Now there is some rational thinking. The other suspensions to which we are comparing this one were also insufficient. It is a problem that needs to be addressed.
I will wait for the arbiter of rationality to weigh in on whether this meets the standard of rational thought.
Tapate50 (08-18-2018)
You guys are getting it!
I think MLB suspensions for hitting batters need to be rarer but also much more severe. To me, there's a qualitative difference between "old school" policing the game and trying to hurt someone.
Not every guy who plunks someone on purpose should get ejected and suspended. If a pitcher is wild but keeps trying to pitch inside and hits several Braves, I want our pitcher to plunk one of their hitters. Take some off your fastball and put it in his back pocket. It sends the message and keeps things in line. I think that is "part of the game."
I don't like those kinds of HBPs getting lumped in with what Urena did. Throwing one at a guy nearly 98 miles an hour and up just because he was terrorizing your club is reprehensible. That's the stuff that should draw lengthy suspensions.
To use football as an example, there's a difference between earholing someone who has been playing a bit dirty all game and trying to stomp on someone on the ground. One is part of the game, the other is borderline assault.
That being said, anyone expecting more than 5 or 6 games was expecting way too much. That's what the established protocol is, it's what the player's union allows, and so it was what was going to happen.
So now you want MLB executives to dabble in your favorite past time...determining intent based on watching video. Further, they should assign scenarios where it’s ok to intentionally hit batters based on...reasons.
Seems like a solid plan!
The current penalty seems sufficient to me.
If they want to take a look in the offseason at making it more stringent or beefing up protections against repeat offenders, then that's also fine with me.
But I don't think there is any present crisis
What a crap week.... First my dog dies and now I have to agree with Enschlep. Next thing you know Giles will start posting again and they will make niners guy a mod.
I feel like MLB and the players union should work out something like this as a punishment for starting pitchers for situations like this. Pitcher is ineligible to pitch for 20 games (4 starts) however only loses 4 games worth of pay. In addition the ineligible player while unable to play can’t be moved off the 25 man roster. This punishes the team and the player.
MLB teams would never agree to play games with a 24 man roster, and neither would the MLBPA for any amount of time, much less 3 entire weeks
jpx7 (08-17-2018)
Sorry about your dog! I feel your pain my cat got hit by a car last year and it was tough. The best advice I got is when you lose a beloved animal to get another one that the deceased pet would want you to pass on the love to another animal without a home so I have a cat that stays in the house at all times now. I also put a candle in the front window on the other side of where his bed was and it's still there and his death was one year ago this coming Sunday.
Last edited by Acuña’s Bat Flip; 08-17-2018 at 10:42 PM.
Urine better hope he doesn't step in the box against us ever again, not just this season.