Arbitrator Denies a Grievance Filed by Dennis Lamp Against Blue Jays
A grievance filed on behalf of Dennis Lamp, claiming that the pitcher was treated unfairly in not being given a chance to play by the Toronto Blue Jays, has been denied by baseball arbitrator George Nicolau, the American League team announced Wednesday.
Lamp, whose 11-0 record and 3.32 earned-run average in 53 games as a middle reliever was a key to the Blue Jays’ drive to the American League East title in 1985, tailed off dramatically last season. The 34-year-old right-hander was 2-6 with a 5.05 ERA in 40 appearances and was used sparingly late in the season.
Under the three-year deal he signed before the 1984 season, Lamp, who made $550,000 in 1986, had to meet certain performance bonuses in his contract for the Blue Jays to make good on their end of the bargain. Instead, he struggled, got fewer assignments and was released after the season.
The grievance suggested that by refusing to play Lamp, the Blue Jays violated the contract, thereby denying him a chance to earn $600,000 in 1987.
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