Dempster's suspension is standard, not a shot against A-Rod
Sam Galanis
Contributing Writer
There’s still a lot of talk swirling around Ryan Dempster’s five-day paid suspension. Obviously the Yankees don’t think it’s harsh enough. And before the suspension was dealt, John Farrell didn’t even think it was going to happen.
But as it turns out, Demspter’s suspension is pretty standard.
Writer Marc Normandin of Over the Monster spoke to Jeff Euston of Cot’s Contracts, who explained the normal routine for suspensions for on-field activity.
"A suspension for an on-field incident is usually with pay,” Euston said. “So a player generally does not lose salary or service time after throwing at A-Rod or charging the mound." The player may be be fined in addition to their suspension, however. The consequence for the team in that situation is that the player can’t be replaced on the roster, so they must play with 24 instead of 25.
They also explained the differences with suspensions for off-field incidents.
"A suspension for a positive PED test is without pay, but the team may replace the player on the roster,” Euston said. “In that case, the team usually places the player on the restricted list, which also is used for players who have a long-term absence -- rehab for substance abuse, a prolonged family emergency, a visa problem. But the clubs do have the discretion to continue paying the player. The Cardinals continued paying Scott Speizio during his stint in alcohol rehab in 2007 or 2008, for example."
So, whether you like it or not, Dempster’s suspension makes sense. This isn’t the MLB trying to get their revenge on Alex Rodriguez. However, it is interesting that people seem to be upset over what they consider a paid vacation for Dempster, while A-Rod gets paid while he appeals his PED suspension. But hey, we don’t make the rules.
Comment or follow me @_SamMG
Contributing Writer
There’s still a lot of talk swirling around Ryan Dempster’s five-day paid suspension. Obviously the Yankees don’t think it’s harsh enough. And before the suspension was dealt, John Farrell didn’t even think it was going to happen.
But as it turns out, Demspter’s suspension is pretty standard.
Writer Marc Normandin of Over the Monster spoke to Jeff Euston of Cot’s Contracts, who explained the normal routine for suspensions for on-field activity.
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Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images |
They also explained the differences with suspensions for off-field incidents.
"A suspension for a positive PED test is without pay, but the team may replace the player on the roster,” Euston said. “In that case, the team usually places the player on the restricted list, which also is used for players who have a long-term absence -- rehab for substance abuse, a prolonged family emergency, a visa problem. But the clubs do have the discretion to continue paying the player. The Cardinals continued paying Scott Speizio during his stint in alcohol rehab in 2007 or 2008, for example."
So, whether you like it or not, Dempster’s suspension makes sense. This isn’t the MLB trying to get their revenge on Alex Rodriguez. However, it is interesting that people seem to be upset over what they consider a paid vacation for Dempster, while A-Rod gets paid while he appeals his PED suspension. But hey, we don’t make the rules.
Comment or follow me @_SamMG
