By now, most Dodgers fans have either heard or read the Dodgers statement regarding their release of 31-year-old right-hander Trevor Bauer for his indiscretions. If not, here it is:

 “The Dodgers organization believes that allegations of sexual assault or domestic violence should be thoroughly investigated, with due process given to the accused,’’ the Dodgers said in a statement. “From the beginning, we have fully cooperated with Major League Baseball’s investigation and strictly followed the process stipulated under MLB’s Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy. Two extensive reviews of all the available evidence in this case – one by Commissioner (Rob) Manfred and another by a neutral arbitrator – concluded that Mr. Bauer’s actions warranted the longest ever active player suspension in our sport for violations of this policy. Now that this process has been completed, and after careful consideration, we have decided that he will no longer be part of our organization.’’

But what some – perhaps many – Dodgers fans may not have heard or read was the North Hollywood, CA native and former first-round draft pick in 2011 by the Arizona Diamondbacks out of UCLA’s response to the Dodgers not unexpected statement, which he released shortly after being let go by his former employer:

 “While we were unable to communicate throughout the administrative leave and arbitration process, my representatives spoke to Dodgers leadership immediately following the arbitration decision. Following two weeks of conversations around my return to the organization, I sat down with Dodgers leadership in Arizona yesterday who told me they wanted me to return and pitch for the team this year. While I am disappointed by the organization’s decision today, I appreciate the wealth of support I’ve received from the Dodgers clubhouse. I wish the players all the best and look forward to competing elsewhere.”

Sounds rather lawyer-ish, wouldn’t you say?

But Wait… There’s More!

Although anything is certainly possible in the crazy game of Major League Baseball, and regardless of his past Cy Young award and All-Star selection in 2018 and owning the National League’s best ERA of 1.73 in 2020, and most certainly regardless of his (or his attorney’s) rebuttal to the Dodgers statement on Friday afternoon, Bauer is going to have a very difficult – if not impossible – challenge finding any MLB team willing to risk signing him.

But no matter what the future may hold for Trevor Bauer, don’t feel the least bit sorry for him. When all is said and done and the dust finally settles, he will have made $64.5 million for only 17 starts and 107.2 total innings pitched in a Dodgers uniform, during which he went 8-5 with a 2.59 ERA.

Play Ball!

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