Ya get thrown out for TAKIN' a punch?????

[UmpJM]

Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve

All the Cubbie fans are naturally taking Barrett's side for loyalty reasons, but Barrett was at fault here 100%.

First, he didn't have any business being on the train track when the choo-choo was coming in without possession of the baseball, so he deserved to get his clock cleaned.

Second, who cares if AJ said anything as he was going to get his helmet, which flew on the other side of Barrett? That doesn't give Barrett any right to take a cheap shot at AJ.

Barrett is no doubt frustrated because the Cubs suck so very much this year. That probably contributed to the incident in some way.

I hope he gets a hefty suspension for his cowardly act.

Steve,

The only part of your above post I would take exception to is the first part of the first sentence. (Well, and the first part of the last sentence - I'll get to that in a minute.)

I say that because I have been a Cub fan since sometime around 1964. It was kind of a long time ago, and I don't remember the exact year I lost my silly infatuation with the Drysdale/Koufax Dodgers and the Maris/Mantle Yankees.

Having said that, I find myself in complete agreement that Barrett was way out of line on this one. When I saw the replay (I was coaching a game at the time the game was being played) I couldn't believe that Barrett stayed in the way and then came up with the "sucker punch" after the collision. And I don't see where anything that A.J. may or may not have said has any bearing on the matter.

I still can't figure out what Pierzynski did that was deserving of an ejection.

The only thing I'll say in defense of Barrett is that he seems to realize what a completely classless move this was - who know, but he at least seems sincere.

In terms of your last sentence, as a Cubs fan I hope his suspension is not "hefty" - although he certainly deserves a suspension (I haven't seen anything yet on what Mr. Watson has decided). Whatever it is, it would be hard to argue with.

This will of course further "kill" the hapless Cubs because Henry Blanco, who is a fine defensive catcher, can't hit worth spit.

Sometimes (perhaps "usually" would be more apt) it's hard to be a Cubs fan. But just wait until next year! (aka "The Cubs fan's dying lament").

JM

P.S. Hey, when you're right, you're right.