July 4, 2005

THERE IS NO DAMN WAY THAT ROGERS SHOULD BE AN ALL-STAR

      It is an absolute atrocity of immeasurable proportions (comparatively speaking) that Kenny Rogers is an all-star.  Not only does this major moron get to decide whether it would be in his best interest to go to Detroit for the game but he gets a $50,000 bonus for being named—exactly the amount he was fined by MLB.  Am I the only one that sees some form of conspiracy here?  Did MLB fine Rogers an exorbitant amount knowing that if he were named to the all-star game he would make that money back?  How is it possible that Rogers was fined and suspended but still gets to collect the money and go to the game?  What an abomination. 

      After the stunt that Rogers pulled last week he should not only be suspended—without pay—for a lengthy period of time (20 games is still too light) but he should have to forfeit any bonuses and any ancillary awards that he normally would have earned.  There is no damn way that this prime student for anger management classes should get anything.  For his classless and immature stunt he should be penalized so heavy that it would deter any future banana-head from making the same mistake.

       Imagine blaming a few innocent cameramen for his troubles.  So he was criticized in print for being soft.  So he was labeled a manipulator.  So was he accused of skipping a start against the division leading Angels to protect a solid record as he attempts to have his contract extended.  So what?  Is he the first ballplayer to be criticized?  Is he the first ballplayer to undergo a certain amount of scrutiny with regard to his contract status?   And how does a 40 year old, who is having by all accounts the last good year of his life, get up the nerve to accuse, blame and criticize the organization for not renegotiating his contract.  This guy should be traded immediately, and to the Yankees, so that he can remember what it was like to pitch under immense scrutiny.  And he can remember how nice it was to pitch in Texas, with just a little criticism and analysis.

       When MLB fined and suspended him it should have included a caveat—there will be no bonus earned or all-star game bid approved because of the action.  It doesn’t matter if the player’s association can back their player and put the penalty before an arbitrator—the way they are—Rogers should not be allowed to collect.  It is an atrocity that Rogers can go running to the PA to have his sentence delayed until after the all-star break so he can collect.  I doubt whether this money-grubbing bum has any desire to pitch in the game—he just wants his money.  MLB should force him, when the penalty is upheld—to forfeit that bonus.  He should give it to charity.

       It’s too bad MLB can’t force the Rangers to trade Rogers to New York.  That would be the ultimate penalty for such a soft, mama’s boy, who can’t handle a little criticism.