Perhaps last season's demotion to the bullpen was enough to help the former ace — the once-mighty King Felix — realize he has two options: improve or be shown the door.
PEORIA, Ariz. — In years past, when his success was expected, Felix Hernandez’s hairstyle — a mass of near-perfect braids accentuated by shaved skin below the crown of his head — would have been a significant topic of conversation.
Back in those more youthful and playful days, his ever-changing hairstyle provided an anecdote to describe the character that was King Felix. He’d smile and say “my wife likes it,” and questions would then turn to his hopes for another strong season and the elusive chance to pitch in the postseason that, at that time, still seemed like a possibility.