Roger's finger 'stuff'

[DG]

Originally Posted by Andy

I was listening to the first part of the radio broadcast of last night's game three on ESPN radio and Joe Morgan indicated that he had had breakfast with Randy Marsh before the flight to St. Louis. Morgan asked Marsh why the crew never went and checked Rogers hand. Marsh replied that LaRussa never asked the umpires to do so.

I think that we have established that this is a reasonably accurate recount of the events. My question is if this is a MLB philosophy - wait for the opposing manager to request an inspection for a foreign substance on the pitcher?

How would all of you that work the levels below MLB (college, HS, LL, etc...) handle this situation? If you noticed something unusual on the pitcher's person, would you intitiate the inspection or would you wait for the opposing manager to bring it to your attention?

I will not pick buggers. Manager is going to have to say something, especially if what I am seeing is very visible to everybody, as was the "something suspicious" on the base of Roger's thumb. He was clearly not hiding it.

[Uncle George]

First of all, LaRussa learned about the "stuff" on Rogers hand from an "reserve" player in the clubhouse who saw it on TV. He told LaRussa, who went to the ump inbetween innings. If LaRussa tells the plate ump that how was was informed, isn't using a television monitor grounds for ejection? Maybe that's whay Tony didn't force the issues. And if LaRussa didn't request the ump to pay Rogers a visit, the ump was obligated to, was he? And the fact that the pitcher is more than 60" away wouldn't it be a little hard to see the stuff on his hand where it was located? After all, the camera's had to really zoon in the show it. For me, I would have walked over to Rogers, ask to see his hand. If it was sticky, he's gone. If not, wash it off and let's play ball. Your thoughts.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by Uncle George

First of all, LaRussa learned about the "stuff" on Rogers hand from an "reserve" player in the clubhouse who saw it on TV. He told LaRussa, who went to the ump inbetween innings. If LaRussa tells the plate ump that how was was informed, isn't using a television monitor grounds for ejection? Maybe that's whay Tony didn't force the issues.

The direct use of TV monitors is prohibited, as in having one in the dugout for the purpose of stealing signs, etc. The relaying of second-hand information from the monitors located in the clubhouse occurs in all MLB games, and is not illegal.

[DG]

I would be surprised if there was a team who didn't have someone in the clubhouse watching a televised game.

[Uncle George]

That's my point. Maybe LaRussa didn't want to tip his hand. And since the PU wasn't directly asked by LaRussa to examine Rogers hand, the PU let it go.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by Uncle George

That's my point. Maybe LaRussa didn't want to tip his hand. And since the PU wasn't directly asked by LaRussa to examine Rogers hand, the PU let it go.

What's your point? I still don't get it.

You said, "If LaRussa tells the plate ump that how was was informed, isn't using a television monitor grounds for ejection?"

I said, "The relaying of second-hand information from the monitors located in the clubhouse occurs in all MLB games, and is not illegal."

If LaRussa received information from the clubhouse that Rogers had this pine tar/poop on his pitching hand, that would not be illegal information, so why would he worry about tipping his hand?

Since Rogers has been photographed in at least 2 other games with the same goop on his hand, I wouldn't recommend he try it again in his next start.

[LMan]

..but will he get another start?




the world wonders

[Uncle George]

Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve

What's your point? I still don't get it.

You said, "If LaRussa tells the plate ump that how was was informed, isn't using a television monitor grounds for ejection?"

I said, "The relaying of second-hand information from the monitors located in the clubhouse occurs in all MLB games, and is not illegal."

If LaRussa received information from the clubhouse that Rogers had this pine tar/poop on his pitching hand, that would not be illegal information, so why would he worry about tipping his hand?

Since Rogers has been photographed in at least 2 other games with the same goop on his hand, I wouldn't recommend he try it again in his next start.

My point is did LaRussa violate the rule of using a television monitor for coaching purposes? Doe he rule say anyting about first or second hand viewing? Dosen't LaRussa risk being tossed if he tells the PU he saw the pine tar/poop on Rogers hand on a TV? As far as tipping his hand, maybe LaRussa had the player in the club house relaying information on what pitch Rogers was going to throw. (I know, a far fetched idea but hey, anything is possible right?)

BTW, I'm a Card's fan!