Barry Bonds

[bigjohn79]

Well it happened He tied the record, Whats everyone think.

did he earn it or not??

[chillbilly]

Baseball admin is partly responsible for not having a policy in effect sooner.
The problem with the record is that baseball did not implement an effective drug policy until a few years ago.
Many of the substances that are now banned and tested for, were not banned and tested for when these records started being assaulted.

Now, there is new evidence being shown that indicates that certain substances enhance vision as well as enhancing the healing process after an injury.
If scientific evidence indicates that performance enhancing drugs affect and improve vision as is being asserted, there is no doubt that Barry Bonds had more than just a slight advantage.
As a huge baseball fan and ex-player, I'm the last guy that would want to minimize the skills that Barry Bonds has. He is a gifted hitter and a fine athlete.
The fact that he was able to heal faster than those who did not use performance enhancers is reason enough for some to question his records.
If his vision was also enhanced, he would be able to pick up the spin on a curveball faster and distinguish a slider or a fastball quicker and that's just an unfair advantage, IMO.

[royc]

I dont watch sports and care less how any team is doing, never mind the drugged up accomplishments of some of the overpaid players.

Roy

[Pagan]

Baseball admin is partly responsible for not having a policy in effect sooner.
The problem with the record is that baseball did not implement an effective drug policy until a few years ago.
Many of the substances that are now banned and tested for, were not banned and tested for when these records started being assaulted.

Now, there is new evidence being shown that indicates that certain substances enhance vision as well as enhancing the healing process after an injury.
If scientific evidence indicates that performance enhancing drugs affect and improve vision as is being asserted, there is no doubt that Barry Bonds had more than just a slight advantage.
As a huge baseball fan and ex-player, I'm the last guy that would want to minimize the skills that Barry Bonds has. He is a gifted hitter and a fine athlete.
The fact that he was able to heal faster than those who did not use performance enhancers is reason enough for some to question his records.
If his vision was also enhanced, he would be able to pick up the spin on a curve ball faster and distinguish a slider or a fastball quicker and that's just an unfair advantage, IMO. Chillbilly I have to agree with that.
I have been a life long Giants fan. for years I have been saying 2 things regarding this Steroids and other substances debate: A) prior to these new findings, I had that argument that steroids did not affect vision in a positive way! but in my opinion, Hank will always be the man as he achieved this record in less games as well! B) I do not know nor do I believe anyone that I know or posts on these boards knows or remembers watching Babe, Aaron,Mays =the greats and can say that they were 100% all natural.
I say this because we all know historically Babe especially was a boozer, a heavy smoker, gambler ETC ETC ETC. Horse racing was Huge in those days, and Horse (pills) and other enhancing substances were common place in horse races in those days as well!
who is to say that any of the greats didn't get their hands on any of that stuff?!:confused: ;) Just a theory of mine!

[chillbilly]

I dont watch sports and care less how any team is doing, never mind the drugged up accomplishments of some of the overpaid players.

Roy

It takes a huge amount of talent and dedication to be one of less than a thousand people in the world who are a part of a MLB roster.
I have a great amount of respect for them because I know what it takes to get to a level far below them.
I am in the minority because I happen to think they are paid as they should be.
It's easy to judge them as being overpaid until you experience what they go through to realize their dream.

[chillbilly]

Chillbilly I have to agree with that.
I have been a life long Giants fan. for years I have been saying 2 things regarding this Steroids and other substances debate: A) prior to these new findings, I had that argument that steroids did not affect vision in a positive way! but in my opinion, Hank will always be the man as he achieved this record in less games as well! B) I do not know nor do I believe anyone that I know or posts on these boards knows or remembers watching Babe, Aaron,Mays =the greats and can say that they were 100% all natural.
I say this because we all know historically Babe especially was a boozer, a heavy smoker, gambler ETC ETC ETC. Horse racing was Huge in those days, and Horse (pills) and other enhancing substances were common place in horse races in those days as well!
who is to say that any of the greats didn't get their hands on any of that stuff?!:confused: ;) Just a theory of mine!

