STANTON: JUST SHOW US RESPECT!
Sez Mather scandal proves ‘there are organizations that look at us as a number’
Ousted Mariners executive Kevin Mather admitted to unethical use of MLB’s service time rules to suppress his players’ earnings, which didn’t sit well with many in the league, including Yankee slugger Giancarlo Stanton.
“It gives the perspective of what some people in the front office think of us,” said Stanton. “There are organizations that look, look (at) us as a number, or a line on a piece of paper.”
“Now, it is a business,” Stanton acknowledged. “But you know, you gotta throw in some respect while you’re handling business.”
In the slugger’s opinion, the issue isn’t everywhere, but it’s more than just a Mariners problem. “I think a good amount (of front offices) that think that way,” said Stanton, and claimed players have long been aware of the proliferation of service time shenanigans, which involves keeping a player in the minors to delay their free agency even when their play merits a call-up.
“As much as it’s unfortunate to hear, it’s nothing players didn’t know,” said Stanton. “I guess it’s good that fans and more people are aware of it.”
The tougher part is changing the system that ensures each player gets treated like people in the business of baseball value. “If that’s what it is,”
Stanton said of the system he plays in, “How can you really show (your beliefs) in a different way without being fake?”
TALLION THROWS
Jameson Tallion threw against Aaron Judge, Aaron Hicks and Clint Frazier. Aaron Boone said that he thought the new addition to the Yankees rotation “started slow” but improved as he went on, especially considering the selective approach of all three hitters. “Guys that obviously, really control and know the strike zone,” said Boone. “You’ve really got to execute.
“I really liked how he finished. I thought his stuff got crisp as he went on.”
LUKE MAKES NOISE
Luke Voit wore a shirt to his press conference evoking an iconic player’s unforgettable sense of style.
The shirt, worn by Pirates star Dave Parker in a classic shot reads “IF YOU HEAR ANY NOISE, IT’S JUST ME AND THE BOYS BOPPIN” in block text and all caps.
Parker bopped big flies 339 times during his 19-year career, while Voit led the league in home runs during the pandemic shortened 2020 season (22 HR in 59 games). Voit will try and carry the same energy.