Runge suspended; Manuel, Beltran fined

June

Jerry Manuel and Carlos Beltran were both fined by MLB for their conduct Tuesday night and umpire Brian Runge got a one-game suspension.

An apology would have been a nice way to go, but you had to figure it would play out this way.

What’s your take? Are you glad MLB came down on the umpire? Will this help keep umpires from being confrontational?

Did Beltran and Manuel deserve to be fined?

This entry was posted on Thursday, June 26th, 2008 at 3:57 pm by John Delcos.
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6 Responses to “Runge suspended; Manuel, Beltran fined”

Ravi June 26th, 2008 at 4:38 pm
Agreed…Runge needed to be punished for his actions…Thought I thought one game was light.

As for the fines, you are not allowed to argue balls and strikes. Although Beltran and Manuel were baited, they technically shouldn’t have gotten into that situation in the first place. Ultimately, the fines are insignificant compared to their salary (Beltran in particular).
Mike Steffanos June 26th, 2008 at 5:07 pm
John, I think the problem with accepting a sincere apology in lieu of a suspension is simply, who decides if the apology is sincere? Maybe the guy just sincerely wanted to avoid being suspended.

That’s not saying that Runge didn’t earn the respect of fair-thinking people with his apology. There is not enough of doing the right thing anymore. On the other hand, Runge instigated that whole drama when he could have just calmed things down, which is an umpire’s job.

In the same way that suspending a player sends a message to other players that certain behaviors aren’t tolerated, this sends a message to other umpires.
Steve (The Original) June 26th, 2008 at 5:30 pm
I think it is long overdue for an umpire to get suspended for his actions. But it is rare though IMO to see an ump actually bump anyone. I’d would have like to see if he was disciplined had he not bumped Manuel.
John Delcos June 26th, 2008 at 5:56 pm
Mike: No doubt about it. Apologies are meaningless unless they come from someone with character.

For example,. I had a poster on this blog who was banned, but emailed and apologized and begged for a chance to come back.

I relented to my regret. It was Bob, of course, who I let back. Now, like freeloading relatives he’s hard to get rid of. I’m trying. I just ask you all ignore anything and everything he posts. Thanks.-JD
Tiffany June 26th, 2008 at 7:02 pm
Meet the new Bob…same as the old Bob…
Taylor June 27th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
I think one of the major studios is turning the Runge/Beltran/Manuel incident into a major motion picture. And why not? It really the most compelling captivating event in sports world in decades. Brian Denehy has already signed on to play Runge. Delroy Lindo is Manuel and David Spade is Beltran (I know, very weird choice there).

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