Bartolo Colon

I just noticed that Bartolo Colon signed for this season for $1 million (plus a possible $2 million more based on innings pitched) with the Chicago White Sox. I would be a fan of this signing since he is 35, has won a Cy Young, has won 20-games twice, and if he gets healthy, he could be a decent back-end of the rotation guy. I am quite confident he can do this, if he can stay healthy (big if), because he did the same thing for the Red Sox last season, and I applauded that signing last year.

The one thing is, I can't support Colon having a good season, not because he is on the White Sox, but because of what he did to the Red Sox last year. At the end of the season, the Sox wanted to move Colon into the bullpen when it began apparent the Sox would make the playoffs as either the Wild Card or AL East winner. They wanted to do this because it was the best thing for the Sox come playoff time. Colon instead returned to his native Dominican Republic and refused to pitch. Who knows if the Sox would've beaten the Rays and then the Phillies in the playoffs if they had Colon, but they definitely would have had a better shot.

What Colon did was selfish and the Red Sox suspended him without pay and, for one of the rare times, the Union didn't file a grievance on his behalf. At this point in his career, a player like Colon should be playing for rings and pride. Sure his pride was hurt by being asked to move out of the rotation, a spot he has been in his entire career, but shouldn't a ring fix all that? I would say his legacy was hurt by his selfish actions, but clearly it hasn't been, as the White Sox are setting themselves up for the same thing this season. I just wish they held him accountable for last season and didn't give him another deal. Players should be held accountable for quitting on teams. Why do you think I'm happy Manny still doesn't have a job and will get less then he should?