That's a good point pagan. To say that The Babe did it on beer and hot dogs might not be true.
Baseball players were using amphetamines as far back as the late 1800's.

[acmanko]

As far as I'm concerned, hitting a baseball is one if not the hardest things you can do in sports, It desn't matter how strong you are or how good you vision is, you still have to hit the baall at the right time and in the right place. Most drugs were legal in the days of Babe Ruth, who is to say he did not enjoy his share before a game.Let Bonds have the accolades that go with his accomplisment.

[scrogdog]

No one should compare anyone to Ruth...else my only question would be "oh yeah? How many games did so-and-so win as a lefty starter?"

:)

Seriously... you can't compare different eras very well, drugs or no.

Take a look at Aaron's career, it was a steady performance over a long time that got him the record. Look at his single season stats... I don't think he ever led in home runs.

Many at bats is a two-edged sword as well. Take Rose... still the most hits ever I think. Ah... but he also made the most outs ever. :)

As for Bonds, I can't stand the guy, but he can have the title without argument from me.

[mrs reb77]

I'm much more impressed with A-Rod's accomplishment over the weekend.
When the truth eventually comes out about Bonds will they remove the record or will there be the * next to it? In my mind he will never prove he didn't do the steroids because I believe he is 100% guilty and it will eventually be proven.
Being a huge Cardinals fan, Mark McGwire really disappointed when he refused to answer the questions--but that's another story I guess.

[Collin]

As far as I'm concerned, hitting a baseball is one if not the hardest things you can do in sports,

Try hitting a sliding puck with a stick while moving on ice skates.;)

I agree with Chill, baseball takes the blame for not having a policy in place soon enough regarding performance enhancing drugs.
As someone else who loved playing baseball, I agree that hitting is not easy, but Barry Bonds is juice monkey.

[newoldtech]

The thing that I find most interesting is everyone is critical of Bonds, but no pitcher want to face him. Even at age 43 and I'm sure with all the attention that is on him, he is still the most feared man in baseball. No other player gets walked as much as he does. Maybe he used steroids, maybe he didn't, but with baseball watching him like a hawk the last few years I'm sure he's been clean for a least awhile. And even at 43 he still puts up the big numbers and pitchers still fear and walk him more than anyone. If this isn't testament to his incredible talent than what is?

Hank Aarron never even hit 50 homeruns in one year.

Sports fans love to debate things to death. Compare one era to another, one drug to another etc etc. But Bonds is the best for now. And deserves his due.

[bootlen]

Try hitting a sliding puck with a stick while moving on ice skates.;)

Uh-huh. Wanna see the scar on my chin?

I agree with Chill, baseball takes the blame for not having a policy in place soon enough regarding performance enhancing drugs.
As someone else who loved playing baseball, I agree that hitting is not easy, but Barry Bonds is juice monkey.

Also agree.

And ya can't failrly compare eras. I think at one time that a ball bouncing from the outfield and over the fence was considered a HR...even during Ruth's time. And how deep and high were the outfield walls/fences?

Should drug-enhanced records be allowed? No. But neither should a guy be locked out if no rules are in place and enforced.

[chillbilly]

[b]
Should drug-enhanced records be allowed? No. But neither should a guy be locked out if no rules are in place and enforced.

Absolutely. Baseball should bear the brunt of the criticism on this one.
No effective policy at a time when the players union was without a doubt the strongest union in the world.
Barry Bonds deserves no asterisk next to his name. He is a great hitter despite the fact that the only fans that love him reside in San Francisco :D
He has never tested positive regardless of whether he has juiced or not.
As for A-Rod, I'm a Red Sox fan so I think he sucks. LOL
Just kidding. He's a great player and he'll likely shatter Bonds homer record anyway.

