TheGoldenGreek33 wrote:

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The Cardinals have voided outfielder Wagner Mateo's contract, citing "pre-existing injuries and physical defects" in a statement.

Mateo signed with the Cardinals when the international signing period began on July 2 for $3.1 million, which was the top international bonus this summer for a 16-year-old amateur player and a record for a Dominican position player.

The Cardinals' statement said the contract had been contingent upon his physical exam.

BA

edit: It's an interesting case. The pre-existing injuries and physical defects has to do with him having 20/30 vision in his right eye and an infection from his contact lenses that the doctors did not sign off on the physical because of. Seriously, take $5,000 out of his $3.1M bonus and get the kid Lasik. I foresee a legal issue here.

edit #2: My Cardinals friend told me STL had 90 days to void the contract, so if Mateo's agent decides to file grievance, it won't withhold. They say the eye condition is degenerative, but I honestly don't see how a simple lasik surgery procedure won't fix it. With Holliday and DeRosa about to hit free agency, the timing is fitting.