FUKUOKA -- Even on the other side of the planet, I find it interesting that the Mets have not closed the door on disgraced reliever Guillermo Mota, who was suspended for 50 games last week for violating MLB's drug policy (see Ken Davidoff's story here). In the past, the Mets have strenuously avoided such players, fearing the public backlash. This represents a change in philosophy for the organization under general manager Omar Minaya, and we'll have to see how turns out.
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The MLB all-stars look for a sweep tonight in the finale of their five-game tour at the Yahoo! Dome in Fukuoka. It's been a successful trip, but many of the players are yearning to head back to the States. The Hard Rock Cafe, the nearest restuarant to the team's hotel here, also appeared to be the busiest for lunch today with many players seen making a beeline for the entrance.
Comments (4)
Can't agree with your belief that the Mets have avoided players who have been caught breaking the performance-enhancing rules. They seemed OK with keeping Yusaku Iriki around, after he was busted. They also kept Jorge Reyes, Waner Mateo, and other minor leaguers after serving their time. So re-signing Mota wouldn't exactly be a precedent.
They also kept Greg Jefferies around after he tested positive for hairspray at AAA Tidewater. His hair was his second great love after hitting.
Iriki should give the money back to the Mets, that would be an honorable and true act of contrition. Wouldn't it? Show us that you are really sorry, give it back or give it to a school in New York, but I guess some of the answers in life are too easy. Guillermo Mota was firm and contrite as well to the Mets? Give the money back dude..."show us" or give it to a school to teach kids all about keeping away from drugs. How simple is that? I guess it's too simple unless you are living a lie like Iriki and Guillermo Mota.
The Mets also kept Doc Gooden after repeated drug offenses for many years, eventually seperating themselves.Where is he now?
Sometime or later the knock at the door will be the answer man for these addicts unless they stop. Steroid is an addictive drug like anything Doc and D-Stawberry ingested or ever sniffed. I would have loved to been on the Mets charter flights during the 80's.