It is easy to compare Shawn Green's decision with that of Sany Koufax, but it is radically different.  When Koufax decided not to play, it was an easier situaiton. Sure, he missed a  spot in the rotation, but that was easy to fix, substitting another pitcher.

 

For Green, it is different. When  he does not play, the manager must put in another first baseman. who?   Ventura?  Then you lose a pinch hitter.   It is not as simple as switching a pitching start.

 

Here is another perspective on the  situaiton:

We single out Shawn Green unfairly. Why is no asking if Brad Ausmus will miss this weekends games, or Gabe Kapler and Kevin Youkliss will miss the huge Red sox-Yankees series. what about Mike Lieberthal, Al Levine, Scott Shoenweiss, Jason Marquis, Justin Wayne, John Grabow, Matt Ford. Why is no one asking what these players are going to do? If the dodgers had a 5 game lead would Green be more comfortable with sitting out both games? I say yes. In the end, it is all a matter of choice and belief and whatever they do the Jewwish community should be proud of their accomplishments.