Fifteen games? Seriously?
To say that Major League Baseball’s discipline of Jeurys Familia was light would be an understatement.
But the statement came in today from Commissioner Rob Manfred putting the Mets’ closer on the sidelines for two weeks of games.
“My office has completed its investigation into the events leading up to Jeurys Familia’s arrest on October 31, 2016. Mr. Familia and his wife cooperated fully throughout the investigation, including submitting to in-person interviews with MLB’s Department of Investigations,” Manfred said in a statement. “My office also received cooperation from the Fort Lee Municipal Prosecutor. The evidence reviewed by my office does not support a determination that Mr. Familia physically assaulted his wife, or threatened her or others with physical force or harm, on October 31, 2016. Nevertheless, I have concluded that Mr. Familia’s overall conduct that night was inappropriate, violated the Policy, and warrants discipline.”
Okay, there was no proof and there were no weapons involved like Aroldis Chapman last season, but you would think Familia would have gotten at least 30 games like the Yankee closer received.
Chapman wasn’t arrested, even though he shot off a loaded gun in his garage. Familia on the other hand was arrested and booked by Fort Lee’s finest.
It makes you wonder.
For the Mets, this is great. Essentially putting Familia on the shelf through the first two and a half weeks of the season, while his club plays the division bottom-feeders in the Braves, Marlins and Phillies.
Then he will be able to be activated on Apr. 20, just in time to play the Nationals.
You couldn’t ask for anything more.
But any female Met fan, or a male one with a significant woman in his life, must feel happy this doesn’t hurt the season, but, at the same time, tasting something poor in his or her mouth.
Put it to you this way. The NFL equivalent of this would be two games. And may I remind you of the last guy to get two games for domestic violence was Ray Rice. Look at how that turned out.
Remember, just because there was no evidence or that Familia’s wife Bianca refused to cooperate doesn’t mean something didn’t happen.
Where there’s smoke there’s fire and MLB decided to respond with a thimble of water.
Last season, Manfred was commended because of his tough stance. Although Chapman landed on his feet and excelled, the Reds were screwed because a pending deal with the Dodgers fell apart and were forced to take less from the Yankees.
Jose Reyes was cut by the Rockies after his 52-game suspension and was taken back by the Mets only because the team was desperate for offense. Reyes lost millions due to his transgression.
As was Hector Olivera, who got 82 games and cut by the Padres after his suspension was over.
Now, Familia gets 15 games, which is essentially a visit to the disabled list. This short of a suspension means he probably will be ready to go with a couple of bullpen sessions and no rehab time.
Or sure he was sorry and issued this statement: “Today, I accepted a 15-game suspension from Major League Baseball resulting from my inappropriate behavior on October 31, 2016. With all that has been written and discussed regarding this matter, it is important that it be known that I never physically touched, harmed or threatened my wife that evening. I did, however, act in an unacceptable manner and am terribly disappointed in myself. I am alone to blame for the problems of that evening.”
With the way, Terry Collins uses his bullpen, Manfred may have done Familia a favor rather than discipline him.
Again, all of this is great for the Mets, but for some reason I just can’t get that poor taste out of my mouth.
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