Chicago Cubs: Jon Lester has some stern words for Rod Manfred

Chicago Cubs pitcher Jon Lester had some harsh words for Rob Manfred, saying he needed to take ‘his name off the trophy’ after referring to it as a ‘piece of metal.’

Chicago Cubs Jon Lester did not have kind words for commissioner Rob Manfred. In fact, they were awful–and he deserved a lot of what he got. Lester got personal with him, and he should. He was very emphatic with his words.

While using the World Series trophy as a ‘piece of metal,’ the man with three had something to say about that. And he didn’t hold back, either. Here’s what he had to say to the Chicago Tribune (subscription required):

"“That’s somebody who has never played our game,” Lester said Tuesday when asked about Manfred, who played tennis at Le Moyne College in New York. “You play for a reason. You play for that piece of metal. I’m very proud of the three I have. If that’s the way he feels, he needs to take his name off the trophy. h/t Mark Gonzalez, Chicago TribuneMore from Cubbies CribCubs should keep close eye on non-tender candidate Cody BellingerCubs starting pitching has been thriving on the North SideMake no mistake: the Cubs are very much about power hittersCubs are giving pitcher Javier Assad a deserved shotCubs: It’s time to start thinking about potential September call-ups"

Manfred comments on Sunday put a ‘bad light’ on the Commissioner’s Trophy. One thing to be considered, he granted some players immunity from the 2017 investigation. Soft punishment? Pffft. Little if no penalty, at all.

"“Guys were more or less disappointed that players didn’t get punished,” Lester said. “Regardless of what the manager, coach or whoever else did or (was) a part of it, there’s some punishment that needed to be handed down. And for whatever reason, (Manfred) chose not to do it."

Lester said the AL West would pretty ‘pretty harried,’ and would likely choose to ‘throw’ at them or not. Do you throw at the first three batters you face and screw up your bullpen? Absolutely not. But Jose Altuve, who went from hero to goat–especially with that tattoo? He’s getting thrown at. Believe me.

Lester is pretty upset, and he needs to be. Referring to the Commissioners Trophy as a ‘piece of metal,’ even though he apologized for it? Uncalled for. Manfred needs to step down. Period. He’s terrible for baseball.

But I digress. We shouldn’t switch commissioners during the offseason, especially now since the seasons started. But after? Let him go — basically, #FireManfred.