One former MLB pitcher, Mike Bolsinger, is suing the Houston Astros for "consequential and general damages" and he also wants restitution. I know, I had to look him up too.
Bolsinger turned 32 twelve days ago. Obviously, he could try to pitch in MLB in 2020 or he could continue to pitch in Japan as he has in 2018 and 2019. What he will not be doing is intentionally throwing at Astros batters he thinks wronged him in his final MLB appearance.
Astro second baseman Jose Altuve did not play in that game. Does that mean that Altuve would be spared any retaliation? Or does it mean that Bolsinger would be avenged anyway by one of his former teammates?
Others, including some MLB pitchers, have indicated that Astros considered to have engaged in the sign stealing would/should be dealt with in the time honored way: pitchers throwing at them with impunity.
The basic logic is that the cheating cost members of other teams to have lost money and glory. This is perilously close to invoking the idea that it has taken food out of the mouths of the children of the victims. Minimum annual MLB salary is about $550,000. More than half a million dollars.
MLB in recent years has tried to eliminate and has greatly reduced some forms of barbarism that many considered part of the game including barreling into opposing players such as middle infielders and catchers. But throwing at batters is still done. On the rare occasion when a pitcher is punished, it's ejection, modest fine and short suspension.
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred, the A-Rod Slayer, will warn team management that sign stealing will be punished. That means owner, general manager and field manager. No one was punished in the 1951 sign stealing scandal and the 2017-2019 Astros players have not been punished so far.
The commissioner must also warn 2020 pitchers to not take matters into their own hands by intentionally throwing at Astros batters in retaliation. It's pretty basic stuff.
Showing posts with label Signs.
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