Just two days ago it was reported that the Boston Red Sox found out one of their prized players, starting pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka, hid a groin injury from the team in order that he could pitch for his country, Japan, in the 2009 World Baseball classic last spring. Matsuzaka, who was the tourney’s MVP for the second time, knowingly hid the injury because of the teams’ policy to shutdown players and prevent them from appearing in the WBC.
We all know how important it is for Japanese players to represent their country in those tournaments. I’m all for Americans playing for their country and even earning a medal, I think it’s a great thing, but when events like this and the Olympics starting to allow professional players, major league players, to participate it is incumbent upon the athlete to tell his employer about his injuries, real or perceived. The team or organization that is paying him deserves to be able to protect their investment especially these days when baseball players easily command $15, $16, $17 million or more per season.
Matsuzaka is one of these athletes. He should be contractually required to report any injuries to his employer who pays him so handsomely. Matsuzaka came to the Red Sox in November 2006 when the Red Sox were awarded the rights to negotiate with him by submitting a winning bid of $51,111,111.11 to his Japanese team the Seibu Lions. It was the largest bid ever in the baseball posting system and the Sox beat out at least three other teams. After exclusive negotiations they signed Matsuzaka to a 6-year $52 million contract.
In that contract are some incredible perks. They include:
- Boston housing allowance up to $75,000
- One time moving allowance up to $35,000
- The use of a Lincoln Town Car
- Physical therapist
- Massage therapist
- Eight round trip first class airline tickets per year
- Two field box seats
- Red Sox team employee to assist Japanese media
- Uniform number 18
- He cannot be demoted to the minors
- No trade clause
Because of these perks he should be held solely responsible for making sure he is ready to perform for the team that pays him when they need him to play. Matsuzaka all along has been rigid in his demands especially when it comes to his long toss routine between starts. He has, in three years, failed to live up to any of the potential that Red Sox brass and other front offices saw in him. He is consistently hurt, doesn’t pitch beyond the fifth or six inning and allows too many base runners but he feels he should do what he wants.
Well I think it’s time he is allowed to do just that but in another major league city. Get him to waive his no-trade clause and flat out deal him. He is halfway through his contract and he is in my eyes not only a bust but too selfish to be a part of the Red Sox organization. Find some team who is willing to take him, pick up most of his contract and get rid of him. Let him sweat his ball off in Texas or freeze in Minnesota until July. Let him pitch in an empty park in Pittsburgh or play for Cleveland and dodge the midges. It’s time for Theo Epstein, John Henry, Tom Werner and Larry Lucchino to say enough is enough, we tried but it’s time to move on.
The player failed to exercise good judgment here and it cost the team three months of his services because that groin injury led to a shoulder problem which landed him on the DL from mid June to mid September. He cost the club wins and possible playoff advancement by being selfish and stubborn.
It’s time to say sayonara to Matsuzaka.
