1. Consider the Mets’ current action against Francisco Rodriguez as one part theater and one part pipedream as detailed in this story.
The organization – as it so often does – had a tin ear for how to act in real time after Rodriguez was arrested for allegedly beating up the grandfather of his children on Aug. 11 at Citi Field. The initial reaction was essentially leniency. Jerry Manuel wanted to pitch him in the immediate aftermath of the incident, Omar Minaya expressed no regrets about signing the out-of-control closer and – despite the spin now – ownership did nothing of substance initially to fight for a penalty greater than what Rodriguez received: A non-paid suspension of two days.
But, as always, hostages to public/media reaction, the Mets saw that the prevailing sense was that they were not stern enough. So once it was learned that K-Rod – according to the Mets – tore ligaments in his thumb during the altercation, the organization saw the opening to retrospectively get tough. And they did yesterday announcing that they were putting Rodriguez on the Disqualified List and converting his contract from guaranteed to non-guaranteed, both of which are done to signal that they want to void the remainder of his contract, a total that could reach $33 million if an easily attainable vesting option for $17.5 million were to kick in for the 2012 season.
This is where the pipedream comes into play. The move is rather unprecedented and – if experts in the field are correct – unlikely to succeed on the harshest terms. It is more probable that the Mets’ best shot to recoup some money would come from going after K-Rod’s salary while he cannot render services due to the injury. That could still be negotiated with K-Rod and the union before this reaches an arbitrator.
Even yesterday on a conference call with Jeff Wilpon, Minaya and general counsel David Cohen, the Mets had a bit of a mixed message. Wilpon was rather cold in discussing the Mets’ decision while Minaya sounded more forgiving, more willing to let K-Rod back next spring if healthy. Minaya is just not good at playing the heavy.
My suspicion is that an arbitrator would see this more as the Mets wanting to rescind a now-ugly contract rather than being truly morally outraged. Yet what do the Mets have to lose by going for it now. Yes, they were late – as usual – to finding a path. Yes – as usual – they were too sensitive to what was being demanded by the media and fans.
But, in the end, it probably is fine that they are showing this belated toughness. At some point, Mets ownership needs to deflate the sense of leniency it has toward its players. It is one thing to be convivial or to provide all that is possible so that players are mentally and physically prepared to play. But Mets players – for way too long – have felt an outsized sense of entitlement. It comes up, for example, with non-entities such as Luis Castillo and Jeff Francoeur feel privileged enough to demand trades without the leadership of the organization reading them the riot act.
That is why the Mets should not worry about K-Rod’s feelings now, even with the strong likelihood that he will be their closer again next season. At this point the embarrassment has run one way, with Rodriguez humiliating the Mets with his bad acts. Late as it may be, it is time for the Mets ownership to re-establish who is in charge of the organization.
2. Three vital second basemen returned to major league action last night: Boston’s Dustin Pedroia, Philadelphia’s Chase Utley and Atlanta’s Martin Prado. In the case of Prado, he was switched to third base to cover for Chipper Jones, who is now out for the year.
Specifically in the cases of Pedroia and Utley, the returns have an importance beyond the obvious production. Their every-pitch passion and seriousness often serves as the engine and conscience of the teams.
At the moment Pedroia and Utley returned, the Red Sox and Phillies were not playoff teams. But they had both done a lot to hang around during the key injuries and are both now positioned for strong runs.
There is a quarter of a season left and Boston sure looks like a team that is going to win 95 games. That means the Yanks better figure out a way to win that much, at the least, if they are going to reach the playoffs.
3. CC Sabathia carried an incredible burden last postseason. The Yanks went with just three starters and leaned, in particular, on their No. 1 starter. Sabathia aced that test.
Now the Yanks are leaning more than ever on Sabathia. It essentially feels like they must win every one of his starts because of the uncertainty around him in the rotation. Andy Pettitte has regressed with his injured groin and now the Yanks will be fortunate to get him back this season.
A.J. Burnett and Javier Vazquez are frustrating and untrustworthy, Phil Hughes is incurring the growing pains of a first full season as a major league starter and Dustin Moseley is a journeyman in the audition of a lifetime.
Since the beginning of June, Sabathia is 12-2 with a 2.45 ERA and the Yankees have won 13 of his 15 starts. Sabathia’s price for the Yankees was the most expensive pitcher ever. You would have to say to this point that he has been worth every penny.
