Justin Turner Non-Tendered “For Not Running Hard”

It was something of a surprise when the Mets decided to non-tender Justin Turner last week. And now we know why — a reported lack of hustle.

Adam Rubin of ESPN New York wrote Monday night “Turner’s propensity for not running hard irked the front office, which had finally seen enough,” according to a source.

The explanation is also something of a surprise. Does anyone really remember Justin Turner not running out ground balls? He certainly ran hard when he was sucker punching teammates with those shaving cream pies.

Whether this is true or not, this is yet another example of the Mets badmouthing a player on their way out the door. They did it to R.A. Dickey last year, and they appear to be continuing their classy ways now with Justin Turner.