Sorry for another Delmon post

Blame the Rays

This is sad.

I am not saying what he did was right, I'm just trying to explain why he might have gone over the edge.

Delmon is frustrated. He's frustrated for not making it to the big leagues, he's frustrated about long bus trips to half filled shity stadiums, he's frustrated about a lousy post game buffet spread.

Can't you imagine how pissed he must be playing the way he has in the minors and still can't get a call up? You're talking about a guy who said he'd be in the majors the same year he was drafted.

The Rays are ruining their prospects. A very sad day.

It's not like he's blocked by Joe Dimaggio. It's fucking Rus Branyan. He expired years ago.

by The Scout on Apr 27, 2006 10:18 AM EDT reply actions

He's still pretty young and the Rays still have an OF backlog they have to deal with before they can bring up yet another one. They have to shuffle two of Gomes, Crawford, Baldelli, Gathright and Hollins before they can even give Young a regular job.

Plus, Young has some growing up to do. He's been big-leaguing it for a couple years, based on what I've read here and elsewhere -- the Rays REALLY don't need him to turn into another Brandon Phillips. B.J. Upton has a right to be mad if anyone does, and you don't see him flipping bats.

by whichthat on Apr 27, 2006 10:28 AM EDT up reply actions

actually

though sad to say, this can probably be read as a sign that Delmon should not have started the year in the majors. It's one thing to be bored in the minros, quite another to be hounded by reporters in the majors. I know he's extremely young for the IL, but his numbers there haven't really shown that he's ready to start his clock.

by Azteca on Apr 27, 2006 10:33 AM EDT up reply actions

Blame the Rays?

That seems a bit ridiculous. Poor Delmon, like he's the first guy to repeat AAA after hitting .300. The AAA bus rides and post game spread should not cause him to act like a 5 year old with a whiffleball bat. I don't see BJ Upton doing this.

Some posts in the other thread were a bit over the top in one direction ("charge him with assault, ect"), but this is the other extreme.

By the way, with that lack of plate discipline, the AL East would eat him alive right now.

by SmokeyJoeWood on Apr 27, 2006 10:43 AM EDT up reply actions

Huh?

Quote from "the scout":

Delmon is frustrated. He's frustrated for not making it to the big leagues, he's frustrated about long bus trips to half filled shity stadiums, he's frustrated about a lousy post game buffet spread.

How's TB gonna be any different than this?

by jspearlj1 on Apr 27, 2006 11:44 AM EDT up reply actions

Stupid

He did this because he's frustrated with not being in the majors? Ridiculous. I guess we should see Carlos Quentin, Stephen Drew, etc. doing the same thing shortly because they should be in the bigs, too...

by jc3 on Apr 27, 2006 1:34 PM EDT up reply actions

RAYS

amen

every day's a holiday, every meal a banquet.

by larryp2sickels on Apr 27, 2006 5:12 PM EDT up reply actions

DY

In some aspects the Drays might see this as a huge break for them.
There will be no need for them to start his service clock this year
and they get to come down hard on him so he can "learn an important
life lesson". They can call up Dukes this year to see what they have
in him to determine what OFers they want to keepget rid of. Dukes is
having a better season than Delmon so far but before this incident if
Dukes would have been called up before DY I'm sure he would have had a
fit.

by FRANCHISEv2 on Apr 27, 2006 10:22 AM EDT reply actions

re

I don't see how you can compare a 20 year old kid (Young) that has been ejected ONCE for bumping an ump and ONCE for flipping a bat and accidentaly hitting the ump to a guy that is a coke-head and a noted steroid abuser. One can be attributed to immaturity, the other is a loser.

by ScottAZ on Apr 27, 2006 11:01 AM EDT reply actions

All I'm saying

All I'm saying is I can understand why Young might have gotten upset. And I think one of the reasons he's not playing that well is because he doesn't have any motivation. There is no insentive for him. Guys like him need that.

If he hit.500 he still won't get called up and he knows that.

If you put Delmon in the bigs before this incident he would be around ML vets and he would learn from that. I also think he would handle the bat just fine. There are a lot of players who fair just fine and don't have nearly the amount of talent.

If you guys are such experts, then when do you call up Young? Before this bat thing when would he have been ready and now after it when does he get the call?

by The Scout on Apr 27, 2006 11:09 AM EDT reply actions

when he's ready

If you're such an expert, if I'm such an expert, bla bla bla.

When do I bring him up? When three things are satisfied:

(1) The major league backlog. There's nowhere for Young to play now and you do want to get SOMETHING of value for the major league talent currently there. Damon Hollins isn't Delmon Young, but neither is he pure waiver fodder.

