Hell In A Handbasket

You get tied up working for one weekend… and the whole (Red Sox) universe goes to hell in a hand basket. Sean Casey? Retired. Jason Varitek? Clock is ticking. Dustin Pedroia? Brother gets arrested for child molestation. What?!? Let’s examine each one in turn, shall we?

WEEI reported on Friday that Sean Casey is hanging up his cleats and retiring from baseball. Luckily for all of us, The Mayor is not going anywhere: it took the MLB Network about two nanoseconds to sign him to join their on-air talent team. After seeing his video blogging skilllz over at WEEI, I can’t wait to see what he brings to MLB-N. I’m crossing my fingers for a 30-minute block of nothing but Sean.
Meanwhile, the Jason Varitek soapy-drama-saga rages on. Despite the fact that he rejected an offer of arbitration from the Red Sox that would have netted him around $10-12 million, so that he could seek more money from another team, Tek is reportedly now asking the Sox to pay him that much anyway. I’m not sure where Tek thinks he’s getting bargaining power from… and neither, apparently, does the Sox front office- because they’re offering him $5 million. From Rob Bradford:

WEEI.com has learned from a source close to the negotiations that the two-year offer made by the Red Sox to catcher Jason Varitek is for $5 million for the first year, along with a club option for $5 million or a $3 million player option for season No. 2 of the deal. It is believed incentives would be part of the agreement. The Red Sox have set a deadline for Varitek to accept the offer, although it is not known what the date has been set.

C’mon, Tek – let’s get this thing finished up!

And in the most unfortunate news of the weekend, Dustin Pedroia is having to deal with the arrest of his older brother, Brett. In even more unfortunate news, it appears Brett was arrested on charges of child molestation. Per the local ABC affiliate in Sacramento, Brett was arrested back on January 9th in connection with events that allegedly occurred approximately four years ago. Yep, that same Brett Pedroia.

The spotlight of celebrity brings a lot of good (big money, video game covers), but it also brings with it some bad as well — and since his brother is big news, Brett’s arrest also becomes “big news”. Especially in community like Woodland. Tom Ziller at the Sporting News talks about the aftershock effects of something like this on the Pedroia family and the Woodland community:

I live a few blocks from the Pedroias. I’ve never met them, but I can confirm that the family is royalty in this town. Every pro accomplishment Dustin has reached has practically been met with a parade, or at least a giant banner on Main Street at the city’s central gateway. Dustin is known as a fairly private cat, but the family is prominent, its tire store one of the most beloved local small businesses.

As such, the local news TV crews can’t find anyone who believes the charges; it’s like O.J. on an infinitetismally smaller scale. But the seed of doubt never goes away, and it’s proof that no matter how high above the proliteriat you rise a scandal can strike you down at any moment. Dustin isn’t responsible for his brother, but that doesn’t stop his name from leading the stories. Whoever thinks small-town life is easier for athletes or celebrities … no, it’s not.

Let’s hope the next week quiets down a bit – no more big news for at least a few days, Sox… ok?