Giants Penalized for Overuse

Chris Duffy Ruled a Free Agent

The Molson Baseball League this week penalized the San Francisco Giants for their overuse of outfielder Chris Duffy, a player the Giants claimed on waivers after his release by Atlanta earlier this season. As specified by the League Charter, Duffy was removed from San Francisco's roster and the Giants will be penalized $353,246 against the 2007 salary cap. Duffy--who had been overused by over 10 percent--will be available in the 2007 draft.

"I do not believe Giants ownership intentionally mismanaged the situation, but do feel they could have prevented its occurrence," Commissioner Buchanan said from an undisclosed location. "The League has consistently offered to create automanagers for owners when notified in advance of a conflict, and that offer existed during the week of overuse. Fault lies with the owner, not the league."

The MBL Overuse Committee considered an appeal by San Francisco this week, but ultimately endorsed enforcing the penalty.

"There are other teams that will be penalized for 2006 overuse," Buchanan continued, "but the Giants penalty is the first announced because Duffy's overuse exceeded 10%, which by Charter results in release of the player. Overall, however, abuse certainly has not equalled 2005's historic levels."