Ironic. Yes it certainly is. Not that Mets closer Francisco Rodriguez was arrested last week for third degree assault against his companions father, no. Not ironic that the Mets took the easy way out only initially suspending him 2 games. Not even the now surgically repaired right thumb that is believed to have been injured while pummeling his "father-in-law."
The ironic thing is I was speaking to my esteemed colleague, LongIslandMetFan, and I was saying how I was considering writing a post in support of KRod and how well he has pitched since the All Star Break. As I was getting ready putting my thoughts together, the news broke (along with his "father-in-laws" face and Rodriguez's thumb) of the attack.
My take: The Mets should have given his unconditional release right then and there. The problem with this team is that they are afraid to make any move; the are afraid of the Player's Union, bad press, and anything that might make them look bad.
I am glad that the Mets put Rodriguez on the Disqualified list, but as expected, the Union has filed a grievance.
The Mets released the following regarding the grievance: __________________________________________
"We disagree with the position of the Players Association We believe our action was justified and appropriate." __________________________________________
The problem is deeper than this. The Mets as an organization have to take charge. They cannot let the players run the organization. They are merely employees. Harsh attitude? Maybe, but has a player, an agent, or the Union ever strong armed the team on the other side of the Tri Boro? No they haven't. No one player - not David Wright, Jose Reyes, Carlos Beltran, Johan Santana, etc - is bigger than the organization for which he plays. The Mets must show not only the agents and the Union, but all players, that there is a standard they are expected to respect and uphold. Francisco Rodriguez failed that standard, and should be unemployed for it.
Would any of us have held onto a job after assaulting someone on company grounds? I doubt it.
I agree with Mike Silva, who earlier today said that the Mets have to take control. That is why people like Jerry need to go at season's end. Making players happy isn't what it's about. It's about having a company standard that is to be followed by all, and those who don't follow that standard are to be terminated.
What better way for the Mets to assert this power I speak of than to start with unconditionally releasing Francisco Rodriguez? If the Mets do this, I just hope they don't try and make the young Jenrry Mejia back to a reliever.
It makes no difference if the grandfather of Rodriguez's children said harsh things to him. Then walk out of the room. You do not beat a man 20+ years older than you, especially the father of your companion. If he shows this lack of respect for family, what kind of respect does he show the Mets? If found guilty of rape, Johan Santana should suffer the same consequences I outlined. No one is above the team, no one is above the law. Now it's up to Jeff Wilpon to show this.
Source: Steve Gartner MLB.com
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