Dodgers president's comments on Trevor Bauer situation don't seem convincing

Once Trevor Bauer's suspension appeal ended and his ban was reduced, the Los Angeles Dodgers had two weeks to make a decision on his roster status for the 2023 season. Would he remain on the 40-man or would he be designated for assignment?

The decision seemed relatively easy. The Dodgers already erased every trace of him after the sexual assault allegations surfaced and MLB placed him on administrative leave. Bauer hadn't pitched since June of 2021. The only "downside" to this was throwing $22.5 million in the trash (or paying that amount for Bauer to pitch for a competitor).

But the Dodgers print money, so was it really an issue? Based on how long it took for them to make the decision, it sure seemed like there were some reservations, though!

Just days before they had to make the call, the Dodgers met (and spoke) with Bauer for the first time in a year and a half. According to Bauer, the Dodgers said they wanted him to return and pitch for them in 2023. According to reports, the Dodgers "privately revealed that they didn’t hear any remorse, apologies or anything in the slightest from Bauer to change their mind."

But it still took until after the deadline to make the decision for the Dodgers to officially designate Bauer for assignment. So, yeah, not sure many fans are believing what president and CEO Stan Kasten said this week.

Dodgers speak publicly for first time since Trevor Bauer decision

Must've taken a long time to gather those unanimous votes, huh? In the end, the Dodgers made the right decision, but there were also reports that surfaced suggesting the team was weighing the "competitive disadvantage" of releasing Bauer and having him pitch elsewhere. And the fact Kasten refused to respond to Bauer's claim also doesn't shut the book here.

"I don't want to talk about what went on, what was discussed, what wasn't discussed or who was there. But we did hear from him. I thought it was the right thing to do. I'm happy that we did it, along with everything else that we did, to reach the best decision that we could. I stand by our decision. I'm very comfortable with it."

Dodgers CEO Stan Kasten

"Hi, I'm here to talk about our decision and what happened, but won't be specific about anything whatsoever." It's certainly the Dodgers' business to keep sensitive information close to their chest, but it's not helping answer any questions or repair the toxic discourse that's persisted.

What's done is done. Bauer is no longer a Dodger and remains unsigned despite being a free agent for nearly a month now.

Fans just would've thought, after this black cloud followed the organization for over a year and a half, that the highest ranking members of the Dodgers could've provided a bit more closure.

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