The Herrera Conundrum: Where Do You Stand on Second Chances?
Pitchers and catchers arrived this week. What should be a week of rejuvenating the enthusiastic energy of feeling like a kid again having Phillies baseball peaking around the corner; Joe Girardi and Aaron Nola instead spent their initial camp interviews justifying a second chance for Odubel Herrera.
In 2016, Herrera represented the Phillies in the All-Star game and seemed primed to call centerfield in Citizens Bank Park as his home for the foreseeable future. However, leaving his 20-year-old girlfriend with visible injuries on her neck and arm in May of 2019 at Atlantic City saw that opportunity burst into flames, or so we thought.
During the same time last year, Herrera wasn’t apart of Phillies camp or around them in any manner. One could think the Phillies must be more than slightly concerned about their centerfield situation to entertain, bringing this high level of a distraction back into the fold.
It’s important to note, though, the CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement) prohibits Major League clubs from terminating a player’s contract solely based on breaking the domestic violence policy. Only the quality of on-field play and baseball-related reasons can determine a player’s contract status with a team.
However, in Joe Girardi’s eyes, he’s “OK” with the various opinions surrounding the situation and indicated life holds similar circumstances where the only option is to deal with it. Girardi didn’t guarantee anything for Herrera but said he’s allowed to prove himself to coaches and re-prove himself to fans and teammates.
On the other hand, Aaron Nola gave a more supportive and steadfast statement of Herrera and his opportunity for a second chance.
“We all know what he’s capable of on the field…He can help us win ball games, and that’s what we’re focused on. But I know he’s learned from his decisions, and he’s had to do what he’s had to do.”
Detrimental towards Nola’s comments, Odubul took a steep decline from his All-Star form when he hit .286 in ’16 to .255 and .222 in ’18 and ’19. As a matter of fact, by the time of his arrest, the centerfielder no longer held a spot in the starting lineup. Meaning, Phillies fans might not have to worry about seeing the return of 37 in the center of the outfield if he reverts to his level of play right before serving his 85 game suspension.
Hopefully, a problem quickly circumvented. Whether it’d be through poor performance or recaptured ability and character evolvement, Odubel Herrera presents a fascinating storyline heading into camp. Yes, that might be short-lived, but if lightning is caught in a bottle, he could be a sleeper return to the lineup, providing it a higher ceiling.
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Categorized:Phillies