Would they be able to do this if they'd signed him and then he'd had malaria or something? Malaria's probably not the best example, but it's all that comes to mind at the moment, and I hope it communicates my point.

He hit .200 with six home runs and 24 RBIs in 77 games.

Being right on the Mendoza line can make a guy nervous. All kidding aside this seems to be a troubling new trend among pro athletes.

Greene is 30 already? Tempus fugit.

Would they be able to do this if they'd signed him and then he'd had malaria or something? Malaria's probably not the best example, but it's all that comes to mind at the moment, and I hope it communicates my point.

This being a well-known condition for Greene, the situation is more like when the Tigers signed Magglio Ordonez to a contract that could be voided if his knee injuries kept him from playing (but not for any other injury).

A way for the team to avoid "buying a lemon", so to speak. As freakonomics has taught us, those selling lemons have an informational advantage over buyers.

A way for the team to avoid "buying a lemon", so to speak. As freakonomics has taught us, those selling lemons have an informational advantage over buyers.

Freakonomics!?!?

Akerlof covered that in the 70's, and won a Nobel Prize for it.

Yes, Akerlof, one of the pioneering freakonomists of his generation.

This being a well-known condition for Greene, the situation is more like when the Tigers signed Magglio Ordonez to a contract that could be voided if his knee injuries kept him from playing

did they have such a clause for Greene? I guess I should RTFA

edit: the article doesn't mention it. If there was no clause, it is different from the Magglio situation. And if no clause, I assume they can void it because he didnt show up, and I think Voxter is asking if they could void a contract because a guy doesnt show up because he is in some hospital waylaid by malaria.

On the plus side, I like both Arias and German, either would make a fine player coming off the bench.

And if no clause, I assume they can void it because he didnt show up, and I think Voxter is asking if they could void a contract because a guy doesnt show up because he is in some hospital waylaid by malaria.

Yeah, I assume there was a clause, since otherwise as long as he informed the team, they'd have to put him on the DL and honor the contract, no? Isn't his contract guaranteed?

#9 The signing is described as "pending a physical" -- in other words there's some kind of conditional aspect to the offer. And no word as to when the physical was to take place. If he'd signed a guaranteed contract without conditions, he'd be on the DL and the Rangers would be on the hook.

Still may play out that way. We don't know whether Greene will grieve the voiding of the contract.

All kidding aside this seems to be a troubling new trend among pro athletes.

There's a selection bias going on here. Even 30 years ago, guys like Greene and Greinke probably would never have sniffed the majors. Rightly or wrongly, teams are getting better at nursing along players with fragile psyches.

Or reached the majors and become "headcases" who flamed out and dissapeared.

Not in the case of Greene or Greinke but I'd bet a good few of the anxiety cases are just a modern version of "arm stiffness" or similar ambiguous excuse for DL'ing someone for sucking.

There's a selection bias going on here. Even 30 years ago, guys like Greene and Greinke probably would never have sniffed the majors. Rightly or wrongly, teams are getting better at nursing along players with fragile psyches.

Yes and no. Sure, these guys got help and have been able to move on and be productive. Prescriptions have been huge here.

But there's also an odd increase in anxiety disorder in the past few decades. An increase that outpaces the rate the diagnosis would increase with more knowledge and research. It seems the future generations are becoming more anxious, and there's really no good explanation for it.

But there's also an odd increase in anxiety disorder in the past few decades

Is there? Or are we just better at diagnosing it and people are not as afraid to come forward with their mental problems?

Presumably, if a player is hurt (say a knee), they actually show up and let the team doctors check them out. You can't just call in and say, "Hey, I'm hurt." At least, I assume you can't.


Which doesn't really negate the fact that Greene could be checked out by team shrinks if that is the issue. Mostly it's going to come down to whether or not it was a guaranteed contract and if Greene had met any of the pre-conditions. If he hasn't, he's screwed. But, then, so would he be if he had malaria or a bad knee (or if he sucked and the team had any excuse whatsoever).

It doesn’t preclude us from staying in touch, which we’ll do.

A girl told me that once. Never heard of her again.

I guess that many past players who suffered anxiousness self-medicated with alcohol.

I bet JD Drew misses some time this year with malaria

We don't know whether Greene will grieve the voiding of the contract.

Is racism involved perhaps?

I always think of Jim Eisenreich, who of course has Tourette's, not anxiety – but still, was able to be a top prospect and reach the majors before he just couldn't go on. Then, with treatment, he made a nice comeback. Every case is diffferent, but there were probably lots of guys years ago who had erratic careers as various psychological or physiological problems flared up or went into remission.

It seems the future generations are becoming more anxious, and there's really no good explanation for it.

Jenny McCarthy now blames vaccines for this increase. News at 11.

I guess that many past players who suffered anxiousness self-medicated with alcohol.

I'd guess that many current players do the same.

Jenny McCarthy now blames vaccines for this increase. News at 11.

Well she did show her vagina once. Who ya gonna believe her or scientists?

