Nick Cafardo’s Monday piece about players not taking enough flak for the team’s record is right on. A squad with a $175 million payroll should not be losing 5 straight at home and blowing 9-0 leads.
What is discouraging in that article is the number of “unhappy” pitchers. Hurlers with 6-plus ERA’s should not be complaining about their roles. We have heard that Alfredo Aceves does not want to be a closer. As of Monday, his ERA stood at 24.00. In 3 innings over 6 appearences, he had surrendered 6 hits and 8 earned runs. Even the legendary John Wasdin and Matt Young were better than that. Vicente Padilla also wants to start rather than relieve. On Saturday he came in with a 9-1 lead and surrendered 5 runs in a third of an inning. Cafardo also hints that Matt Albers is not content to be a “mopup man”. He also pitched in the Yankees’ 7-run seventh and failed to retire a batter.
Things have changed a lot since pre-free agent days. On the 67 Sox, I’m pretty sure that a pitcher who was hit hard and then complained about his status would be on the next plane to Toronto in the International League. I know that Dick Williams was making as much or more money than most of his players, and that made the relationship very different. Free agency has vastly reduced the roles of managers and coaches.
As Cafardo writes, “there are $20 million players who pop out with the bases loaded and so-called ‘aces’ who last two innings and it’s ‘No biggie, just go get ’em next time.’ ‘
As of Monday, the team’s ERA was 6.68. For a team with their payroll, this is a disgrace,
It is true that they have opened the season with a rough schedule. But if this attitude continues, I would hope some changes would be made. The team seems to lack any real leadership, and Bobby V can’t be blamed for all of that. It’s time for some millionaires to step up. Otherwise, the boos will get stronger and stronger.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
