Original to Alan Kiley of 1:261/1000
Forwarded on  by Alan Hess of 1:261/1000
Whilst masticating on , Alan Kiley (1:261/1000)
wrote to All:
AK> This is the final definitive word on Robbie:
AK> What he did was wrong. Probably, he should be punished in some way. BUT 
THE
No "probably."  He SHOULD be punished (and will be.)  However, the major 
league collective bargaining agreement (agreed to by the umpires) 
unequivocally states that a) suspended players can play until their appeal is 
heard, and b) suspensions for regular season infractions don't apply to 
postseason play.  If the umpires don't like that system, then don't agree to 
it next time.  Meanwhile, regardless of how egregious Alomar's action was, 
all precedents show that any suspension is to be served NEXT season.
AK> UMPS NEED TO GET OVER IT, ferchrissake! While the matter is being 
AK> "investigated", I hope they are sure to investigate the following as 
well, 
AK> in spite of the overly powerful Umpire Union:
AK> 1) How does baseball deal with bad umpires? It's a known fact that some 
AK> umps are terrible and inconsistent ball and strike umps. Some don't 
hustle 
AK> on the bases. Some seem to SEEK confrontation with players and managers.
Baseball doesn't deal with bad umpires.  Their jobs are as secure as Supreme 
Court Justices - the only way (other than the person dying) to get rid of a 
bad umpire (or an inept Justice) is to hope he opts for early retirement.
AK> 2) What is the history of bad blood between Hirshbeck and Alomar? 
Hirschbeck was the last umpire to toss Alomar before the latest incident.
AK> Between Hirshbeck and other players and managers?
Don't know.  The rumor mill says Hirschbeck has an overly quick trigger.
AK> 3) Why was Hirshbeck compelled to eject Alomar in a critical late-season 
AK> game? Do the umps forget that fans pay to see the players and NOT the 
AK> umps??
The real question is why Hirschbeck left the plate after Alomar returned to 
the dugout, rather than continuing on with the game.  Hirschbeck chose to 
approach the dugout and exacerbate the situation, then tossed Alomar.  
This still doesn't excuse the spitting, of course.
AK> 4) Why was Alomar ejected as he walked back to the dugout? If the player 
AK> stayed in the umps face, I could see it. But wasn't the confrontation 
over 
AK> at that point?
Alomar was ejected while IN the dugout.
AK> 5) What did Hirshbeck say to finally provoke Alomar? I do not 
AK> excuse Alomar's actions, but I am SURE they were not unprovoked.
We may never know exactly what Hirschbeck said.  Theories range from a racial 
slur to questioning his manhood.
AK> Hirshbeck SHARES in the blame for the incident! He should share 
Yes, he does.  Once Alomar left the field, Hirschbeck should have let the 
matter drop (especially since Alomar apparently said nothing inflammatory 
from the dugout.)
AK> in the punishment as well. The self-righteous talk of the umps 
AK> about "respect" and "integrity" make me want to puke. Christ, 
Shouldn't rushing crazily into a dugout threatening to kill someone, and 
having to be physically restrained, warrant some punishment as well?
AK> Albert Belle drills fans with baseballs and decks opposing 
AK> infielders and doesn't cause 1/10th the stink. 
Belle's play on Vina was 100% legal - he shouldn't have been suspended at all 
for that.  And his other actions drew plenty of ire.
AK> Also, Alomar is entitled to DUE PROCESS. Hell, even OJ got due 
AK> process! That means he should have time to prepare his defense 
AK> and should be heard in a proper forum. The umps wanted him strung 
AK> up without a trial! I also think the hurried hearing this 
AK> Thursday is a travesty. And the umps have the NERVE to say they 
AK> will walk if the hearing doesn't go "their way"! Due process????
Let 'em walk.  I'm sure that's what the league will do.   Better yet, treat 
them like the air traffic controllers - can them all, and hire new umps who 
can actually read the rulebook.  *adh*
--- MsgedSQ/2 3.35
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