No-Show Results In Release

So much for first impressions. Odalis Perez was cut by the Washington Nationals today even before spring training games began. Perez, who didn’t show up for the mandatory reporting date for all players, was out of a job less than 24 hours later.

Perez signed a Minor League deal with the Nationals back on February 5th. The reason he missed the mandatory reporting date was because he was having regrets about signing a Minor League deal. He felt he deserved a Major League contract. So instead of working hard to make the team, (how hard can it be to make the Nationals squad?) he decided he wouldn’t show up at all to camp. That was a nice professional decision. (Anyone catch my sarcasm?) So now Perez is out of a job and the only baseball he will be playing this month will be for the Dominican Republic squad in the World Baseball Classic.

So if any team is still looking for pitching depth, Odalis will be happy to sign under any circumstances—except it has to be a Major League contract for big money. Sorry Odalis, but I don’t think that you can sign for that. The attitude problem shown this spring will be a red flag for other teams who might need help.

So, I applaud the decision Odalis made. By not showing up he hurt himself professionally and also in a baseball sense. He likely won’t be signed by anyone this close to the season starting. So congratulations, Odalis—have fun in the World Baseball Classic. Because it could be the last baseball you will be playing this year.