Insubordination doesn’t quite capture what Shawn Chacon did to Houston Astros general manager Ed Wade on Wednesday. That was the organization’s documented reason for suspending the 30-year old pitcher, I guess because the employee manual doesn’t have policies that address choke slams and physical assaults.

No, Chacon broke the mold with his reaction to Wade’s stern request to talk in manager Cecil Cooper’s office. Well, almost broke the mold. Not since Latrell Sprewell choked then-coach P.J. Carlesimo have we seen such a move, and Chacon, to his credit, added his own twist with the grab-and-throw.

The other difference we’ll see here is that Chacon stands no chance of mimicking Sprewell’s post-choke success, if anything because he’s not nearly as talented.

At this point, it’s more likely that Chacon never pitches again. A starter/reliever with an attitude problem and a 5.00 ERA is about as desirable as a BALCO client with Brian McNamee as a trainer and Kirk Radomski as a personal assistant.

The Astros will weigh the financial ramifications of cutting ties with Chacon, then probably do so when the timing is right. Even with his problems, desperation to find cheap help could drive a World Series hopeful to sign Chacon. And if that doesn’t happen, maybe Chacon opened doors for a move to the UFC or WWE.

Dustin Hockensmith is editor of ImaginaryDiamond.com. He can be contacted at dhockensmith[at]fantasysports101.net.