Earlier this month, I expressed the opinion that pitcher Mike Clevinger should be punished more harshly than Zach Plesac for breaching COVID protocols. While Plesac owned up to his transgression, Clevinger did not disclose that he had been out with Plesac in Chicago and flew with his teammates thereby putting them at risk. Needless to say, the remainder of the Cleveland Indians' roster was none too happy with Clevinger.
However, last week, the Tribe brought Clevinger back to the roster while Plesac remains in limbo. Clevinger started last Wednesday against the Minnesota Twins. It was argued that the Indians were showcasing Clevinger with the intent to trade him.
This morning the Tribe traded Clevinger, outfielder Greg Allen and a player to be named later to the San Diego Padres for outfielder/first baseman Josh Naylor, catcher Austin Hedges, right handed pitcher Cal Quantrill along with minor league infielders Gabriel Arias and Owen Miller and minor league southpaw Joey Castillo.
I realize that Clevinger's tenure with Cleveland was untenable. But the Indians ought to have kept Clevinger in purgatory along with Plesac. I understand the Indians wanted to get value for Clevinger but they could have traded him in the off-season and still received quality players in exchange for him. By permitting Clevinger to pitch and trading him to San Diego, the Indians have effectively rewarded his behavior.
The Padres will probably reach the post-season for the first time since 2006. What if Clevinger breaches COVID protocols again? What are the odds the Padres look the other way in the pursuit of a pennant?
As it stands President Trump, a majority of the Republican Party and a third of independent voters have no qualms about the deaths of 183,000 Americans. By permitting Mike Clevinger to pitch this season, the Indians, Padres and indeed the rest of MLB are basically telling us they don't have any qualms either.
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