“I’ve got a problem with it. You bet I do,” Lackey said 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.”
Lackey said the topic comes up frequently in the Red Sox clubhouse, especially among the pitchers.
“Sure, we talk about it,” he said. “But talking to the media about it is a little bit different. People have strong feelings.
“He took me deep the first time I faced him as a rookie, and he admitted to doing stuff back then. There are a lot of things I want back from him.”
The problem, of course, is that Rodriguez’s right to appeal was collectively bargained. Lackey may not like Rodriguez and Rodriguez may be 100 percent guilty, but the players have been afforded the right to appeal. If Lackey happened to be the accused, I’m sure he would want to exercise his collectively-bargained right. Assuming that is the case it is hypocritical of Lackey to criticize Rodriguez for appealing, and any Major Leaguer who enjoys the benefits provided to them by the union should not be siding with Lackey on this issue.Red Sox manager John Farrell was more level-headed about the situation:
Farrell on A-Rod playing while under appeal: “We’re certainly aware of situation he’s in. Certainly within his rights to appeal.’'
— Gordon Edes (@GordonEdes) August 16, 2013As was Yankees manager Joe Girardi:
Girardi, asked about Lackey et al complaining about A-Rod playing said players negotiated a CBA/w appeals process. Don’t like it, negotiate
— Gordon Edes (@GordonEdes) August 16, 2013Follow @CrashburnAlley