(2) When Young grows up. You can learn from veterans, but veterans can't reinvent you, which maybe Delmon needs. I don't know. He's been big-leaguing it since his first year and that will not fly.

(3) When Young learns patience at the plate. No power? No walks? No production. Young has too much talent for the stiffs he's hitting against now and doesn't need to refine his craft -- not so when the guy on the mound is Randy Johnson or Curt Schilling. Or Matt Clement or Erik Bedard. Or Jake Westbrook or Carlos Silva.

by whichthat on Apr 27, 2006 11:17 AM EDT up reply actions

i'll combine two threads in one

I'm not going to say that Elijah Dukes is a better prospect than Young. Young's gifts are even greater and he's been reasonably successful at a much younger age. Clearly Young is the better prospect.

However, it's equally clear to me which one is more ready for the major leagues right now. Dukes is hitting for power, he's showing good patience, and he's still pretty young for his level, which means more probably on the way.

And I don't think Dukes should get the call yet, either.

by whichthat on Apr 27, 2006 11:42 AM EDT up reply actions

Ego

If his reason for throwing the bat is really frustration of not being in The Show, his ego is a problem, and needs to be adjusted. He's 20 freaking years old, his time will come. Some guys crush minor league pitching for 10 years and don't get more than a cup of coffee (see Roberto Petagine). Kevin Youkilis had Bonds-like OBP numbers in the minors for years, and only now, at age 28, is he a regular.

I guess a small potion of the blame goes on society, media, fantasy baseball, ect; every baseball publication and website has been fellating him for the past 3 years. Now, he apparently thinks he deserves a red carpet to the major leagues. Sorry kid, doesn't work that way.

by SmokeyJoeWood on Apr 27, 2006 11:34 AM EDT up reply actions

This is how atheletes like him think

Kobe Bryant, Rasheed Wallace, Barry Bonds, Gary Sheffield, Terrel Owens ... Part of what makes these atheletes so successful is the same ego and temperment that lead to things like throwing a bat at an ump. Delmon Young is not Youkilis or Pegagine. Can you imagine how Gary Sheffield would act in this situation? Or Bonds, or TO, or Iverson or ...
You cant just someone like Young to shape up. That will come slowly with maturity, hopefully. Remember that he is only 20 years old and 20 year olds do stupid things all the time even when they dont have a big ego. You may want to blame it on society, media, ect. But baseball players have been doing idiotic things like this for a long time. Babe Ruth attacked a fan. How many times Frank Robinson get ejected in his career? How many stupid and nasty things did Ted Williams do in his career? I shouldnt even have to mention Ty Cobb.
Athletes are just people. Some are crazy, some are mean, some are egotistical. Thats life. Baseball players are cut from the same cloth as the rest of society. Its not "the medias" fault or "agents" or "fantasy baseball". Yah, Delmon Young seems like an egotistical jerk. He would probably be an egostistical jerk if he were going to law school or going to jail, or any other venue in life. It just so happens this egotistical jerk is a baseball player.

by sanchez101 on Apr 27, 2006 3:35 PM EDT up reply actions

he's not there yet

Delmon is not in the same universe as those players you list. They are all proven superstars, all of whom paid their dues in the minors (the baseball examples, anyway). Delmon young has one good AA season under his belt, and is only a superstar because Baseball America and friends say he's a superstar.

Yes, I know there are examples of bad behavior in baseball history (why does everyone here bring up Ty Cobb whenever a player f*cks up???), that doesn't make his actions any more tolerable. He is flat out wrong if he thinks he deserves to be promoted right now.

by SmokeyJoeWood on Apr 27, 2006 4:21 PM EDT up reply actions

Not quite what he was saying

No, he's not a superstar. But I thought the point of the comment was he has the superstar's mentality. Which leads to things like throwing lumber around.

by drjayphd on Apr 28, 2006 8:02 PM EDT up reply actions

Dukes rooming

If anything, Dukes rooming with Young has been a positive influence on Young. I don't know where everyone's gotten this idea that he's spreading bad karma to Young by rooming with him, but in real life Dukes is a pretty quiet, unassuming guy.

In any case, the troubles with Young extend far beyond just the two incidents. If anyone's read Game of Shadows, where it describes Bonds making his way to the bigs, Young seems like a carbon copy of that so far. He refuses to give autographs or even be cordial to fans, he's refused interviews unless their paid (which is ridiculous), he's done nothing to ingratiate himself with his teammates, and he's showing off a hothead temper to boot. If the Rays really want to send him a message, they should send him to Southwest Michigan (which EVERY minor leaguer hates) and tell him that he's not getting called back up until he shows some maturity and at least makes an outward effort to be a nicer person (and then have the guns to stick with it all season if they need to).

