The Dodgers knew Jason Schmidt had a rotator cuff injury when they signed him to a contract worth a guaranteed $47 million, the club acknowledged in a court filing this week.Are you kidding me? You knew he was damaged goods, but decided to take flyer on the guy anyway.
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Early in the 2008 season the Dodgers invited several bloggers to a game. We had an opportunity to meet many of the folks who run the show; including Ned Colletti. Go here for my write-up of the event. As you'll notice, I didn't provide a full description of everything that was said or asked. Basically, there wasn't anything awe inspiring or revelatory to speak off. We got the typically dog and pony show with well rehearsed answers any top flight PR firm would be proud of. Besides, I had a couple of beers in me and, if you know me at all then you know, that's all it takes for me to be buzzing.
Yhea, I'm a light weight!
Anyway, I do, even in my apparent stupor, distinctly recall Colletti commenting about the Jason Schmidt situation. He reasoned that it is illogical to believe that they would sign Schmidt to a long term commitment if they knew he could not pitch. In fact, you have to assume that he truly believed Jason would come back to form. It would be wrong to assume he would purposefully do something that would hurt his employment with the team.
On the other hand, considering what we know now, do we not have to questions his judgement?
