- ESPN reported that ex-Phillie Carlos Santana smashed a TV in the clubhouse last September with a bat because unnamed players were playing video games during baseball games.
Apparently a few of the 2018 Phils- reportedly Nick Williams and J.P. Crawford- not only were obsessed with Fortnight, but left the dugout during baseball games, sneaking back into the clubhouse to play video games. Since the manager and front office were either blind to this or unwilling to do anything about it, Santana took it into his own hands.
First, this is Manager Gabe Kapler's fault. If he didn't know what was going on, he is guilty of having his head up his ass. If he did know and still let it happen, he is guilty of being a puppet to the younger players and having absolutely no control of his team.
The video gaming apparently happened all season but came to a nasty head during the team's ugly nine-game losing streak during the final home stand of the season.
Why didn't General Manager Matt Klentak do anything? It's ridiculous to think certain players were so obsessed they couldn't break away from Fortnight for three hours a day? They are getting paid big bucks to play a game and cheer their teammates on in the dugout.
What's more, the Phillies billed Santana for the pulverized TV. To me, Santana is a hero. Ironically, he is gone, playing for the Indians now. After a disappointing season from Santana, his actions in the clubhouse may be the most valuable thing he ever did with the team.
How did the subject come up with ESPN? Why didn't the local media have this story 6 months ago?
Crawford was traded to the Mariners during the off-season. Williams remains with the club, be it as a part-time player since the arrival of Andrew McCuthen and Bryce Harper in the outfield.
Kapler promises tighter rules this season. Somebody needs to be running the show. Ironic that Kapler preaches to his players about eating right, working-out and getting plenty of rest, yet guys are playing video games during games and perhaps at home and in hotels late at night.
This morning it was reported that Kapler told his players behind closed doors to keep it quiet. Kapler is so on the hot seat this spring. After the historical collapse last summer, the alleged sexual assault issues with the Dodgers and now this hotel mess, if Kapler doesn't get off to a fast start he may not see the light of day far into the season. Management didn't pay all this money for guys like Harper only to see the season screwed by a manager who already was shaky with his analytical attitude.
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