It seems the future generations are becoming more anxious, and there's really no good explanation for it.

Anyone else feeling even more anxious after reading this?

Every case is diffferent, but there were probably lots of guys years ago who had erratic careers as various psychological or physiological problems flared up or went into remission.

Piersall.

But there's also an odd increase in anxiety disorder in the past few decades.

Drug companies have gotten better at developing and marketing mood-altering drugs, leading to more diagnoses.

Is racism involved perhaps?

Racism against Greene people?

#9 The signing is described as "pending a physical" -- in other words there's some kind of conditional aspect to the offer. And no word as to when the physical was to take place. If he'd signed a guaranteed contract without conditions, he'd be on the DL and the Rangers would be on the hook.

There is no offer. There is a contract. All MLB contracts are guaranteed. Was the Rangers' offer subject to passing a physical, in which case I would assume the physical occurred and was passed? Or did the signed contract vest pending the passing of a physical? Does a physical include a psychological exam? Conditionality is irrelevant unless the specific condition has not been satisfied.

Basically, unless there us a specific clause in the contract that allows the Rangers to void the contract if Greene is unable to play for psychological reason, I think this is crap.

Well, there is the mandatory reporting date. Now, unless you have the permission of the team, you are required to be there, even if you are injured (although I'm sure the MLBPA would win a grievance over somebody receiving inpatient care). If Greene is receiving outpatient care, he should have reported at spring training, even if unable to actually play - much like a pitcher coming off of arm surgery is required to show up, be examined, go to team meetings etc unless excused. Or at least it would be incumbent on him to provide a medical excuse that his showing up just to be examined and be under the care of team doctors itself would harm him.

The report that it the contract was pending a physical was from ~ 11 Jan. According to the MLB.com piece on 21 Jan, the deal was done, he was officially introduced, and Greg Golson was designated for assignment.

All MLB contracts are guaranteed.

I don't think this is quite right. Most are, but I don't think year-to-year contracts are guaranteed until after the start of the season.

I wonder if Greene and his agent agreed to voiding the contract. I could see how being on contract (or being on the restricted list) could add enough pressure that the one year deal wouldn't be worth it.

Somewhat out of place: Micah Owings is a Reggie Cleveland all-star? I was confused by Jarrod Washburn's inclusion, too. I assume that's a reaction to the spelling of his name?

I know Jim Palmer was a headcase, but was he this kind of headcase, or some other kind of headcase?

I know Jim Palmer was a headcase, but was he this kind of headcase, or some other kind of headcase?

He was mainly a "sometimes I want to punch Earl Weaver in the nose" sort of headcase ... which is to say he was perfectly sane.

I don't think this is quite right. Most are, but I don't think year-to-year contracts are guaranteed until after the start of the season.

Depends on the kind of contract you've got. There are some nearly-washed-up vets who are on an "MLB contract" which puts them on the 40-man roster but has a big escalator if they make the opening day roster (or upon promotion). Usually ancient catchers, ancient pitchers or guys whose arm fell off and was reattached -- basic AAA insurance types. So they might make $200 k in the minors but $800 K if they make the roster. Then there are some guys on NRIs who have a better-than-minimum guaranteed salary if they make the roster. Then there used to be (and maybe still is) an "out" for teams that get taken to arb by one of their FAs in that they can walk away from the contract early in spring training but only by buying out something like 40% of the contract (the Ms did this to fast Brian Hunter ages ago).

But most 1-year ML contracts are guaranteed from the moment they're signed. The Yanks owe Nick Johnson $5 M (or whatever) no matter what happens now.

As to Greene ... relax people. If the Rangers don't have the right to void the contract, you can rest assured that either (a) the headline is wrong or (b) the MLBPA will have a grievance filed forthwith and win. Not much point in us speculating when it will be cleared up in a day or two.

Is racism involved perhaps?

Racism against Greene people?

Maybe the Iranian Revolutionary Guard has infiltrated the Rangers and are persecuting the only Baha'i in Baseball?

Well, there is the mandatory reporting date.

Exactly. All this stuff about guaranteed contracts and clauses and physicals and grievances completely misses the point. You have to show up and provide the services contracted for, otherwise you're the one who is in breach of the contract. It might be different if he reported to camp and was unable to perform, but that's not what happened.

But most 1-year ML contracts are guaranteed from the moment they're signed. The Yanks owe Nick Johnson $5 M (or whatever) no matter what happens now.

Most, but not all. The Yankees only have to pay Chad Gaudin and Sergio Mitre for 30 days if they don't make the team out of spring training.

Walt, Palmer also had a minor case of Lefty Grove disease (inability to conceal his frustration with teammates letting him down) leading to a confrontation (that never went beyond words) on the mound between Pat Kelly and Palmer. IOW nose punching fantasies went both ways.

Interestingly I think Bobby Grich came closest to making those fantasies of punching Weaver reality. People had to get between Grich and Weaver after Weaver pinch-hit for him.

