 |
 |
|
|
Kerplunk
On Tuesday night, Vicente Padilla allowing seven earned runs in just 3.2 innings, as the Yankees trounced Texas 12-3. Padilla was activated from the disabled list to make the start, and afterward, his record stood at 3-3, with a 5.57 ERA in nine starts. His velocity was noticeably down Tuesday, and he relied more heavily on off-speed pitches. The enigmatic Padilla twice hit former Ranger teammate Mark Teixeira, the first coming after a bases loaded balk. Devious minds wonder if the balk was on purpose so that Teixeira would not be credited with an RBI after getting hit.
 |
DFN Sports sites feature Texas Rangers apparel & merchandise online. |
Padilla has a reputation as a head hunter. He hit a team-high 15 batters last year in 29 starts, after leading the 2007 staff with nine. After Tuesday’s game, he leads the Rangers’ 2009 staff with seven hit batsmen. Ranger hitters have expressed their resentment in the past, as they literally feel the brunt of opponents’ retaliation first hand. Teixeira openly admitted after the game that he resented being hit in retaliation when he was a Ranger. There has been no comment from Elvis Andrus, who was later hit by Yankees’ starter A. J. Burnett.
On Wednesday afternoon, Dallas area media began reporting that Major League sources indicate Padilla has been put on outright waivers, which expire at noon Friday (Central Time). General Manager Jon Daniels has not confirmed. Padilla is in the final year of a three-year, $32 million contract, so is owed roughly $7.5 million for the balance of the season. It would seem doubtful that he’ll be claimed, as by claiming him, a team would take on that salary obligation. However, as desperate for pitching as some teams are, there might be a taker. By putting him on irrevocable waivers, the Rangers are obviously hoping he will be claimed.
Pro Baseball Fans and our partner sites feature Texas Rangers jerseys & hats and Rangers Fathead wall murals online. |
In any event, the move sends a clear message that the Rangers are dissatisfied with Padilla and are willing to go in another direction. If Padilla is not claimed and the Rangers really do want him to be gone, the team could outright him to the minor leagues. With his service time, Padilla could refuse the assignment and become a free agent. There is the distinct possibility that he has made his last start for the Rangers.
By: Richard W. Humphrey
MLBcenter.com Texas Rangers Correspondent
> View all of the 2009 MLB team previews from Pro Baseball Fans
Advertisement