MLB suspends Winters

[Rich Ives]

One thing that is mentioned over and over when discussing participant/umpire relations is that the offended manager/player should not "cross the line" in a discussion with the umpire. To do so invites an ejection, even if the call was kicked or a rule misinterpreted. In other words, argue properly or take a hike.

Now it seems to me that the same should hold true for the umpire. Keep it "proper" or risk the consequences. If the AP article is correct, Winters crossed a line.

I saw the video three times. Winters said/did something and BOTH Mecheam and Bradley immediately went toward Winters. Then Mecheam turned to head off Bradley. Something was said that pissed off both of them. Mecheam kept his cool enough to turn his attention to Bradley. Bradley "lost it".

I wish someone had interviewed whoever was F3 and added his comments to the articles and commentaries. That could shed more light on what happened. Perhaps MLB did so and it contributed to their action against Winters.

Bradley has a history. As far as I know, Mecheam does not have a history.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by Rich Ives

One thing that is mentioned over and over when discussing participant/umpire relations is that the offended manager/player should not "cross the line" in a discussion with the umpire. To do so invites an ejection, even if the call was kicked or a rule misinterpreted. In other words, argue properly or take a hike.

Now it seems to me that the same should hold true for the umpire. Keep it "proper" or risk the consequences. If the AP article is correct, Winters crossed a line.

I saw the video three times. Winters said/did something and BOTH Mecheam and Bradley immediately went toward Winters. Then Mecheam turned to head off Bradley. Something was said that pissed off both of them. Mecheam kept his cool enough to turn his attention to Bradley. Bradley "lost it".

I wish someone had interviewed whoever was F3 and added his comments to the articles and commentaries. That could shed more light on what happened. Perhaps MLB did so and it contributed to their action against Winters.

Bradley has a history. As far as I know, Mecheam does not have a history.

But he does have a vested interest in the outcome.

Well, like I said in the other thread, this will just give Winters a break before the playoffs.

[UMP25]

Originally Posted by RichMSN

But he does have a vested interest in the outcome.

Well, like I said in the other thread, this will just give Winters a break before the playoffs.

If Winters' actions were found to legitimately warrant a suspension, then IMHO, he shouldn't work the playoffs either.

[Andy]

Originally Posted by Rich Ives

...I wish someone had interviewed whoever was F3 and added his comments to the articles and commentaries...

I believe F3 was Todd Helton of the Rockies.

I read something on Monday that said he was asked about the incident and declined to comment. I'm reasonably sure that he had comments for MLB, however.

[David B]

Originally Posted by Andy

I believe F3 was Todd Helton of the Rockies.

I read something on Monday that said he was asked about the incident and declined to comment. I'm reasonably sure that he had comments for MLB, however.

I'm sure he did, from what I've read in the past Todd Helton is a good guy and probably stood up for what was right.

I don't feel sorry for Bradley, but I also think Winters made a very poor judgement. It was not his call and he stuck his nose in his partner's business ...

I would hope that Winters would get no postseason because of this. Similiar to the NBA - give him a break and let him think about it, then bring him back next year.

Thanks
David

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by David B

I'm sure he did, from what I've read in the past Todd Helton is a good guy and probably stood up for what was right.

I don't feel sorry for Bradley, but I also think Winters made a very poor judgement. It was not his call and he stuck his nose in his partner's business ...

Correct me if I am wrong, but Winters said something to his partner and his partner said something to Bradley. Then when Bradley got on base, he was confronted by him. That does not sound like sticking his nose into anything. I will always have my partner's back. I have no problems on Winters telling his partner about a player's action.

Peace