Comments on: Runge suspended; Manuel, Beltran fined

By: Taylor

Taylor — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 17:36:40 +0000

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).

By: Tiffany

Tiffany — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 23:02:34 +0000

Meet the new Bob…same as the old Bob…

By: John Delcos

John Delcos — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 21:56:40 +0000

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

By: Steve (The Original)

Steve (The Original) — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 21:30:08 +0000

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.

By: Mike Steffanos

Mike Steffanos — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 21:07:04 +0000

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.

By: Ravi

Ravi — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 20:38:59 +0000

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).