"If there wasn't nine guys out in the field, I'd have a hit every time except when I strike out." - Delmon Young

by Brickhaus on Apr 27, 2006 1:09 PM EDT reply actions

My take

I still haven't seen the video so I'm holding back judgement till then. That said maybe it is time for the Rays to trade Mr. Delmon. I don't get the feeling he wants to be there, and it would be a real shame to lose a guy like crawford or Dukes to keep a player who wants out. I don't think his value will take a hit from batgate, so save the headache and get some pitching for him.

I also think this will be best for Delmon. It gets him off a team he doesn't want to be on. The team trading for him probably would call him up which I think needs to happen. I also think being on a MLB roster would keep the kid in check. In triple A he is the man. Once he hits the bigs this wouldn't be the case if he was on a team like the Cubs.(lol) Hopefully he would learn from the vets and be a decent big leaguer.

And stop trying to blame Dukes. That is f'ed up. Doesn't that guy have enough troubles without fans blaming him for Delmon acting a fool? What's next? We going blame Dukes for the missing WMD in Iraq?

by Josh @ Minor League Ball on Apr 27, 2006 2:09 PM EDT reply actions

Almost

I'm almost inclined to agree with you about trading Delmon. Not quite, but almost. I do agree wholeheartedly about not blaming Dukes (who hit 2 HR's in that game btw).

God rested one day out of 7, Felix rests 4 out of 5.

by CrimsonLiederhosen on Apr 27, 2006 2:51 PM EDT up reply actions

Try to remember when you were 20

You guys have to start thinking like a young 20 year old kid. If I were a 20 year old hot shot prospect, you can bet your ass I'd be pissed I was still in the minors. Every one of you guys would feel the same way.

You also have to remember not every human is the same, just because Drew and Upton don't throw bats at umpires, doesn't mean they don't get frustrated.

And that whole patience at the plate stuff is garbage, if you waited for every prospect to have good strike zone judgment, you would wait forever.

Jeff Francoeur didn't have the best patience at the plate and he got called up and played well.

The way you guys are talking, if Young doesn't straighten out his attitude or fix his strike zone judgment, he'll never get a chance to play in the bigs.

That doesn't seem fair either.

Look on the bright side, at least the Albert Belle comparisons are even more accurate.

by The Scout on Apr 27, 2006 3:02 PM EDT reply actions

Blame

I'm sure it is tough being a 20yo egotistical athlete stuck in AAA, that doesn't make this incident the Rays' fault though, that's so typically American "It's somebody else's fault". Young threw the bat, it's his responsibility, nobody else's. Not the Rays, not his coaches, not the ump's, not Dukes'. It's Young's responsibility solely.

God rested one day out of 7, Felix rests 4 out of 5.

by CrimsonLiederhosen on Apr 27, 2006 3:07 PM EDT up reply actions

Bullseye

Nothing to add to this... perfect

by jc3 on Apr 27, 2006 3:11 PM EDT up reply actions

hmm

What is with the typical american crack? I'm with you on everything but that.

Were you just being a typical american when you blamed me for troubles in your league? :)

by Josh @ Minor League Ball on Apr 27, 2006 3:42 PM EDT up reply actions

Typical American

We're a culture which has come to be defined largely by our litigiousness (i.e. blaming others through the vehicle of the legal system. Someone falls down the stairs, they sue the person who installed the rug, built the stairs or owns the building, instead of thinking "Hey, maybe I should watch where the #&^@ I'm going!") and our nature as a nation of over-consumers/disposers/wasteproducers. I could REALLY go off on the last bit, but I won't as no one really wants to hear it, which is 75% of the problem.
I don't blame you for all the troubles in the league (which died down significantly following your departure), just the problems you started.

God rested one day out of 7, Felix rests 4 out of 5.

by CrimsonLiederhosen on Apr 27, 2006 3:56 PM EDT up reply actions

i bet

I'm sure it did after you turned into Marcus Brutus.

by Josh @ Minor League Ball on Apr 27, 2006 4:16 PM EDT up reply actions

lol

And who were you? Caesar?
LOL

God rested one day out of 7, Felix rests 4 out of 5.

by CrimsonLiederhosen on Apr 27, 2006 4:30 PM EDT up reply actions

nah

Nah not caeser. But definitely got assassinated in a similiar fashion. Possibly for similar reasons. You can't deny the similarites. Kind of funny.

by Josh @ Minor League Ball on Apr 27, 2006 4:51 PM EDT up reply actions

LOL

For similar reasons? What, you think you were going to become emperor or the IBC? LOL... by all means Josh, keep this going, it's hilarious...