[Pagan]

Barry Bonds deserves no asterisk next to his name. He is a great hitter despite the fact that the only fans that love him reside in San Francisco :D

As for A-Rod, I'm a Red Sox fan so I think he sucks. LOL
Just kidding. He's a great player and he'll likely shatter Bonds homer record anyway.

I Am A Giants fan, but i have never nor will I ever reside in SF!:mad: :D
I'm a fan of Bonds. I dont love him but I dont hate him either.
he doesn't define "Giants Legacy" for me either.
Matt williams, benito Santiago, McCovey,will clark Kevin bond, Rod Beck
Jose PAGAN, they are but a handfull of Giants players that define their legacy for me.

A-rod on the other hand I have hated since he was a Ranger.
I'm also a Devout A's fan, having been a youngster
during the A's Dream team years( Eckersley,Stewart,Both Hendersons,Canseco,Mcguire& Steinback)!
Every time the rangers would come into town, I had tix as close as i could get to him to heckle him. on several occasions he went 0-4
and it was glorius!:D I equally hate the Yankees as much as any R-Sox fan
and the angels even more! so now that Giambi and A-rod are both Yanks, thats the team I REALLY REALLY HATE!

[chillbilly]

LOL Yeah, who haven't the Yankees bought?
The fact that they continue to break all spending barriers and pay more in over-cap taxes says alot about them.
They've always spent the most, have had the best of the best, and they have the most championships.

Baseball teams have very few players that have long tenures these days.
It's like football, basketball and just about every other sport....full of mercenaries.
It so refreshing to see a team these days that has chemistry.
The 04' Red Sox had it and I got to see them the year they won the series.
One of the best experiences I've ever had.

I love baseball. I'z been berry berry good to me.
I always root for anything baseball.

Go Barry B. Congratulations on your accomplishments. ;)

[jayhawker]

My Mom says " they all should go find honest work" What will be interesting is how Bonds will react when he gets passed by A-Rod, will he show up at the games or will he be the same as Aaron and comment by not commenting.

[chillbilly]

My Mom says " they all should go find honest work" What will be interesting is how Bonds will react when he gets passed by A-Rod, will he show up at the games or will he be the same as Aaron and comment by not commenting.
LOL Great avatar.

I'm not sure how playing baseball is any less honest than any other line of work.
Lawyers, politicians and used car salesmen come to mind when I think of dishonest work.
Just kidding.
Barry Bonds has stated that he will be in attendance if he can be, whenever someone passes him.

[whec720]

Yankees fan here. I like Barry Bonds because he doesn't suck up and try to be Prom King for the media. Is he an a$$hole? Maybe, but so what. The man can play baseball, even before he turned into the Stay Puff Marshmellow man.
Now a days, it seems, you have to be "liked" to accomplish great feats. Hogwash, you have to be GOOD AT WHAT YOU DO. Get em' Barry and go Yanks!

[chillbilly]

Yankees fan here. I like Barry Bonds because he doesn't suck up and try to be Prom King for the media. Is he an a$$hole? Maybe, but so what. The man can play baseball, even before he turned into the Stay Puff Marshmellow man.
Now a days, it seems, you have to be "liked" to accomplish great feats. Hogwash, you have to be GOOD AT WHAT YOU DO. Get em' Barry and go Yanks!
He sure doesn't mince words with the media, that's for sure.
The Yankees are getting hot these days...that game they played against Toronto today was a heckuva' game.
Rivera looked like his old self and they are hitting and playing good defense.
If they keep getting production from Cabrera, Matsui and Cano and the bullpen stays rested, they are going to be tough down the stretch.

