Two weeks ago, we learned that Washington Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg was going to announce that he was ending his career and retiring.
The press conference which would confirm everything was to take place today. However, as recently as last Thursday, the District of Columbia panel announced that the press briefing was postponed.
Even then, we knew there was something fishy going on. A $105 million contract dispute was at the heart of the litigation.
But now the Nationals have added a layer, through a press release written in the handwriting (or not) of owner Mark Lerner.
Although the Nationals had begun preparations for a press conference regarding Strasburg’s retirement, they had not publicly confirmed such an event.
We can therefore understand the frustration that emerges at the beginning of the press release, since the leaks triggered public negotiations, which the team considers regrettable.
Lerner’s statement underscores the team’s desire for ongoing conversations to remain private out of respect for those involved and to avoid further media speculation.
But what’s interesting is the end of the release, when the owner expresses the fact that he wants to see Strasburg when the team reports to spring camp.
This suggests there may still be hope for a resolution of the case that would allow Strasburg to continue his career with the Nationals.
Was it just me who missed part of it? With all the risks linked to his health and after having tried everything to treat his injuries, Strasburg would return to the game to please the Nationals?
Let’s say that this saga has not finished making people talk.