God rested one day out of 7, Felix rests 4 out of 5.

by CrimsonLiederhosen on Apr 27, 2006 11:32 PM EDT up reply actions

Nevermind

I was thinking more simialar in the sense I was assassinated by someone that use to be a friend. IMO two old friends. Caeser had a great military mind, where I had a great DMB mind. There was some conspiring going on behind the scenes to get me out. I was axed to restore your order and to make sure no one would ever question you. It was a dramitic event in the history of the ibc. Ceasers death ended roman republic, where my axing ended an era in the IBC. Like Caeser I stuck up for the little man, and was assassinated by a small group of high browed aristocrats who though they knew more and were better then everyone else.

Figures you would take it as meaning I was going to take over the IBC. You have always been a step behind. Must be the short legs.

by Josh @ Minor League Ball on Apr 28, 2006 12:06 AM EDT up reply actions

lol

The most entertaining thing about you has always been your conspiracy theories...
No one was out to get you, you brought the axe down on yourself when you told me that if I didn't let your deal through you'd quit. No conspiracy, it was my call, I axed you and I'd do it again in a heartbeat.
And you didn't stick up for the little man, unless it was to keep them around long enough so you could stick it to them in another trade.
Short legs? C'mon, are you running out of barbs? I could have only one leg and I could still outpace you Fatso.

BTW, that revolution of yours... that went over GREAT.

God rested one day out of 7, Felix rests 4 out of 5.

by CrimsonLiederhosen on Apr 28, 2006 12:30 AM EDT up reply actions

subject

"The most entertaining thing about you has always been your conspiracy theories..."

Conspiracy theories? Like when i busted you on the loaning of players? Or when I outed you for adjusting the outcome of the first World Series? The year you make the WS the team you are playing just happens to lose when his closer doesn't come in. Projection of players not matching up database to database. Rules not in the charter being pulled out to stop trades. Sorry but there was a lot of shaddy stuff going on and all signs pointed at you. Christ you fixed games the very first year.

You also promised JP a redraft with my team in it if he came back?

"No one was out to get you, you brought the axe down on yourself when you told me that if I didn't let your deal through you'd quit."

I got the ax after the deal had been passed. The deal passed even with your attempts to stop it. I told you I was quitting because of how you handled the trade. You screwed it all up and had everyone fired up. You also took steps to stop the trade that had never been taken and when called on it you said it was your league and you do what you want. Then when it was approved you insulted the gm's that approved it, reversed the trade, and booted me.

"And you didn't stick up for the little man, unless it was to keep them around long enough so you could stick it to them in another trade."

I never stuck it to anyone but you and Rich. Raped one of you for mauer, and the other gave me batman. Other then that I wasn't known as the gm that did the rapings. I just had a great farm and waited the 3 years for it to pay off.

"Short legs? C'mon, are you running out of barbs? I could have only one leg and I could still outpace you Fatso."

i was being nice. You are the one that likes to make things nasty. There is also No chance you beat me. I would knock you on your ass before you even had a chance to run away. :)

"BTW, that revolution of yours... that went over GREAT."

Once again you are wrong. Nate wanted to start the league. Wanted to long before you booted me. JB was pissed and said he wanted to take part. Shawn joined up and I joined up. I told them I would help get the league running but wasn't going to run it. Everything got done but the simming of a season. I wasn't looking to run a league with another kids due in a 3 months. I was talked into joining. I didn't want to take part out of fear you would boot them for dealing with me. You really shouldn't talk about things when you have no idea how it went down.

Like I said in the past I wasn't the one that wanted you out. I stuck up for you when others wanted to boot you from your league. Others that are still in that league.