My Bosox are not going to let them back in so easily this year. ;)

[whec720]

Chill,

Cano has really come through lately. Mat at DH seems to have worked quite well. Now if A-Rod could only hit like that in the post season? Anyway, as of now, only behind Cleveland and Detroit for the Wild Card.
Red Sox fan.....well I guess we can't agree on everything.:D
Gotta give the BoSox credit though. They have been very consistent this season. With, I think, 68 wins, they are the cream of the crop in the AL. However, being a Yanks fan, you gotta believe. All hope hinges on that wild card. Unless a catastrophe occurs, Red Sox are gonna take the AL East.
There......I ate the crow........happy!:D

[chillbilly]

8:51 PCT Barry breaks all time HR record with # 756

[Pagan]

8:51 PCT Barry breaks all time HR record with # 756


I was watching the Game, Cleaning my guns!
And then he did it. I stopped what I was doing and just sat there watching every single replay they fed the viewers.

I have witnessed History! Thats all I can say about it.
I have seen a hometown hero, hit 70 HR in a single season, then another hometown hero hit 72 in a single season. then that same hometown hero
surpass the Sultan of swat and the sey hey kid and now hank Aaron.
watched the Redsox and the white sox win a world series after soooo long!
and shall we never forget the day Randy Johnson threw a 95+ Fastball
and obliterated a bird flying in its path at the same time!:D

History ladies and gentlemen. History we have all witnessed in our lifetime!
I have a 3 year old son who watches baseball and football
with me religiously! he wont remember allot of what he has seen at his young age, but we witnessed it together and I can tell him I saw it too!


the randy Johnson video:D : http://youtube.com/watch?v=m1492I4PqwY

[mrs reb77]

Got this in an e-mail earlier today...kinda tells the story.


Subject: Long Time Fan Offering For Sale: Bond's Rookie Card

I am selling one of my Barry Bonds rookie cards to the highest
bidder that I bought when I was in Jr. High School. I for one do not
believe that Barry took steroids at any point in his career and believe he will
be in the Hall of Fame someday. Attached is a copy of the card.

[chillbilly]

I don't care what Barry Bonds put in his body before baseball had an effective drug policy. Since the policy has been in effect, he has never tested positive for any banned substances.
He is a great hitter, a better than average baserunner and a very good defensive player.
He deserves his rightful place in the Hall of Fame.

[Pagan]

Got this in an e-mail earlier today...kinda tells the story.


Subject: Long Time Fan Offering For Sale: Bond's Rookie Card

I am selling one of my Barry Bonds rookie cards to the highest
bidder that I bought when I was in Jr. High School. I for one do not
believe that Barry took steroids at any point in his career and believe he will
be in the Hall of Fame someday. Attached is a copy of the card.



Thats just Wrong!http://www.smileyhut.com/laughing/rofl.gif (http://www.smileyhut.com)

[chillbilly]

Chill,

Cano has really come through lately. Mat at DH seems to have worked quite well. Now if A-Rod could only hit like that in the post season? Anyway, as of now, only behind Cleveland and Detroit for the Wild Card.
Red Sox fan.....well I guess we can't agree on everything.:D
Gotta give the BoSox credit though. They have been very consistent this season. With, I think, 68 wins, they are the cream of the crop in the AL. However, being a Yanks fan, you gotta believe. All hope hinges on that wild card. Unless a catastrophe occurs, Red Sox are gonna take the AL East.
There......I ate the crow........happy!:D

Hey whec, not so fast. The Yanks are closing the gap, getting better pitching and good defense.
That lineup they have is awesome.
Meanwhile, Boston has had a rough west coast swing and their pitching is starting to give up more runs. :(
I hope they keep on hitting and I hope Manny can get hot again.
I like what Theo Epstein and John Henry are doing with the Red Sox though.
They have finally figured out that to beat the Yankees, they have to emulate the Yankees.:D

[scrogdog]

Yep. 5 Games back and a half-game out of the wildcard.

Scared yet? Nah. I'm not.

Mommy!

:)

[chillbilly]

Yep. 5 Games back and a half-game out of the wildcard.

Scared yet? Nah. I'm not.

Mommy!

