It almost didn’t happen. Well let’s be honest, there was no chance this didn’t happen.
Before the game, Tuesday in fact, Tito learned the coaches weren’t going to get the $40K appearance fee that the players were getting. Really? Typical MLB, fucking over everyone.
So the players unite (like Da Guy pointed out “like the Patriots at Super Bowl XXXVI”) and tell MLB, “Fuck You.” Basically telling them that the team will not only not take the field against the Blue Jays, they won’t get on the plane and aren’t going to Japan.
MLB eventually caved and said the trainers and coaches, even Tito (who really doesn’t need it after signing his huge contract) would get a $20K appearance fee. But the cool part is the players are going to cover the other $20K to make sure these guys are taken care of.
Mike Lowell being interviewed on ESPN made reference to writing a check for the difference as “no big deal.” I’d hope not Mike, you signed a 3 year $37.5M deal. I think you have cash to spare.
The coolest part of this whole thing? Mike said as the guys flew over they’d play old school Nintendo games including Mario Brothers, Double Dribble and Mike Tyson’s Punch Out. Nice to know that these guys are “guys” at heart and on their 18 hour flight to Japan are going to rock old school video games.
So the season starts in 5 days. Stay tuned for Monday when I have my baseball preview. A little more in depth than my 2008 predictions (which has kind of shit the bed thus far).
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