MLB Owner Takes Real Responsibility
A New Approach to Accountability
The problem with apology letters from owners to fans is that no one believes the remorse. The problem with apology news conferences is that no one believes the remorse, but at least the powers that be have to face uncomfortable questions.
A Different Kind of Apology
On Monday, Diamondbacks owner Ken Kendrick took responsibility for signing Jordan Montgomery to a one-year, $25 million contract. Montgomery had the worst season of his career, going 8-7 with a 6.23 earned-run average.
“I’m the Perpetrator of That”
“If anyone wants to blame anyone for Jordan Montgomery being a Diamondback, you’re talking to the guy that should be blamed,” Kendrick told Arizona Sports. “Because I brought it to [the front office’s] attention. I pushed for it. They agreed to it – it wasn’t in our game plan.
“You know when he was signed – right at the end of spring training. And looking back, in hindsight, a horrible decision to invest that money in a guy who performed as poorly as he did. It’s our biggest mistake this season from a talent standpoint. And I’m the perpetrator of that.”
A Contrast to the Usual Approach
Contrast Kendrick’s apology with Jerry Reinsdorf’s mea culpa. Reinsdorf, the owner of the White Sox, recently released a letter apologizing for the team’s record-setting, 121-loss season. It was like writing “Sorry about all that” on a sticky note and slapping it to the Titanic’s jagged hull.
No Answers, No Accountability
Reinsdorf’s letter read:
“By all measures, our on-field performance this season was a failure. As the leader of this organization, that is my ultimate responsibility. There are no excuses.
“I want to thank you for continuing to support the team throughout what was an embarrassing season. You all deserved better. This season’s performance was completely unacceptable and the varying reactions and emotions from our fanbase are completely understandable.”
No Specifics, No Action
There was nothing in Reinsdorf’s letter but generalizations. He spoke of “doing everything we can to fix this.” But what specifically went wrong with a rebuild that still looks a lot like rubble? What role did Reinsdorf play in it? Where was general manager Chris Getz’ plan lacking, in particular? Surely Reinsdorf knows.
A New Era of Accountability
Kendrick’s apology is a breath of fresh air in an era where owners often seem to be above criticism. If an owner is going to apologize, it should be with an actual human voice attached to it. If an owner is going to take responsibility, it should be specific and actionable.
Conclusion
Ken Kendrick’s apology is a new approach to accountability in MLB. It’s a step in the right direction towards transparency and honesty. Let’s hope other owners follow his lead.
FAQs
Q: What did Ken Kendrick apologize for?
A: Kendrick apologized for signing Jordan Montgomery to a one-year, $25 million contract.
Q: What was Montgomery’s performance like?
A: Montgomery had the worst season of his career, going 8-7 with a 6.23 earned-run average.
Q: Why is Kendrick’s apology significant?
A: Kendrick’s apology is significant because it’s a new approach to accountability in MLB. It’s a step in the right direction towards transparency and honesty.
Q: What did Jerry Reinsdorf apologize for?
A: Reinsdorf apologized for the White Sox’ record-setting, 121-loss season.
Q: What was Reinsdorf’s apology like?
A: Reinsdorf’s apology was general and lacked specifics. He didn’t take responsibility for his role in the team’s poor performance.