Somewhat out of place: Micah Owings is a Reggie Cleveland all-star? I was confused by Jarrod Washburn's inclusion, too. I assume that's a reaction to the spelling of his name?

HTF are Troy O'Leary and Darren Bragg not on that team?

I'm confused by Grady Sizemore's inclusion, too. Troy O'Leary and Darren Bragg are good ones. Adam Jones is also missing.

I'm confused by Grady Sizemore's inclusion, too.

Grady used to be a fairly common black name, not so much the last 30 or 40 years. Doesn't really fit today.

Yeah but Sizemore is half-black, isn't he? He's pretty much exempt from this game, I think.

I was more confused about Jim Ray Hart's and Howie Kendrick's inclusion.

Nominees from long ago:

Willie "Puddin' Head" Jones
Vernal Leroy "Nippy" Jones

And on the horizon, as I mentioned a few weeks ago, Mets prospect Ike Davis

Yeah but Sizemore is half-black, isn't he? He's pretty much exempt from this game, I think.

Never heard that. If so, yes he'd be exempt.

I was confused by Jarrod Washburn's inclusion, too. I assume that's a reaction to the spelling of his name?

If you think his name is pronounced "jaROD" instead of "Jared", it makes sense. However that website actually spells his first name as "Jared", making it totally stupid. Also stupid is the inclusion of Darius Songaila. "Songaila" sounds like a black name? Why not include Reginald Maudling too? Also stupid is spelling Darius Songaila's name wrong, to boot.

HTF are Troy O'Leary and Darren Bragg not on that team?

I neither know what race Darren Bragg is, nor what race the name "Darren Bragg" sounds like it should be. Either white or black I presumably.

Personally I am always surprised that nobody but me thought Carney Lansford was black. But who cares.

Exactly. All this stuff about guaranteed contracts and clauses and physicals and grievances completely misses the point. You have to show up and provide the services contracted for, otherwise you're the one who is in breach of the contract. It might be different if he reported to camp and was unable to perform, but that's not what happened.

Unless you can't actually perform the services for which you have contracted for a permitted reason. What happens if Greene reported to camp and broke his leg the first day? Obviously, he couldn't play baseball on the second day, and he contracted to play baseball. There's just no difference between his obligation under contract to play baseball and his obligation to report to camp. Reporting to camp may be an easier bar to clear, so I can understand the position that one is in breach of contract for failing to report even if injured, but I think it's possible that Greene's injury, even if psychological, could absolve him of the obligation to report just as a broken leg absolves Greene of the obligation to play baseball. The specific language of the contract and the facts and circumstances of Greene's situation are critical to the analysis.

The AP is now reporting this:

Infielder Khalil Greene’s contract was voided by the Texas Rangers. They said it was for a private matter, which they did not disclose, and not the social anxiety that led Greene to miss 46 games for the St. Louis Cardinals last season

Also stupid is the inclusion of Darius Songaila. "Songaila" sounds like a black name?

No, "Darius" sounds like a black name. I went to school with plenty of black kids named Darius. It was like the African-American Jason in the mid-80s-mid-90s.

I neither know what race Darren Bragg is, nor what race the name "Darren Bragg" sounds like it should be.

To me, Darren Bragg sounds like the name of the most popular dude at East Valley High. So, pretty white. YMMV, of course. It's otherwise a pretty ethnically neutral name.

I agree this is a crappy, unimaginative list, though. Where is Vladimir Guerrero or Juan Pierre?

Unless you can't actually perform the services for which you have contracted for a permitted reason.

So what the hell does that have to do with just flat-out not showing up?

The specific language of the UPC is available on line, if you care to look for it. Everything else in your post is amply covered under my "It might be different if he reported to camp and was unable to perform, but that's not what happened" if you add the rather obvious "or received permission not to report..."

Walt, Palmer also had a minor case of Lefty Grove disease (inability to conceal his frustration with teammates letting him down) leading to a confrontation (that never went beyond words) on the mound between Pat Kelly and Palmer. IOW nose punching fantasies went both ways.

I always called it "Dave Stieb syndrome." Never realized Lefty was such a redass, too.

So what the hell does that have to do with just flat-out not showing up?

The specific language of the UPC is available on line, if you care to look for it. Everything else in your post is amply covered under my "It might be different if he reported to camp and was unable to perform, but that's not what happened" if you add the rather obvious "or received permission not to report..."

There's no reason reporting to camp is some kind of ironclad contractual obligation different from any other contractual provision. Performance can be excused without specific permission based on the language of the contract. What if Greene got hit by a bus crossing the street 10 yards away from the complex? Can the Rangers void the contract because he didn't report? What if Greene is in inpatient care because he feels he is a danger to himself unless he is receiving constant supervision and treatment? Reporting or not reporting to camp might make absolutely no difference whatsoever.

#50, All goes back to Walt's point. All of the "this hasn't happened before" ends up in front of an arbitrator.

All of the "this hasn't happened before" ends up in front of an arbitrator.

Sure, but I kind of enjoy discussing the issues the arbitrator will have to consider.