Several weeks ago, while still in the Nationals' Minor league camp, first baseman Dmitri Young vowed that he would be on the team's 25-man roster. He kept that promise, as his competitor, Travis Lee, requested and received his unconditional release on Sunday.
Lee told general manager Jim Bowden that he no longer had the passion to play the game.
"During the conversation, [Travis] explained to me that it was a difficult decision for him, but he didn't have the passion to play the game anymore," Bowden said. "He felt that way last year, and he hoped it could be rekindled this year. But his passion to play has not come back. As he looked around our clubhouse and saw the amount of passion that the players have, he realized that it was in the best interest for him at this time to give up baseball."
A source close to Lee said the left-handed-hitting first baseman felt he didn't have a chance to make the team because Young is a switch-hitter and that the organization likes prospect Kory Casto at first base. Lee was 8-for-30 (.267) with a home run and seven RBIs this spring.
Asked if Lee was retiring, the source said, "I don't know."
Lee, 31, has played nine years in the big leagues, hitting .256 with 115 home runs and 488 RBIs. His best years were with the Diamondbacks and Phillies.
Young was shocked when told by reporters that Lee had quit. It means that Young will be the everyday first baseman, while Robert Fick will remain the backup.
"It's sad to hear that Lee feels that way. I think he would have made a great addition," Young said. "You have to tip your hat to Travis Lee for having a fine career."
I particularly like this bit:
he didn't have the passion to play the game anymore," Bowden said. "He felt that way last year
Oooh, it didn't show.
Thanks.