A contract is a binding verbal and/or written agreement between a group of people or individuals enforced by law. If either party breaches the contract, a law suit can occur, and/or one or both of the parties leaving the agreement. In the White Sox vs Adam LaRoche dispute, Laroche chose to retire, thus leaving because of a breach, meaning termination of the contract and LaRoche not being paid in 2016. For the past several years, LaRoche always has expressed his son’s allowance in the clubhouse being a crucial part of his contract with his current team. Last offseason when Adam signed a two-year deal with the White Sox, Ken Williams and LaRoche came to an agreement to allow Adam’s 14-year-old son in the clubhouse. But, now suddenly Williams asked LaRoche to significantly cut down the time the son spends with the team, then asking in full for the son to not come at all, thus leading to the first baseman’s retirement.
In order to keep peace in an organization between the players and front office, contracts need to be followed, thus preventing controversies or hold-outs. The fans want the team to win, and the players as well as manager have a common goal in reaching the Series. However, no matter how much desire and talent the club has, a dispute like this can negatively affect the team’s performance on the field, as the players may no longer wish to represent a franchise with a GM who disrespects a player’s contract. There are two ways that this could all end in order to shift focus back on preparing for opening day. One, Jerry Reinsdorf can either punish or fire Ken Williams and possibly other front office staff. Two, the White Sox organization can be mature, hand out apologies, and have manager, Robin Ventura, get his team on the right page, and that is winning ball games in 2016 because this White Sox squad is the best it has looked on paper in years.
Bryce Harper tweeted, “Good for you Roche! Nothing like father and son in the clubhouse…It’s a FAMILY game #FamilyFirst.” The reigning NL MVP hit it dead on the nose; ever since baseball’s birth in the mid 1800’s, it’s been all about family. Baseball was founded as America’s game, and America was founded as a democracy (huge family supporting one another). As far as reports go, there has never been any problem with LaRoche’s son being in the locker room/clubhouse. Robin Ventura even was cited claiming that Drake (the son) was more mature than some of the players, and even called the 26th man occasionally. Jerry Reisndorf mentioned this all being heavily emphasized on miscommunication and misunderstanding in his statement, so the whole dispute may be a big over reaction, but in the end, an incident like this could affect the team’s chemistry. All in all, Ken Williams needs to be put on the hot seat in order to let the fans and team know that he is on LaRoche’s side and wants to make sure the players are always satisfied, so that the White Sox organization can peacefully work towards a championship.
