Chicago White Sox player Chris Sale stood up for retired teammate Adam LaRoche
THIS American star was sick of putting up with lies and deceit, so he launched into a spectacular tirade at the people who pay his cheques.
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IT’S the spring training story that just won’t go away, and on Saturday we got further context into the inner turmoil between White Sox executive vice president Kenny Williams and his players, most notably ace Chris Sale.
The story, which began with White Sox first baseman Adam LaRoche announcing his retirement after the team limited his son’s access to the clubhouse, has taken on a life of its own over the last few days. Players considered boycotting a game in honour of LaRoche before Sale reportedly “absolutely lit up” Williams in a private meeting. Sale then told the media that his team had been told “bold-faced lies”.
Sale wasn’t done venting about the subject, though, and had even more to say about just how much the controversy has torn the team apart. Here’s more from Sale, via the Chicago Tribune.
“We were rolling. We had a team coming together of new guys, getting acquainted. No hiccups, nothing. We were a steam engine going full steam ahead, and it kind of derailed it. ... There was no problem in here with anyone, and he created a problem. (We) got bold-faced lied to by someone we are supposed to be able to trust.
“I think if the right person had handled it, it would have been completely different. This isn’t us rebelling against rules. This is us rebelling against BS. When it comes to what happens in the clubhouse, the right person has to handle that, and that’s (manager) Robin (Ventura).”
Sale even went so far as to say an episode like this could affect how free agents view the White Sox.
“I don’t see why someone with a handful of offers on the table could look and say, ‘You know what, that’s a mess I want to go into.’ This is something that needs to be taken care of for the wellbeing of the White Sox. Not just Adam. Not just me. This is something that could have a lasting impression for years to come and could affect future teams. I’m not a fan of that.”
Clearly it’s a problem that won’t go away, to the point that White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf actually had to jump into the middle of the fray Friday and release this statement:
“While we appreciate everyone’s attention and interest, we continue to feel that it would be premature to comment at this time. This is an internal issue and we are in the process of holding a number of discussions with players, staff and front office. As a result, we do not want to comment until the process is completed.
“I have instructed members of the organisation not to talk about this issue and get our focus back on the field and winning baseball games.”
Apparently, that’s an edict that Sale isn’t taking all too seriously, even if it’s coming from the man who signs his cheques.
For the White Sox, opening day can’t come soon enough.
Originally published as Chicago White Sox player Chris Sale stood up for retired teammate Adam LaRoche
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