Rob I wouldn't have had a problem with this if he went into Tejada while sliding into the bag. But as I said he made no attempt for the bag & slid after he reached the bag. So between his late slide & his no attempt to even touch the bag IMO it was a cheap shot. Curious to see what happens tonight. If I'm Harvey I'm drilling Utley somewhere from the ribs down the 1st time he comes up.
...bingo...that's exactly how he was taught, because it's always been allowed. Again, the ONLY reason this is an issue is because someone was hurt.
...Rick, that would be foolish on Harvey and the Mets' part in a game this important. 1...why risk getting your pitcher tossed in the first inning? 2...as far as we know Utley isn't even playing.
He wouldn't get tossed, he'd get warned as would the Dodgers (unable to retaliate) message sent. Besides I was thinking 2 outs nobody on type situation. But yeah, I'll be surprised if Utley is even playing.
...the problem with him throwing at Utley in his first AB is that if he had not already been warned (from time to time, Umps will warn both benches before the game even starts), he would be afterwards which would pretty much prohibit him from subsequently being able to brush anyone else off the plate for the rest of the game...and if he does, he's gone.
Joe Torre and MLB have created a mess. Flip flopping on the issue with at first a terrible explanation and then following it up with suspension.