:)

Well, I've been rooting for the Red Sox since 1963 and I've seen them blow leads and act lacksadasical about it....so yeah, I'm not feeling real confident at the moment. :rolleyes:

[scrogdog]

Well, I've been rooting for the Red Sox since 1963 and I've seen them blow leads and act lacksadasical about it....so yeah, I'm not feeling real confident at the moment. :rolleyes:

A little earlier than me, I was 5 in 63. ;)

But, yeah... me too. I still remember Boggs crying in the dugout. You hail from Boston or Mass originally?

[chillbilly]

A little earlier than me, I was 5 in 63. ;)

But, yeah... me too. I still remember Boggs crying in the dugout. You hail from Boston or Mass originally?
My dad was born and raised in East Boston.
We moved to VA. when I was 3 and I became what I fondly call an Italian hick. :D
He used to take us to the batting cages where Yaz, Jim Lonborg and Rico Petrocelli occasionally practiced their hitting.
I love Fenway Park and I love to visit Boston, especially the North End when the Italian women come out and feed everyone.
I wouldn't want to live there though.
My cousin is a Mass. State Trooper.
He's the only conservative guy I know from Mass. LOL

[scrogdog]

My cousin is a Mass. State Trooper.
He's the only conservative guy I know from Mass. LOL

I feel his pain. :D

[Collin]

Well, I still think Barry is a cheater. Came up with this on a Google search:

"Commissioner Fay Vincent sent the clubs a memo in 1991 reminding them that players were forbidden from taking any illegal substance. He specifically mention steroids in the memo and encouraged the clubs to take a get-tough policy on players thought to be using steroids.

What could a team have done if it suspected a player of using steroids? Probably nothing.

Vincent simply wanted to be on the record as letting the clubs know that steroid use was against the rules and that they shouldn't be afraid to confront a player.

There was no testing for steroids until 2003 (after being part of the 2002 labor agreement).

The notion that Bonds wasn't breaking any rules is ridiculous. He was. He knew he was."

But,
Having said that, we have to also assume that Barry faced pitchers on the Juice.
He also holds the record for number of walks.
And I can't see how steroids help you from laying off a wicked breaking ball.;)

[chillbilly]

Well, I still think Barry is a cheater. Came up with this on a Google search:
"Commissioner Fay Vincent sent the clubs a memo in 1991 reminding them that players were forbidden from taking any illegal substance. He specifically mention steroids in the memo and encouraged the clubs to take a get-tough policy on players thought to be using steroids.
What could a team have done if it suspected a player of using steroids? Probably nothing.
Vincent simply wanted to be on the record as letting the clubs know that steroid use was against the rules and that they shouldn't be afraid to confront a player.
There was no testing for steroids until 2003 (after being part of the 2002 labor agreement).
MLB and the players union had no agreement and no effective policy for testing or discipline on steroids or other substances until the end of 02'.
Players were free to take as many "greenies" or as many steroids as they wanted to take, regardless of Vincent, Giamatti or any other commissioner's lip service on the issue.


The notion that Bonds wasn't breaking any rules is ridiculous. He was. He knew he was."
I agree and I think almost everyone else in the world does too.


But,
Having said that, we have to also assume that Barry faced pitchers on the Juice.
He also holds the record for number of walks.
And I can't see how steroids help you from laying off a wicked breaking ball.;)
Oh but they can. If the evidence science is bringing forth about enhanced substances is true, eyesight is markedly enhanced by their use.
That would mean that Barry would have been able to pick up the spin on the baseball much earlier in the delivery and IMO, that's an unfair advantage.