We had our problems no doubt. But it wasn't what you made it in to. Either way it worked out well.

really sad that I make a small joke and you turn it into this. Somethings never change.

by Josh @ Minor League Ball on Apr 28, 2006 1:12 AM EDT up reply actions

Move

You're lucky you can get your ass off the couch, never mind kick someone's ass.
"Or when I outed you for adjusting the outcome of the first World Series?"
Actually, I adjusted the outcome of the ALCS so I didn't win. It was the first season and I felt that having the two co-commishes squaring off in the WS would kill the league (saw it happen in another league). Given the same situation all over again, I'd do it again in a heartbeat. I sacrificed my chance at a title for the good of the league, shame on me.
JP's closer, so what? If you went through and counted the number of times that a closer didn't come in for a closing situation in the IBC you'd get pretty tired of counting pretty damn fast. It happens a lot.
If I ever told JP your team would be in the minidraft it was because you were throwing another "I'm quiting" hissyfit, which you did at the end of the 04 season (and in the middle of the season, and at the start of the season and finally before th 05 season).
As for your revolution... you swore that you leaving would rip the league apart, that there'd be mass defections... if anything 2005 was our best season.
Your 'trade' was a travesty. The TRC didn't veto it because they didn't look at it, they just voted yes on everything that passed through their inboxes and that trade was the last straw, not just for me, but for a lot of other members. The trade itself wasn't what got you booted though, it was your attitiude of "My way or else". You attempted to influence members to vote in favor of it by telling them if they didn't, you'd quit, hoping to take advantage of the fact that most of us, including me, didn't want you to go. It backfired though because that behaviour convinced me you couldn't stay. Your prophesy of league-wide doom after you got booted only served to reinforce that, you thought you were bigger than the league. If I could have kept you in the league, sans attitude, I would have. But you can't pull that shit and expect to not have a consequence.
"Somethings never change."
Very true, you still don't see what you did wrong and still think the league was out to get you. Pathetic.

God rested one day out of 7, Felix rests 4 out of 5.

by CrimsonLiederhosen on Apr 28, 2006 11:46 AM EDT up reply actions

Great DMB mind?

That's curious. None of the players you won @ auction in the THC show'd up on Baseball Prospectus 50 Most Valuable Players just one year later.

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=silver/060418

"I may not be a class act, but I'm an American." Ron Artest on wanting to play for the Olympic team

by natsfan2005 @ Minor League Ball on Apr 28, 2006 10:38 AM EDT up reply actions

you have issues

Whats your point? Not like the top 50 has anything to do with having a good Sim team.

I'm not sure you have any room to talk either. You had 20 active players after the auctions ended. Does ending a draft with 15 player less then everyone else sound real smart to you?

I went the cheaper route and picked up depth, D, and guys that were going to sim well. I didn't go after the high priced players and end up with a team that didn't have enough players to sim a season. I wanted a team that was going to win now. Like I said before I wasn't going to have time for sim baseball after that year. If I was drafting a team for the long run no way I bid the way I did. Without a doubt I go after the high priced guys.

So lets see what I ended up with.

2 starters with era's under 3.05
3 starters with era's under 3.96
3 bullpen arms with era's under 2.95
2 more bullpen guys with era under 3.65

That year my team projected to have more hits, doubles, triples, and homeruns then anyone else. I also projected for 5th in bb and 4th in sb.

I had good hitters 1 - 8, great D, and solid pitching. What a crappy job I did.

You can ask anyone that has been in a league with me on how I do. Even the guy with nothing but hate for me will tell you i know my shit.

I don't know why you are so salty with me. I did the part I signed up for. I probably would of done more but I had some crazy shit happen to me that year. On top of the wife having a baby.

I had nothing but praise for the part you did to help out. I don't get it. If anything I was in a similar situation as you. I guess if you have some built up anger you can take it out on me. I can handle it. It was all my fault.

by Josh @ Minor League Ball on Apr 28, 2006 11:32 AM EDT up reply actions

Here paul just for you

d**: do you remember who was the seals in THC
d**: I think the guy is in the IBC now
SPW*: paul s*i?
d*: ya
SPW*: yea he is
d*: that guy hates me
d*: all he does is talk shit to me about how i f*ed up THC
SPW*: lol
SPW*: that's weird, he seems like a good guy to me
d*: When we did THC wasn't my part to get it set up. I thought it ws understood I wouldn't be simming the season because of work and the baby.
SPW*: i know that
d*: who was suppose to do the simming?
SPW**: probably me

You think you can get off my ass now? I didn't drop the ball on THC. I didn't waste your time, or screw you over. For what it is worth the one who did less then anyone else was JB. Of course you know that because you had access to the private post that the 4 of us were sending to each other. Of couse he did decided to go back to school and lost a lot of his free time.

by Josh @ Minor League Ball on Apr 28, 2006 11:47 AM EDT up reply actions

you're a lunatic

Somebody writes 2 sentences and you rant back 400 words everytime... Talk about your post boy for insecure last word-itis.

