It’s a Baseball Decision…But God Bless the Troops

ESPN reports:

A Marine who lost a finger on his left hand while serving in Iraq has agreed to terms with the San Diego Padres, the team said Monday.

Right-hander Cooper Brannan will report to minor league spring training March 1. The 22-year-old injured his left hand during a second tour of duty in Iraq. Team spokesman George Stieren said Brannan lost his left pinky.

Stieren said Padres general manager Kevin Towers “was adamant that we were doing this because of his potential, not because it was a great story. “This was a legitimate baseball decision.”

Well, I’m glad for that, I was almost tempted to admire the Padres’ but since it was just a business decision…

In all seriousness it’s good to see him catch a break. He’s a pitcher and the main challenge without that finger will be relearning how to catch. Given what he’s been through I doubt that’ll be too much of a challenge.

Hat Tip: Outside the Beltway

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