[whec720]

This steroid use, when does it end? What happens to Bonds when he goes off them. He can't play baseball forever. Its a good question....how does one stop?:confused:

[jayhawker]

I think we forget that its the "Sports/Entertainment" bussiness. If nobody was paying to watch, listen or attend games they would just go away. Bud "The Dud" Selig knew what was going on when Sosa and Big Mac dueled for the single season record, it made money for baseball , all was good. On the other hand Bonds chasing the all time record with alot of legal trouble on the horizon doesn't make money for baseball so he is trying to get as far away as possible. If you want people to look up to try your parents or gaurdian at a young age, somebody who busted their tail to give you what you needed as you grew up or the unkown Marine, Salior, Soldier , Airmen and Coast Gaurd crew member defending us today around the world. Pro
sports figures today are so out of touch with the day to day working person they have no idea what it takes to make it all work in working class America

[geerair]

Now that the juiced-up freak has broken the record let's all get back to the important stuff like Lohan and her on-going drama.

[rich pickering]

Listening to a sports talk show today on the radio. They were interviewing some guy that strongly suspects that Bonds is cheating.

And he may have a point.

Look at his elbow "protector". It has a hinge, and this guy claims that it will lock when extended, giving him a mechanical advantage. hmmmmmm...

Doesn't take away from his hand/eye coordination, but it makes one think.....

[whec720]

I know it is all about the money but why doesn't anybody crack down on his suspected cheating? Barry seems like the guy everyone loves to hate.

[scrogdog]

Under no circumstances should body armor be worn at the plate. In my opinion.

In addition, the DH rule needs to be permanently deep-sixed.

[tonys]

Now that the juiced-up freak has broken the record let's all get back to the important stuff like Lohan and her on-going drama.

...and, how long before she shows the world her beaver.

...?

[chillbilly]

Under no circumstances should body armor be worn at the plate. In my opinion.
I'm glad your opinion is not heeded.
Maybe we should take the batting helmets off of the batters too? And the protectors for the umpires and catcher?
Whomever lied to you and told you that baseball is not a "contact sport" needs a good butt whippin'.
You ever been hit by a 98 mph fastball?
Ever fouled a low pitch off of your shin or foot?
What's wrong with giving players protection from dangerous aspects of the game??


In addition, the DH rule needs to be permanently deep-sixed.
Why? The fact is, the National League will probably end up scrapping pitchers batting.
The DH has been amazingly popular. It is here to stay. ;)

[chillbilly]

sports figures today are so out of touch with the day to day working person they have no idea what it takes to make it all work in working class America

I wouldn't be so quick to judge these players as being out of touch with the working class.
In fact, the dedication and hard work(not to mention talent) that go into making a living playing baseball are enormous.
Almost every single player spends countless hours practicing and refining their skills, fielding balls, throwing from different positions and angles, taking batting practice and watching hours of tape.
My feeling is that these professional ballplayers are very much a part of the "working class", regardless of how much they make or the fact that they are shamelessly coddled by the media and fans.

[acmanko]

nope, just like all professional atheletes, they are overpaid and generally could care less about their fans. Professional sports should be illegal just like Prostitution, in fact they are a form of prostitution, selling you body and physical talents for money;)

[chillbilly]

nope, just like all professional atheletes, they are overpaid and generally could care less about their fans.
Why would you insist that they are overpaid? The people that pay them obviously don't think so. The only people that ever cry about "overpaid athletes" are the people that are unhappy about their own lot in life.


Professional sports should be illegal just like Prostitution, in fact they are a form of prostitution, selling you body and physical talents for money;)
You sure have a distorted view of what prostitution is or either you're just being as a$$ because you're bored.
Lemme' see...I used my body to get a fan coil in an attic and a heat pump on the stand today...and I did it all for money.
Does that make me a ....................................never mind. :rolleyes:

[acmanko]

Why would you insist that they are overpaid? The people that pay them obviously don't think so. The only people that ever cry about "overpaid athletes" are the people that are unhappy about their own lot in life.


You sure have a distorted view of what prostitution is or either you're just being as a$$ because you're bored.
Lemme' see...I used my body to get a fan coil in an attic and a heat pump on the stand today...and I did it all for money.
Does that make me a ....................................never mind. :rolleyes: Yes it does:D

[chillbilly]

Yes it does:D

You goob. :p

[acmanko]

the way i see it,there are probably quite a few ball players who have taken steroids and we don't see them hitting home runs . Give the man the record without an asterick, but then again in the last year I've had 4 steroid injections and look at me.

