Padres Chair Peter Seidler said that he has “no regrets” giving Padres SS Fernando Tatis Jr. $340M following Tatis's suspension for testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance, according to Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY. Seidler: “It was a significant body blow for him, for the organization, and for the fans. But yelling, screaming, breaking glasses, that wasn’t going to help anything. In my experience, this can make you stronger and better.’’ Seidler never once "expressed his resentment or bitterness" towards Tatis, though he was "deeply disappointed." Seidler: “The wrong way to look at it is to be angry at a 23-year-old young man. We’ve had him since he was 17. He has grown up in front of our eyes. I know he’s a good guy with a good heart and he cares.’’ Seider added Tatis “knows I have his back.” Seidler: “I believe in him as much as I ever have. He’s a young man who made a mistake. I’m a 61-year-old man and still make mistakes, but as long as you own it, and you’re the best version of yourself, I can accept.” He said of Tatis's contract, "We felt if we spent money, the fans in San Diego would spend in bigger numbers, tickets, apparel, sponsorships, and show what’s possible. We have massively increased our controllable revenue. It’s off-the-charts good" (USA TODAY, 8/28).
REDEMPTION ARC: L.A. Times columnist Bill Plaschke said the Padres “don’t need to try to recoup money” from Tatis because “they don’t need to create a hostile environment for this kid.” Plaschke: “The road to redemption is ‘just grow up.’” ESPN’s Justin Tinsley said Tatis “embarrassed the franchise and he embarrassed that sport, but I truly believe that he is remorseful and I think next season will be a great redemption tour for him. I don’t think his image is tarnished” (“Around The Horn,” ESPN, 8/26).
LOSING FACE: CBSSN’s Maggie Gray said Tatis was in the conversation for being the “face of the game” for MLB, “but now he’s got the drug thing and the suspension.” CBSSN’s Andrew Perloff: “He’s fallen out” (“Maggie & Perloff,” CBSSN, 8/26). MLB Network’s Ron Darling said the “problem with these kinds of contracts,” like the ones given to Tatis and Mariners CF Julio Rodriguez, is “you have to identify the right person” and if the player does not “make it, you can hold your organization hostage by a contract like that” (“MLB Now,” MLB Network, 8/26).
