Friday, August 16, 2013

John Lackey has 'a problem' with A-Rod playing during appeal

A Yankees-Red Sox series usually doesn't need any sub-plots to ramp up the drama but — with all of controversy surrounding Alex Rodriguez's doping charges and his subsequent suspension and appeal — one player just couldn't ignore spouting off about A-Rod's visit to Fenway Park this weekend.

Red Sox starter John Lackey doesn’t think Rodriguez should be playing while he appeals a lengthy suspension related to Major League Baseball’s investigation into Biogenesis and performance-enhancing drugs.

Interestingly enough, Lackey is scheduled to start Saturday’s game against A-Rod and the Yankees in Boston.

“I’ve got a problem with it. You bet I do,” Lackey told the Boston Globe on Thursday. “How is he still playing? He obviously did something and he’s playing. I’m not sure that’s right. … It’s pretty evident he’s been doing stuff for a lot of years I’ve been facing him.”



While 13 other players accepted lesser bans, Rodriguez is appealing his 211-game suspension. Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Evan Longoria has also voiced his displeasure with A-Rod being on the field during baseball’s playoff push.

Lackey admitted it’s been discussed in the Red Sox clubhouse, adding that some people have “strong feelings” on the topic.

“Sure, we talk about it,” Lackey said. “But talking to the media about it is a little bit different.”

Lackey’s comments should make an important three-game series at Fenway just a little more spectacular— as if it needed any more help. 



“He took me deep the first time I faced him as a rookie, and he admitted to doing stuff back then,” said Lackey, referring A-Rod’s prior admission to using PEDs while playing for the Texas Rangers from 2001-03. “There are a lot of things I want back from him.”

New York is 8.5 games behind first-place Boston in the AL East and six games in the wild card race.

6 comments:

  1. Some of the blame should be directed at the players union that Lackey belongs to.

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  2. what's the rule if a pitcher refused to throw a pitch to the batter? Is it a intentional walk? Could be a way to send the message.

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  3. A-Rod has every right to be on the field as of right now because he appealed. Due to the Collective Bargaining agreement he has a chance to defend himself. Lackey doesn't seem to have a "problem" with David Ortiz, you know, the guy who failed a drug test for PED's back in 2003 which I'm still waiting for him to explain like he said he was going to.

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    1. PVince you hit the nail right on the head

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  4. Have another peace of chicken Sooooooook

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  5. Hatchet face Lackey, Longoria, and whoever else doesn't want Alex to play, should file a complaint with the Baseball Players Union. The Union and MLB agreed in their labor contract that any ball player has the right to do what Alex is doing. Which is.....Play ball while under appeal. Lackey just wants to run his mouth, and jump on board for a ride on the anti A-Rod train.

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