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By Pal  Some athletes play the game for the love of competition, some for their team and teammates, and others just do it for themselves and their wallets...One Astro's pitcher just showed us which type of player he is. Erik Bedard is a 34 year old Major League veteran... a veteran who just happens to have had three arm surgeries. Throwing left-handed is the only reason he is still employed in baseball. No other reason. Left handed hurlers shelf life at the major league level is extremely long. However Bedard is prime candidate for the term "has been," "flash in the pan" or my personal favorite "meatball!" Long recognized as a bad teammate and a complacent clubhouse guy, Bedard has had his shot; He got his big contract, his shot at a pennant, and a chance to make a comeback. And on Saturday, had his shot to achieve baseball immortality. Erik Bedard took a no hitter into the 7th inning. He then removed himself from the game, stating that he was "done." Claiming precaution, and his desire to pitch for a few more seasons. His pitch count was high at 109. Coincidentally, this is also his previous season high. 
If you're failing to recognize his selfishness let me lay it out for you:
1. Bedard was pitching on 7 days rest. Although 109 is a high number of throws for the 7th inning he was very well rested. 2. He has zero value to a contending club; especially after his complete flops in Seattle, Boston, and Pittsburgh. 3. The Astros are 23.5 games behind the division lead; 31 games under .500, and amongst the lowest in baseball for paid attendance. A no hitter would have done a world of good for Houston's fan base and team morale. 4. His desire to pitch a few more seasons will continue to diminish with further acts of this nature. Lefty arms are always in demand, but why would even a non- contender pay for an injury prone, hypochondriac veteran to pitch on their team Erik Bedard was once thought of the man. He was an ace in Baltimore and paid as an ace in Seattle. Injuries are an unfortunate part of the game, but a part of the game nonetheless. So are desire, pride, and sportsmanship. These three words have apparently been removed from Erik Bedard's game and vocabulary. |
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