Kelly Shoppach‘s name continues to get dragged through the Red Sox’ soap opera.
Although the catcher is settling into his new environment with the Mets –– he was traded earlier this week –– a New York Daily News report pinpointed Shoppach as the ringleader that contacted Red Sox ownership about issues with skipper Bobby Valentine.
But the Mets catcher denied any involvement in calling the meeting, or even attending it, after Sunday’s game against the Nationals.
“I’m really disappointed that my name was even brought up in that,” Shoppach told New York media. “I wasn’t behind any texts. I actually didn’t even attend the meeting [with ownership]. It was on an off-day in New York and I stayed back in Texas with my family.
“I’ve already gotten a few text messages from former teammates apologizing that my name was even brought up in it. Everybody that is involved in that whole situation knows that I had nothing to do with it.”
Judging by Shoppach’s Twitter account, it’s hard to dispute his defense. The Yahoo! Sports report indicated the meeting between players and ownership took place at 2 p.m. at the Palace Hotel on July 26 –– the team’s off day.
But Shoppach actually spent his day off in Texas, considering the Red Sox were coming off a three-game series against the Rangers. At 5:10 p.m. on July 26, Shoppach tweeted from an airplane.
“Last look at ‘Gods [sic] Country,'” Shoppach tweeted. “Love coming home but ready to get to NYC for a big series.”
The catcher’s flight from Texas to New York was slightly delayed due to downpour in the northeast on July 26, making it harder for Shoppach to attend the meeting with Boston’s brass.
Last look at “Gods Country”. Love coming home but ready to get to NYC for a big series. twitter.com/ShopHouse10/st…
— Kelly Shoppach (@ShopHouse10) July 26, 2012
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