Players criticize James’ remarks
Sabermetrician: Athletes easily replaceable
BOSTON — Bill James, a senior adviser to baseball operations for the Red Sox, came under fire from the Major League Baseball Players Association and eventually the Sox Thursday for disparaging comments he made about the worth of players.
On Wednesday, James opined via Twitter, “If the players all retired tomorrow, we would replace them, the game would go on; in three years it would make no difference whatsoever. The players are NOT the game, any more than the beer vendors are.”
James, in response to agent Scott Boras’ criticism of noncompetitive teams, also wrote, “Because, of course, some players getting more money than they are worth doesn’t have ANYTHING to do with it.”
The comments, since deleted, drew the ire of MLBPA executive director Tony Clark.
“The comments Bill James made yesterday are both reckless and insulting considering our game’s history regarding the use of replacement players,” Clark said. “The players ARE the game. And our fans have an opportunity to enjoy the most talented baseball players in the world every season.”
About two hours later, the Red Sox issued a statement sharply condemning James: “Bill James is a consultant to the Red Sox. He is not an employee, nor does he speak for the club. His comments on Twitter were inappropriate and do not reflect the opinions of the Red Sox front office or its ownership group.
“Our championships would not have been possible without our incredibly talented players — they are the backbone of our franchise and our industry. To insinuate otherwise is absurd.”
Present and former players — among them Justin Verlander, Torii Hunter, Al Leiter, and Michael Young — also criticized James.
2 Red Sox honored: J.D. Martinez and Mookie Betts have received 2018 American League Louisville Slugger Silver Slugger Awards. Betts earned the honor as an outfielder, while Martinez was recognized as both an outfielder and as a designated hitter, becoming the first player in the award’s 39-year history to earn two Silver Slugger Awards in a single season. Honorees are selected by coaches and managers.