I’m sure most if not all people know this, but when a team wins a World Series it’s not just the players who get rings. In the case of the Chicago Cubs it was reported that they bought 1908 World Series rings and pins. Now in a lot of cases employees have turned around and sold these rings on the secondary market. There are reports that the rings the Cubs just received could go for $80,000 or more if they where to be sold. Now the Chicago Cubs and the Ricketts family are trying to avoid that by making everyone who got a ring except the players sign an agreement saying that if the owner of the ring tries to sell or transfer your ring you must notify the Cubs in writing of the proposed transaction and a complete accounting of the terms. This is according to a memo obtained by the Chicago Sun-Times. The memo goes on to say “If the Cubs elect not to purchase the ring, then you may transfer it according to the terms you provided to the Cubs; however, each subsequent owner shall also be bound by these terms in the event of a subsequent proposed sale or other transfer.” Rings may also be given as gifts, but the same terms apply. How much would you get if the Cubs decide to buy your ring back? $1! Now players are expected to pay taxes on their ring while the Cubs will pick up the tax bill for the lower level employees.
Now the Cubs may be the first World series winner to do this, but this is not the first major award that has this type of stipulation. The Heisman trophy comes along with a set of rules after you win it and so does an Oscar.
Do you think it’s fair for the Cubs to make their employees do this? In some cases the ring could be worth more than that employee makes in an entire year. Please let me know what you think.
It appears as though former New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez has committed suicide in prison this morning. Hernandez was serving a life sentence for a murder conviction and just days ago was acquitted of double murder. The report says that Hernandez died in his prison cell after hanging himself with his bedsheet.
While it’s sad to see a 27 year old man with a young daughter take his own life. You have to remember that he was convicted of killing a man and that’s why he was in prison.
The New England Patriots drafted Hernandez in the 4th round of the 2010 draft. Hernandez played in 38 games over three seasons with New England. He caught 175 passes for 1956 yards and 18 touchdowns.
Pittsburgh Pirates centerfielder Starling Marte was suspended 80 games by Major League Baseball for testing positive for a performance enhancing substance. Marte tested positive for nandrolone, which violated MLB’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. The suspension is effective immediately. Marte is eligible to return in mid July. Marte addressed his teammates in a closed door meeting Tuesday afternoon, but he did not meet with the news media.
With Marte out until after the All-Star break; who will play centerfield? Pirates manager Clint Hurdle came out yesterday and said that Andrew McCutchen will move back to that position. At the beginning of this season McCutchen was moved to rightfield so Marte could play centerfield.
I thought that the Pirates would bring up top outfield prospect Austin Meadows, but it was outfielder Jose Osuna who got the call up from Triple-A Indianapolis. Osuna is the Pirates 28th ranked prospect. Meadows is off to a very slow start at Triple-A. Meadows is hitting .146 with 1 home run and 5 RBI’s in 11 games at Triple-A. In 10 games for Indianapolis Osuna is hitting .250 with 1 RBI. In last nights game Adam Frazier started in rightfield.
While he is out Marte will not be paid, but even more interestingly if the Pirates make the playoffs Marte will not be eligible for them.
Are the Washington Nationals considering a change at closer? After Dusty Baker had to take current closer Blake Treinen out of the game in the 9th inning Monday night he used the term “this ain’t working” when speaking with reporters after the game. The Nationals bullpen has been struggling. Coming into last nights game they had the 4th worst bullpen E.R.A. in baseball at 6.25. Treinen lasted 1/3rd of an inning last night giving up two hits, two walks and a run before giving way to Shawn Kelley. Kelley got the final two pouts to pick up a save in Washington’s 3-1 win over the Atlanta Braves. While nothing is definite the Nationals could turn to Kelley or Koda Glover as the closer if Baker decides that he wants to make a change.
In other Nationals pitching news Joe Ross will be called up from Triple-A Syracuse to start Wednesday’s game against Atlanta. The Nationals wanted Ross to start the season at Triple-A to limit his innings, but that blew up in their face when Jeremy Guthrie’s start went off the rails. Guthrie lasted just 2/3rds of an inning in that start. He gave up 10 earned runs on 6 hits and walked 4 for an E.R.A. of 135.00. Guthrie was designated for assignment after his start. Ross has made two starts in Triple-A covering 9 2/3rds innings. Ross is 0-1 with a 3.72 E.R.A. while striking out 9 and walking 3. Ross has to be an upgrade over Guthrie almost by default.
Here’s some better news for the Nationals. It appears as though starting shortstop Trea Turner will be returning from the disabled list soon; possible as early as today. Turner went on the disabled list April 8th with a hamstring injury, but he ran sprints, took grounders and batting practice before Sunday’s game and looks ready to return. Turner’s return could be big for the Nationals as one of the players trying to replace him Stephen Drew is also having hamstring issues leaving just Wilmer Difo as the only healthy option for the Nationals at shortstop. The Nationals face the Braves at 6:35 p.m. c.s.t. so you’ll have to check their line up and see if Turner is starting.
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