PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Pirates general manager Ben Cherington met with reporters after it was addressed by manager Derek Shelton to confirm what was said about the reasoning of the team releasing first baseman Rowdy Tellez on Tuesday.
The Pirates say they wanted to get opportunities for a pair of young players to play and to make room they released veterans Tellez and Michael A.
Taylor. On the surface, not an earth-shattering move, until you find out Rowdy would have received a $200,000 bonus if he had four more plate appearances.
“No factor at all,” Cherington said when asked if that was a reason for the move. “Zero factor in the decision. Aware of it. I’m aware of the contracts all players have. No factor at all, zero.”
The team recalled infielder Liover Peguero and outfielder Joshua Palacios to take those roster spots.
"It came down to when the minor league season ended and these guys getting here,” Shelton said. “That's what factored into the decision the most. That didn't go into our factor of the decision at all. The factor of the decision went into the fact that we wanted to get Palacios and Peggy to the big leagues."
“Unfortunately, in a situation like this, we wanted to get a couple of younger players who we think are going to be a part of our future up here. That came at the expense of two veteran, professional guys."
The Pirates stayed with Tellez even when he was hitting .177 on June 1, but with six games left, he was designated for assignment to allow two others a few at bats. Cherington defended they were fair with Tellez over the span of the season.
“Contracts are negotiated in good faith and then they live out,” Cherington said Tuesday. “We feel like we gave Rowdy lots of opportunity here this year. To his credit, he fought through some difficult times earlier in the year and fought himself out of it. He had some periods of success and periods of frustration. This is just where we just got to the season. Had nothing to do with where the plate appearances were at.”
Taylor had a straight contract, no incentives for plate appearances, games, etc.
Cherington said he’s never had a situation where something like this has affected any relationship going forward. He said he had good conversations with Rowdy and Michael specifically in terms of the contract. He doesn’t believe this will impact dealings between the Pirates and free agents in the future.
“Guys understand where we are,” Cherington said. “In the old days of expanded rosters, we probably wouldn’t be sitting here having this conversation. But there are 28 spots, and 14 are going to go to position players. We feel like we have to get the 14 guys on the team, wherever we can, who have the best chance to contribute past this year.”
Both guys had their moments with the club this year. When closer David Bednar was first booed this season at PNC Park, it was Tellez that put his arm publicly around him. Taylor worked immediately to help Oneil Cruz’s move to centerfield even though that took games away from him. What about any sore feelings among the players at the moves?
“I think our players understand that,” Cherington said. “Doesn’t mean it’s easy. Players have relationships. They can feel for Rowdy and Michael. That’s OK. That’s a legitimate thing. I think you can be appreciative of who those guys are and respectful and be a good teammate to them … and also understand that this is a part of the game.”
“It does happen. It’s one of those things where I think two things can be true at the same time.”