After an MRI revealed that Mets closer Francisco Rodriguez suffered torn thumb ligaments in a fight with his girlfriend's father, the Mets higher-ups are looking into the possibility of voiding the star closers deal.
They are looking into whether the contract, for $37 million over three years, can be voided based on Rodriguez injuring himself outside the course of play...Rodriguez has been charged with assault in the case.
The players union would certainly put up a fight, as they did when the team initially suspended him for just two games.
If the Mets can void his contract, it will be a very tough decision for the team. Obviously, it would be a cost-cutting issue to give them some breathing room on the free agent market this offseason, not his behavior itself.
Rodriguez's salary is $11.5 million in 2010 and also in 2011. He has a $17.5 million vesting option for 2012 with a $3.5 million buyout. That option vests with 100 games finished in 2010 and 2011 combined or 55 games finished in '11, so it's unlikely the option would go into affect anyway.
Rodriguez is 4-2 with a 2.20 ERA, 25 saves, and 67 strike outs in 53 appearances this season.