"I may not be a class act, but I'm an American." Ron Artest on wanting to play for the Olympic team

by natsfan2005 @ Minor League Ball on Apr 28, 2006 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions

subject

LOL, what is your problem with me? What did I do to you? Do you just need someone to kick around on a message board?

Sorry if my post are to long for you. Just not a fan of you spreading lies about me. If that makes me insecure so be it. Rather be insecure then a liar.

under 60 words :)

by Josh @ Minor League Ball on Apr 28, 2006 12:48 PM EDT up reply actions

how on earth

How on earth is saying your squad had none of the Baseball Prospectus 50 Most Valuable Players a lie? You really are insecure. Your reading stuff into posts that aren't even there...

"I may not be a class act, but I'm an American." Ron Artest on wanting to play for the Olympic team

by natsfan2005 @ Minor League Ball on Apr 28, 2006 1:01 PM EDT up reply actions

subject

The lies have been in post of yours in the past. You know when you say I dropped the ball in THC. You love to talk shit about me and I don't get it.

I have no idea why you have this problem with me. The only dealings we had was in THC and we never had a problem. Then you join the IBC and want to come after me. Please tell me what I ever did to you. Love to hear why you are so angry with me.

I also love how you comment on my post length when you are digging out year old databases and comparing my team to an article posted by espn. Sorry but that seems a little more looney then a 400 word reply.

by Josh @ Minor League Ball on Apr 28, 2006 1:19 PM EDT up reply actions

as much fun as this is for all of us

take it somewhere else, please?

by jpahk on Apr 28, 2006 1:51 PM EDT up reply actions

Hrmph

throws a bat at jpahk

"If there wasn't nine guys out in the field, I'd have a hit every time except when I strike out." - Delmon Young

by Brickhaus on Apr 28, 2006 3:26 PM EDT up reply actions

Seriously

Young has a .760 OPS. Last year in AAA he had a .751 OPS. That's certianly enough to not call him up, especially when you got an outfield situation like the Rays do. Getting so upset over this means he has an ego problem. I'm afraid he's an insightless moron. And if you behave and think like that, then you're ego too is humongous and you're an idiot. Idiocy is curable though. Young is just an ass and needs some sense knocked into him. I don't think it merits a 20+ game suspension, but becuase of his age and the other crap he's done I hope he does get that. This was it's not just the D-Rays that are "against him," it's the major league baseball (well, I guess technically it's just the International league, but whatever). Maybe that well have more merit. Drew and Upton may be frustrated, but they're not dumb enough to throw a bat at an umpire. What the hell does that solve? Oh, and Albert Belle walked quite a bit; Young so far hasn't.

by ultxmxpx on Apr 27, 2006 3:24 PM EDT up reply actions

hj

Why the hell are my posts automatically tuned to html format?

by ultxmxpx on Apr 27, 2006 3:25 PM EDT up reply actions

Upton

Bossman was pissed off on first when Delmon got ejected. He promptly got picked off. He apparently went into the clubhouse and yelled at Delmon for what he did. Upton showed great leadership there.

"Chuck Lamar, you're fired"- Stuart Sternburg.

by Tyler on Apr 27, 2006 3:19 PM EDT reply actions

subject

Was the great leadership when he didn't focus on the game once Delmon was tossed? I'm just playing. Good to hear a player was getting on him.

by Josh @ Minor League Ball on Apr 27, 2006 3:35 PM EDT up reply actions

well

he got picked off twice last night. I think he just wanted to get his batting average up, and then got picked-off on purpose to go yell at Delmon for being stupid :) It was all part of a plan!

"Chuck Lamar, you're fired"- Stuart Sternburg.

by Tyler on Apr 27, 2006 3:50 PM EDT up reply actions

At least he didn't do this to the ump...

http://www.dmsjr.com/couchmedia/izzyfight.mpg

by DeisJJ on Apr 27, 2006 4:46 PM EDT reply actions

Delmon's bat throwing video is currently posted at

minorleaguebaseball.com

See for yourself - the bat seems to fly in at the ump at a pretty good clip, and doesn't seem harmless by any means.

by southboundpachyderm on Apr 27, 2006 5:25 PM EDT reply actions

OMG

After watching this, I'm not sure how long I'd suspend him... 50 games enough? Wow, that's much worse than the impression I was getting... the bat was not "flipped"...

I hate to be too harsh, but I'm not sure I'd let him play again this year.

by jc3 on Apr 27, 2006 5:40 PM EDT up reply actions

The more I watch that clip....

