It's Not Personal It's Business

From Ed Ryan at Mets Fever (Network Member):

Two incidents have occurred this week that remind me that this is a business first and a game second. Jose Valentin attempted to play through an ACL injury and then broke his leg, maybe they're unrelated but the common sense in me has to think his leg was under stress to begin with due to the weak knee. Why did Valentin play through the injury and not have surgery, I'm sure in part it was due to the chance to play in the WS but it also had to do with his incentive laden contract. After the year Valentin had in 06 the loyalist in me says pay him in full and tell him to have the surgery, but the competitor in me wants an up grade on the bench whether it's Conine, Payton, Sosa or Loretta if Valentin's money is needed then sorry Jose see ya in St. Lucie in the spring.

The other incident is much more personal, Damion Easley lost his Dad today and my heart felt condolences go out to him and his family. The Union only allows five days on the bereavement list before a player has to be moved to the restricted list. The problem with the transfer means that Damion will not be eligible to for pay. While I'm not convinced that down the stretch Easley has a place on this team, this is still an awful way to handle the situation. He should be paid and protected until he's ready to return, anyone who has lost someone dear to them understands the last thing you need to worry about is work.