Only moments ago, the Mets announced on a conference call that closer Francisco Rodriguez has been placed on disqualified list.
Mets CEO Jeff Wilpon, said in a conference call:
“The Mets today announced that they have placed pitcher Francisco Rodriguez on the Disqualified List for conduct in violation of his Uniform Player’s Contract. In addition, the Mets notified the player, his agent, and the MLB Players Association that it has exercised its right to convert Rodriguez’s contract with the club to a non-guaranteed contract.”
What that means is that the Mets will no longer pay the remainder of his contract for this season, and depending on how he returns next spring, the Mets could void his contract in 2011 as well.
Basically, he will not be paid until he is able to pitch and perform at his normal level again.
Wilpon did say that he expects Rodriguez to be healthy and ready for Spring Training.
In case you missed it, K-Rod did have successful surgery this afternoon to repair the ligaments in his thumb. Dr. Andrew Weiland of the Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan performed the surgery.
I’m certain that the Players Association will step in and try to stop the Mets from essentially refusing to pay K-Rod for the rest of this season, and maybe next. Donald Fehr will most likely take some action and issue a statement shortly. I expect them to file a grievance.
As for the Mets, they had every right to proceed as they have and I applaud them for moving quickly on this.
