Los Angeles, CA | October 4, 2023
Ten months after Cody Bellinger’s departure from the Dodgers, his agent, Scott Boras, sparked controversy with remarks suggesting the team was to blame for Bellinger’s struggles. Here’s a comprehensive look at the situation.
The Background
Ten months later, Cody Bellinger’s departure from the Los Angeles Dodgers is still a hot topic. A recent USA Today story shed light on his resurgence with the Chicago Cubs, raising questions about why the Dodgers didn’t extend his contract.
Boras’ Controversial Statements
In the USA Today piece, Scott Boras, Bellinger’s representative, appeared to hold the Dodgers accountable for Bellinger’s challenging seasons in 2021 and 2022. He pointed to the shoulder surgery Bellinger underwent in 2020 and claimed that the Dodgers had asked him to play with a 35% strength deficiency. Boras also mentioned the impact of COVID-19 on Bellinger’s access to medical treatment.
Boras emphasized, "You don’t just go from a .900 OPS to a .500 OPS without understanding the impact of an injury."
Dodgers’ Response
The Dodgers’ President of Baseball Operations, Andrew Friedman, did not mince words when asked about Boras’ comments. He stated, "I don’t want to stoop down to that level, but I find it to be a very convenient narrative. We weren’t surprised by it at all."
Friedman’s response appeared to dismiss Boras’ claims and implied that they were unfounded.
Boras Clarifies
Scott Boras later clarified his stance, asserting that there was "no wrongdoing" on the Dodgers’ part. He explained that the decision for Bellinger to play in 2021 was mutual and that the team did not force him into it. Boras acknowledged that Bellinger had a "clear strength deficit" due to the surgery but maintained that this was not the Dodgers’ fault.
The Missing Boras Institute
Interestingly, Andrew Friedman highlighted that Boras’ original comments did not mention the Boras Sports Training Institute, a facility known for aiding clients in their recovery from injuries. This omission raised questions about the role of the institute in Bellinger’s journey.
Conclusion
The saga surrounding Cody Bellinger’s departure from the Dodgers and his subsequent resurgence with the Chicago Cubs continues to captivate baseball fans. While Scott Boras’ remarks initially stirred controversy, the Dodgers have responded by refuting any wrongdoing on their part. As the story unfolds, the missing piece of the puzzle remains the role of the Boras Institute in Bellinger’s career trajectory.
Stay tuned for updates on this evolving baseball drama as both sides defend their positions.
Note: This article contains verbatim quotes from the involved parties and aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the situation.
The Role of Injury Management in MLB Player Performance
Did the Dodgers handle Cody Bellinger?
Los Angeles Dodgers President, Andrew Friedman, expressed dissatisfaction with Scott Boras’ comments about the team’s management of Cody Bellinger. Bellinger’s career took a turn this season with the Chicago Cubs after the Dodgers opted not to extend his contract. Did the Dodgers handle Cody Bellinger appropriately? The question lingers as Bellinger’s resurgence raises eyebrows in the baseball world.
Did Scott Boras blame the Dodgers for Joe Bellinger’s worst season?
The narrative surrounding Cody Bellinger’s career downturn in 2021 and 2022 raises a crucial question: Did Scott Boras, Bellinger’s representative, hold the Dodgers accountable for these challenging seasons? In a quote featured in the story, Boras appeared to imply just that. The story included a quote from Bellinger’s representative, Scott Boras, in which the agent sounded as if he blamed the Dodgers for Bellinger’s career-worst seasons in 2021 and 2022.
Why did Boras call out the Dodgers?
In a recent USA Today story penned by Bob Nightengale, the spotlight on Cody Bellinger’s resurgence also illuminated the reasons behind Scott Boras’ call-out of the Dodgers. Boras didn’t hold back, asserting that Bellinger’s decline was primarily due to injury. Boras stated, “He was hurt, plain and simple. He has surgery, and the Dodgers asked him to play with a 35% strength deficiency, and then with COVID, he was deprived of the expert medical treatment." But why did Boras publicly target the Dodgers in this manner?
Why did the Dodgers call out Mike Bellinger?
Cody Bellinger’s resurgence with the Chicago Cubs after the Dodgers non-tendered him during the offseason has raised questions. In a recent USA Today feature by Bob Nightengale, Scott Boras openly criticized the Dodgers for Bellinger’s decline, attributing it to injuries. But what prompted the Dodgers to publicly address Mike Bellinger’s performance?
