Mark Berman's Blog

Pitcher Shawn Chacon officially became former Astros pitcher Shawn Chacon Monday afternoon when he cleared waivers. His agent told FOX 26 Sports he will begin the process of trying to find a job for Chacon and that the Major League Baseball Players Union will file a grievance on his behalf.

"He is a free agent now," said Dan Horwits, Chacon's agent. "We'll start calling teams and see if there is interest in Shawn."

Astros General Manager Ed Wade said Thursday the club would terminate Chacon's contract meaning he would not be paid what the Astros would have owed him for the rest of the season.

The Players' Union said then a decision like that would be in violation of the player's basic agreement.

"We just talked to the Union and decided to file a grievance," Horwits said. "That process will begin (Tuesday)."

An attorney for the Union told the Associated Press they believe Chacon was improperly terminated.

The Astros made their decision to terminate Chacon's contract after a conversation between Chacon and Wade Wednesday turned violent with Chacon throwing Wade to the floor. 

Wade was trying to set up a meeting with Chacon, himself, and Astros Manager Cecil Cooper after Chacon had told FOX 26 Sports he wanted to be traded or released.

Horwits said the Union and his client decided to file a grievance  because there are other facts that must be considered.

"More of the facts regarding the event that took place need to be on the record and looked at by an independent arbitrator," Horwits said.

Chacon was unhappy that he had been demoted to the bullpen. Now he is looking for work and will await the outcome of his grievance against the Astros.

He is trying to recover $983,607 of the $2 million dollar/one year contract he signed before the season.