While I know your point was more globally directed toward the disingenuity of executives in sports generally in discussing these types of matters, and the Bryant case was used as a perfect example to show such disingenuity from Management toward the public, the fact is that the Cubs simply cannot say what you want them to say for legal reasons. They simply cannot say "Bryant is a stud, we cannot wait until he is with the Club but we can't bring him up because we don't want to lose a 7th year of control." THAT, is what we in the legal business call a smoking gun. One of the toughest things for lawyers to prove is what is in someone's mind, or what they intended, i.e. intent. The easiest way to prove intent? Words out of someone's mouth, the things they say. This is why we as lawyers don't want clients to say anything when there is the threat of criminal charges/pending lawsuit, etc.DOUGHBOYS wrote:
I fully expect and endorse the Cubs sending Bryant down.
I would just like them to do it with full transparency. When sending him down, don't tell us about his defense.
Don't tell us about his shoulder.
Don't tell us about seasoning.
Don't tell us the merits of Olt or Lastella.
DO tell us that it is because it is best for the Cubs.
DO tell us that it's because it's a stupid rule.
DO tell us that he'll be starting at 3b when eligible to get another year.
It's not that hard.
Why is this important? The CBA, and the law requires that owners/employers act in "good faith" in their dealings with each other. And if an Employer acts in a manner that restricts or prevents labor from earning a fair wage, then a grievance could be filed, and the Labor Relations Board or an arbitrator would listen to the "facts" or the evidence to determine whether the Cubs intentionally restricted Bryant from earning a fair wage as it relates to service time. And the first thing the MLPA 's lawyer's would be looking for is a smoking gun statement/sound bite from Cubs Managment to prove their point. While we all know it's a charade, and we all may know the reasons, proving that in a contested hearing is much more difficult. For that reason, the Cubs simply cannot openly admit that they are keeping Bryant in the Minors for anything other than baseball reaaons.
And as I so often like to tell my criminal clients in a condescending, kindergardner-teacher-voice, "Loose Lips. Sink Ships." And this is why Bryant is being sent down to the Minors to work on his Defense for 3 weeks.
COZ
My point remains there is some swing and miss to his his game and he has not even faced MLB pitching. I hope I'm wrong.
