MONDAY MUSINGS

by Holly Horning

Throughout the week, there are so many smaller stories hitting the media.  They may be bite-size, but often they are just as important as the headline-grabbing news.  Sometimes, even more.

And that’s what brings me to today.  A way to discuss some of these stories. A way to bring them out in the open for discussion.

And that’s the plan for Mondays.  Keeping track of these mighty little bits that hit my radar throughout the week and sharing them with you today because I know one or more will also resonate with you.

So, let’s kick off this week’s musings…

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I have a love/hate relationship with Max Scherzer.  Undoubtedly an extraordinary pitcher and fierce competitor.  But some of his actions and especially public statements have left me cold.  And he did it again this week.

It first started with the playoff game when he was a Tiger and dominating the Red Sox back in the 2013 ALCS. But he removed himself from the game despite giving up no hits through 5 innings and continued strong pitching, knowing that the bullpen was highly unreliable.  We all know how that turned out.

But there were always questions about his priorities in his last year before free agency as he dialed back his innings to protect his arm – and future contract.  His agent, Scott Boras, was known to counsel his clients about being conservative about how many innings they pitched and their financial impact on arms.

So this week, when Max was interviewed about why he chose to sign with the Mets, he said that owner, Steve Cohen told him he “wanted to do whatever it takes to win.”  Max claimed that no other owner had told him that.  I call you-know-what on that statement.  As if Mr. I never said anything similar.

Ironically, Scherzer made a similar statement about the Lerner family when he signed with the Nationals.

What do these 2 contracts have in common?  Max Scherzer set records for the highest AAV in both. That’s not a coincidence. It’s a goal.

I never begrudge anyone to go forth and make as much money as they can.  But when you blow smoke at fans and tell them it’s all about winning, you’re trying to have it both ways.  And you’re also insulting the fans’ collective intelligence.

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Remember all of the old coaches who had jobs-for-life with the Tigers?  The Lloyd McClendons, Rick Andersons, Dave Clarks, Gene Lamonts and others?  The Tigers never talked about the qualities they brought to the table, referenced their specific skills or described how they were helping the players.

But no more.  We’re hearing Front Office personnel, as well as A. J. Hinch, go into detail about why Chris Fetter, George Lombard, Scott Coolbaugh and all the rest were hired. We now know how they communicate and work, as well as what their strengths are.  We are able to understand what each one brings to the game.

And it’s so refreshing to finally have validation of skill levels and why each one was hired.

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Speaking of former Tiger pitchers, Justin Verlander is back in the news.  It seems that his new “contract” with the Astros has become this year’s mystery.

The news was reported over 2 ½  weeks ago.  First broken by his brother, turned baseball reporter, Ben Verlander.  And then everyone else reported it. (And if you read TT on Twitter, I tweeted about it earlier last week.)

However, since then, the Astros have said nothing.  No announcements, no media releases.  Calls to them by the media have gone unreturned. 

Even JV has remained silent.  There is nothing new on his social media – and he’s a prolific poster.  And you won’t find any new info referencing JV’s return to Houston on Ben’s or Kate Upton’s social media pages.

One media heavy-weight reported that Verlander is not on the Astros’ roster.  Nor has the new contract been listed on his official transaction record.

It’s not an oversight.  The contract is also not official.  Verlander is still, officially, a free agent.  And nothing can be done until a new CBA is ratified.

So what does this mean?  What could possibly be the rationale for no official announcement?

The only logical one is that JV had a questionable physical which is standard operating procedure before any contract is signed.  Enough of one that the Astros put a “stop work” or “hold” on completing the deal.

Technically, no team can announce any physical issues about a player without their consent because it would break HIPAA laws and damage the player’s ability to get a new contract.  But potentially, given any concerns about the physical exam,  JV may be getting a second opinion or Houston may be looking at restructuring (or even cancelling) the deal based upon the medical reports.

The only thing we know is that this will remain a mystery until baseball is officially back.

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Which one of these stories resonated the most with you?

(Please remember to limit your comments to 3-4 sentences and follow the rules for posting.)

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What did you miss on our Twitter feed yesterday? (And why aren’t you following TT yet?)

• Don Kelly is back in the news….

• A major publication graded all 30 MLB teams on their off-season moves. What grade did the Tigers receive?

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