...the worse it looks. If the bat had hit the umpire a little to the side of where it did, it very well could have made contact with his head, and that could have been very, very bad. I'm guessing most in the media haven't seen the footage when they've written about this, as the way it's been described is far different than what the video shows. I would think it's in everyone's best interest (Delmon's included) if he's forced to take a long break from the game.

by southboundpachyderm on Apr 27, 2006 5:52 PM EDT up reply actions

Precedent

They're going to have a hard time suspending him more than 10 based on previous precedent. Carl Everett got 10 games for head-butting an umpire, Roberto Alomar 5 for spitting on one, Milton Bradley 7 games for spitting gum at one.

by cunningt @ Minor League Ball on Apr 27, 2006 8:05 PM EDT up reply actions

carl

repeating myself from another thread -

i've always been irritated by that description of the everett incident. it seemed clear to me that everett never intended to take his head and use it as a weapon to hit the umpire - he was getting in the umpire's face yelling and at one point put so much emphasis on a particular syllable that his nose hit the umpire in the forehead or thereabouts.

that's suspension-worthy, certainly, but i've always thought "head butt" made it sound like more than it was, and i think there was an element of sensationalism in everybody always describing it that way.

by wily mo on Apr 27, 2006 8:08 PM EDT up reply actions

You're wrong

While Everett's incident is described as a head-butt, that blows it out of proportion. It was more just making contact during an intense face to face argument.

When you look at it in that light, I'd bet dollars to pesos we're looking at 15+ games here.

by Flynn Blake on Apr 27, 2006 8:11 PM EDT up reply actions

wow

ok. one thing i observe is, it's been said he stood at the plate for 30 seconds, but it wasn't anywhere close to that - more like ten. and part of that time he was having some sort of "dude, that was totally outside" conversation with the umpire. if it's true that he didn't say anything outrageously offensive as he was walking away, as the catcher says he didn't, then i don't really see how he deserved to be ejected at that point. david ortiz gets away with worse all the time.

but then he throws the bat, and that part is one of the worst things i've ever seen a baseball player do on the field. i mean come on.

by wily mo on Apr 27, 2006 8:00 PM EDT up reply actions

what did delmon say?

I don't think we know yet, but from watching the video, right before delmon is tossed he is standing between the catcher and the ump. the catcher is focusing his visual attention on the infield. Delmon could easily have said something that the catcher didn't hear... and thus the ejection...

by dbimberg on Apr 27, 2006 10:45 PM EDT up reply actions

Two things

First of all he's an idiot. I'm not going to talk about the bat throwing at all because that is inexcuseable.

That said, the pitch was clearly outside. It was a bad call. Made worse by the fact that he threw Delmon out for apparently no reason. Corky Miller said Delmon didn't say a word. He shouldn't have struck out, and he shouldn't have been tossed. If we don't have replacement umpires this situation doesn't happen. MiLB needs to fix this fast.

There is no way Delmon said anything that Corky didn't hear, he was standing between them. This situation should have never taken place.

"Chuck Lamar, you're fired"- Stuart Sternburg.

by Tyler on Apr 27, 2006 11:14 PM EDT up reply actions

WOW

That is almost an unreasonable statement. Blaming MLB for Delmon's actions is flat out unfair. If "if" was a skiff we'd all have a boat ride too.

I know you are probably very upset with this, but you should be disappointed with Delmon more than blaming some official or the establishment for putting him in that situation. Hopefully he can overcome this and regain respect and his career back.

You bring the juice. I'll bring the ginick, Pam Minick!

by Shamus on Apr 27, 2006 11:31 PM EDT up reply actions

I am

really disappointed with Delmon. His actions were indefenseable, and I'm fine with whatever suspension the give him.

That said, IF, what has been reported is true (the only person near the play, Corky Miller said that Delmon said nothing), then I can understand his frustration. I'm a generally calm guy. But I would have been probably gone George Brett on him if he tossed me after calling me out on strikes (when it wasn't a strike), when all I did was look at him for a couple seconds. Someone said that Corky may not have heard him? If that's the case then why did he hear the umpire say something? He said Delmon didn't say anything though. That's the way it's been reported by the only person close to the situation. All I'm saying is I understand his frustration.

This is not, at least IMO, a "Bonus Baby" being spoiled. He may be a jerk, in fact I'm pretty sure he is, but I think he just lost it. He deserves to be suspended, but I would have been very pissed too if I was in his shoes. Based on the information that I have, I can confidently say I would have been in the umpires face after he tossed me, and I think, if they way it has been reported is true, most of the players in the ML would have reacted in a similar way to the way I would have reacted. Delmon went to far, and should be punished, severely. I'm not defending his actions, just think it could have possibly been prevented.

