes away from our team," Henderson replies, "and I don't think I can help our ball club better than the way I was doing it."