Baseball Musings
Baseball Musings
September 11, 2005
Taking the Extra Base

I've never understood this:

Kapler, who went 2-for-5, was on first base with two outs in the ninth after reaching safely on a fielder's choice grounder. With New York playing back and the Sox leading by seven runs, the veteran outfielder violated baseball's unwritten protocol by taking the base on defensive indifference.

The gesture could easily have been interpreted as a sign the Sox were flaunting their large lead. Kapler said it was simply a brain cramp on his part.

``I pride myself on being professional,'' he said. ``I'm not showing anyone up. It was a poor error in judgment. I just want to make sure they all know that I apologize and fell asleep. It was nothing but me not thinking about the situation of the game.''

You're down 9-2, and a team is going to get upset that their opponent is making them look bad? Being down 9-2 looks bad, no matter what your opponent does. If the Yankees started scoring in the bottom of the ninth, were they going to stop at six runs so they didn't make the Red Sox look bad for blowing a big lead?

If the game doesn't matter to you in the ninth, then don't be mad at someone else for demonstrating that fact. Be upset with yourselves for getting in that position in the first place.


Posted by David Pinto at 11:24 AM | Players | TrackBack (0)
Comments

Sort of reminds me of when the Sox tagged up from third to score something like their 17th run against the Marlins a few years ago (the game where they scored 10 runs before making an out). The Marlins were all pissed off about it - specifically McKeon, of course... I don't know though. In baseball, it's usually anyone's game. The Yankees have one of the best offenses in baseball; 7 runs is not unattainable for them. Baseball etiquette is great, until it costs your team a game and maybe the pennant.

Posted by: Mike at September 11, 2005 05:07 PM

screw etiquette. with a 7 run lead you still shouldn't be taking chances. why should you ever take chances just to be a gentleman?? I'm with you Dave.

Posted by: The Roto Authority at September 12, 2005 05:51 PM
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