[chillbilly]

but then again in the last year I've had 4 steroid injections and look at me.
I'd rather not.

[scrogdog]

I'm glad your opinion is not heeded.

Thank you. :)


Maybe we should take the batting helmets off of the batters too? And the protectors for the umpires and catcher?

Nope. Those things are all standardized equipment. In fact, you may not perform those tasks without the required equipment.


Whomever lied to you and told you that baseball is not a "contact sport" needs a good butt whippin'.

You ever been hit by a 98 mph fastball?

Ever fouled a low pitch off of your shin or foot?

Um... no to the 98 MPH... yes to the rest. :)


What's wrong with giving players protection from dangerous aspects of the game??

Nothing. If MLB wants players protected, then standardized equipment should be required by all players. The other reason I don't like it is that armor takes the brush-back pitch out of the pitchers bag-o-tricks. Players who would normally attempt to get out of the way instead take the pitch and thus first base. Armor is a relatively new phenom, and folks threw some pretty fast pitches in the 60s, yes? You want to take one for the team, then man up and take one for the team... don't stand there and let a pitch bounce of your armor. One man's opinion.


Why? The fact is, the National League will probably end up scrapping pitchers batting.

The DH has been amazingly popular. It is here to stay. ;)

Another rule in the "puss" category, imo. Pitchers are baseball players. Guess what? Baseball players run, throw and hit. Besides, DH is another rule detracting from the overall strategy in the game. That's sort of part of my argument against armor as well.

That said, pitchers who throw at people's heads, protected or not, have no place in baseball and should be severely disciplined upon repeated offenses.

[chillbilly]

Those things are all standardized equipment. In fact, you may not perform those tasks without the required equipment.
The equipment is mandatory. Whether it is standardized is questionable.



If MLB wants players protected, then standardized equipment should be required by all players.
Well first, MLB does not make arbitrary decisions about equipment without dealing with the players union. And the players would never agree to being forced to wear a shin-guard if they didn't want to.
I would think that the innovation of protective equipment given to players from sports medicine and science would be advocated by someone so adamant about the advantages of scientific innovations.


The other reason I don't like it is that armor takes the brush-back pitch out of the pitchers bag-o-tricks. Players who would normally attempt to get out of the way instead take the pitch and thus first base.
That's just not true. The normal involuntary reflex is to move away from a high and tight fastball. Yes, there are players that lean into pitches but they are rarely fastballs. You have to remember that players are protecting their livelihood and "taking one for the team" may be admirable at times but it's not a recommended practice by coaches or managers.


Another rule in the "puss" category, imo. Pitchers are baseball players. Guess what? Baseball players run, throw and hit. Besides, DH is another rule detracting from the overall strategy in the game.
Well, the stats show that 99% of the pitchers are poor hitters, bad bunters and are encouraged not to run hard. They make their living and help their team on the mound.
As for strategy, how does the DH "detract" from strategy?
Look at the numbers. AL ERA is higher than NL ERA because AL pitchers face more formidable hitting than NL pitchers face. Their bullpens must be used differently. The strategy is not detracted from...it's just different.


That said, pitchers who throw at people's heads, protected or not, have no place in baseball and should be severely disciplined upon repeated offenses.
A pitcher who can only intimidate doesn't last long in the big leagues.
They must be able to pitch.
The greatest pitchers in the game have all owned the inner portion of the plate. Bob Gibson, Don Drysdale, Cy Young, Bob Feller, Christy Mathewson and Roger Clemens, to name a few, all would bust a batter high and tight if they had to. They knew how to pitch and how to intimidate.

[oloenneker]

...and, how long before she shows the world her beaver.

...?

Don't worry, as her career careens further into the hole, you are gonna see all the Lohan beaver you ever wanted to see.... and maybe too much?:eek: :eek: