Former Mets Teammate Says Verlander Displayed ‘Diva’ Attitude
The Houston Astros are happy to have pitcher Justin Verlander back. Apparently there are some former teammates in New York that aren’t unhappy that he’s gone.
In the fallout of the New York Mets trading both Verlander and Max Scherzer at the trade deadline, more details are emerging about this season.
One appears to be that Verlander had a “diva” attitude.
A Mets player told the New York Post that Verlander was a “diva” who was detached from his Mets teammates.
That same source also said that Verlander had complaints about the Mets’ analytics department, saying it didn’t compare to what he had in Houston.
The story also went into detail about Verlander’s relationship with Scherzer, who was traded to the Texas Rangers.
The pair of future Hall-of-Famers were teammates in Detroit for a few seasons and they didn’t always get along. Apparently the same thing happened during their short time together in New York.
The Post reported that Scherzer sometimes “grumbled” about Verlander’s attitude, even though the source said the pair attempted to work toward “harmony.”
The story also alluded to the fact that there may have been less veteran mentorship this year than last year. Scherzer and former Mets starter Chris Bassitt were reportedly “free” in offering advice to younger pitchers. But this year the “vibe” was different.
It may have been nothing more than a chemistry issue. After all, last year’s Mets made the playoffs and this year’s Mets — without some of the pieces that got them there — floundered and had to deal their high-priced starters away.
Verlander and Scherzer have both excelled in their new homes so far. And, since they’re in the same division, they may get the chance to work out whatever issues they might have had in New York face-to-face, if the pitching rotation works out.
After all, the Rangers host the Astros for three games starting on Labor Day.
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