"Chuck Lamar, you're fired"- Stuart Sternburg.

by Tyler on Apr 28, 2006 12:05 AM EDT up reply actions

MiLB Umpires

agree with me, obviously, they're looking for leverage in negotiations but still:

Chris Hubler, a striking umpire who works as a crew chief in the International League, released a statement on the incident that named the replacement umpire and uses the Young incident to try to advance the striking umps' cause.

"The incident . . . is unfortunate to say the least," the statement said. "In most of my dealings with Delmon in the past, he has handled himself in a respectful, professional manner . . . I can only hope this does not tarnish the career of such a fine, young prospect. Furthermore, I would speculate the whole incident could have been avoided had properly trained, professional umpires been officiating the game."

"Chuck Lamar, you're fired"- Stuart Sternburg.

by Tyler on Apr 28, 2006 12:26 AM EDT up reply actions

a little self-serving?

Wow, talk about grinding an axe. I guess the ump thinks it's baseball's fault, too.

by whichthat on Apr 28, 2006 12:51 AM EDT up reply actions

Didn't say a word?

Didn't say a word? I find that hard to believe. Was he miming his thoughts to the umpire while he stood there?

God rested one day out of 7, Felix rests 4 out of 5.

by CrimsonLiederhosen on Apr 27, 2006 11:34 PM EDT up reply actions

Now suspended indefinitely

Pretty sad, but you never know. A situation like this can be a hell of a wakeup call for some guys.

Yeah, he deserves serious punishment, but he's still only 20. He's got plenty of time to change, and it's far better that this happens now while he's in the minors than when he's in the majors. Look at the amount of mainstream press he's getting right now - now just imagine if he ends up being as good as a lot of people he can be in the majors?

I do remember BA once describing him as "Albert Belle without the attitude". For the moment, oops.

by mrkupe on Apr 27, 2006 5:47 PM EDT reply actions

Following in the footsteps of his older brother

Dmitri Young also had an ugly minor-league incident on his resume, even more uglier than his younger brother. When Dmitri played for Double-A Arkansas roughly ten years ago, one fan kept heckling him all game long calling him "Pork Chop". Dmitri got sick of the heckling and ran into the stands and starting throwing punches at the fan.

by sdbaseballfan on Apr 27, 2006 5:58 PM EDT reply actions

yep

they are getting ready to show it on SportsCenter...I just saw a quick blip of it before they went to commerical...

and it looks MUCH worse than i originally thought...i thought he merely "flipped" it about 2-4 feet away from the umpire...

by bballfanlvnv on Apr 27, 2006 6:14 PM EDT reply actions

Wow

First, Young's actions were inexcusable. He clearly threw the bat at the umpire, and deserves a very long suspension.

That said, the pitch was definitely outside.

by samjjones on Apr 27, 2006 7:06 PM EDT reply actions

Young

even though the pitch was outside, that doesnt excuse his actions....

His actions are worrisome. Add this to the fact last year he bumped an umpire, and then on a different occassion, he turned his back towards the pitcher and tossed his bat up in the air, landing about 20 feet from the pitcher. Granted 20 feet is a good distance, but just the point that he did it is troublesome.

If I were the Devil Rays organization, I put my foot down and suspend him all season. Go home for the season. It doesnt matter if you are a 50th round pick or Delmon Young, a #1 pick, his actions are unacceptable.

by bballfanlvnv on Apr 27, 2006 7:31 PM EDT up reply actions

Young

If Delmon does this in a game of relative unimportance, in the minors, what does he do in a big spot in the majors?

Acting like a petulant child won't get you called up sooner, that's for sure. If I were the Rays, he might not play again this year. This can turn into a Milton Bradley situation if not squashed asap.

by Emad on Apr 27, 2006 7:35 PM EDT reply actions

After seeing the footage

I have to say after seeing the footage Young should be suspended for the year.

Also, I'm not sure if anybody else mentioned this or noticed it, but I'm a little disturbed that after the bat made contact with the ump the catcher just puts his mask back on.

WTF?? Why didn't anybody stand up for the ump? If that bat was tossed at a fellow player, there would have been a riot. But since it's an ump the players don't give a crap.

Like the movie The Boondock Saints says, there's nothing worse than the indifference of good men.

Just to clear something up. I'm not blaming the Rays for Young's actions. He is the only one to blame. All I was trying to get across is a possible explanation why he may have gone crazy.

by The Scout on Apr 28, 2006 10:47 AM EDT reply actions