Saturday, July 20, 2013

Valdespin throws tantrum after being demoted

Jordany Valdespin threw a tantrum in front of his teammates on Friday after he was told by manager Terry Collins that he was being optioned to Triple-A. 

According to Newsday, multiple clubhouse sources confirmed the incident. The New York Post reported that Valdespin cursed out Collins and demanded to be put on the disabled list.

"Everyone gets upset when that happens, but you just need to shut up and pack your bags," an anonymous source told Jorge Castillo of the Star-Ledger. "He acted like he was the first guy who ever got sent down."

Valdespin has gotten in trouble several times over his professional career. According to the Daily News, he was  "suspended for insubordination multiple times in the minor leagues and winter ball."

It's sad to think that at one point in this season, I, like most Mets fans, were pushing for Valdespin to earn more playing time. He has so much raw talent, but his attitude and antics have severely held him back. Terry Collins clearly wasn't impressed with him, and I can only imagine how bad the blood will be between the two if they ever cross paths again.

At this point, Valdespin is what he is. He isn't going to wow anyone with any of with tools, so he'll likely be a bench player if anything in the future. If he gained some maturity I'd think otherwise, but this was not the first time he was gotten in trouble by the organization. Last year in San Francisco, some of his teammates pranked him for not listening to the team's dress code. Also, in May of this year, he seemed to show-boat after hitting a home run in a meaningless blowout game, which led to him being hit by the next pitch he saw, and being ignored by his teammates.

For a guy hitting .188, Valdespin thinks way too highly of himself. Players need to prove themselves before acting like he has, and Valdespin only has 350 plate appearances in his short career so far.

Unfortunately I think this is the last we see of Valdespin, at least for a little while. Even if he has success in Las Vegas, the organization will be reluctant to call him up because of the off-the-field distractions he brings to the table. Also, I think it is safe to say Sandy Alderson was not pleased with Valdespin's behavior, considering that he was standing in the clubhouse when it all happened.


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